Critical Knowledge Gaps: Estimating Potential Maximum Cumulative Anthropogenic Mortality Limits Of Key Marine Mammal Species To Inform Management
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$74,713.00
Summary
Management and mitigation of the bycatch of protected species is required under the EPBC Act and the Fisheries Act. Bycatch trigger limits provide a framework to manage marine mammal bycatch rates and are used by AFMA in the management of the SPF and in the gillnet sector of the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF). The setting of trigger limits requires quantitative information on population size to ensure that the impact of fishing mortality does not negatively affect popul ....Management and mitigation of the bycatch of protected species is required under the EPBC Act and the Fisheries Act. Bycatch trigger limits provide a framework to manage marine mammal bycatch rates and are used by AFMA in the management of the SPF and in the gillnet sector of the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF). The setting of trigger limits requires quantitative information on population size to ensure that the impact of fishing mortality does not negatively affect population status.
Robust population estimates do not exist for most marine mammal species in Australian waters and are particularly limited for cetaceans and there is also limited to no information on the distribution and population structure of these species. Bycatch trigger limits need to consider the smallest population unit to ensure that levels of anthropogenic mortality are sustainable.
Where data are sparse, it can be difficult to reach consensus between different stakeholder groups on the validity of management measures, particularly in relation to trigger limits. By eliciting expert knowledge through a formally structured system, a transparent process of evaluating and synthesising current data and quantifying the uncertainty around proposed bycatch trigger limits is available for managers and can be used to build industry and stakeholder support. This is particularly important when considering the management of bycatch impacts on populations that interact with a number of different jurisdictions.
Objectives: 1. Collate and synthesise all available data on the distribution, abundance and population structure of key marine mammal species that overlap with the area of the SPF. 2. Convene an Expert workshop to “review current information available to inform the establishment of trigger limits for key marine mammal species (especially the short-beaked common dolphin, Australian fur seals and long-nosed fur seal).” 3. Report on the outcomes of this workshop and present the results of PBR analysis for short-beaked common dolphins and seals , based on available data, expert opinion and a precautionary approach. 4. Identify knowledge gaps and research needs to improve quantitative robustness of PBR of each species. Read moreRead less
Analysis Of Historical Sea Urchin Research For Improved Management Of Nearshore Fisheries In New South Wales
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$107,000.00
Summary
The creation, persistence, and demise of sea urchin barrens is the most significant ecological dynamic on southeast Australian rocky reefs. Sea urchin barrens cover ca. 50% of nearshore reefs in NSW and have rapidly grown in Tasmania and far eastern Victoria. The creation and/or persistence of barrens has devastating impacts on a range of commercial and recreational fisheries, most notably abalone.
Managing fisheries to deliver societal benefits within the ecological regime driven by s ....The creation, persistence, and demise of sea urchin barrens is the most significant ecological dynamic on southeast Australian rocky reefs. Sea urchin barrens cover ca. 50% of nearshore reefs in NSW and have rapidly grown in Tasmania and far eastern Victoria. The creation and/or persistence of barrens has devastating impacts on a range of commercial and recreational fisheries, most notably abalone.
Managing fisheries to deliver societal benefits within the ecological regime driven by sea urchins presents a profound challenge. Dynamics external to the fishery are very influential and challenge classical fisheries governance paradigms. Overlayed on these ecological challenges are diverse stakeholders that have different visions for nearshore reefs and therefore the definitions of success.
New management objectives will be required, some of which will mean manipulating ecosystems and human behaviours to avoid thresholds in ecological variables in, among other species, sea urchin abundance, rather than optimizing yields in a classical fisheries sense. New institutional relationships will be required among policy makers, Indigenous groups, conservationists, and the fishing industry as they grapple with potential alternative futures for these reefs.
Considerable momentum is emerging in NSW to engage with this wicked problem. A unique opportunity exists to re-imagine the management of NSW reefs; to design a management regime in which all stakeholders have a place at the table. Fundamental to developing common purpose among diverse stakeholders will be a shared and scientifically informed understanding of the underlying ecology of reefs. This understanding will enable and promote the design for a spatial regime that serves multiple management and cultural objectives.
Achieving that shared understanding is hampered by the unavailability of scientific studies of the fisheries and ecology of sea urchins in southeast Australia. There is an urgent need to bring the comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of Centrostephanus on NSW reefs and relevance to fisheries (abalone, sea urchins) into the public domain to contribute more effectively to management.
