Profiles
Cynthia Awruch
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Cynthia Awruch
Adjunct Senior Researcher
Off-Campus
Email Only (phone)
General Responsibilities
I am an Honorary Research Associate in the School of Biological Sciences.
Research Interests
My primary research interest is in the environmental endocrinology and physiology and the use of biochemical markers as tools for wildlife conservation. My projects are concerned with the sustainable management sharks and the flow on effects of shark conservation. Through my research I hope to increase the understanding and development of non-destructive techniques to understand the biology and physiology of animals, and subsequently to assist with more effective conservation and management programs.
My research is focussed on four topics at present:
- Investigating post release survival of wild sharks and rays, and the implication for management and conservation programs. This research dealt with developing different biochemical methods to measure stress in chondrichthyans.
- Reproductive biology and endocrinology of chondrichthyans.
- The use of non-lethal techniques for conservation and management and the effects of bycatch recreational fishing on post release survival of sharks and rays in Tasmania.
- The effects of marine pollution on the reproductive system of temperate reef fish in Patagonia, Argentina.
Publications
- Awruch, C. A. (2013 online). Reproductive Endocrinology in chondrichthyans: the present and the future. General and Comparative Endocrinology. (doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.05.021)
- Waltrick, D., Awruch, C. A. and Simpfendorfer, C. A. (2012). Embryonic diapause in the elasmobranchs. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries. 22, 849-859 (doi: 10.1007/s11160-012-9267-5)
- Awruch, C. A. Frusher, S. D. and Stevens J. D. Barnett, A. (2012). Movement patterns of the draughtboard shark, Cephaloscyllium laticeps (Scyliorhinidae), determined by passive tracking and conventional tagging. Journal of Fish Biology. 80, 1417-1435 (doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03249.x)
- Barnett, A., Braccinni, J. M., Awruch. C. A. and Ebert, D. A. (2012). An overview on the role of Hexanchiformes in marine ecosystems: biology, ecology and conservation status of a primitive order of modern sharks. Journal of Fish Biology 80, 966-990 (doi:10.1111/j.1095- 649.2012.03242.x)
- Awruch, C. A., Simpfendorfer, C. and Pankhurst, N. W. (2011). Evaluation and use of a portable field kit for measuring whole-blood lactate in sharks. Marine and Freshwater Research 62: 694-699 (doi: 10.1071/MF10149)
- Awruch, C. A., Pankhurst, N. W., Frusher, S. D. and Stevens J. D. (2009). Reproductive seasonality and embryo development of the draughtboard shark Cephaloscyllium laticeps. Marine and Freshwater Research 60: 1265-1272 (doi: 10.1071/MF09030)
- Awruch, C. A., Pankhurst, N. W., Frusher, S. D. and Stevens J. D. (2008) Endocrine and morphological correlates of reproduction in the draughtboard shark Cephaloscylium laticeps (Elasmobranchii: Scyliorhinidae). Journal of Experimental Zoology 309A: 184-197 (doi: 10.1002/jez.448)
- Awruch, C. A., Frusher S. D., Pankhurst N.W and Stevens, J.D. (2008). Non-lethal assessment of reproductive parameters for the management and conservation of sharks. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 355:277-285 (doi:3354/meps07227)
- Awruch, C., Lo Nostro, F, Somoza, G., and Di Gic006fmo E. (2008). Aspects of the reproductive biology of angel shark, Squatina guggenheim (Elasmobranchii, Squatinidae) from Patagonian waters in Argentina. Ciencias Marinas 34(1): 17-28
View more on Dr Cynthia Awruch in WARP
Fields of Research
- Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) (310305)
- Conservation and biodiversity (410401)
- Fisheries management (300505)
- Animal physiology - systems (310910)
- Animal developmental and reproductive biology (310903)
- Animal physiological ecology (310907)
- Fish physiology and genetics (300504)
- Fisheries sciences (300599)
- Population ecology (310307)
- Behavioural ecology (310301)
- Vertebrate biology (310914)
- Animal physiology - cell (310909)
- Zoology (310999)
- Biological adaptation (310403)
- Pollution and contamination (410599)
- Pattern recognition (460308)
- Genetics (310599)
- Aquaculture and fisheries stock assessment (300502)
Research Objectives
- Marine biodiversity (180504)
- Assessment and management of terrestrial ecosystems (180601)
- Fisheries - wild caught (100399)
- Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences (280102)
- Rehabilitation or conservation of marine environments (180507)
