Tactical Research Fund: Reference Points For The Queensland Scallop Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$30,984.70
Summary
Reference points are essential for the effective management of any large fishery. The spatially complex nature of scallop fisheries makes the construction of robust reference points difficult. FRDC project 1999/120, "Reference point management and the role of catch-per-unit-effort in prawn and scallop fisheries", concluded that "new types of data are essential to improve the accuracy of stock assessments, such as spatial indices of abundance collected through fishery independent sampling and VMS ....Reference points are essential for the effective management of any large fishery. The spatially complex nature of scallop fisheries makes the construction of robust reference points difficult. FRDC project 1999/120, "Reference point management and the role of catch-per-unit-effort in prawn and scallop fisheries", concluded that "new types of data are essential to improve the accuracy of stock assessments, such as spatial indices of abundance collected through fishery independent sampling and VMS", and that "more accurate and robust reference points may exist using these data". FRDC project 2006/024, "Harvest strategy evaluation to optimise the sustainability and value of the Queensland scallop fishery", made effective use of both these data types to answer questions about the optimal timing of spatial closures and other management strategies. The proposed TRF project will build on this work by completing the path to adoption of the recommendations contained in the 2006/024 report, and noted by the FRDC external reviewer (review attached). In particular this will involve using the already constructed HSE framework to devise and test robust reference points.
In order to adopt the recommendations from FRDC project 2006/024 in the current review of management arrangements for the fishery, Fisheries Queensland requires this additional work on sustainability reference points. This work on the sustainabililty reference points is required to be completed by August 2010 with a final report available no later than September 2010. Objectives: 1. Propose and construct a set of reference points for the scallop fishery (e.g. target and limit effort) 2. Test the reference points in the (already constructed) MSE framework, i.e. what levels for the reference points perform best in terms of the sustainability and profitability indicators Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Assessing The Technology Transfer And People Skills Requirements For The Introduction Of Mullet Processing On The East Coast Similar To Shark Bay Frozen Sea Mullet Fillets
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$13,104.00
Summary
Clearly the commercial fishers cannot contiune to catch mullet and only get 1980 prices. This is not economically viable. Mullet is a greatly under rated table fish and the opportunity to value add and present a product for the consumer that is ready to cook, packaged tastefully with several cooking options on the packaging is seen as a logical step.
The work that the Geraldton Fish Market has put into this is substanital and if the members of the CPFA can capitalise on this and adopt t ....Clearly the commercial fishers cannot contiune to catch mullet and only get 1980 prices. This is not economically viable. Mullet is a greatly under rated table fish and the opportunity to value add and present a product for the consumer that is ready to cook, packaged tastefully with several cooking options on the packaging is seen as a logical step.
The work that the Geraldton Fish Market has put into this is substanital and if the members of the CPFA can capitalise on this and adopt the technology and methods than we are learning from others within the industry.
We have to do something to improve the returns for the fishers otherwise we will not have a mullet meshing fishery and there is every likelihood that we will not attract the next generation of fishers as it will not be viable. Objectives: 1. Investigate and assess the adoptiveness of the frozen mullet fillet product from Shark Bay for the Clarence River 2. Identify ALL of the steps in the WA process and project these for the potential for a similar product for the Clarence. Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Topping Up The "Crystal Bowl" For Barramundi
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$62,000.00
Summary
Application 2010/018: A "Crystal Bowl" for Barramundi was submitted to the FRDC 2010 round. While the application was rejected the Board indicated it was sympathetic to the approach described and suggested further discussion with Recfishing Research in the development of any future application. It is proposed that a further application be developed for the FRDC 2011 round addressing the issues raised by the Board.
The "Crystal Bowl" concept will underpin any move to regional management ....Application 2010/018: A "Crystal Bowl" for Barramundi was submitted to the FRDC 2010 round. While the application was rejected the Board indicated it was sympathetic to the approach described and suggested further discussion with Recfishing Research in the development of any future application. It is proposed that a further application be developed for the FRDC 2011 round addressing the issues raised by the Board.
The "Crystal Bowl" concept will underpin any move to regional management which is dependent on fine scale data collection on Barramundi in the Fitzroy River system and remains pivotal to the further development of the concept.