Objectives: 1. Analyse historical unpublished data on the ecology of Centrostephanus and its interactions with nearshore biota and augment the findings with oral histories of fishers to inform desirable outcomes for nearshore reef management 2. Submit research findings in the primary scientific literature as five papers and share findings with the primary nearshore reef stakeholders in the form of an accessible synthesis of all research findings. 3. Share findings and conclusions with key stakeholders from NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. Read moreRead less
Futures Of Seafood. Wild. Aquaculture. Recreational. Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islanders
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$3,043,500.00
Summary
“Futures of Seafood” is an 18th month multi-disciplinary study co-designed with industry and government. It will draw from existing data, complementary work underway or concluded, and importantly will involve a suite our outputs that can be used by a variety of stakeholders in formats that are fit for purpose.
The study will provide a contemporary description on the state of play of Australia’s seafood system, the supply chain, markets and its reach into communities. It will identify a ....“Futures of Seafood” is an 18th month multi-disciplinary study co-designed with industry and government. It will draw from existing data, complementary work underway or concluded, and importantly will involve a suite our outputs that can be used by a variety of stakeholders in formats that are fit for purpose.
The study will provide a contemporary description on the state of play of Australia’s seafood system, the supply chain, markets and its reach into communities. It will identify and report on trends, insights, forecasts and cumulative impacts that are impacting (positive and negative) the industry. It will include the first in-depth spatial and descriptive profile of the seafood industry by sector and jurisdiction through spatial mapping and productivity reporting since Marine Matters in 2003. Beyond seafood, it will also identify, describe and map other ocean uses (new, emerging and transitioning), including assumptions about current growth plans / policies / rights completed / taken up, looking towards 2040.
Drawing from information collated, the study will include scenario modelling to model and scrutinise the cumulative impacts of these trends and produce associated impact reporting against productivity and sustainability (social, economic, environmental and governance) metrics for a series of ten scenarios.
It will synthesise the study findings, as well as curate across other studies underway or completed, to develop a series of industry-specific assets (reports, tools, frameworks and systems) that aim to improve knowledge and support ongoing participation in the ocean estate policy conversation. This includes supporting priority contemporary frameworks to support transitions to future states and de-risking industry/sectors.
‘Futures of Seafood’ will support a shared understanding of the potential pathways and opportunities that lie ahead for Australia’s seafood stakeholders during this time of rapid change and transformation. It will furthermore provide a foundation for industry, Government and policy makers to make better decisions, navigate changes, and ensure industry and stakeholders are well-equipped to adapt and hopefully flourish in a dynamic environment.
This study and its intended outputs are consistent with and seeks to promote action against local, national, and global strategic initiatives, including those of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, the Biodiversity Framework within the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Paris Declaration, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and associated Forward Faster Initiative.
WORK PACKAGE SUMMARY
In short, this is a novel study that describes, maps and models the spatial, economic and social impacts of Government targets and decisions, provides evidence-based insights and charts a course for Australia’s futures of seafood alongside other ocean uses for the coming 10-15 years.
It will be delivered through a series of four work packages. These are founded on an enduring data collation platform, undertaken by a series of expert commissions and overseen and supported by a strong and inclusive governance framework.
Work Package 1: State of Play • Identify data system to support mapping and describing the current state of the industries/sectors – i.e. locations, GVP, employment, production, jurisdiction input/output. • Identify social and economic values i.e. contribution to regional communities, nutrition + value of supply chain. • Deliver a contemporary description on the building blocks and state of play of Australia's ocean food system, its supply chain and markets alongside the other uses of the ocean estate. • Investigate and report the trends, forecasts and cumulative impacts (positive and negative) on Australia's seafood industry. i.e. Nutritional security; spatial squeeze; working in a changing climate i.e. resilience, adaptation, emergency response; Industry transitions i.e. decarbonisation; Jurisdiction i.e. policy/strategy, production v consumption; Workforce + training; Nature based solutions & investment, sustainable food systems i.e. ESG and sustainability
Work Package 2: Future Estate • Map and overlay impacts of new and emerging transitioning industries in the ocean estate. • Identify and describe the trends, forecasts and cumulative impacts affecting the seafood industry. • Map/measure/describe the implications of trends, forecasts and cumulative impacts of these industries and impacts (positive and negative) on Australia's seafood industry. • Describe other uses of the ocean estate.
