Matt Taylor
(BSc. Hon.)

Matt began a PhD. degree with the lab in 2002 examining the predatory impact and success of hatchery-reared mulloway fingerlings in NSW estuaries.

Marine stock enhancement technology in Australia is very much in its infancy. The technology exists in Australia to rear over 30 species of marine finfish, however stock enhancement has thus far been trialled with only four marine species, with no ongoing programs. Stocking density, carrying capacity and predatory impact are indeed more relevant to stocking endeavours in Australia than almost anywhere in the world, given the low productivity of Australia’s oceans. Density dependant processes mean that if more fish are released than an ecosystem can handle, fish will die until the population reaches a level that the estuary can support. If this occurs prey species can be over-grazed which will adversely affect competitors, and large amounts of money could be wasted in rearing of excess fish. Predatory impact, fish quality and habitat of release have not yet been tested for any Australian species.

By using mulloway (A. hololepidotus), a top-level predator native to the waters of South-East Australia, my research addresses these four main aims:

1. To develop methods of batch marking of mulloway otolith’s and other bony structures by immersion in fluorescent chemicals;
2. To quantify anti-predatory behaviour and naivety of hatchery-reared mulloway, and develop methods of training hatchery-reared mulloway to recognise prey items, and recognise/avoid potential predators;
3. To assess, and thus model the predatory impact of hatchery-reared mulloway during the period of residence in the estuary;
4. To resolve the home-range, migratory patterns and preferred habitats of mulloway throughout different life stages.

To visit the Mulloway Stock Enhancement website: Click Here