- Wild caught fin fish (excl. tuna) (100305)
- Marine systems and management (180599)
- Fisheries - recreational freshwater (100301)
- Effects of climate change on Australia (excl. social impacts) (190504)
- Terrestrial biodiversity (180606)
- Expanding knowledge in the agricultural, food and veterinary sciences (280101)
- Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences (280111)
- Coastal or estuarine biodiversity (180203)
Publications
Total publications
38
Journal Article
(23 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Awruch CA, Bell JD, Semmens JM, Lyle JM, 'Life history traits and conservation actions for the Maugean skate (Zearaja maugeana), an endangered species occupying an anthropogenically impacted estuary', Aquatic Conservation, 31, (8) pp. 2178-2192. ISSN 1099-0755 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1002/aqc.3579 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 3 Co-authors: Bell JD; Semmens JM; Lyle JM | |
| 2021 | Walker TI, Day RW, Awruch CA, Bell JD, Braccini JM, et al., 'Ecological vulnerability of the chondrichthyan fauna of southern Australia to the stressors of climate change, fishing and other anthropogenic hazards', Fish and Fisheries, 22, (5) pp. 1105-1135. ISSN 1467-2960 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/faf.12571 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 5 Co-authors: Bell JD | |
| 2020 | Sueiro MC, Awruch C, Gilardoni C, Demetrio M, Palacios MG, 'Immunity and health of two wild marine fishes naturally exposed to anthropogenic pollution', Science of the Total Environment, 726 Article 138303. ISSN 0048-9697 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138303 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 7Web of Science - 7 | |
| 2019 | Awruch CA, Somoza GM, Baldock C, 'Chondrichthyan research in South America: endocrinology overview and research trends over 50 years (1967-2016) compared to the rest of the world', General and Comparative Endocrinology, 273 pp. 118-133. ISSN 0016-6480 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.06.005 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 5 Co-authors: Baldock C | |
| 2019 | Barnett A, McAllister JD, Semmens J, Abrantes K, Sheaves M, et al., 'Identification of essential habitats: including chimaeras into current shark protected areas', Aquatic Conservation, 29, (6) pp. 865-880. ISSN 1052-7613 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1002/aqc.3087 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 5 Co-authors: McAllister JD; Semmens J | |
| 2019 | Elisio M, Awruch CA, Massa AM, Macchi GJ, Somoza GM, 'Effects of temperature on the reproductive physiology of female elasmobranchs: the case of the narrownose smooth-hound shark (Mustelus schmitti)', General and Comparative Endocrinology, 284 Article 113242. ISSN 0016-6480 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113242 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 14Web of Science - 13 | |
| 2018 | Irigoyen AJ, De Wysiecki AM, Trobbiani G, Bovcon N, Awruch CA, et al., 'Habitat use, seasonality and demography of an apex predator: sevengill shark Notorynchus cepedianus in northern Patagonia', Marine Ecology - Progress Series, 603 pp. 147-160. ISSN 0171-8630 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3354/meps12715 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 13Web of Science - 11 | |
| 2018 | Sueiro MC, Awruch CA, Irigoyen AJ, Argemi F, Palacios MG, 'Seasonality of immunological and health-state parameters of wild broadnose sevengill shark, Notorynchus cepedianus', Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, 92, (1) pp. 24-36. ISSN 1522-2152 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1086/700573 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 3Web of Science - 2 | |
| 2018 | Wosnik N, Awruch CA, Adams KR, Gutierre SMM, Bornatowski H, et al., 'Impacts of fisheries on elasmobranch reproduction: high rates of abortion and subsequent maternal mortality in the shortnose guitarfish', Animal Conservation pp. 1-9. ISSN 1367-9430 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/acv.12458 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 11Web of Science - 16 | |
| 2017 | Guida L, Awruch C, Walker TI, Reina RD, 'Prenatal stress from trawl capture affects mothers and neonates: a case study using the southern fiddler ray (Trygonorrhina dumerilii)', Scientific Reports, (7) Article 46300. ISSN 2045-2322 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1038/srep46300 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 20Web of Science - 19 | |
