Curtin University researchers have collaborated on a project which could pave the way for the long-term sustainable management of deep-water fish and their habitat across the Indian and Pacific oceans.<\/p>\n
Researchers used predictive species distribution modelling to accurately map the distribution of commercially valuable Hawaiian bottomfish, a fishery which targets a group of deep-water species including snappers, groupers and jacks. These species are distributed, and fished commercially, across the Indo-Pacific including Australia.<\/p>\n
The findings identified \u2018core\u2019 bottomfish habitat, where all species co-exist, which will allow fishing regulatory bodies to identify the most important areas for management.<\/p>\n
The study\u2019s lead author, Dr Cordelia Moore, Curtin\u2019s Department of Environment and Agriculture, said ecosystem-based, or place-based, fisheries management is a new method being adopted globally, and provides a more holistic approach to managing and protecting our marine resources for the long-term.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurrently there is a lack of detailed information on the spatial distribution of many marine species and the environmental conditions that shape them. This is particularly problematic for deep-water species that are hard to sample, meaning there is less data available to manage their populations,\u201d Dr Moore said.<\/p>\n
The study results showed each species responded to a unique combination of environmental conditions, with little overlap, suggesting that effective management of deep-water fisheries must take into account species-specific differences.<\/p>\n
Dr Moore said the findings could support the sustainable management of the Hawaiian bottomfish fishery, and provide details for the future management of deep-water fish and their habitats in other parts of the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost of the species are long lived and can live up to 40 years, which means they have longer to successfully reproduce and maintain a healthy population,\u201d Dr Moore said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis makes these populations particularly vulnerable to overfishing and in need of careful management,\u201d Dr Moore said.<\/p>\n