What we're up to 

• Ongoing in 2026: The F&F lab continue their work on the PADI AWARE Global Shark and Ray Census project. Read the project overview HERE. 

• September 2026​

  • CNN Science reports on work by Mick Grant with Ganges sharks in Kalimantan featuring photos by Kiesha Lara Venga.

  • The newly published lab paper, Australia’s seafood imports outsource environmental and socioeconomic costs to other nations receives media attention from Australian Associated Press, and featured in Queensland Country Hour. 

• August 2026

  • Building on the sandfish stock assessment delivered by Jon Smart last year, the NT Sea Cucumber Fishery has achieved MSC certification, making it only the second sea cucumber fishery in the world to achieve this internationally recognised certification.

• May 2026

  • Mick Grant and Kiesha Lara Venga head to Borneo conduct Workshop on Conservation Planning for the Ganges Shark (glyphis gangeticus) at the University of Borneo Tarkan.

  • The Fisheries Lab had a strong presence at the Sharks International 2026 conference in Sri Lanka, with 21 lab members attending and delivering 21 presentations showcasing the lab’s latest research and projects.​

• April 2026

  • Eva McClure teaches at the National University of Vanuatu on the subject Coastal, Estuarine and Mangrove Ecosystems. This third year subject is part of the joint JCU-NUV Bachelor of Environmental Science.

• March 2026

  • Caitlin Dudzik presents her preliminary data at the Pacific Seabird Group 2026 Annual Meeting.​

  • Kiesha Lara Venga and Lachlan Robson completed their bachelor's studies; Amaya Berge complete her master's degree; and Melissa Ciampaglia successfully defended her MPhil thesis.

• February 2026

  • The lab welcomes adjunct research fellows Hollie Booth, Elisabeth Fahrni Mansur, and Samantha Craven.

• January 2026

  • The lab welcomes masters students Jazzy Barzin, Olivia Szyszkiewicz, Riley Benson, Kerry Brown, Emily Clark, and honours student Lachlan Robson to the lab.

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