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23.01.2022 NEW STUDY: Understanding a rediscovered outlying population of a secretive wetland fish The Australian mudfish (Neochanna cleaveri) is a small coastal wetland freshwater fish known from Tasmania and Victoria (and Flinders Island). There was a single historical record from 1974 in the southeast of South Australia, until it was rediscovered more than three decades later. Nick Whiterod (AquasaveNGT) and colleagues compiled multiple lines of researchincluding broad genetic anal...yses, targeted field surveys, migration sampling and otolith microchemistryto provide insight into the newly rediscovered population of the species. The species is ecologically intriguing and flexible, which may have contributed to its ability to persist in two heavily altered drain systems. The authors conclude that the opportunity provided by this chance rediscovery is to protect and enhance these habitats along with continuing to improve understanding of species which inhabit them. Wetlands Ecology and Management: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11273-020-09748-7 Citation: Whiterod N. S., Hammer M. P., Barnes T. C., Tucker M., Adams M., Raadik T. (2020). Clear as mud: the ecology and conservation of a secretive wetland fish (Neochanna cleaveri: Galaxiidae) in a heavily altered landscape. Wetlands Ecology and Management. DOI: 10.1007/s11273-020-09748-7.

21.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: Pit-tagging native fish in the Murray In June this year, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority funded two electrofishing teams to PIT tag native fish in the Murray River. In total, 571 individuals were tagged, including golden perch, Murray cod and silver perch. These tags allows scientists and river managers to track the movements of native fish as they migrate up and down the river. This PIT tagging programme has been operational since 2012.... Finterest: https://finterest.com.au/pit-tagging-in-the-river-murray/

19.01.2022 NEW STUDY: Do trawlers in NSW interact with seabirds? Whether fishing trawlers place seabirds at risk has been identified as a knowledge gap by New South Wales' Marine Estate Management Strategy. In a new study, soon to be published, Tom Barnes and Daniel Johnson (NSW DPI Fisheries) analysed NSW observer monitoring data for the trawl fishery. Two years of state-wide monitoring (Eden to Brunswick Heads) recorded more than 100,000 flying seabirds across >500 fishing trips, and ...reported one confirmed mortality (0.000005% per year). Whilst one bird is still too many, this is a very encouraging result, as some fisheries (unfortunately) kill multiple seabirds per day. This research also determined what environmental and operational variables attract seabirds to fishing vessels, increasing our understanding on how important commercial fisheries interact with wildlife.

18.01.2022 IN THE NEW: Farmed coral trout may now be on the menu After years of in-house research, a Cairns hatchery has successful bred and reared coral trout in captivity. Thousands of fingerlings have now been sent to fish farms in Queensland and Western Australia to assess whether the species can be farmed in commercial quantities. ABC Rural: https://www.abc.net.au//captive-bred-coral-trout-/12858546

18.01.2022 JOB OPPORTUNITY: Fisheries (Science) Data Technician, Canberra Archipelago Asia Pacific provides independent at-sea fisheries monitoring programs to help fisheries manage and maintain our shared ocean resources. Based in Canberra, ACT, Archipelago Asia Pacific is a subsidiary of Archipelago Marine Research. They are looking for a data technician on a casual basis (potential up to 30 hrs/week).... Candidate qualifications: * Must be a permanent resident of Australia and located in the ACT * A marine science degree (complete or studying towards) or fisheries experience is essential. * Demonstrated use of GIS technology * Ability to identify fish species (desired but could be demonstrated through identification of other species). The role will involve processing and analysis of the Electronic Monitoring Systems (EMS) data received via technology hosted on commercial fishing vessels. In addition, the role will produce client reports using analytical and data quality assessment methods. The role will also include interactions with management, field staff, and commercial fishers in problem solving and investigations. Apply before October 16, 2020. More info @ https://www.seek.com.au/job/50579535

17.01.2022 Last week, Hakai Magazine launched "Big Fish", a special issue dedicated to the latest innovations and challenges in global aquaculture. Have a read here. https://www.hakaimagazine.com//big-fish-the-aquacultural-/

17.01.2022 PhD OPPORTUNITY: Creating shellfish reefs for hazard risk reduction and habitat restoration, The University of Melbourne The successful applicant will conduct experiments to address aspects of the following questions: (1) What is the coastal protection and habitat benefit of restored shellfish reefs? (2) How can we maximise the colonisation, growth and survival of native shellfish now, and into the future?... (3) What is the optimum reef design to achieve maximum ecosystem service benefits? If you are interested, contact Rebecca Morris before December 15, 2020. See details in the attached image.