| 2017 | Waltrick DS, Simpfendorfer CA, Awruch CA, 'A review on the morphology of ovarian follicles in elasmobranchs: A case study in Rhizoprionodon taylori', Journal of Morphology, 278, (4) pp. 486-499. ISSN 0362-2525 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20644 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 5 | |
| 2015 | Awruch CA, '7 - Reproduction strategies', Fish Physiology, 34, (Part A) pp. 255-310. ISSN 1546-5098 (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-801289-5.00007-9 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 18 | |
| 2014 | Awruch CA, Jones SM, Garcia Asorey M, Barnett A, 'Non-lethal assessment of the reproductive status of broadnose sevengill sharks (Notorynchus cepedianus) to determine the significance of habitat use in coastal areas', Conservation Physiology, 2, (1) Article 013. ISSN 2051-1434 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cou013 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 25Web of Science - 21 Co-authors: Jones SM; Barnett A | |
| 2014 | Waltrick D, Jones SM, Simpfendorfer CA, Awruch CA, 'Endocrine control of embryonic diapause in the Australian sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon taylori', PLoS One, 9, (7) Article e101234. ISSN 1932-6203 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101234 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 18Web of Science - 16 Co-authors: Jones SM | |
| 2013 | Awruch CA, 'Reproductive endocrinology in chondrichthyans: The present and the future', General and Comparative Endocrinology, 192 pp. 60-70. ISSN 0016-6480 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.05.021 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 45Web of Science - 41 | |
| 2013 | Barnett A, Yick JL, Abrantes KG, Awruch CA, 'Trophic ecology of an abundant predator and its relationship with fisheries', Marine Ecology - Progress Series, 494 pp. 241-248. ISSN 0171-8630 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3354/meps10577 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 4Web of Science - 3 | |
| 2012 | Awruch CA, Frusher SD, Stevens JD, Barnett A, 'Movement patterns of the draughtboard shark Cephaloscyllium laticeps (Scyliorhinidae) determined by passive tracking and conventional tagging', Journal of Fish Biology, 80, (5) pp. 1417-1435. ISSN 0022-1112 (2012) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03249.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 8Web of Science - 8 Co-authors: Frusher SD; Barnett A | |
| 2012 | Barnett A, Braccini JM, Awruch CA, Ebert DA, 'An overview on the role of Hexanchiformes in marine ecosystems: biology, ecology and conservation status of a primitive order of modern sharks', Journal of Fish Biology, 80, (5) pp. 966-990. ISSN 0022-1112 (2012) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03242.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 48Web of Science - 48 Co-authors: Barnett A | |
| 2012 | Waltrick D, Awruch C, Simpfendorfer C, 'Embryonic diapause in the elasmobranchs', Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 22, (4) pp. 849-859. ISSN 0960-3166 (2012) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11160-012-9267-5 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 26Web of Science - 25 | |
| 2011 | Awruch CA, Simpfendorfer C, Pankhurst NW, 'Evaluation and use of a portable field kit for measuring whole-blood lactate in sharks', Marine and Freshwater Research, 62 pp. 694-699. ISSN 1323-1650 (2011) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/MF10149 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 16Web of Science - 15 | |
| 2009 | Awruch CA, Pankhurst NW, Frusher SD, Stevens JD, 'Reproductive seasonality and embryo development in the draughtboard shark Cephaloscyllium laticeps', Marine and Freshwater Research, 60, (12) pp. 1265-1272. ISSN 1323-1650 (2009) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/MF09030 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 17Web of Science - 11 Co-authors: Frusher SD | |
| 2008 | Awruch CA, Frusher SD, Pankhurst NW, Stevens JD, 'Non-lethal assessment of reproductive characteristics for management and conservations of sharks', Marine Ecology Progress Series, 355, (25 February) pp. 277-285. ISSN 0171-8630 (2008) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3354/meps07227 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 35Web of Science - 31 Co-authors: Frusher SD | |
