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.

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.

This dataset was collected by CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric division as part of its monitoring of the Northern Prawn Fishery. This is a key dataset for two separate prawn research projects ('NPF Monitoring' and 'New Catch Rates'), which have the following broad objectives: To map distribution and spatial contraction of prawns. To quantify the movement of banana and tiger prawns between the inshore and offshore waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Specifically this dataset is used: 1. To calculate the recruitment index each year for the main prawn species by region (January/February surveys). 2. To calculate the spawning index each year for the main prawn species by region (July/August surveys).

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.

Torres Strait Fisheries Scientific Advisory Committee (TSFSAC) Effects of Trawling - Final Report. This project was funded by the Commonwealth Department of Primary Industries to assess the impact of trawling on the fish, turtle and selected invertebrate abundances in Torres Strait. It began in October 1983 and was completed in September 1990. The objective of the project was to put the issue into perspective by: describing the Torres Strait prawn trawl fishery; measuring the long-term and short-term effects of prawn trawling on fish communities; quantifying the overlap between prawn trawling and the Islander fisheries (traditional and commercial). Refer to the final report: Poiner IR and Harris ANM. (1993) To ascertain whether prawn trawling has a significant effect on the fish, turtle and selected invertebrate populations of Torres Strait, particularly as it affects those species which are used as food by Torres Strait Islanders. Final report to TSFSAC. CSIRO Division of Fisheries, Cleveland Qld.

The 1994 issue of the Torres Prawn gives Torres Strait prawn fishers a picture of catch, species composition and effort across the fishery during 1993 and illustrates how the year compared with previous seasons. Refer to the report: van Montfrans B and Bishop M. (1994) The Torres Prawn, February 1994. AFMA. 14pp.

Torres Strait Prawn Fishery Handbook (AFMA) 1989. Refer to the publication: DPIE (1989) The Torres Prawn, December 1989. DPIE, Australian Fisheries Service, Queensland. 8pp.

The 1995 issue of the Torres Prawn aims to provide Torres Strait prawn fishers with the latest management, logbook and scientific information available on the Torres Strait prawn fishery. The report was compiled by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) in conjunction with the Queensland Fish Management Authority (QFMA) to inform and assist prawn industry members in their fishing operations. Refer to the published report: AFMA (1995)Torres Prawn Handbook 1995. AFMA/QFMA. 63pp.

The 2001 issue of the Torres Prawn Handbook aims to provide Torres Strait prawn fishers with the latest management, logbook and scientific information available on the Torres Strait prawn fishery. As with previous issues, the 2001 Handbook has been compiled by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) in conjunction with the Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) to inform and assist prawn fishers and licence holders in their fishing operations. This edition of the handbook provides an update on the status of the fishery and recent developments as well as background information provided in previous issues. Refer to the published report: Oliver S, D'Silva D and Turnbull C. (2001) Torres Prawn Handbook 2001. Australian Fisheries Management Authority. Canberra. 103pp.

This dataset was collected mainly to provide banana prawn length-frequency data by undertaking size sampling of commercial catches of banana prawns (P merguiensis). The aim was to calculate optimal seasonal opening dates for the commercial fishery and to provide other management advice. Length-frequency data for other prawn species was also provided.