IMIS

The North West Shelf study was set up to examine the population dynamics and biology of demersal marine resources of the North West Shelf of Australia, in relation to their physical, chemical and biological environment. The first phase of the study comprised 10 cruises by the vessel Soela between 1982 and 1984 to investigate aspects of the ecosystem, followed by an experimental management phase from 1985 to 1992 during which parts of the fishery were closed and the resulting changes monitored. Data gathered during the study included the distribution, reproduction, diet, growth and mortality of the shelf ecosystem biota as well as information about the water column, sediments, and bottom environment. Over 1000 different fish species were recorded during the course of the study. Return cruises to the North West Shelf were made annually from 1986 to 1991 and also in 1995 and 1997.