2008/733 - Population genetic structure of Sea Cucumber in Northern Australia

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Population Genetic Structure of Sea Cucumber in Northern Australia

• Project Number - 2007/733
• Start Date -
• End Date -
• Principal Investigator - Dr Michael Gardner
• Research Provider - SA R&D Institute and Flinders University
• CRC Research End User - Tasmanian Seafoods Ltd

About the Project

This project involves one species of Sea Cucumber currently under exploitation from wild stocks. Background information on the fisheries biology and recruitment patterns of the species is scarce and thus the development and implementation of regulations governing Sea Cucumbers fisheries are not well informed. 
               
With a view to improving the management and sustainability of the Northern Territory, a propagation and  restocking program is currently under development by Tasmanian Seafood as a means to ensure sustainability and potentially enhance the existing fishery.
 
Basic research including knowledge of population structure is required to enable Tasmanian Seafoods to make informed decisions on the sustainable exploitation of existing fisheries and to develop appropriate policies and strategies for the planned restocking program.


Project Objectives

1. To characterise the genetic population structure of sea cucumbers, Holothuria scabra, within the range fished by Tasmanian Seafoods.

2. To characterise the genetic diversity of the hatchery broodstock and progeny arrays relative to their original natural populations.

3. To refine and/or recommend polices and strategies for sustainable management and enhancement, through ranching, of sand fish fisheries

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