Marine based citizen science engages members of the community in research and monitoring fish and habitats by providing data and observations. Doing this adds value to traditional scientific research and increases public stewardship of our marine resources by the public.
Increasing citizen science opportunities in Tasmania including collecting data and protecting habitats is an outcome of the Recreational Sea Fishing Strategy.
Listed below are fishing and marine citizen science programs around Tasmania that you can get involved in.
Tassie Fish Frame Collection Program
Recreational fishers can become citizen scientists by providing their fish frames to the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) to increase information on some species. The frames are used to assess the age and length of the fish, and the sex, maturity and breeding condition if the organs are attached. The program’s current target species are striped trumpeter, snapper, yellowtail kingfish and King George whiting.
Interested fishers can freeze their frames of these species, noting the date and place of capture, and drop them off at participating tackle stores all around Tasmania. More information from the
Fish Frames website and their
Facebook page.
Southern Bluefin Tuna Diet Study
The Southern Bluefin Tuna Diet Study is a collaboration between NRE Tas, IMAS and TARfish to better understand the diet of Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) in Tasmanian waters. Stomach contents are being analysed from samples provided by fishers around Tasmania, with a quarterly report of findings published. If you catch bluefin tuna in Tasmania, sign up to get involved and contribute to updating knowledge on marine ecosystems.
For more information, visit the Southern Bluefin Tuna Diet Study page.
Redmap
Redmap (Range Extension Database and Mapping project) is a project that invites fishers and the community to share sightings of new and uncommon marine species that they see in their local seas. Redmap uses this data to better understand which marine species are extending their distribution range in response to changes in the marine environment such as climate change.
More information from the
Redmap website.
OzFish
OzFish are involved in fish habitat rehabilitation projects across Australia. In Tasmania, projects include:
- Environmentally friendly moorings
- Saltmarsh restoration and fish sampling
- Kelp tracking and reef restoration
More information -
OzFish – Tasmania Chapter.
Reef Life Survey
The Reef Life Survey (RLS) aims to improve biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of marine resources. This is achieved by coordinating surveys of fish and other marine life on reefs, conducted by team members and trained citizen scientist divers. This information is used to track changes and impacts on marine ecosystems over time.
See the
Reef Life Survey website.
Make citizen science reports in the Fishing Tas app
Citizen Science - Fishing Tas app
We’re trialling a new citizen science reporting feature in the Fishing Tas app.
This feature aims to make it easy for anyone to share their observations about the marine environment or their fishing experience. The data you submit will help contribute to more community and fisher-informed management and research.
In the current version you can provide feedback on:
- Urchin barrens
- Urchin catch
- Abalone catch
- Sand flathead catch
You can also submit a short summary of anything else interesting you might have observed. Reporting is anonymous, unless:
- you choose to provide your details or
- you are already registered for rock lobster catch reporting.
We want your feedback
This is a trial feature, and we plan to review and improve it in the future. If you have suggested improvements, let us know by emailing fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au.