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25.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: A new fish record in the Northern Territory Michael Hammer, Curator of Fishes at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, recently accompanied Fisheries NT staff on a field trip to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Hammer met with ranger groups at Borroloola and Ngukurr to share his knowledge of local fish. During a brief survey on the McArthur River, the team encountered an unexpected fish. Hammer later confirmed the first record of the elongate glassfish (A...mbassis elongata) from the Northern Territory. More info @ https://bit.ly/2F70LFP

25.01.2022 In case you missed it: The mid-year edition of "Lateral Lines", the official ASFB newsletter, is now available to read on our website, for all members of the society: https://www.asfb.org.au/asfb-newsletter This issue includes feature articles by David Harasti ("Implementing conservation stocking for an endangered seahorse"), Veronika Biskis and Barbara Wueringer ("Citizen scientists saving sawfish"), and Alexandre Siqueira ("Game changers in reef fish evolution"). This is also the debut issue for our newsletter editor Nick Boucher. Welcome aboard, Nick!

24.01.2022 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/

24.01.2022 ASFB VIDEO COMPETITION NOW OPEN The ASFB Video Competition in Science Communication runs alongside our annual conference and is now open for submission to current ASFB student and early-career members. This year, we are offering $8,000 in prizes. Submission guidelines @ https://asfb-video-competition-in-science-communication-202... The submission stage has been extended to October 10. You can see examples of previous years submissions and winners on the Thinkable home page.

24.01.2022 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.

23.01.2022 Australia is home to more than 300 native freshwater fishes, but almost one-fifth of these species are threatened with extinction due to human activities. In a new study, a team of freshwater fish experts identified the 22 freshwater fish species at greatest risk of extinction. Surprisingly, most of these imperilled species are not yet listed as threatened under the Australian Governments Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999, and, as a result,... are unlikely to receive conservation funding. Experts fear that many will go extinct within 20 years without urgent intervention. In a new blog post, we spoke with lead author Mark Lintermans (former convener of our Threatened Fishes Committee) about his findings. ASFB blog: https://www.asfb.org.au//taking-stock-of-australias-most-t

23.01.2022 JOB OPPORTUNITY: Environmental Specialist in Queensland Catchment Solutions (based in Mackay, Queensland) is seeking a full-time environmental specialist. The successful candidate will support current fisheries projects (including work on fish ladders, artificial fish and reef habitats, and fish barrier prioritisation), as well as water quality monitoring, streambank sediment and erosion rehabilitation and agricultural practice change support.... More info @ https://www.seek.com.au/job/51102073

22.01.2022 UPCOMING EVENT: Abstract submission for ASFBs 2020 Virtual Conference We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a virtual conference over three mornings from Oct 1315, 2020. The conference will feature presentations from keynote speakers, selected researchers, and students. Student abstracts are due August 23, with over $10,000 in awards and prizes up for grabs. Registration is free for ASFB members.... More info @ https://www.asfb.org.au/virtualconference

22.01.2022 While we were all celebrating Christmas, a world-first tropical rock lobster hatchery in Townsville was expecting its first larvae. The commercial operation, described as the "Holy Grail of aquaculture", is an investment of Tasmanian company Ornatas, based on 20 years of research by the University of Tasmania. ABC Rural: https://www.abc.net.au//townsville-world-first-tr/12977244

22.01.2022 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/

21.01.2022 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

21.01.2022 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

20.01.2022 The Pacific Ocean is the world's largest body of water, covering more than 165 million square kilometres. However, the mighty Pacific is currently facing a multitude of human-caused threats, including plastic pollution, overfishing, and ocean acidification. But it's not too late to remedy these threats, write Jodie Rummer and colleagues. The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/it-might-be-the-worlds-biggest-

