This record is an overview entry for biological data collected on Southern Surveyor cruise SS 08/95. This cruise took place in the North West Shelf during 18 August - 9 September 1995, under the leadership of Wade Whitelaw. Biological data collected on this cruise include demersal fish and invertebrate samples from 104 stations trawled and 35 mm camera photography of 33 stations trawled. Fish catches were identifed and weighed by species with up to 90 species being caught per half hour trawl. Greatest diversity occurred at the shallower stations. Length frequency data was collected for 14 species of fish (see taxonomy keywords), and otoliths were collected for 4 of the major species (L. sebae, L. choerorynchus, S. undosquamis and N. furcosus). Approximately 50 taxonomic voucher specimens and 100 other specimens were photographed and retained for the Handbook of Australian Seafood, and about 80 specimens and 400 muscle samples were kept for the fillet analysis study. Another 80-90 unidentified specimens were also retained, being mainly deep water species, mustelus species and samples of lizard fish. 6 'fish down' trawl experiments were completed and all fish identified, counted and weighed by species with 30 stomachs collected from Lethrinus genivittatus, L. choerorynchus, Memipterus furcosus and Saurida undosquamis. Video photography and 35 mm camera photography of the trawls were also obtained. 3 hydrographic transects were completed with the sumbersible data logger (SDL) and over 195 species of sponges for taxonomic studies by the Queensland Museum were collected. 125 humpback whales and 8 unidentified cetaceans and approximately 120 dophins were also observed during the cruise. Please note: This metadata record is a preliminary entry derived from information in the cruise plan and/or cruise report. Individual data types - which may span several cruises - will be indexed separately within this metadata system in due course. - Biological Field Data Sheets recorded during this voyage have been scanned to PDF, and are available (to CSIRO Staff) on-line. See the details link under "Stored Media List" (below).

This record is an overview entry for biological data collected on Southern Surveyor cruise SS 07/97. This cruise took place in the North West Shelf during 7 August - 1 September 1997, under the leadership of A. Whitelaw. Biological data collected on this cruise include numerous demersal fish and invertebrate samples; length-frequency data for 14 species of fish, and numerous otolith samples from four major species; additional fish specimens from two deeper water trawls (east of the Rowley Shoals), at 310 m and 105 m; photographs of fish and invertebrates for taxonomic studies and the "Handbook of Australian Seafood"; SDL (submersible data logger) data from 3 hydrographic transects and 35mm photography of 50% of the random trawl stations were obtained. 184 humpback whales, 24 unidentified cetaceans and about 175 dolphins were observed by Environment Australia personnel. Please note: This metadata record is a preliminary entry derived from information in the cruise plan and/or cruise report. Individual data types - which may span several cruises - will be indexed separately within this metadata system in due course.