Work Package 3: Scenario Modelling • Design and develop tool to test future state scenarios for commercial, recreational and indigenous fishing. • Undertake a series of impact scenario examples: i.e. spatial squeeze/crowded ocean, a changing climate, a regulatory reset, sector case studies and cumulative pressures. • Use the scenarios to deliver impact reporting on productivity, nutrition and sustainability metrics to include: spatial mapping, heat maps, regulatory options, socio-economic attributes, community sentiment, nutrition, consumer and market impacts and opportunities.
Work Package 4: Synthesis • Synthesis of research from WPs into a complete report and communications assets. • Develop a Futures of Seafood Roadmap to navigate the likely impacts of the futures scenarios.
Governance Framework • This collaboration will bring together leaders from industry sectors and government portfolios of agriculture, energy and environment. • A strong and inclusive governance model is proposed to capture the breadth of stakeholders and ensure oversight of the study, strategic relevance and timely input from data and information contributors. • Oversight Committee • Industry + Community Advisory Committee • Government Advisory Committee • WP Technical Teams + Data Management & Communications Teams • Terms of Reference for each committee with be established.
Project Management • This will be supported by a mature project administration system, drawing from the Blue Economy project management system, a governance model and also an independent project evaluator to undertake assurance and integrity of program logic and models.
Objectives: 1. Provide a contemporary description on the state of play of Australia’s seafood system, the supply chain, markets and its reach into communities. 2. Identify the trends, insights, forecasts and cumulative impacts that are impacting (positive and negative) Australia's seafood industry. 3. Provide an in-depth spatial and descriptive profile of the seafood industry by sector and jurisdiction through spatial mapping and productivity reporting. 4. Identify, describe and map other ocean uses (new, emerging and transitioning), including assumptions about current growth plans / policies / rights completed / taken up, looking towards 2040. 5. Develop scenario modelling tools to model these trends and produce associated impact reporting against productivity and sustainability (social, economic, environmental and governance) metrics. 6. Synthesise the research and available to develop industry-specific assets (tools, frameworks and systems) that improve knowledge and support ongoing participation in the ocean estate policy conversation. 7. Progress priority contemporary frameworks to support transitions to future states and de-risking industry/sectors. Read moreRead less
Biology, Management And Genetic Stock Structure Of Mangrove Jack (Lutjanus Argentimaculus) In Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$418,751.00
Summary
Mangrove jack are an essential component of Queensland recreational and commercial fisheries, and one of the icon species for recreational fishers in tropical rivers and estuaries. Community stocking groups are keen to stock mangrove jack to create recreational fisheries in impoundments and to address perceived declines in natural riverine stocks. Despite this, knowledge of the biology of the species is incomplete and a genetic assessment of population structure has never been attempted. The e ....Mangrove jack are an essential component of Queensland recreational and commercial fisheries, and one of the icon species for recreational fishers in tropical rivers and estuaries. Community stocking groups are keen to stock mangrove jack to create recreational fisheries in impoundments and to address perceived declines in natural riverine stocks. Despite this, knowledge of the biology of the species is incomplete and a genetic assessment of population structure has never been attempted. The efficacious management of natural populations of mangrove jack and the future development of effective stocking programs requires information on all aspects of their life cycle, instream habitat requirements, reproduction and maturation, mortality, recruitment into and emigration from river systems. Managers of wild fish species accept that genetically distinct sub-populations of fish may possess novel genetic, physiological, behavioural and other characters that lead to distinct differences in life-history traits including growth rates, fecundity, disease resistance and abundance (Gold and Richardson, 1998). These differences theoretically contribute to the long-term adaptability, survival and resistance to human-induced or other environmental perturbations and can be jeopardised by inappropriate management. It would be imprudent to proceed with the expansion of stocking and aquaculture programs for this species without a comprehensive knowledge of the genetics of the populations. The genetic study will pre-empt potential conflict between management agencies and commercial and recreational interests. Information from the genetic analysis of the species will provide geographic detail for the sustainable use of the resource across State boundaries. Objectives: 1. Investigate the biology of mangrove jack in coastal rivers including habitat preferences, reproduction, recruitment, and movements 2. Determine the genetic stock structure of mangrove jack in Queensland and other parts of their range Read moreRead less
