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 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.

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).

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.

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.

Juvenile prawn samples were collected by beam trawl at a number of sites between the Vanderlin Islands and Rose River (Numbulwar), Gulf of Carpentaria, to investigate the recolonisation of sand and seagrass habitats following Cyclone Sandy.

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.

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.

This dataset was collected to calculate optimal seasonal opening dates for the commercial fishery and to provide other management advice, by undertaking size sampling of pre-season and in-season banana prawns (F. merguiensis and F. indicus). In-season sampling of commercial catch on commercial trawlers (1983 - 1985) was supplemented during the season by data obtained from quality control staff at KFV Fisheries Pty Ltd. Sampling was organized for pre- and in-season searching and sampling voyages and prawns were sampled and measured from as many trawlers as possible.

Maps showing prawn larval distribution of commercial prawn species during both the wet and dry seasons in Albatross Bay. The data was recorded from stepped oblique bottom to surface plankton tows, 140-142um nets. Nine cruises took place between 1975 and 1977 on chartered boats and the "Kalinda". Prawn larval biomass and densities were measured in several transects across the Gulf of Carpentaria, as well as total plankton biomass. These maps have been produced by CSIRO for the National Oceans Office, as part of an ongoing commitment to natural resource planning and management through the 'National Marine Bioregionalisation' project.