School of Environmental Sciences
Sylvia Zukowski
BSc(Hons)
Campus Thurgoona Campus
Office PhD Room, School of Environmental Sciences
Phone (02) 6051 9831
EMAIL SYLVIA ZUKOWSKI 
Student Member of ILWS
Over the past century, Murray Spiny Crayfish (Euastacus armatus) have declined in abundance and distribution across the Murray-Darling Basin. The main threat to this iconic species is over-fishing by recreational fishers. Fishing regulations which govern the time of year, number, sex and size of individuals that can be removed have been in place in VIC and NSW since 1989. However, these appear to have little impact on declining Murray Spiny Crayfish numbers. The effectiveness of fishing regulations, the validity of the knowledge that underpins them and the extent of compliance by fishers is therefore questionable. This research will address these knowledge gaps. Data collection will involve interviews, workshops, field work, laboratory experiments and population modelling. Knowledge generated will be used to develop a model to support effective, socially acceptable fishing regulations for Murray Spiny Crayfish.
Thesis topic
What information is needed for sustainable fishery management in Australia?
Supervisors