FRDC-DCCEE: Human Adaptation Options To Increase Resilience Of Conservation-dependent Seabirds And Marine Mammals Impacted By Climate Change
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$300,000.00
Summary
Climate change is already impacting species from a range of trophic levels around Australia. In recent years, shifts in species distribution have been documented at a range of lower trophic levels in Australia (Hobday et al 2007), including phytoplankton (Thompson et al 2009), intertidal invertebrates (Pitt et al 2010), and coastal fish (Last et al 2010), and are now underpinning management responses. However, for Australia’s iconic higher trophic level conservation-dependent marine taxa, such a ....Climate change is already impacting species from a range of trophic levels around Australia. In recent years, shifts in species distribution have been documented at a range of lower trophic levels in Australia (Hobday et al 2007), including phytoplankton (Thompson et al 2009), intertidal invertebrates (Pitt et al 2010), and coastal fish (Last et al 2010), and are now underpinning management responses. However, for Australia’s iconic higher trophic level conservation-dependent marine taxa, such as seabirds (and shorebirds) and marine mammals, there is a knowledge gap regarding responses to climate variability and change. These species are protected throughout Australia and in some cases are recovering from previous anthropogenic impacts. Resolution of climate change impacts from other anthropogenic threats is needed for these species, in order to implement appropriate and timely adaptive management responses. Unfortunately, for most species, evidence of responses to environmental variability and the functional processes driving these affects is limited (but see References in Attachment 1). This is seen by managers as a major impediment to ongoing conservation management and planning in the face of climate variability and change. In addition, monitoring approaches for some of these species may also need to be reassessed and modified in order to better detect the impacts of climate change. Efficient ongoing monitoring is also required to allow adaptation responses to be validated. Results from this proposal will support adaptation by researchers undertaking the monitoring and adaptation by managers. Furthermore, options for enhancing the adaptive capacity of species impacted by climate change will fostered as a result of this project. (References provided in Attachment 1). Objectives: 1. Connect researchers, managers and policy makers, to focus on climate-ready monitoring and adaptation options for conservation-dependent seabirds and marine mammals. 2. Link ongoing monitoring programs around Australia for seabirds and marine mammals with relevant wildlife and conservation management agencies. 3. Extract climate signals for selected time series around Australia using cutting-edge statistical approaches. 4. Develop protocols for monitoring impacts of environmental variation on indicator species and develop an indicator suite of spatial and temporal metrics for climate change impacts. 5. Combine the indicator metrics to develop multi-species productivity indicators for Australian regions. 6. Provide practical adaptation guidelines for science and management, including on-ground monitoring protocols Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: A Review Of The Ecological Impacts Of Selected Antibiotics And Antifoulants Currently Used In The Tasmanian Salmonid Farming Industry And Development Of A Research Programme To Evaluate The Environmental Impact Of Selected Treatments.
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$52,560.00
Summary
The Tasmanian salmonid industry has recently been faced with several significant production issues necessitating increased use of antibiotics and antifoulants. The effects of these chemicals on the local ecology and ecosystem function are currently poorly understood and without evidence to the contrary, it is difficult for the industry to refute the perception that such chemicals have a detrimental effect on the environment.
There is a large body of literature regarding the effects of ....The Tasmanian salmonid industry has recently been faced with several significant production issues necessitating increased use of antibiotics and antifoulants. The effects of these chemicals on the local ecology and ecosystem function are currently poorly understood and without evidence to the contrary, it is difficult for the industry to refute the perception that such chemicals have a detrimental effect on the environment.
There is a large body of literature regarding the effects of antibiotics, however the information pertaining to aquaculture is limited. Improvements in husbandry and vaccine development have now all but eliminated the use of antibiotics in aquaculture overseas, consequently there have been few recent aquaculture specific studies, with even fewer studies on ecosystem effects, the available information largely focussing on environmental persistence and antibiotic resistance. However, there is quite a lot of information in the terrestrial livestock and medical areas on the comparative effects of various antibiotics as well as quite a substantial ecotoxicological literature. In contrast there is a substantial local literature on the environmental impacts of antifoulants and heavy metals. There is a need for a targeted review to establish environmental risk factors associated with current antibiotic and antifoulant usage and to develop an appropriate strategy to research and monitor ongoing impacts.
