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.

Plankton samples were taken monthly at Groote Eylandt, Gulf of Carpentaria. Numbers and densities of plankton were measured and prawn post-larval data were collected.

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 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).

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.

Monthly cruises were carried out between March 1986 and April 1992, at twenty-one stations in Albatross Bay, Gulf of Carpentaria. Prawn larval densities were calculated from stepped oblique bottom to surface plankton tows. Salinity-temperature profiles were also recorded. There is also data showing zooplankton biomass in Albatross Bay for both wet and dry seasons.