JCU Barramundi Research

James Cook University is currently running a research project involving tracking the movements of several large Barramundi in Cleavland Bay. Recently 25 large Barramundi (around the magic meter mark) were released into the salt water below Aplin's Weir. These fish had a special acoustic tracker inserted into the abdomen and have been tagged with a special green external tag. More fish are expected to be tagged in the next few months.

If a fish with a green tag is caught anglers are urged to record the tag number, release the fish in good condition and call the fish tagging hotline (07 4781 5973) to report the tag number, date, time and location of capture.

If you want to keep the fish, the researchers would like you to report the capture information to the hotline and return the transmitter. A small reward available for tag recaptures and the transmitters can then be re-deployed in other barramundi. These transmitters are worth a considerable amount of money and should be returned to JCU as soon as possible

Information about captured and released fish helps reveal how well the tracking system is working. This information will be valuable to ensuring accurate results are collected.

Contact: Amos Mapleston 4781 5253 or Michelle Heupel 4781 4519

More information can be found here.