The data are records of the locations of individual fishing vessels of the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF). The data were collected by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority with a satellite that polls transponders fitted to all fishing vessels that are registered for the NPF. The main purpose of the data is to ensure that vessels comply with fishery management directives; however, the data can also be used for research as an indicator of fishing pattern. Each data record contains a vessel identification number, vessel name, time, latitude and longitude. Two sets of speed and bearing fields are also present: the first contains instantaneous velocity measured by the transponder; the second contains velocity estimated from the poll locations. Polling intervals vary from seconds to hours depending on AFMA's operational requirements. Notes on Access: The data may only be used by CMR staff with the permission of the CMR VMS data custodian.

This data was collected to obtain base information for prawn management advice. Data were collated by 6 nm grid squares species, sex and size distribution (carapace length) of prawns in the commercial catch 1988 - 1990 inclusive. Also collated were turtle distribution in catches in 1989. All samples were taken and processed by CSIRO trained commercial trawl boat crews and presumably all samples were taken from areas of high abundance at that time. The fishing times over this period were 15 April to 22 June and about 1 August to 30 November.

Prawn trawl data from Weipa, East and South East Gulf of Carpentaria in the late 1970s. The main objective was to ascertain the distribution and abundance of each of the main commercial and some non-commercial penaeid species. The main data collection was performed off the Judy B with cruises repeated every month for 13 months; some other vessels were involved at different times (Kalinda, Raptis Pearl, Sprightly). Trawling was conducted at night and consisting of 30 minute shots. All prawns were sorted by species (general codes used) and sex, but no weights were recorded. Catch rates were expressed as number of prawns caught per net per hour. There were more than four sampling plans.

The objectives of this project were: To design and implement a survey program to augment the historical survey data used for species split with contemporary, well-targeted and spatially precise data. This survey to be trialled in 2002-3 and confirmed in 2003-4. To establish a protocol so that such surveys can be quickly designed and implemented on an ongoing monitoring basis. To develop further the species split methods first proposed in FRDC 98/109 so that they can be used confidently in any new stock assessments. To re-examine the historical survey data as part of the strategy for the above and to report, particularly on the value of size class information for this purpose. To investigate and report on the potential use of electronic logbooks for enhancing the precision of stock assessment of Tiger prawn species, particularly on a spatially local scale. To investigate and report on the use of size class data for gaining some information on recruitment patterns for the stock assessment.

The dataset is a compilation of records of sea turtles caught in prawn trawls in the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF). There are 316 records of five species. The records are from research voyages, scientific observers on commercial prawn trawlers and crew member observers on commercial prawn trawlers. More specifically, the data sources were as follows: (a) CSIRO and collaborative research voyages on RV Southern Surveyor; (b) crew member observers on NPF commercial vessels, 2003-2005 (FRDC project 2002/035, collaboration between CSIRO and AFMA, funding by FRDC); (c) scientific observers on NPF commercial vessels (FRDC project 2000/173, collaboration between CSIRO and the Australian Maritime College (AMC), funding by FRDC); (d) crew members and scientific observers on NPF commercial vessels (FRDC project 1998/202, collaboration between BRS, CSIRO, AFMA, funding by FRDC and NORMAC); (e) crew member observers and scientific observers on NPF commercial vessels and RV Southern Surveyor (FRDC project 1996/257, collaboration between CSIRO, DPIQ and AMC, funding by FRDC).

This is an interim report by Queensland's Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) Torres Strait Prawn Project, published in 1990. It represents a portion of three years research, from 1986-1988, which had the following objectives: Determine the distribution and abundance of juvenile prawns in seagrass areas. Establish the timing and pathways of recruitment and migration of the prawns. Collate historical catch data and monitor commercial catch/effort. Determine spawning periods. Establish growth and mortality rates. Assist management in the rationalization of spatial and temporal closures. Assist management in the formulation fo optimum effort levels and of a TAC. Refer to the published report: Mellors, J. (ed) (1990) Torres Strait Prawn Project: A review of research 1986-88. QDPI Information Series QI90018. Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. 137pp.

Adult grooved tiger prawns (Penaeus semisulcatus) were caught in prawn trawls during one transect of the Gulf of Carpentaria on the FRV Southern Surveyor. The catches were used to assess offshore migration of the species. Data collected include length frequency, sex and gonad stage. Data were collected using 39 paired Florida Flyer trawls centred on 6nm grids across approximately 13 sites. The sites are spaced some distance apart along the cruise track (a transect from Weipa to N Groote and back to Weipa). The AusTED and standard codend were compared in these trawls, and the same data were also to be used monitor the distribution of Penaeus semisulcatus across the Gulf. Problem shots were retrawled when possible to meet the experimental design. Nine were abandoned due to lack of time.

Trawling of commercial prawn species was undertaken in the Western Gulf of Carpentaria, in the Groote Eylandt region. Areas subject to commercial fishing were targeted, with sampling being undertaken at approximately monthly intervals between October 1982 and March 1983. The sampling platform was the 15.8m prawn trawler F.V. "Paulwin", towing standard double-twin rig otter trawls. All prawns sampled were identified, sexed, and measured. The total weight for each species, by sex, was measured to ± 5g. Project objectives were: To determine the size composition of the principal tiger prawn species (Penaeus esculentus and Penaeus semisulcatus) and endeavour prawn species (Metapenaeus endeavouri and Metapenaeus ensis) on the commercial fishing grounds subject to seasonal closure in the western Gulf of Carpentaria; to undertake these determinations at monthly intervals between October 1982 and March 1983 inclusive, using a chartered prawn trawler; and to assess and report on the size composition of prawns on fishing grounds within or adjacent to the closed area with reference to the effectiveness of the closures in space and time. Refer to the listed report for further information.

The dataset comprises catch records of demersal fish and invertebrates from prawn trawl deployments completed on research voyage SS 03/2005. The survey design was a natural experiment (i.e. control-impact, but not before-after) to test the long-term, broadscale effects of prawn fishing on non-target species and habitats. Deployments were stratified by fishing intensity (three strata) and day/night. The survey was repeated in three regions: (a) north of Groote Eylandt, (b) north-east of the Vanderlins, and (c) north of Mornington Island. The number of deployments completed as part of the natural experiment was 124. Outside of the natural experiment, an additional 31 deployments were completed at dawn or dusk for diet analysis and an additional two deployments were completed for other reasons.

This dataset series comprises deck logs from the vessel "Rama" in which observations made during the Gulf of Carpentaria Prawn Survey are recorded. This survey was conducted jointly by the Queensland State and Commonwealth Governments during 1963-1965 to examine the prawn resources of the south-eastern corner of the Gulf of Carpentaria.