20.01.2022 NEW STUDY: Elevated temperature and CO2 have positive effects on the growth and survival of larval Australasian snapper In this study, Shannon McMahon (JCU: James Cook University, Australia) and colleagues reared Australasian snapper (Chrysophyrs auratus) eggs and larvae at different temperatures (8 C and 22 C) and carbon dioxide concentrations (pCO2 440 and 1040 atm). Elevated temperature increased the size of larvae, but high pCO2 had no effect. Conversely, high pCO2 sig...nificantly increased larvae survival at 16 days post-hatch, but elevated temperature had no effect. The authors conclude: "These results suggest that projected climate change scenarios may have an overall positive effect on early life history growth and survival in this population of C. auratus. This could benefit recruitment success, but needs to be weighed against negative effects of elevated CO2 on metabolic rates and swimming performance observed in other studies on the same population." Marine Environmental Research: https://www.sciencedirect.com//artic/pii/S0141113620301719 Citation: McMahon SJ, Parsons DM, Donelson JM, Pether SM, Munday PL. Elevated temperature and CO2 have positive effects on the growth and survival of larval Australasian snapper. Marine Environmental Research. 2020 Jul 21:105054. Image: Sarah Speight/Fishes of Australia (CC BY-NC-SA) https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/678

20.01.2022 NEW STUDY: Evidence of interspecific chromosomal diversification in rainbowfishes More than 100 species of rainbowfish are recognised across Australia and New Guinea. In this study, Zuzana Majtnov and colleagues examined the chromosomal characteristics of five rainbowfish species, representing all major lineages. While all five rainbowfish species had the same number of diploid chromosomes (2n = 48), their karyotypes were shown to differ from each other. The authors conclud...e: "Despite the conservatism in chromosome number, cytogenetic differences in the topology of chromosome markers were found among different genera. The observed differences correlate with the degree of species divergence and might be associated with chromosomal rearrangements, known to play a fundamental role in speciation." Genes: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/11/7/818/htm Citation: Majtnov Z, Unmack PJ, Prasongmaneerut T, Shams F, Srikulnath K, Rb P, Ezaz T. Evidence of Interspecific Chromosomal Diversification in Rainbowfishes (Melanotaeniidae, Teleostei). Genes. 2020 Jul;11(7):818. Image: Phylogenetic relationships and karyotypes of studied species. Figure 1 from Majtnov et al. (2020) (CC BY)

20.01.2022 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/

20.01.2022 NEW STUDY: Manta rays reach depths of up to 672 metres Off the coast of New Caledonia, Hugo Lassauce and colleagues attached tracking devices to 11 manta ray. All individuals dived deeper than 300 metres, with a maximum depth of 672 metres achieved by one ray. Most of the deepest dives occurred at night. The authors conclude: "As deepwater fisheries are increasingly exploiting the mesopelagic zone, our study highlights the importance of incorporating offshore waters and deep-...water foraging grounds in manta conservation initiatives." Citation: Lassauce H, Chateau O, Erdmann MV, Wantiez L (2020) Diving behavior of the reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) in New Caledonia: More frequent and deeper night-time diving to 672 meters. PLOS ONE. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228815 PLOS ONE: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article Hakai Magazine: https://www.hakaimagazine.com//reef-manta-reaches-new-rec/

20.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: A brief history of tuna fishing in Port Lincoln The tuna fishing industry in Port Lincoln, South Australia, dates back to 1951 with the launch of the 150-tonne Tacoma tuna boat. Since then, the industry has seen its share of booms and busts, including the introduction of fishing quotas from the 1980s and the emergence of tuna 'ranching' in offshore pens. ABC Rural: https://www.abc.net.au//port-lincoln-tuna-fishing/12922800

19.01.2022 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

19.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: Reduced catch rates following seismic surveys "Mapping companies use loud blasts to survey the seabed for oil and gas reserves and sell the data to oil and gas companies. The research found catch rates for whiting were down by 99.5 per cent during a six-month long survey at Lakes Entrance in eastern Victoria, compared to before the survey." ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au//whiting-catch-down-becaus/12502930

18.01.2022 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

18.01.2022 NEW STUDY: Benefits to migratory fish populations of entrainment and its potential role in fisheries collapse According to the 'entrainment hypothesis', first-time migrants learn migratory routes through social interactionsthat is, by following experienced conspecifics. In this paper, Mark Chambers shows using simulation that the relative numbers of demonstrators (experienced conspecifics) for each migration path provides information to first-time migrants on likely survival... rates. ICES Journal of Marine Science: https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsaa159 Citation: Chambers MS (2020) Benefits to migratory fish populations of entrainment and its potential role in fisheries collapse. ICES Journal of Marine Science, fsaa159 (Dec 8, 2020). doi: 10.1093/icesjms/fsaa159 Image: Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) have been suggested to learn their migration route via entrainment. Danilo Cedrone/Wikimedia Commons (public domain) https://bit.ly/3720vmS

