Maths + fish = sustainable fisheries
What does mathematics have to do with fishing? It turns out quite a lot.
Queensland is turning to mathematics to increase the sustainability and profitability of its fisheries.
In a new partnership, the Queensland Government and University of Queensland are funding the Centre for Applications in Resource Mathematics - a group that will use mathematical theories and tools to better manage the state’s fisheries.
Dr You-Gan Wang has been appointed to lead the Centre’s research activities.
Warwick Nash, Science Leader of Fisheries and Aquaculture within the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI), said the new Centre would help position Queensland among the international leaders in the field of applied fisheries science and mathematics.
"Many of us don’t think of mathematics when we talk about fisheries, but it is an area which we increasingly believe holds the answers to improved profitability and sustainability of Queensland fisheries," he said.
"Fisheries resource modelling, for example, compares the state of a fish population to its virgin state before fishing began. It combines data such as catch history, catch rates per hour or per day of fishing, and age structure of the population to estimate the current status of the fishery.
"This allows researchers to better understand the population dynamics of popular fished species and can also be used by fisheries managers to help guide their business decisions."
Mr Nash said mathematical modelling was used in Queensland to develop a specific offshore trawl fishery for stout whiting.
"Over a 15 year period, mathematical modelling has enabled researchers and managers to estimate the total sustainable catch of stout whiting," he said.
"This has allowed the development of a fishery that efficiently and sustainably targets and captures stout whiting, thereby expanding a Queensland export industry."Mr Nash said the appointment of Dr You-Gan Wang was an exciting step forward for fisheries research and would help advance the area of applied resource mathematics.