Data collected will also be used as baseline data for two coal port developments proposed by Xstrata for the Fitzroy River. These proposals are in their early stages. One proposal at Balaclava Island at the mouth of the river could impact on Barramundi and Threadfin spawning grounds and the other to barge coal down the Fitzroy River will significantly disrupt fishing activities. Discussions are underway with consultants for Xstrata to establish a monitoring program however this is unlikely to commence until the project are approved.
The data required is commercial catch, recreational catch and recruitment. Also required are the environmental conditions including connectivity of wetland lagoons, river flows and rainfall.
Data on commercial catch is available from Fisheries Queensland. CapReef, a community based monitoring program, has collected data on recreational catch since 2007 and recruitment since 1999. A further application for the "Crystal Bowl" will not be submitted until November 2010 and if approved would not commence until around June 2011. Objectives: 1. Collection of commercial catch and recreational catch data for the Fitzroy River in 2010-11 2. Collection of Barramundi recruitment and environmental data for the 2011 recruitment season from January to April 3. Use of that data in the development of commitment to local or regional management among local stakeholders and as baseline data for estimating the impact of proposed coal port developments for the Fitzroy River Read moreRead less
Objectives: 1. To identify spawning seasons for V largillierti and K Scalarini and quantify seasonal changes in meat condition 2. Conduct any larval and nursery experiments needed to overcome problems experienced during large scale hatchery and nursery production runs 3. Establish grow-out trials on commercial farms and on a replicated experimental scale 4. Establish whether Tasmanian calm populations differ genetically from southern mainland and New Zealand populations Objectives: 1. To identify spawning seasons for V largillierti and K Scalarini and quantify seasonal changes in meat condition 2. Conduct any larval and nursery experiments needed to overcome problems experienced during large scale hatchery and nursery production runs 3. Establish grow-out trials on commercial farms and on a replicated experimental scale 4. Establish whether Tasmanian calm populations differ genetically from southern mainland and New Zealand populations 5. Objectives as stated in Part B B4 of the Agreement Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Sea Ranching Trials For Commercial Production Of Greenlip (Haliotis Laevigata) Abalone In Western Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$40,000.00
Summary
Ocean Grown Abalone Pty Ltd is at the point of commercialising abalone ranching at the company’s aquaculture lease site in Augusta, Western Australia. An important part of the commercialisation process is a commercial trial, currently underway, to determine: - optimal type of habitat structure - optimal size at release - optimal density - location (3 experimental sites within Flinders Bay at different depth & habitat profiles) - compare & assess mortality % as related to abo ....Ocean Grown Abalone Pty Ltd is at the point of commercialising abalone ranching at the company’s aquaculture lease site in Augusta, Western Australia. An important part of the commercialisation process is a commercial trial, currently underway, to determine: - optimal type of habitat structure - optimal size at release - optimal density - location (3 experimental sites within Flinders Bay at different depth & habitat profiles) - compare & assess mortality % as related to above variables. - compare & assess growth rates as related to the above variables.
The project is needed so that data collected during the duration of the survey can be analysed and collated in report suitable for peer review. The Company considers the peer review process as being a key step in upholding scientific rigor of the company's internal research activities. Third party validation (by CURTIN UNIVERSITY) of the company's data will assist in satisfying investor confidence in the way we are approaching our activities.
This project may revolutionise greenlip abalone aquaculture in Australia - there are no power costs, no feed costs, product quality is the same as 'wild-caught', capital costs are significantly lower and has comparitively lower operational costs compared with traditional land-based abalone aquaculture. Objectives: 1. To have sampling methods used in the enhancement trial independently validated 2. For data collected by the trial to be analysed and presented in a report suitable for peer review Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Workshop To Scope A Longline Trial To Target Gummy Shark In Waters Off SA And Quantify Bycatch And Interactions With TEP And High Risk Species
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$24,709.58
Summary
At the time of writing this research proposal, many shark gillnet fishermen operating in waters off South Australia are not going out fishing because of the cost of 100% observer coverage (~$1000/day) and because many of their most valuable fishing grounds have been closed to protect Australian Sea Lions. Fishing and onshore businesses that are dependent on the catch of Gummy Shark are suffering extreme financial hardship and some are already up for sale. Although the current AFMA direction may ....At the time of writing this research proposal, many shark gillnet fishermen operating in waters off South Australia are not going out fishing because of the cost of 100% observer coverage (~$1000/day) and because many of their most valuable fishing grounds have been closed to protect Australian Sea Lions. Fishing and onshore businesses that are dependent on the catch of Gummy Shark are suffering extreme financial hardship and some are already up for sale. Although the current AFMA direction may only be in place for 6 months, it is likely to continue in some form, and many fishers cannot see a future for gillnets off SA because of their potential impact on ASLs and the measures that will need to be implemented to protect them. If their businesses are to become viable again and have any future, they need to find another method of targeting gummy shark. Demersal longlines offer that opportunity.