18.01.2022 JOB OPPORTUNITY: Technical Officer Pool on fisheries projects, Western Australia The WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is establishing a pool of Technical Officers to work on a diverse range of fisheries research projects, including: * Molluscs * Invertebrate Trawl... * Rock Lobster * Sharks and Rays * Marine Ecology and Monitoring Applications are due December 18, 2020. More info @ https://search.jobs.wa.gov.au/page.php

17.01.2022 A very merry Christmas to all of our members and followers! After a very difficult year, we hope everyone is keeping safe and well. To celebrate the festive occasion, here is a barramundi cod (Chromileptes altivelis), also known as a plum pudding cod. Image: Graham Edgar, Reef Life Survey/Fishes of Australia (CC BY) https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/4661

16.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: How to kill a crown-of-thorns starfish Beginning in 2010, the Great Barrier Reef has been experiencing its fourth major outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish since the 1960s. These starfish feed on coral polyps, and can wipe out entire swathes of the reef. To keep these invasive predators under control, reef managers have killed more than 700,000 of them. One efficient method of killing the starfish is to inject them with vinegar or bile salt solution, triggering ...an autoimmune self-destructive process than kills the starfish in fewer than 24 hours. CSIRO: https://blog.csiro.au/crown-of-thorns-starfish-great-barri/

16.01.2022 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

15.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: Using genetic analysis to identify sunfish larvae These tiny, adorable larvae are sunfish, one of three species belonging to the genus Mola. However, when they are larvae it is not possible to tell these species apart by their morphology alone. In new research, Marianne Nyegaard and colleagues compared the DNA of larvae caught off the NSW coast with that of museum specimens. They confirmed that the larvae were bump-head sunfish (Mola alexandrini), also known as s...outhern sunfish. The researchers hope that this work will help them better understand the distribution and life history of all three Mola species. Australian Geographic: https://www.australiangeographic.com.au//baby-sunfish-rev/

14.01.2022 "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

13.01.2022 NEW STUDY: Identifying conservation priorities using Traditional and Local Ecological Knowledge The creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can be an effective conservative approach, especially when they involve genuine consultation that considers the diversity of stakeholders. In a new study, Mae Noble (The Australian National University) and colleagues conducted interviews with 52 stakeholders and 22 managers and scientists to identify ecological priorities regarding a ...marine protected area in Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, NSW. They then assessed the effectiveness of the current MPA management plan for addressing these priorities. The authors conclude: Participatory mapping of social-ecological values provides a method for stakeholders and decision-makers to better understand, discuss, and adapt marine spatial management approaches that support a diversity of conservation and management priorities. Biological Conservation: https://www.sciencedirect.com//artic/pii/S0006320720307679 Citation: Noble MM, Harasti D, Fulton CJ, and Doran B (2020) Identifying spatial conservation priorities using Traditional and Local Ecological Knowledge of iconic marine species and ecosystem threats. 249 (Sept 2020). 10.1016/j.biocon.2020.108709 Image: Geoff Whalan/Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) https://flic.kr/p/2hm7n2G

12.01.2022 ASFB ONLINE CONFERENCE: Abstract submission ends this Sunday! If you are a student and you would like to gain exposure and share your work, this conference is the perfect opportunity to do so. Be sure to submit your 300 word (max) abstract by midnight this Sunday (August 23) for your chance to be part of the 2020 program. We are accepting submissions in the form of oral presentations (12 min + 3 min Q&A), speed talks (3 min + 1 Slide) or digital display of graphical abstracts... (PDF). With over $10,000 worth in student awards and prizes up for grabs, this is an opportunity not to miss. More info @ https://www.asfb.org.au/virtualconference

10.01.2022 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

10.01.2022 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

09.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: New Zealands declining coastal sharks In a recent global study, New Zealands Kermadec Islands received a healthy scorecard for reef shark abundance. However, around the main islands of New Zealand, many coastal shark species may be in decline and <0.05% of territorial waters are protected by marine reserves. The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/sharks-are-thriving-at-the-kerm

