Gladstone Fish Health Investigation 2011 - 2012 - Western Basin ...

Figure 2. Sampling sites within the principal study area.Candidate speciesA range of species were sampled, and observations recorded in accordance with proceduresin Appendix A. Most observations were done as part of normal fishing activities. Subject tolimiting the impact on commercial fishing activities, all species caught were examined.Sampling regimeTiming: Sampling commenced in September 2011 and continued until February 2012. Allspecies caught during sampling events were assessed for signs of ill health.Although Fisheries Queensland stopped sampling for Phase 1 in February 2012, the generalpublic continued to provide samples for testing by Biosecurity Queensland up until April2012.Gear type: Multiple gear types were used during the sampling program depending on thesite and fishing activities. The gear types were consistent with commercial fishing apparatusand included: gill net / haul net – finfish and sharks prawn trawl gear – to target banana prawn, demersal finfish crab pots – mud crabs electrofisher – fish species in freshwater.14