Yellowtail Kingfish Tracking Initiative
Yellowtail Kingfish Population Recovery
Yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi ) have made a resurgence in Victorian waters since their decline in the early 1990s. As a result, the targeting of yellowtail kingfish has gained popularity across Victoria since around 2010, and they are once again considered an exciting alternative catch to snapper, whiting, squid, and flathead.To ensure the effective conservation and management of the species, it is important to have a strong understanding of residency and movement patterns. These patterns are influenced by various ecological and environmental factors including prey availability and regional oceanography.
From Tagging to Policy
However, knowledge about the movement, connectivity, and residence time of Yellowtail Kingfish in Victorian waters—especially during the winter months—remains limited.To address this research gap, a collaborative effort has been launched involving Deakin University, recreational fishers, the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), and several interstate universities. This study utilizes acoustic and satellite tagging technologies to identify movement hotspots and habitat use, assess the connectivity between Victorian and interstate fisheries, and investigate the timing and periodicity of their migratory movements during winter.
From Tagging to Policy
However, knowledge about the movement, connectivity, and residence time of Yellowtail Kingfish in Victorian waters—especially during the winter months—remains limited.To address this research gap, a collaborative effort has been launched involving Deakin University, recreational fishers, the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), and several interstate universities. This study utilizes acoustic and satellite tagging technologies to identify movement hotspots and habitat use, assess the connectivity between Victorian and interstate fisheries, and investigate the timing and periodicity of their migratory movements during winter.
KANAMA Smart Bait’s Role in Advancing Research Progress
Efficiently capturing Yellowtail Kingfish was a major challenge in this study, as traditional baiting methods had low success rates and required significant time, increasing logistical complexity and costs.To address this, the research team collaborated with KANAMA to test the effectiveness of smart bait technology. As part of its support, KANAMA provided smart bait, helping to streamline the research process. Experimental results showed that this technology significantly improved capture efficiency and reduced the time required to catch fish.With this technological support, the research team achieved their objectives in a shorter time while optimizing research costs and resource allocation. These findings not only benefited the current study but also provided valuable insights for future research in fisheries science.
Impact and Future Implications
This research will strengthen our understanding of Yellowtail Kingfish migration and habitat preferences in Victorian waters, ultimately supporting the long-term sustainability of the species. Additionally, it provides valuable insights for recreational fishers, enabling them to optimize their fishing strategies and enhance their overall fishing experience.Collaborators & FundingCollaborators:
✦ Recreational fishers, ✦ Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA),
✦ Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC),
✦ Deakin University, ✦ Flinders University,
✦ University of Tasmania, ✦ Sydney Institute for Marine Science, ✦ Macquarie University,
✦ NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI)，
✦ KANAMA.
Impact and Future Implications
This research will strengthen our understanding of Yellowtail Kingfish migration and habitat preferences in Victorian waters, ultimately supporting the long-term sustainability of the species. Additionally, it provides valuable insights for recreational fishers, enabling them to optimize their fishing strategies and enhance their overall fishing experience.Collaborators & FundingCollaborators:
✦Recreational fishers,
✦Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA),
✦Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC),
✦Deakin University,
✦Flinders University,
✦University of Tasmania,
✦Sydney Institute for Marine Science,
✦Macquarie University,
✦NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI)，
✦KANAMA.
Kanama in Action.
Live Tracking
Application of Acoustic Tagging
Satellite Tagging Data Analysis
Winter Migration Pattern Study
Interstate Fishery Connectivity Analysis
Get Involved
Get Involved