09.01.2022 Not so fast, everyone! 2020 isn’t over until you have attempted the end-of-year fish quiz. Let us know how well you scored. On the ASFB blog: https://www.asfb.org.au/asfb-blog/the-2020-fish-quiz

07.01.2022 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 CDUs 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

07.01.2022 Are you currently stuck at home due to COVID-19 lockdowns? Aquariums around the world, which have closed their doors during the pandemic, are livestreaming their aquatic inhabitants to a captive global audience. The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com//aquariums-report-wave-of-webc

07.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: Fascinating shark discoveries of the past decade With more than 500 species, and 400 million years of evolutionary history, its no surprise that sharks continue to amaze and surprise us. This article collects together some of the most exciting shark discoveries of recent years: 1. Sharks travel farther than ever imagined.... 2. Tooth-like scales help them swim. 3. Filter-feeders are more complex than thought. 4. At least one shark species is omnivorousand probably more. 5. Sharks inspire materials and products that benefit humans. National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com//most-fascinating-shar/

06.01.2022 NEW STUDY: Assessing the global status and conservation potential of reef sharks This impressive new paper, an international collaboration involving dozens of researchers (including many ASFB members), assesses the conservation status of reef sharks worldwide.The data were drawn from more than 15,000 standardised baited remote underwater video (BRUV) stations, deployed on 371 reefs in 58 countries. The studys findings highlight the significant effects of fishing on reef shar...k abundance. Reef sharks were almost completely absent from reefs in several nations, and shark depletion was strongly related to socio-economic conditions such as the size and proximity of the nearest market, poor governance, and the density of the human population. But there was also good news: Shark sanctuaries, closed areas, catch limits and an absence of gillnets and longlines were associated with a higher relative reef shark abundance. The authors conclude: "Our study makes clear that concern over the global status of reef sharks is warranted, especially in the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Western Atlantic regions in which multiple nations are characterized by dense coastal populations and poor governance." Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2519-y Citation: MacNeil MA et al. (2020) Global status and conservation potential of reef sharks. Nature (22 July 2020) doi: 10.1038/s41586-020-2519-y Image: Grey reef shark, Carcharhinus amblyrhyncos. Albert kok/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) https://bit.ly/39sIX2W

06.01.2022 Are you a farmer who loves fish? Here are seven basic rules for ensuring that your farm is fish-friendly. 1. Have large woody debris in your streams 2. Grow native vegetation on the stream banks 3. Install fish-friendly crossings... 4. Control or treat agricultural runoff 5. Provide water for stock offstream 6. Control the opening of floodgates 7. Protect your wetlands Finterest: https://finterest.com.au/7-key-tips-for-a-fish-friendly-fa/

06.01.2022 Our 2020 virtual conference will run over three mornings from Oct 1315. Registration is free for ASFB members. Student abstracts are due Aug 23, with over $10,000 in awards up for grabs. https://www.asfb.org.au/virtualconference

06.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: Public comment open for WA marine marks The Western Australian government have released a draft management plan to create three new marine parks in the Buccaneer Archipelago, in northern Western Australia. The marine parksto be known as the Bardi Jawi, Mayala and Maiyalam marine parksare proposed to cover 660,000 hectares. They have been designed in consultation with the traditional owners who live in the region, namely the Bardi, Jawi, Mayala and Dambeemangard...dee people. The closing date for public submissions is Friday May 21, 2021. ABC Kimberley: https://www.abc.net.au//buccaneer-archipeligo-mar/12906188 Draft plan open for public comment: https://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au//draft-plans-open-for-public-co

04.01.2022 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 worlds 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/

03.01.2022 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-/

03.01.2022 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

03.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: An interview with handfish conservationist Carlie Devine. "Ill never forget that first week. Two fish were found together which is rare, even during breeding season, so they were collected and put into our tank at CSIRO. A couple of days later I witnessed what we think is the first time, a breeding event in captivity of spotted handfish. It was an exciting time and I had my camera practically glued to the tank for the next seven weeks capturing the eggs, then ey...es and eventually hands inside the eggs." Carlie Devine is a photographer, scientific diver and research technician with CSIRO. She has been involved in handfish conservation since 2015. Handfish Conservation Project: https://handfish.org.au/finding-spotted-handfish-with-carl/