16.01.2022 PhD OPPORTUNITY: Microbiomes of the Black jewfish: spatio-temporal variation and the influence of environmental change Charles Darwin University is recruiting a PhD candidate to conduct research on microbiome communities and fish health in Black jewfish (Protonibea diacanthus). Project summary: The Black jewfish is a large-bodied species of croaker that is highly prized for its table qualities. Black jewfish are aggregative in behaviour, making them a key focus of all stakeho...lders in the Northern Territory. They have been heavily overfished across their tropical Indo-West Pacific distribution with northern Australia from the western Gulf of Carpentaria to northern Western Australia remaining one of the last strongholds of this species. Yet, there remains a lack of knowledge on the effect of fish microbiome communities on health and disease in this species. Key project aims: (1) explore the phylogenetic structure of fish skin mucus and gut microbial communities (2) Investigate the effect of environmental drivers (i.e. freshwater outflow, salinity, temperature) on the structure of microbial communities in both tissues (3) examine relationships between microbial communities and indicators of fish health, including parasite loads and body condition indices (4) provide research outputs linking microbiome structure to fish health and disease to provide tools for fisheries management Prospective students with backgrounds or interest in the following topics are encouraged to apply: * Microbiology and DNA analysis * Marine ecology * Fisheries biology The project would involve laboratory work at CDU’s Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Darwin. The student can be based on the CDU campus in Darwin or work remotely if preferred. More info @ https://bit.ly/3bQH15t

15.01.2022 Olive perchlet (Ambassis agassizii), also known as Agassiz's glassfish, are relatively common in coastal rivers on the eastern seaboard, but have declined in the Murray-Darling Basin. In a new post on the ASFB blog, Adam Kerezsy describes his recent fieldwork to assess the species' current status in the Lachlan River, where it is considered rare. "What we do know is that we still have at least one population of olive perchlet in the Lachlan, so it’s likely they are more wides...pread," writes Kerezsy. "It’s just that we haven’t found them yet." ASFB Blog: https://www.asfb.org.au//olive-perchlet-in-the-lachlan-cat

14.01.2022 JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program, Queensland The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is offering multiple positions in its Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program, including experimental research technicians (x 6 positions), field technicians (x 1), a Field and SeaSim Research Assistant, a systems engineer, and four Postdoctoral Fellowships. More information at these links:... * Research & field technicians (apply by October 5): https://www.aims.gov.au/RRAP-Technical-Opportunities * Systems engineer (October 13): https://www.aims.gov.au/RRAP-Systems-Engineer * Postdoctoral fellowships (October 11): https://www.aims.gov.au/RRAP-Postdoctoral-Fellowship-Opport Image: Holobionics/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) https://bit.ly/3knA8fc

14.01.2022 Mariah Millington is a PhD candidate at Griffith University’s Australian Rivers Institute. On the new ASFB blog, we spoke with her about her love of toadfish, the ecological perils of ornamental fish, and the importance of getting out of the office. Read the interview: https://www.asfb.org.au//on-the-line-with-mariah-millington

11.01.2022 Recently, a recreational fisher caught a 46cm snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) off Wollongong, NSW. While cleaning the fish, he discovered an internal tag with a phone number on it. As it turned out, this snapper had been tagged by Victorian Fisheries Authority researchers back in March 1999. Victorian Fisheries Authority: https://www.facebook.com//a.247706658633/4458119587591850/

