Pipefish receive boost with the arrival of a Fisheries Action Program grant

11/5/98

The future of pipefish, a close relative of the seahorse, received a boost today with the arrival of a Fisheries Action Program grant for Murdoch University scientists to survey the population and habitat requirements of pipefish in waters near Fremantle.

Fisheries Minister Monty House said pipefish were a valuable and important species which were becomingly increasingly exploited commercially around the world."

"By supporting this research, we will gain a much clearer understanding of these species and their environment in Western Australia," Mr House said.

Pipefish are found in seagrass meadows which exist in large areas off the WA coastline. More information is required on the distribution of pipefish, particularly as some near shore areas of seagrass are impacted upon by industrial activity and coastal developments. There is also an increasing demand for pipefish for display to be used in home aquariums and traditional Chinese medicine.

"It is critical for us to research pipefish and their seagrass habitats. The Murdoch project will assist our on-going management of the species," Mr House said.

The Fisheries Action Program grant of $7,500 will fund pipefish research in the nearshore waters of Parmelia and Success Banks near Fremantle. These areas still contain large expanses of seagrass meadows and are likely to provide crucial nursery habitats for pipefish.

Results from the research will be widely reported back to the community later in the year as data is collected, collated and examined.

The Fisheries Action Program was launched by the Federal Government in March last year as a $9.75 million, five year initiative under the Natural Heritage Trust.

The program, inspired by the community-based Western Australian program Fishcare WA, funds projects on a dollar-for-dollar basis that focus on restoring fish habitats and returning the aquatic ecosystems to more sustainable and productive levels.

"I strongly encourage Western Australia's fishing and research communities to consider applying to the Fisheries Action Program if they have an appropriate project in mind," Mr House said.

The pipefish project is one of 10 WA fisheries and habitat protection projects to receive funding in the 1997-98 round totalling $253,066.

Media Contact: Julie Cole [08] 9481 2044