December 2004
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FISH STUDY HOOKS GOLD FOR RESEARCHERDr Ashley Williams has hooked the $2000 Graeme Kelleher Prize for his recent discoveries about movements and biology of red throat emperor, which are a prized fish for commercial, recreational and charter fishers on the Great Barrier Reef. His studies are critical to better manage these important reef fish.
CRC Reef researcher Dr Ashley Williams, from James Cook University, found that red throat emperor may move large distances across many reefs. This is rare for coral reef fish and highlights the need for us to re-assess our beliefs that all coral reef fish are sedentary. Red throat emperor have different spawning potential, growth rates and life spans in different regions of the Great Barrier Reef, according to Dr Williams.This may mean that some regions are more productive and provide better food for red throat emperor, or that fishing pressure varies among regions of the Great Barrier Reef. It could also mean that populations of red throat emperor are distinct stocks. Red throat emperor may need different management regimes in different regions of the Reef to ensure that stocks are sustained. “The content and timing of the thesis made a major contribution to the arrangements introduced into legislation under the Coral Reef Finfish management plan and helped to focus research priorities on red throat emperor,” said fisheries manager Mr Mark Elmer from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. “Because of Dr Williams’ research, we will be evaluating various management strategies for red throat emperor fishery in the next two years to ensure that this fishery is sustainable.” Dr Williams’ PhD thesis has won the inaugural Graeme G Kelleher Prize of $2000 which is awarded annually to recognise an outstanding PhD thesis relevant to the ecologically sustainable development of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The prize was established in 2003 by CRC Reef to acknowledge the contribution of Graeme G. Kelleher to the wise use of the Great Barrier Reef. For more information visit Ashley's task page
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