Lead Agency: Dr Katie Cressell, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)
End Date: 1 March 2020
Status: IN PROGRESS
Aims and Objectives:
Construct a robust model (based on previous work of Sean Tracey) of larval dispersal for Centrostephanus rodgersii around the east coast of Tasmania using existing oceano graphic data (piecing together high and low resolution) Calculate the most likely sources for large recruitment events to the east coast of Tasmania Predict whether the Tasmanian population may be self- recruiting or what oceanic changes may lead to self- recruitment Set model up to be capable of addressing management decisions, such as which Tasmanian reefs would be most ‘ likely to produce larvae that survive the winter, which reefs pose the greatest risk of further range extension The model could be flexible to allow input data for abalone or rock lobster larvae.
Update 23/06/21:
A modelling and mapping review is currently underway on the existing larval dispersal model in preparation for the next stage of the project, with some updates being made to the existing dispersal model.
The next phase of the project will be to find the dispersal patterns for Longspined sea urchins arriving to and around Tasmania and then identify and link theses back to source reefs, to infrom and investigate possible management decisions. The aim of the project is to minimise larval dispersion to east coast of Tasmania and to better inform understanding surrounding the degree of self-recruitment in Tasmania. The outcome of the project is to use findings regarding the source reefs, to plan discussions and meetings which would inform future management of the Centrostephanus rodgersii larvae mitigation.
