AFNC TEAM DISCOVERS NEW SPECIES OF ANTHIAS

In September 2013 AFNC divers have discovered and collected a new species of anthias. It is currently being discribed. They dwell in schools in deep water and have vibrant colors.They feed on plankton higher up in the water column. Males have a longer spine on their dorsal fin, beautiful looking. (in situ photo by Patrick Plantard)

AFNC HELPS DEVELOP CORAL FARMS IN PNG

April 2012, in collaboration with the local fisheries authority and James Cook University of Australia AFNC assists PNG marine station in Kavieng in developing coral fragging project for aquaculture diversification. One can see Acropora frags ready to be transfered to ocean grow out on the photo.

MAINTAINING FISH AGREGATION DEVICES IN NEW CAL WATERS

AFNC team is under contract with the fisheries service since 2012 to replace and maintain FADs in NC waters, somewhat a change from coral reef fish! We have great encounters at FADs such as mahi mahi, tuna and recently a 100KG blue marlin.

AQUARIUM FISH TEAM COLLECTS GROUPER BROODSTOCK FOR AQUACULTURE

Since 2011, in collaboration with ADECAL, AFNC divers have assisted in the collection of barramundi cod (Cromileptes altivelis) broodstock for an aquaculture project in Kone. There was two target species, barramundi cods and red emperors. ADECAL and AFNC have developped methods to succesfully collect those fish in the best possible condition. Over 40 fish were collected in a 2 years period to constitute brood stock for breeding project in Kone.