NESP MaC Project 3.14: Black Rockcod Abundance and Size Surveys, 2009-2024

New South Wales and Lord Howe Island reefs were surveyed by divers in 2023-2024 to monitor the vulnerable black rockcod (Epinephelus daemelii). The project extended a monitoring program begun in 2009-2011, contributing to a 15-year time series on abundance, size structure, and habitat. Data outputs include underwater visual census data and a final project report from the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub.

Use Cases

• Assessing population recovery trends based on the 15-year time series of abundance and occupancy data
• Evaluating sanctuary zone effectiveness by comparing fish size and abundance inside and outside no-take zones
• Modeling habitat associations and spatial distribution based on recorded habitat and depth variables
• Supporting species status reassessment with long-term evidence on population trends

Strengths

• Provides a 15-year time series (2009-2024) on key population metrics
• Includes data from repeated surveys across northern NSW and Lord Howe Island, extending a baseline from 2009-2011
• Survey methods incorporated stereo-video for fish length estimation and built local field capability through Indigenous engagement

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment
• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download

Provenance

Source

NESP Marine and Coastal Hub, Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Diver surveys using underwater visual census, photography, filming, and stereo-video to estimate fish lengths and record habitat.

Time Range

2009-2024, with specific survey repetition in 2023-2024

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-13 19:59:13.696914; freshness should be verified

Geography

Reef sites along the coast of New South Wales, Australia, including Lord Howe Island