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.

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.

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.

Data was collected on the FRV Southern Surveyor cruise SS 02/97 to define bycatch from prawn trawlers around the coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria from Cairns to Darwin in 20-40m depth.

Adult prawn species, size, sex, reproductive stage, moult stage, and parasites were measured at 20 stations in Albatross Bay, Gulf of Carpentaria. Sampling was carried out monthly, around the new moon period, between March 1986 and May 1992. The projects objectives were: - To carry out a trawl survey of prawn species distribution, size distribution, population density and reproductive status in the study area - To carry our sampling for larval prawns at selected stations. - To sample for phytoplankton species composition and chlorophyll a levels at selected stations.

This data was performed as part of the Stock Recruitment Relationships project. The objectives were to collect more information on fishing effort at a smaller spatial scale (GPS systems had recently been introduced), to determine the degree of aggregation of fishing effort, and to determine how try net gear may alter fishing effort. CSIRO staff performed the data collection from commercial vessels, and measured and identified prawns - collected at night - from try shots. Prawns were sorted by species and sex, with each prawn individually measured. Ripe remales were given a gonad stage (1-5). No weight information was collected. Bycatch was identified and counted.

Three research cruises on the FRV Southern Surveyor were undertaken between 1993 and 1996 to study the bycatch from prawn and fish trawls. Bycatch species composition (species, length, weight) was measured.

This dataset is the result of a series of trawl surveys carried out aboard F.V. Maxim between August 1983 and March 1985 in the NW Gulf of Carpentaria, north of Groote Eylandt. The main reference is by Somers et al (1987) - see References link below. It details the gear, methods, study area, etc. The data collected included abundance and size composition of the commercial species of penaeids together with data on hydrology at the time of sampling, across 60 stations. Reproductive stage, moult stage, and parasites were also recorded. Cruises were carried out every four weeks centred around the new moon period.