Research at Cape du Couedic

News article | 16 February 2017

Researchers are set to undertake a four day southern rock lobster survey later this month in the Cape du Couedic Sanctuary Zone, part of the Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park.

Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) Senior Scientist, Dr Simon Bryars, said the survey aims to estimate the size and abundance of southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) both inside and outside the sanctuary zone.

“All lobster caught will be measured, tagged and then returned to the ocean.

“There will be dozens of lobster pots dropped inside the Cape du Couedic Sanctuary Zone each day during the survey period and the attached buoys may well be visible from the shore,” Dr Bryars said.

The survey is part of a joint research project between the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), a division of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA), DEWNR’s Science Group, and the South Australian Northern Zone Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association.

Dr Bryars said that the survey work will be undertaken by SARDI researchers and the only vessel permitted to drop pots during this survey is the commercial fishing vessel ‘Quadrant’ (licence N23) pictured below.

“If any other vessels are seen dropping pots inside the sanctuary zone, they are likely to be fishing illegally and should be reported to the KI Natural Resources Centre on 8553 4444.”

If you would like more information on marine parks, including details about other research that has taken place, please visit www.marineparks.sa.gov.au or call into the Natural Resources Centre, Kingscote.