I study whether reef fish in Tasmania have a “safe zone” from fishing in deeper waters. Commercial fisheries mainly operate on shallow reefs and target species like banded morwong and wrasses, but these fish also live much deeper. I use remotely operated vehicles to survey reefs from 3 to 80 metres, counting and measuring fish, and I track their movements using acoustic tags. By understanding where fish live and move, I aim to find out whether deep reefs help protect populations from fishing.
Research keyword/s: Reef fish
About the BEAKER STREET ROVING SCIENTIST PROGRAM
Each August, hundreds of Roving Scientists descend upon Hobart, filling up pubs and chatting to strangers as part of Beaker Street Festival. Discover a new world down the lens of microscope, and joining the least-boring bar conversations you’ve ever heard and these free (the chats – not the drinks) events.
For Scientists, Beaker Street’s Roving Scientist Program offers an excellent outreach, professional development, and networking opportunity. It’s the nerdiest and funnest way to share your research with the public, expand your network, and be inspired by leaders in all sectors of science and science communication.