The fishery is now between a rock and a hard place: if it stays with gillnets, it faces an bleak future with concern about ASL and other TEP bycatch requiring, large closures and tighter management; by moving to longlines, ASL bycatch will be negligible but the bycatch of conservation-dependent School Sharks and different TEP species may be an issue as well as concern about high catches of fish targeted by neighbouring fisheries. Also, current management arrangements are critically dependent on the highly size-selective nature of current 6 inch gillnet mesh size which prevents the capture of large mature sharks and hence preserves the breeding population. Whilst it presently has significant opposition, the move to longlines seems the only future for SA gummy shark fishermen. A dedicated research project is required to answer many of the concerns about the use of demersal longlines to target Gummy Shark.
Objectives: 1. Hold a workshop about the potential for longlines to target Gummy Shark in SESSF waters off South Australia. 2. Clarify the issues and concerns of the wide range of stakeholders at the workshop. 3. Develop the detailed design of a longline trial, focusing on trial method, fishing gear and obtaining the information required to help inform stakeholder concerns. Read moreRead less
Objectives: 1. To design and manufacture a prototype mechanical device for in situ cleaning of salmon ne biofouling 2. To determine the optimum mechanism by which biofouling can be removed from salmon nets, without the necessity of removing the nets from service 3. To design and commission an automated system with which a suitable cleaning device can be applied, in situ, to salmon nets
People Development Program: Primary Industries Health And Safety Collaborative Partnership 2012-2015
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
About 150 persons die from non–intentional injury each year on Australian farms. Between 300 and 350 male farmers and farm workers die a traumatic death from all causes each year. The mortality rate in Australian farming is approximately four times that of the all-industries rated (19.5 per 100,000 employees compared to 5.5 per 100,000 employees) (Durey and Lower, 2004). The rate of workers compensation claims from agriculture, forestry and fishing in 2001-2002 was 27 per thousand employees ....About 150 persons die from non–intentional injury each year on Australian farms. Between 300 and 350 male farmers and farm workers die a traumatic death from all causes each year. The mortality rate in Australian farming is approximately four times that of the all-industries rated (19.5 per 100,000 employees compared to 5.5 per 100,000 employees) (Durey and Lower, 2004). The rate of workers compensation claims from agriculture, forestry and fishing in 2001-2002 was 27 per thousand employees. There are about 4,500 claims each year made by workers in the agricultural and horticultural industries. Also self employed farmers are not obliged to report injuries so that the incidence reported may be an underestimate. In the four years 1989-1992 a total of 55 people were fatally injured while involved in work related fishing industries (NOHSC, 1999). Between 1991 and 2001 a total of 16 professional fishermen drowned as a result of falling or being washed from commercial fishing vessels in Victorian waters. Available statistics indicate that there is a higher rate of suicide among rural populations generally, and farmers in particular. For example, in the period 1988 to 1997, 921 suicides were identified for farm managers and agricultural labourers (Page & Fragar, 2002). The ABS reports that between 1988 and 1998, the suicide rate was up to 17 per 100,000 persons per year in rural areas, compared to 12-13 per 100,000 in the capital cities. The health status and determinants of health (e.g. death rates, income etc) are generally worse in rural and remote areas than in metropolitan areas. There is a need to identify factors that contribute to this discrepancy, particularly as it is likely to apply to farmers and fishers. There is a prevailing opinion that many farm and fishing injuries and deaths are preventable.