Some data on sediment residue levels for both antibiotics and antifoulants has been collected by the salmon industry in compliance with drug/chemical licensing permit conditions authorities and by the state government in response to concerns regarding antibiotic usage. So far this data has not been collated and has only been subjected to preliminary analysis; a comprehensive evaluation of this data would markedly improve our understanding of current impacts and help to determine what additional information may be required. Objectives: 1. Undertake a review of the international literature and current research to identify the existing state of knowledge regarding the environmental effects of antibiotics and antifoulants currently used or likely to be used in the Tasmanian salmonid farming industry. 2. Analyse local datasets on currently used antibiotics and antifoulants, collected in compliance with current licensing requirements, to determine what additional information is needed (if any) to appropriately evaluate the environmental impact of current management practices. 3. Develop an appropriate and cost effective research proposal to obtain the necessary information to evaluate the impact of current management strategies and design an appropriate ongoing monitoring programme. Read moreRead less
Exploitation Dynamics And Biological Characteristics Of East Coast Spanish Mackerel Harvested By The Recreational And Commercial Sectors
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$163,634.00
Summary
Recent concern regarding the status of east coast Spanish mackerel has been expressed by both commercial and recreational sectors and fisheries biologists. Further, an assessment of the stock status of east coast Spanish mackerel is a very high priority of resource managers. A recent preliminary assessment of the east coast mackerel stock conducted by QDPI suggested high fishing pressure maybe at a limit reference point for the stock. To refine the current assessment and allow for greater certai ....Recent concern regarding the status of east coast Spanish mackerel has been expressed by both commercial and recreational sectors and fisheries biologists. Further, an assessment of the stock status of east coast Spanish mackerel is a very high priority of resource managers. A recent preliminary assessment of the east coast mackerel stock conducted by QDPI suggested high fishing pressure maybe at a limit reference point for the stock. To refine the current assessment and allow for greater certainty of future stock assessment, more fish age data combined with an extensive description of the exploitation dynamics (the methods and gears used by fishers) of the east coast stock are urgently required. A critical need exists for the documentation of the exploitation dynamics and biological characteristics (catch-at-age, catch-at-length and sex ratios) of both the recreational and commercial sectors for the major catch regions of the entire east coast where no data are currently available.
Stock assessment of Queensland Spanish mackerel is core business of the QDPI long-term monitoring program. The opportunity to collaborate and build upon this initiative of QDPI is now available. The data collected by this project collaborated with that of the long-term monitoring project would allow the age data required for stock assessment to be provided with greater certainty. Further, this project will provide data that will expand the current understanding of the exploitation dynamics of the east coast stock. Combining these project outputs with the current knowledge base will allow resource managers to proceed with changes to the current management regime, where they are required, with greater confidence than is currently available. Objectives: 1. Identify the biological characteristics (catch-at-age, catch-at-length and sex ratios) of both recreational and commercial sectors harvesting Spanish mackerel from six distinct regions on Queensland east coast. 2. Compare the biological characteristics of harvested mackerel between sectors and regions. 3. Assess effectiveness of current minimum legal size and level of latent effort present in current recreational bag limits. Advice will be issued to management where applicable. Read moreRead less
Golden Fish: Evaluating And Optimising The Biological, Social And Economic Returns Of Small-scale Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$378,994.00
Summary
Fish and crustacean stocks are under pressure from a range of sources, such as a growing population, increased fishing pressure and anthropogenic changes. These pressures, and the small-scale nature of many fisheries in terms of their economic return, highlight the need to develop cost-effective tools for assessing and valuing these fisheries. Such tools should be able to estimate the social and economic contribution of commercial and recreational fisheries to communities (FRDC 2014/008). Howeve ....Fish and crustacean stocks are under pressure from a range of sources, such as a growing population, increased fishing pressure and anthropogenic changes. These pressures, and the small-scale nature of many fisheries in terms of their economic return, highlight the need to develop cost-effective tools for assessing and valuing these fisheries. Such tools should be able to estimate the social and economic contribution of commercial and recreational fisheries to communities (FRDC 2014/008). However, FRDC 2012/214 has highlighted that ‘poor quality data’ on the economic value of recreational and indigenous fishing limits the development of optimal policies for these fisheries. Advances in aquaculture