Before you download
Some documents are available as PDF files. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view the PDF file.
If you are unable to access a publication, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window
Determining feasibility of acoustic tag attachment and documenting short-term movements in Pristis zijsron Bleeker, 1851
S. Peverell and R. Pillans
Queensland Department of Primary Industries, 2004
PDF file
About the report
A female Pristis zijsron was tracked for 27 h in the Port Musgrave estuary using an ultrasonic tracking tag and depth recorder, both of which were recovered after 27 hours, leaving the animal unharmed. This represents the first track of a sawfish in Australia and provides important data on habitat usage for the management and conservation of sawfish within Australia. Overall, the sawfish moved 28 714 m at an average speed of 28.4 m.min-1 and was at all times within 200 m of the shoreline in very shallow water. Average water depth was 0.69 m. During the day, the sawfish was in slightly deeper water (0.84 m) compared to the night (0.48 m). These observations were most likely attributed to the tidal cycle during the time of the study or a combination of tidal cycle and diurnal preferences. The conservation and management implication of these data as well as the use of these data for future research into the movement and habitat requirements of sawfish are discussed.