03.01.2022 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 Australias 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

03.01.2022 NEW STUDY: Genetic diversity and dispersal patterns in Murray hardyhead The Murray hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis) was once abundant in the southern Murray-Darling Basin, but in recent decades its distribution has been dramatically reduced. It is now listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. By analysing genetic samples from 413 fish, collected between 2001 and 2013, Samantha Thiele and colleagues estimated the species current genetic diversity, populatio...n structure, and dispersal patterns. They identified nine partially isolated subpopulations, with moderate levels of genetic diversity and little connectivity. The authors conclude: We contend that all the conservation genetic insights available for Murray hardyhead point to this being a prime candidate where assisted gene flow should be a major component of conservation attempts, whether for individual populations or the species as a whole. Aquatic Conservation: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aqc.3408 Citation: Thiele S, Adams M, Hammer M, Wedderburn S, Whiterod NS, Unmack PJ, Sasaki M, Beheregaray LB. Rangewide population genetics study informs on conservation translocations and reintroductions for the endangered Murray hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis). Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3408 Image: David Paul, Museums Victoria/Fishes of Australia (CC BY-NC) https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/1384

03.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: The latest tool to combat fraudulent fish The Australian Nuclear Science Technology Organisation has been awarded $202,500 in government funding to develop a portable X-ray fluorescence machine. By analysing the elemental composition of a fish, this technology will be able to identify the region in which it lived. This will help verify that fish marked as Australian-caught were indeed caught in Australian waters, allowing allowing consumers to choose reliably bet...ween local and imported products. ABC News: https://ab.co/31yd8lY Image: ais3n/Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0) https://flic.kr/p/ijJa4X

02.01.2022 IN THE NEWS: How can we prevent ghost gear from entering our oceans? Abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear is known as "ghost gear." Overall, an estimated 640,000 tonnes of ghost gear is lost globally in the oceans every year. Widespread management programmes, such as recycling schemes for disused netting, may be able to help stem the flow of ghost gear into marine ecosystems. The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/how-to-get-abandoned-lost-and-d

02.01.2022 In November 2003, a great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) named Nicole was tagged off the coast of South Africa. She surprised researchers by swimming all the way to Australiaa journey of 11,100 kmin just 99 days. More info: https://sos.noaa.gov/datasets/great-white-shark-track/

02.01.2022 NEW REVIEW: Influence of COVID-19 on freshwater fish biodiversity At first glance, there might seem to be little connection between COVID-19 and freshwater fish populations, but this pandemic has had wide-ranging effects on ecosystems. Some of these effects have been positive, such as reduced waterway pollution due to temporary industry shutdowns. Elsewhere, however, freshwater environmental programmes are being scrapped or underfunded due to other governmental priorities. In... this review, the authors conclude: "The impacts on freshwater fish populations and biodiversity that result from COVID-19 will largely compound existing stressors that are well known. While supporting science and understanding of these issues are well-established, it is a commitment to continued funding and implementation of remedial interventions that is needed to ensure the sustainability of freshwater fish biodiversity, fisheries, and their ecosystems into the post-pandemic future." Biological Conservation: https://www.sciencedirect.com//a/abs/pii/S0006320720309903 Citation: Cooke SJ, Twardek WM, Lynch AJ, Cowx IG, Olden JD, Funge-Smith S, Lorenzen K, Arlinghaus R, Chen Y, Weyl OL, Nyboer EA, et al. A Global Perspective on the Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Freshwater Fish Biodiversity. Biological Conservation. 2020 Dec 19:108932. Image: Andrew Hitchcock/Flickr (CC BY 2.0) https://flic.kr/p/2VE1N

01.01.2022 Mariah Millington is a PhD candidate at Griffith Universitys 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

01.01.2022 "More than half the species on our list are galaxiids small, scaleless fish, that live in cooler, upland streams and lakes. Trout, an introduced, predatory species, also favour these habitats, and the trout have taken a heavy toll on galaxiids and many other small species in southern Australia. "For example, the Victorian Shaw galaxias has been eaten out of much of its former range. Now just 80 individuals survive, protected by a waterfall from the trout below. We estimate the Shaw galaxias has an 80% chance or more of extinction within the next 20 years." The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/australias-smallest-fish-among-