provide ‘new’ options for managers and the ability to restore or enhance target populations by releasing cultured individuals. Increasing interest from recreational fishers in enhancing fishing experiences and the development of government policies for release programs in WA, NSW and Victoria, combined with the creation of Recreational Fishing Initiatives Funds (RFIF), have focussed attention on restocking/stock enhancement as a potential management option. To maximise the likelihood for success, tools are needed to evaluate the potential effectiveness of any release program in increasing target populations. Combining the results of release program bioeconomic models with social and economic data, such as the increased catch (revenue) generation for commercial fishers and the economic returns and social values of recreational fishing, provides managers with improved decision making abilities based on an understanding of the social and economic implications of those decisions. The ability to assess the social values and economic contributions of fisheries to communities also provides much needed information, particularly on the catch, effort and motivations of recreational fishers, which are currently lacking in WA and can be used in the harvest strategy component of the Marine Stewardship Council certification process and to develop social and economic performance indicators for fisheries (FRDC 2014/008). Recfishwest has committed $100,000 from the WA RFIF to this proposal in recognition of the need for this research. Objectives: 1. Determine the motivations for using a fishery and the beliefs, attitudes and perceived benefits of release programs and other management options. 2. Determine the total economic value of the recreational and commercial sectors of each selected fishery. 3. Investigate the benefits of release programs in contributing to the optimisation of biological, social and economic objectives for those fisheries 4. Training for the next generation of fisheries and social scientists and fishery economists (Honours, PhD students and early-career researchers) and community engagement and education. Read moreRead less
The Impact Of Habitat Loss And Rehabilitation On Recruitment To The NSW Eastern King Prawn Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$421,928.38
Summary
This project addresses the 2013 NSW FRAB research priority “Understanding environmental impacts on commercially important species”. The paucity of knowledge of EKP nursery habitats in NSW is a significant problem, as the estuarine nursery phase is the period where EKP are most likely to be affected by (non-fishing) anthropogenic activities and potentially represents a recruitment bottleneck which directly affects productivity. Investment in research in the southern United States has found that:< ....This project addresses the 2013 NSW FRAB research priority “Understanding environmental impacts on commercially important species”. The paucity of knowledge of EKP nursery habitats in NSW is a significant problem, as the estuarine nursery phase is the period where EKP are most likely to be affected by (non-fishing) anthropogenic activities and potentially represents a recruitment bottleneck which directly affects productivity. Investment in research in the southern United States has found that: 1) There is quantitative relationship between intertidal vegetation and the yield of penaeid prawns (Turner, 1977); 2) Restoration of connectivity and rehabilitation of saltmarsh areas has a quantifiable benefit for prawn fisheries (Rozas et al., 2005).
Research into estuarine nursery habitats for EKP in south-eastern Queensland forms the basis of the sustainable management of their prawn fishery through a recruitment index. In NSW, however, there is a paucity of knowledge on the early life history stages, including recruitment to estuaries, use of estuarine habitats by natural recruits, and factors that affect growth and survival of young EKP. Regulating river flows in estuaries and restricting tidal flow into wetlands can destroy connectivity between new recruits and their nursery areas. NSW commercial fishers have indicated that wetlands in the lower portion of estuaries (such as Hexham Swamp in the Hunter River) were historically significant nursery areas for EKP, prior to their destruction. These anecdotes highlight a need to understand the nursery habitats and hydrographic conditions that contribute to the EKP fishery in NSW. An understanding of the nursery function of these areas, the extent of habitats lost, remaining and restored, is required to provide a basis for assessing the competing costs and benefits of habitat rehabilitation. Further, this project represents an important case study to highlight the potential financial benefits to fisheries of rehabilitation and restoration of appropriate estuarine habitats.
Objectives: 1. Determine to what extent young eastern king prawns (EKP) are using natural, degraded or rehabilitated habitat in estuaries, and the contribution of these habitats to the fishery 2. Determine the hydrographic conditions which provide for maximum growth and survival of EKP within nursery habitats 3. Determine the extent of key EKP habitat lost and remaining in a number of key estuaries between the Tweed and the Hawkesbury 4. Outline the potential improvements to the EKP fishery that could be achieved through targeted wetland rehabilitation and freshwater flow management 5. Extend information on EKP habitat requirements to commercial fishers, landowners and other catchment stakeholders and incorporate recommendations into fisheries or water management Read moreRead less