| 2008 | Awruch CA, Pankhurst NW, Frusher SD, Stevens JD, 'Endocrine and morphological correlates of reproduction in the draughtboard shark Cephaloscyllium laticeps (Elasmobranchii: Scyliorhinidae)', Journal of Experimental Zoology, 309A, (4) pp. 184-197. ISSN 1932-5223 (2008) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1002/jez.445 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 38Web of Science - 35 Co-authors: Frusher SD |
Chapter in Book
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Holmes BJ, Williams SM, Barnett A, Awruch CA, Currey-Randall LM, et al., 'Research methods for marine and estuarine fishes', Wildlife Research in Australia: Practical and Applied Methods, CSIRO Publishing, B Smith, H Waudby, C Alberthsen and J Hampton (ed), Australia, pp. 257-282. ISBN 9781486313440 (2022) [Research Book Chapter] DOI: 10.1071/9781486313457 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Barnett A; Tracey SR |
Conference Publication
(10 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Awruch CA, 'Non-lethal methods employed to study the reproductive biology of elasmobranchs', Sociedade Brasileira para o Estudo de Elasmobranquios (SBEEL) VII meeting, 2011, Rio Grande do Sul. Brazil (2011) [Keynote Presentation] | |
| 2011 | De Faria F, Sutton S, Simpfendorfer C, Tobin R, Awruch CA, 'Effects of recreational fishing on sharks in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park', Oceania Chondrichthyan Society Conference (OCS), 2011, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia (2011) [Plenary Presentation] | |
| 2011 | De Faria F, Sutton S, Simpfendorfer C, Tobin R, Awruch CA, 'Effects of recreational fishing on sharks in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park', Australia Society for Fish Biology (ASFB) Annual Conference, 2011, Townville, Australia (2011) [Plenary Presentation] | |
| 2011 | De Faria F, Sutton S, Simpfendorfer C, Tobin R, Awruch CA, 'Effects of recreational fishing on sharks in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park', 6th World Recreational Fishing Conference, 2011, Berlin, Germany (2011) [Plenary Presentation] | |
| 2011 | Jones SM, Awruch CA, 'Steroid production by maternal and embryonic tissues in a viviparous lizard demonstrate the potential for embryo-maternal signaling', ICCPB2011, 31 May - 5 June 2011, Nagoya Congress Center, Japan (2011) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Jones SM | |
| 2011 | Jones SM, Awruch CA, 'Steroid production by maternal and embryonic, issues in a viviparous lizard demonstrate the potential for embryo-maternal signalling', International Conference of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry (ICCPB), 2011, Nagoya, Japan (2011) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Jones SM | |
| 2011 | Waltrick D, Awruch CA, Simpfendorfer CA, 'The role of corpora lutea in the control of embryonic diapause in the Australian sharpnose shark', Oceania Chondrichthyan Society Conference (OCS), 2011, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia (2011) [Plenary Presentation] | |
| 2005 | Awruch CA, Frusher SD, Stevens J, Semmens JM, 'Movement patterns of the draughtboard shark (Cephaloscyllium laticeps) combining acoustic telemetry and conventional tagging information', Program and Book of Abstracts, June 2005, Sesimbra, Portugal, pp. 122. (2005) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Frusher SD; Semmens JM | |
| 2004 | Awruch CA, Frusher SD, Steven J, 'Movement patterns of the draughtboard shark (Cephaloscyllium laticeps) using acoustic telemetry and conventional tagging', ASFB2004 Conference Official Program, 19-24 September 2004, Adelaide, Australia, pp. 25. (2004) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Frusher SD | |
| 2004 | Awruch CA, Frusher SD, Stevens J, 'Conventional and acoustic tagging studies on the draughtboard shark (Cephaloscyllium laticeps) in a scientific reserve in Tasmania', AMSA Program and Abstracts, 6-9 July 2004, Hobart, Tasmania, pp. 15. (2004) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Frusher SD |
Contract Report, Consultant's Report
(2 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Bell J, Lyle J, Semmens J, Awruch C, Moreno DA, et al., 'Movement, habitat utilisation and population status of the endangered Maugean skate and implications for fishing and aquaculture operations in Macquarie Harbour', Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Hobart, Tasmania, 2013/008 (2016) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Bell J; Lyle J; Semmens J; Moreno DA; Currie S; Morash A; Ross J; Barrett N | |
| 2011 | Awruch CA, White W, 'Shark Specialist Group Red list assessment Report (Species: Dipturus queenslandicus, Irolita westraliensis, Okamejei arafurensis, Squalus nasutus)', IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2011) [Consultants Report] |
