This record describes the datasets collected from the development of a Gene Tagging Tool for the Regional Tuna Tagging Programme (RTTP) which is managed under the auspices of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission and genetic tagging studies. The aim is to quantify population structures and migratory dynamics which are currently poorly understood. The use of SNP markers lend themselves easily to routine and inexpensive ($10-$20 per fish) screening methodologies. The stock assessment advice is used to assist in the conservation and optimal economic use of this resource. This record describes the datasets collected or resulting from the outcome of the programme. Acronyms: ANSFAS: -Australia New Zealand Food Authority SNPs: -Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms IOTC: -Indian Ocean Tuna Commission RTTP: -Regional Tuna Tagging Programme FRDC: -Fisheries Research and Development Corporation

The CSIRO hard parts archive comprises collections of otoliths, vertebrae, scales and fin spines from tuna and billfish species, and a supporting database. The archives are a resource for research on age and growth, migration, stock structure and physiology. The specimens have been collected from large pelagic species including southern bluefin tuna (SBT), yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, albacore tuna and broadbill swordfish. By 2011, SBT otoliths in the collection numbered 31,416. The physical archives are located at CMAR in Hobart. Associated with the archive is a database containing: - The catch and specimen data related to the hard parts samples. - The results of research using the hard parts including historical and ongoing age and growth studies and otolith chemistry projects. - A link to the Tag Database that holds information on the tagging of the same species.

This record describes the datasets obtained on Courageous Cruise 039. The data were obtained from the NSW coast and Tasman Sea in October 1978. Data were obtained on distribution (sightings and sonar) of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) and southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii). Associated data collected included seabird species composition and spatial distribution, plankton samples, XBT, zooplankton and hydrological samples, and water colour. Additional information regarding this dataset is contained in the cruise summary for this voyage.(derived from the cruise report) - 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).

Southern blue fin tuna have been released since 1959 using conventional tags. This is where the tag database has its origins and therefore a large amount of the data held in the database consists of conventional (dart) tags releases of this species in Australian waters. In recent times the data base has evolved to include many more species of pelagic and benthic fish, sharks and turtles. The advent of electronic tags, some with satellite and/or acoustic tracking ability has added to the complexity of the database. Not only do these electronic tags require additional fields for setup options before release, but also require tables to support the complex range of data retrieved from these tags. The data has been grouped into a number of projects. The purposes behind each such project are many and range from the collection of data required for population analyses (the estimation of mortality rates and growth rates), to the investigation of large and fine scale movements, feeding patterns as revealed by the use of ‘smart tags’. Also for many tagging programs there have been changes in tagging ability between skilled and novice taggers. Individual projects thus reflect these criteria so that each Marlin entry contains as nearly as possible a homogenous data set in terms of: 1. Species 2. Tag type 3. Taggers used, in particular the use of CSIRO or non CSIRO personnel 4. Period of coverage to ensure that particular variants of tag type were used 5. Specific project aims 6. Specific geographical area 7. Lead agency ( to ensure that appropriate permission is obtained before access to the data base is permitted) Thus all the species specific data contained in the CSIRO data base has been grouped into discrete Marlin metadata units. Tag data for a particular species may also be covered by multiple Marlin units. The CSIRO database manager has a full listing of the species numbers contained in all Marlin units. Species where more than 200 individuals have been tagged in individual or multiple projects are listed in the descriptive keyword section. Keywords: Tag, Conventional, Archival, Acoustic, Pop-Up, Satellite, Tuna, Swordfish, Shark, Pelagic Fish, Demersal Fish, Turtles.

This record is an overview entry for biological data collected on Southern Surveyor cruise SS 03/96. This cruise took place in oceanic and shelf waters off south eastern NSW and the east coast of Tasmania during 13-27 May 1996, under the leadership of Jock Young. Biological data collected on this cruise include 75 stomachs of yellowfin tuna and one northern bluefin tuna, fish, larval fish, phyllosoma and benthic samples. Zooplankton (including on board photography) micronekton and phytoplankton samples. Acoustic data for species identification and biomass studies. Multi-beam sonar data of pelagic fish distribution and school behaviour. 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.