Depth-stratified random demersal trawl surveys of the shelf of southern and eastern Tasmania from summer 1993 to summer 1995 showed seasonal variations in abundance of N. macropterus in all depth strata, although the trend varied between years, with abundance peaking in summer 1993 and winter 1994. This variation is attributed to the seasonal movement of fish from south-eastern Tasmanian shelf waters, although some seasonal change in size composition is also evident. Catch rates were highest on the outer shelf and lowest on the inner shelf, reflecting the distinct size-structuring, with juveniles concentrated on the inner and mid shelf and mature fish on the outer shelf. Size compositions differed among shelf regions, with few mature fish on the mid shelf of Storm Bay compared with the same stratum on the east coast, indicating that the bay is primarily a nursery area for the species. Settlement from the pelagic post-larval phase occurred in spring and early summer at 7-9 cm, with evidence of movement between inner- and mid-shelf strata by autumn. Abundance of 0+ fish was highest in 1993 and 1994 and a considerable decrease in the abundance in both regions in 1995. The influences of local hydrography and the large size at settlement are discussed.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences
Research Group:	Fisheries sciences
Research Field:	Aquaculture and fisheries stock assessment
Objective Division:	Animal Production and Animal Primary Products
Objective Group:	Fisheries - wild caught
Objective Field:	Fisheries - wild caught not elsewhere classified
UTAS Author:	Jordan, AR (Dr Alan Jordan)
ID Code:	23292
Year Published:	2001
Web of Science® Times Cited:	13
Deposited By:	TAFI - Marine Research Laboratory
Deposited On:	2001-08-01
Last Modified:	2002-05-10
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