Poster Abstract
6. GENETIC BASIS FOR RESPONSIBLE STOCK ENHANCEMENT AND OPTIMAL RELEASE STRATEGIES OF EASTERN KING PRAWNS (PENAEUS MELICERTUS PLEBEJUS)
Chan J1, Matthew Taylor1, William Sherwin1, S. Appleyard2
1University of New South Wales, Australia
2CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research
Eastern king prawn (EKP) is an important commercial prawn species in Australia, distributed from northern Queensland to southern New South Wales. Assessment of the status and structure of this species may provide a basis for an ongoing stock enhancement program to increase and maintain population size of EKP in recruitment limited estuaries. Evaluation of the genetic impacts of releasing hatchery-reared post-larvae is essential for responsible large scale stock enhancement. This project aims to develop a genetic system for assessing the current stock structure, identifying the origin of recaptured prawns, and detecting genetic impacts of stock enhancement. The project will use two different types of genetic markers, microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA to assess the above objectives. Our preliminary data (mitochondrial DNA) shows that it is possible to track different female lineages through the stages of stock enhancement and the marker can also be use to quantify the contribution of different female broodstock. Furthermore, the developed markers will reveal the structure of the natural populations and differentiate between natural and hatchery-reared individuals. The outcome of this project will allow us to assess the impact of the releases and the interaction among wild and released animals, thereby providing valuable information for developing optimal release and management strategies for the fisheries.
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