What is OzFishNet?

OzFishNet is a consortium of collection-based Australian ichthyologists formed to promote research, data access and other issues of mutual interest. This group comprises the leading ichthyologists of Australia based in each of the state museums and CSIRO. In essence OzFishNet is the virtual national fish museum of Australia.

This group formalises the traditionally good working relationship and cooperation among Australian fish systematists. Working as a group provides the advantage of increased likelihood of support for fish research, especially taxonomic and biodiversity research on Australian fishes.

http://www.austmus.gov.au/fishes/ozfishnet/index.htm

OzFishNet participants are currently involved in the following areas of investigation:

1. Description of new Australian fish species
Many species of Australian fishes are currently undescribed. In the following two years, OZFishNet participants, along with overseas systematists, will be publishing descriptions of various new Australian fish species in the Records of the Australian Museum.

2. Fish bioregionalisation studies of Australian coastal and deep waters
OzFishNet has been involved in two Commonwealth funded projects investigating the biogeographical relationships of coastal Australia. Using data held in Museum collection databases and in fisheries organisations, along with literature records, participants have investigated coastal and continental shelf environments. A third bioregionalisation project is currently underway investigating Australia's deepwater slope environments.

3. Biodiversity survey of deepwater areas in the Tasman Sea
In 2003, OzFishNet participants, in conjunction with New Zealand colleagues, will undertake a biodiversity survey of the seamount areas on the Lord Howe and Norfolk Ridges in the Tasman Sea.

4. Fishes of Australia
A long term goal of OzFishNet is to produce a guide to the estimated 4500 species of fishes which occur in Australian waters.