Articles
Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are marine mammals, which are commonly known as sea cows. Australia is home to most of the world’s dugongs.
Coral reef fish are caught by hook and line along the length of the Great Barrier Reef from the Torres Strait south to Fraser Island. More than 120 fish species are caught in the commercial line fishery, although only a few of them are actively targeted by commercial fishers. The high-value target species include coral trout, red throat emperor, red emperor, tropical snapper and Spanish mackerel.
Recreational anglers also target these species, particularly highly prized trophy species such as Spanish mackerel, red emperor and coral trout.
Research on the biology of fish species and the impacts of fishing is helping managers balance the needs of users while maintaining reef fish stocks and the reef ecosystem for future generations.
Proceedings of the Torres Strait Baseline Study Conference edited by David Lawrence and Tim Cansfield-Smith
In July 1989 the Australian Government funded a four year environmental study of the Torres Strait marine environment.