News and Events

Museum Victoria species in TOP 10

Two Museum Victoria species have been placed on the list of Top 10 species new to science in 2008 - the ‘mother fish’ Materpiscis attenboroughi discovered by Head of Sciences, Dr John Long, and the world's smallest known seahorse Hippocampus satomiae, described by Research Associate Rudie Kuiter.

http://museumvictoria.com.au/about/mv-news/2009/mv-species-in-top-10/

Reef Watch Discovery-Southerly migration of Leatherjackets

We have all heard about climate change and the impact this may be having on the movement and survival of terrestrial plants and animals, but what about marine life? In January, a Reef Watcher filmed two Leatherjackets at Popes Eye whilst carrying out his regular surveys. His footage was later identified by Rudie Kuiter to be male and female Yellow-Finned Leatherjackets, Meuschenia trachylepis. The species previous distribution records are from NSW to Lakes Entrance, so this is a new record for Port Phillip Bay.To learn more about the Yellow-Finned Leatherjacket visit the Australian Museum site.

http://www.amonline.net.au/fishes/fishfacts/fish/mtrachy.htm

 

For a complete guide to recreational abalone fishing regulations in Victoria contact: DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing

Communities help by reporting illegal fishing

Calamari squid are a popular target for many anglers, particularly at this time of year. Unfortunately, three anglers recently caught more than they should have, and were seen doing so by an astute member of the public.

The on-looker, who witnessed the illegal activity on Mornington pier, made a call to the fisheries offence reporting line
13FISH (telephone 133 474) to express his concern.

As a direct result of that call, DPI Fisheries Officers swung into action and apprehended three people, who had caught in excess of 300 squid. The daily ‘bag’ or catch limit is 10 squid per person.

The offenders had their 300 squid forfeited but that’s not all: three motor vehicles were seized from them and each was prosecuted in court, receiving substantial fines. This is just one example of how community reports to the illegal fishing line 13FISH have helped Fisheries Officers catch several of those who break the rules. Other reports include sightings of people taking commercial quantities of abalone, and illegally netting in rivers. Although not all calls will result in an immediate field response, information will assist in planning future patrols and enforcement operations.

When it comes to protecting our fisheries resources for the benefit of all Victorians, Fisheries Officers need the community as an ally. Members of the public can help ensure all Victorians have fish for the future by sticking to recreational fishing regulations and reporting those who break the rules (see box).

The Victorian Government has allocated $1.05 million over four years to operate this illegal fishing reporting line.
13FISH (133 474) is a statewide, 24/7 fisheries offence reporting line, which was launched on 8 September 2003.
In the first 18 months of operation, 2082 calls were made, and as a direct result of the information received, over 160 Penalty Infringement Notices have been issued.

A number of significant investigations have also been undertaken, and at least 30 prosecutions successfully achieved – some of those prosecuted, like the illegal calamari squid anglers, have had their boats and equipment seized. Makes one think twice about taking more fish than needed for a feed.

How to report illegal fishing activity in Victoria If you suspect illegal fishing activity, call 13FISH (telephone 133 474) to report it. Helpful information includes: • Time and date of activity • Whether the observed activity is continuing or has finished • Place of activity • Number of people involved • Vehicle/boat registration • Activity • Equipment All information will be treated in strict confidence. Information will assist in planning patrols and enforcement operations when no immediate field response is possible.

Blue Throated Wrasse (Notolabrus tetricus): Looking for Males

Back ground Information

There are ninety species of Wrasse in temperate Australian waters.

Where ever you dive there will be a few Wrasse species and at least one that is the most abundant species on the reef.

Why are Wrasse so successful?

They have a successful life history that involves both a larval and adult stage.
Adults spawn millions of egg and sperm into the water a few metres above a rocky reef. The juvenile larva feed on plankton for 20-50 days, following which they actively seek out and settle into a suitable habitat. They are opportunistic carnivores that are capable of eating every invertebrate species on a reef.
Juveniles consume mostly soft-bodied invertebrates such as amphipods and copepods.

Reproduction:
This is where it gets really bizarre. There are quite a few variations on this theme, however in the case of Blue- Throated Wrasse life begins as female and may change to male later in life. Sex changes are accompanied by changes in behaviour and colour.
Wrasse live in haremic groups that usually contain 10-15 females and a single male.
If something happens to the male, a large female in the harem will change into a male over a period of 2 months.

But what happens if the male continues to disappear due to fishing pressures? (Line and spear fishing).
Concern has been raised by scientists and conservationists that fishing pressures may be affecting local populations of Blue- Throated Wrasse in Port Phillip Bay.

How can Reef Watchers help?

Have you seen male Blue – Throated Wrasse on your dives?

Reef Watchers can obtain valuable information on this particular species by recording and counting the male and female individuals they see at their favourite dive site.
Please become familiar with the different colouration of the male and female.
When completing a Reef Watch survey, record the number of males and females you see in the notes section of your survey sheet.

	Male Blue-Throated Wrasse. Photo courtesy, Andrew Newton
	Female Blue-Throated Wrasse. Photo courtesy, Dr M. Norman

Reference:
Andrew, N (1999). Under Southern Seas- The Ecology of Australia’s Rocky Reefs.
Chapter 21, The Wrasses, Geoff Jones
Edgar, GJ. (2000) Australian Marine Life. Revised Edition. Reed, Kew, Victoria.
Pg 479

Globe Fish

During June and July 2004, Reef Watchers have reported Globe fish swimming together in large schools? Photographic evidence of this was sent in by Reef Watcher Michael Valle ... click here

Introduced Nudibranch found again in 2008.

Reef Watcher- Sylvia Buchanan found an introduced nudibranch, previously not listed in Victoria in 2004. Bob Burn identified the nudibranch as Thecacera pennigera, originally from the Eastern Coast of South America. It had previously been documented in NSW. Sylvia photographed the nudibranch at Blairgowrie Squadronn Pier. The nudibranch has since been found and photographed at Sandringham Marina in Port Phillip Bay. All sitings are reported to the Department of Sustainability and environment.