Entry
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Awruch CA, 'Chondrichthyes (Sharks, Rays, Skates and Chimaeras)', Encyclopedia of Reproduction, MK Skinner (ed), United States, 6, pp. 554-559 (2018) [Entry] DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-809633-8.20603-1 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2 |
Other Public Output
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Walker T, Stevens J, Braccini M, Daley R, Huveneers C, et al., 'Rapid assessment of sustainablity for ecological risk of shark and other chondrichthyan bycatch species taken on the southern and eastern scalefish and shark fishery', FRDC Report 2002/033, Victoria (2008) [Report Other] Co-authors: Bell JD; Treloar MA |
Grants & Funding
Funding Summary
Number of grants
8
Total funding
$246,670
Projects
Post-release survival of skates in the Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) Patagonian Toothfish longline fishery. (2024)$15,417
- Description
- This grant will fund the analysis of frozen skate blood samples collected on a fishing voyage to Heard Island in March-June 2023. These blood samples are part of a larger collaborative work with researchers of the Natural History Museum of Paris on the subject of skate bycatch on the Kerguelen plateau. The larger project aims to quantify post release survival of skates through tag data and assess capture related stress through condition assessments and blood work. The analysis of frozen plasma samples includes Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) on targeted hormones and metabolites, and measure of Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) through ELISA. These will complete earlier lab tests performed on the vessel to better understand capture related stress of skates caught in deep set demersal longlines in the Southern Ocean.
- Funding
- Monash University ($15,417)
- Scheme
- Grant - Australian-French Antarctic Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Tracey S; Cleeland J; Awruch CA; Appert CL
- Year
- 2024
The reproductive health of the endangered Maugean skate: steps towards conservation (2023)$48,302
- Description
- The Maugean skate, Zearaja maugeana, is an Australian species endemic to one isolated western Tasmanian estuary, theonly remaining stronghold for the species. Based on their limited geographic range and decreasing population size, the species is listed as endangered.The species' habitat is a highly anthropogenically impacted system. One of the main effects of marine contamination is the failure of the reproductivesystem. Reproduction is the primary requirement for successful propagation of any species, failure to reproduce will result in a major conservationproblem limiting the species capacity to contribute to future generations. We have already witnessed a decrease in Maugean skate populationsize and absence of juvenile individuals, possibly as a result of reproductive failure over the years, placing the species under risk of extinction. We mustunderstand the reproductive capacity and consequent future survival of the species to ensure the implementation of effective conservation plans
- Funding
- Save our Seas Foundation ($48,302)
- Scheme
- Grant-Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Awruch CA; Moreno DA; Semmens JM
- Year
- 2023
The effects of anthropogenic stressors on the reproductive function of chondrichthyans (2022)$5,950
- Description
- Chondrichthyans (sharks, rays, skates, and chimaeras) are among the most threatened marine groups experiencing widespread population declines, (32.6%) species are threatened with extinction. This group is exceptionally vulnerable to anthropogenic stressors due to their conservative life histories and reproductive strategies. However, there is scarce information on the reproductive consequences of these interactions despite increasing anthropogenic pressure on marine environments. Reproduction is the most important life history characteristic in any organism as the primary requirement for successful propagation of any species is the availability to reproduce and contribute to future generations. It is critical to understand the effects of anthropogenic stressors on the reproductive success of chondrichthyan species if they are to be managed and their biodiversity conserved. My project will evaluate the reproductive health of chondrichthyans exposed to environmental contamination, nutritional stress, and habitat degradation due to increased nutrient loadings from overuse and development of the local coastal environment in Tasmania (Australia).