10.01.2022 "Our objective was quite simple: to protect as many native fish as possible across priority reaches of the NSW Murray-Darling Basin." Native fish in the Murray-Darling Basin have recently endured some of the toughest drought conditions on records. In this article on the ASFB blog, Cam Lay (NSW Native Fish Drought Response Coordinator) describes how river managers and community members collaborated to support our native fish. This article also appears in the July 2020 edition ...of our official newsletter, 'Lateral Lines.' Read the full article: https://www.asfb.org.au/asfb-blog/building-the-ark

09.01.2022 In the early 1990s in South Africa, Clanwilliam sandfish (Labeo seeberi) were so plentiful in the Olifants-Doring River that locals collected them by hand. Now they are one of the world’s most threatened migratory fish, destined for extinction in the next decade without urgent conservation action. The Fisheries Blog: https://thefisheriesblog.com//conserving-one-of-the-world/

09.01.2022 Are you an undergrad student looking for research experience? The University of South Australia is offering a summer scholarship for the research project "Developing new methods to track the authenticity and provenance of seafood." The scholarship provides $300/week (for 4-8 weeks) to the successful candidate. Project outline: For this project, we will adopt cutting-edge mass spectrometry-based approaches to obtain unique signatures of seafood products and to assess authenti...city and/or provenance, based on the protein composition of samples. To trial the technology, you will work with leading experts in both marine biology and proteomics. You will participate in sample collection and preparation, and acquisition and analysis of mass spectrometry results. Applications close September 18. More info @ https://unisa.edu.au//scho/vacation-research-scholarships [under the STEM tab, click the "+" symbols until you find the correct project] Image: su-lin/Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) https://flic.kr/p/4977ES

08.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: The vibrant colours of the fairy wrasses Members of the genus Cirrhilabrus, also known as fairy wrasses, are among the most colourful fish you will ever encounter. There are more than 50 species described, all found in warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Sixteen species have been identified in Australian waters, according to the Fishes of Australia database. Australian Geographic: https://www.australiangeographic.com.au//fairy-wrasses-ar/

08.01.2022 New on the ASFB blog: Ruby Stoios is a master’s student at the University of Melbourne. We spoke with her about freshwater shrimp, the many splendours of clownfish, and her first scientific conference. https://www.asfb.org.au/asfb-b/on-the-line-with-ruby-stoios

07.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: Bushfire refugees returned to the wild In the aftermath of the summer bushfires, about 400 rare aquatic animalsincluding fish, crayfish and musselswere rescued from at-risk streams in Gippsland, Victoria, and held in captivity at the Arthur Rylah Institute in Melbourne. Now, with the spawning season approaching, the animals have been released back into the wild. The Age: https://www.theage.com.au//up-creek-can-paddle-rescued-riv

07.01.2022 PhD OPPORTUNITY: River flows and predator trophic ecology in tropical river-floodplains of northern Australia This PhD project will explore links between river-floodplain flow regimes and the trophic ecology, biomass production and distribution of abundant and threatened aquatic predators in northern Australia. This project aims to improve our understanding of how northern Australia’s aquatic ecosystems may change as a result of climate change and possible water resource deve...lopment. The candidate will be expected to develop a research program incorporating field sampling of biological tissues from predator assemblages, in systems such as the Roper River, and/or be expected to develop statistical models using existing data to inform fisheries, threatened species or river management. Location: The position will be based at Charles Darwin University, Casuarina campus in Darwin, with travel required to CSIRO Land & Water in Canberra, and occasional remote field work in the Northern Territory. Scholarships available: Domestic Research Training Stipend ($28,092) + CSIRO Land & Water top-up ($7000 p.a.), and operating ($10,000 p.a.) Apply by October 2, 2020. More info @ https://bit.ly/3m4LK8A

06.01.2022 MASTERS OPPORTUNITIES: Marine biology projects at the University of Melbourne Over the past week, Marine Biology at Melbourne University has been posting master's opportunities for students commencing in 2021. These opportunities are based in Melbourne, and include projects on aquatic habitat restoration, fish migration, impacts of light pollution on reef fishes, artificial reefs, shellfish reef restoration, and more. For more information on each project: https://www.facebook.com/marinemelbourne/posts/3451234934898569

