Citizen science provides insight into Mulloway life history — ASN Events

Citizen science provides insight into Mulloway life history (#82)

Lauren Veale 1
  1. Nature Glenelg Trust, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia

Citizen science has provided an effective way of advancing our knowledge on Mulloway. Funded by Victorian Recreational Fishing License Fees, the research began in late 2014 and has seen over 700 frames donated by more than 150 anglers. Donated samples, together with a small number of scientifically collected Mulloway, range in total length from 51 to 170 cm and have been aged between 3 and 25 years. Age structure information reveals the species exhibits naturally variable recruitment, with a dominant cohort corresponding to strong recruitment in 2011. The majority of Mulloway (90%) have been caught from estuaries where individuals have predominantly been ≤ 85 cm and ≤ 6+ years, corresponding to the approximate estimate of 50% maturity. The high abundance of juveniles in Victorian estuaries highlights the importance of these systems as nursery areas. Important genetic analyses reveal that Mulloway from the Coorong across to Westernport Bay, form one distinct subpopulation. Improved information on species biology and stock structures presents a timely opportunity to reassess the current management regulations for Mulloway in Victoria. The partnership with recreational fishers is also providing insight into Mulloway movement patterns across Victoria and South East SA through a new external tagging program.

#ASFB2018