- Funding
- Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment ($5,950)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Moreno DA; Awruch CA; Davies-Knight M; Semmens JM
- Year
- 2022
Towards conservation of the vulnerable Melbourne Skate: Assessing life-history and reproductive behaviour (2021)$2,000
- Description
- Given that large skate species are more prone to local extinction compared to smaller species, coupled with the already observed population declines, its high susceptibility to fishing pressure, and the lack of biological and ecological information, the large Melbourne skate may be particularly vulnerable to local extinction. As such, this project is important, as it addresses this lack of information to provide a starting point for conservation efforts for this vulnerable species. Specifically, we aim to define the species' (i) life history (age, growth, and reproduction), (ii) distribution and abundance in south-east Australia, (iii) population productivity, (iv) use of inshore protected areas, (v) candidate egg laying and nursery grounds and (vi) extinction risk and make this information available to resource managers.
- Funding
- Oceania Chondrichthyan Society ($2,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-Student Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Semmens JM; Moreno DA; Awruch CA; McAllister JD; Woolley BK
- Year
- 2021
Towards conservation of the vulnerable Melbourne Skate: Assessing life-history and reproductive behaviour (2021 - 2023)$21,375
- Description
- Given that large skate species are more prone to local extinction compared to smaller species, coupled with the already observed population declines, its high susceptibility to fishing pressure, and the lack of biological and ecological information, the large Melbourne skate may be particularly vulnerable to local extinction. As such, this project is important, as it addresses this lack of information to provide a starting point for conservation efforts for this vulnerable species. Specifically, we aim to define the species' (i) life history (age, growth, and reproduction), (ii) distribution and abundance in south-east Australia, (iii) population productivity, (iv) use of inshore protected areas, (v) candidate egg laying and nursery grounds and (vi) extinction risk and make this information available to resource managers.
- Funding
- Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment ($21,375)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Semmens JM; Moreno DA; Awruch CA; McAllister JD; Woolley BK
- Period
- 2021 - 2023
Life-history and reproductive behaviour of the vulnerable Melbourne skate to inform fisheries management and conservation (2020 - 2022)$42,626
- Description
- Given its large body-size, with Dulvy and Reynolds (2002, Cons Biol 16:440) finding that skate species that have suffered local extinction have large body sizes compared with all other skates, coupled with the already observed population declines, its high susceptibility fishing pressure and the virtual complete lack of biological and ecological information, the Melbourne skate may be particularly vulnerable to local extinction. As such, this project aims to address this lack of vital information available in order to guide conservation efforts for this vulnerable species. Specifically, we aim to define the species' (i) life history (age, growth and reproduction), (ii) distribution and abundance in south-east Australia, (iii) population productivity, (iv) use of inshore protected areas, (v) candidate egg laying and nursery grounds and (vi) extinction risk.
- Funding
- Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation Inc ($42,626)
- Scheme
- Grant-Research Project
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Semmens JM; Lyle JM; Awruch CA; Rizzari J
- Period
- 2020 - 2022
Stressed out: evaluating stress in sharks, implications for conservation and management (2013)$70,300
- Description
- This project aims to use ethically acceptable non-destructive methods to address stress and post-release survival in sharks. The ability to identify the fate of released sharks is therefore important in understanding how the release of sharks will benefit conservation efforts.
- Funding
- Winifred Violet Scott Charitable Trust ($70,300)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Awruch CA; Barnett A
- Year
- 2013
Developing non-destructive sampling methods for the conservation and management of chondrickthlyans (2008)$40,700
- Funding
- Winifred Violet Scott Charitable Trust ($40,700)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Awruch CA; Jones SM; Stevens J; Frusher SD
- Year
- 2008
Research Supervision
Current
3
Current
| Degree | Title | Commenced |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | Towards Conservation of the Vulnerable Melbourne Skate (Spiniraja whitleyi): Assessing lifehistory and reproductive behaviour to inform fisheries management and conservation | 2020 |
| PhD | Reproductive impairments in Chondrichthyans: A neglected problem critical for future population success | 2022 |
| PhD | Post-Release Fate of Antarctic skates | 2023 |