04.01.2022 Have you visited the new ASFB blog yet? We regularly feature articles on the latest fish research and interviews with our members. https://www.asfb.org.au/asfb-blog

03.01.2022 The 2020 ASFB VIDEO COMPETITION is currently open, with entries due October 10, 2020. We have $8000 in prizes up for grabs, for students and early-career researchers. International entries are welcome, as long as you are an ASFB member. Competition details: https://asfb-video-competition-in-science-communication-202... For a bit of inspiration, here is last year's winning entry: "Oysters in Hot Water", by Sarah Ugalde https://youtu.be/fcXhKJ0-ipE

03.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: Successful breeding of the critically endangered red handfish Forty-two captive-bred red handfish (Thymichthys politus) have been released into the wild to bolster the species' survival chances. Currently, only about 100 adults are thought to survive in the wild. There’s still a long way to go," said lead researcher Jemina Stuart-Smith. "We need to know that these juveniles survive to maturity through ongoing monitoring, and we need to better manage their habita...t in the long-term if we want to halt the decline of the species." IMAS: https://www.imas.utas.edu.au//red-handfish-juveniles-relea

02.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: Do sharks sleep, after all? "Despite anecdotal reports of sleep-like behaviour in nurse sharks and other seafloor-dwelling species, the question of whether sharks actually sleep has been hotly debated, though little tested." Hakai Magazine: https://www.hakaimagazine.com/news/rock-a-bye-shark-y/

02.01.2022 NEW STUDY: Golden perch size and weight does not change with latitude Daniel Wright (NSW DPI) and colleagues sampled golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) in 13 river systems in the Murray-Darling Basin, spanning 10 of latitude. The maximum length and weight of golden perch did not vary with latitude (n = 873 fish). The authors conclude: "Our data suggest that the Murray-Darling Basin can be treated as one management unit in terms of golden perch maximum size, growth and mortalit...y parameters." Marine and Freshwater Research: https://www.publish.csiro.au/MF/MF20056 Citation: Wright DW, Zampatti BP, Baumgartner LJ, Brooks S, Butler GL, Crook DA, Fanson BG, Koster W, Lyon J, Strawbridge A, Tonkin Z, Thiem JD (2020). Size, growth and mortality of riverine golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) across a latitudinal gradient. Marine and Freshwater Research (July 21, 2020). Codman/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) https://bit.ly/33OamKv

02.01.2022 You have just one more week to submit your entry for the 2020 ASFB VIDEO COMPETITION, with videos due October 10, 2020. We have $8000 in prizes up for grabs, for students and early-career researchers. International entries are welcome, as long as you are an ASFB member. Competition details: https://www.thinkable.org//asfb-video-competition-in-scien... For a bit of inspiration, here is one of our 2018 winners: "Social behaviour and network structure in a reef manta ray population", by Rob Perryman. https://www.thinkable.org/submission_entries/790JG13V

01.01.2022 PhD OPPORTUNITY: Fish health in the Murray-Darling Basin The health and condition of individual fish plays an important role in reproductive success and may be critical for long-term resilience of fish populations. However, the influence of river flow regimes and water quality on the health of native freshwater fish in the Murray-Darling Basin is not well understood. NSW DPI Fisheries and the Australian Rivers Institute are offering a prestigious PhD top-up scholarship for a... student with a passionate interest in quantitative research in freshwater fish ecology and developing applied research outcomes to inform management. Outcomes from the project will inform management interventions, including environmental water delivery, with the aim of improving the general health of native fish within the Murray-Darling Basin. There is scope to apply a range of novel approaches, including ecological response modelling using existing high-quality long-term datasets, controlled mesocosm and laboratory experiments, and/or other suitable techniques to better understand the factors influencing variation in fish health/condition and implications for fish population persistence. More info @ https://www.griffith.edu.au//fish-health-in-the-murray-dar Image credit: NSW DPI