The goal of research in the fishery is to achieve a full understanding of the dimension and nature of stock levels. An understanding of the status of the stock allows quotas to be fine-tuned to stock levels. The provision of catch and fishing effort data by fishers is a requirement of a pearling licence. Since this is a quota fishery, monitoring is strict. Catch details are given using blocks of 10 x 10 nautical miles, then in sub-blocks of 5 x 5 nautical miles, to allow accurate analysis of oyster distribution, which is often patchy by nature. Information is recorded for each dive during the season and forms the basis of management strategies for the fishery. Research is conducted by both Government and industry. Current research by Fisheries Western Australia is examining the status of the breeding or ‘MOP'(mother-of-pearl) stocks. This includes stock surveys, natural mortality experiments, and estimation of fecundity in these stocks. Research during the 1980s was directed toward establishing techniques for breeding pearl oysters in captivity. This was successful and there are now several pearl oyster hatcheries in WA. Following this, growth rates and recruitment were examined and the Department of Fisheries is now undertaking trials of a spat collection program (in conjunction with industry), in order to obtain annual measures of recruitment. Industry research is mainly focused on improving pearl quality and improving diver safety. A the Department of Fisheries program during 1995-97 studied growth of pearl oysters across the three zones of the fishery and attempted to establish a measure of recruitment within the fishery. | 