Holothuria and Trochus surveys of Ashmore, Cartier and Mermaid Reefs

Surveys of Holothurians and Trochus were conducted at Ashmore, Cartier and Mermaid Reefs to assess the impact of Indonesian fishing pressure on the natural stocks of these organisms. The project supported by an external organisation, began in October 2000 with the initial survey of Ashmore Reef. Cartier Reef was then surveyed in November 2001. Both Cartier and Ashmore Reefs were resurveyed in May 2003. Mermaid Reef was surveyed in June 2003 to provide some control reference for relatively undisturbed populations of Trochus and Holothuria.