Lack of awareness of occupational health and safety, and a culture of safety, still fails to be effectively dealt with across all States of Australia. The OHS data identifies that the commercial fishing industry has rates of claims that are average for the overall Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry sector, but that claims for fatal injuries in aquaculture and non fatal in marine (or wild capture) fisheries are both increasing relative to employment. The most ‘at risk’ group in the industry are those between the age of 20 to 24 years, with those aged 45 – 54 years being the next most at risk group, and will receive injuries from non powered hand tools, to their upper bodies Objectives: 1. Develop supporting information and data to continue to deliver well-targeted and effective research and extension projects. 2. Change the health and safety culture to enhance farming, fishing and forestry competitiveness and the wellbeing of the families and communities involved. 3. Provide solutions through R&D for key industry health and safety risks. Read moreRead less
Fishing For Change: A Social Marketing Approach To Reduce The Recreational Harvest Of Snapper And Pearl Perch In Queensland
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$342,500.00
Summary
Snapper and pearl perch are depleted in Queensland and further reduction in fishing pressure is needed to rebuild stocks back to target levels. The Queensland Government announced actions to improve stocks on 1 Sep 2019 , which followed the announcement that they would also introduce Fishing Aggregation Devices (FADs). Given previous regulatory approaches have been unsuccessful in improving stocks of both species, it is proposed that regulatory changes, complemented by the implementation of acti ....Snapper and pearl perch are depleted in Queensland and further reduction in fishing pressure is needed to rebuild stocks back to target levels. The Queensland Government announced actions to improve stocks on 1 Sep 2019 , which followed the announcement that they would also introduce Fishing Aggregation Devices (FADs). Given previous regulatory approaches have been unsuccessful in improving stocks of both species, it is proposed that regulatory changes, complemented by the implementation of action mapping and social marketing, may be more effective.
Social marketing delivers innovative solutions that people value and that support desired outcomes. It draws on behavioural science and a psychology-based understanding of how and why people behave, what motivates them to change and what prevents behaviour change. Work in Australia has documented the use of behavioural incentives to encourage voluntary compliance of recreational fishers as well as testing social norms as a tool to encourage compliance within an experimental recreational fishery setting. This work sets a foundation to apply the approach to Queensland recreational fishing.
The Queensland Government’s announcement that it will invest $1 million in FADs offers an opportunity to change recreational harvesting behaviour. FADs can attract pelagic species increasing the diversity of fish species recreational anglers can target and therefore could shift fishing effort away from more vulnerable demersal species (e.g. snapper and pearl perch).
This project will use a social marketing approach that initially focuses on understanding if and how recreational fishers can be motivated and moved to use FADs as a strategy to reduce snapper and pearl perch fishing. This project will also consider a full range of strategies and behaviours and their relative potential to help reduce snapper and pearl perch recreational harvests.
A key challenge in addressing the issue is the numerous and diverse stakeholders with an interest in recreational fishing – many with conflicting agendas. Approaches that engage a broad cross-section of stakeholders together can identify priorities for action and generate solutions to achieve the outcomes sought. Objectives: 1. Engage with stakeholders to develop a shared sense of responsibility, capture knowledge and identify potential solutions. 2. Develop and test a behaviour change program targeted at recreational fishers that aims to reduce the recreational harvest of snapper and pearl perch in Queensland. 3. Identify the most effective behaviour change interventions that could be further rolled out in Queensland or in other states or to target other fish. 4. Share knowledge and ownership of a behaviour change approach with key stakeholders. Read moreRead less
Seafood CRC: Improving Profitability In The Western Rocklobster Fishery Using A Rocklobster Trap
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$92,276.57
Summary
For the WRL fishery, this situation has resulted primarily from a relatively static beach price for lobster and increasing fuel, labour and other input costs. A major driver for input costs in this fishery is the number of pot lifts, which is currently about 10 million annually, equating to a total cost of ~$60 million (average cost per potlift - $6.00). If a lobster trap could be introduced into this fishery with a volume approx twice that of traditional pots, thereby enabling fishers to capi ....For the WRL fishery, this situation has resulted primarily from a relatively static beach price for lobster and increasing fuel, labour and other input costs. A major driver for input costs in this fishery is the number of pot lifts, which is currently about 10 million annually, equating to a total cost of ~$60 million (average cost per potlift - $6.00). If a lobster trap could be introduced into this fishery with a volume approx twice that of traditional pots, thereby enabling fishers to capitalise on the gregarious nature of the animal whilst preventing escapees, the fishing behaviour of the fleet would adapt accordingly to focus on primarily extended soaks i.e. 48 and 72 hours. It is envisaged that the cost savings associated with this shift in fishing behaviour would translate to a more economically viable fleet.
The introduction of a lobster trap which causes a reduction in the number of pot lifts has the potential to enhance the primary measure of exploitation in the WRLF namely, catch per unit effort (CPUE). A 10-20% reduction in pot lifts over an entire season would result in cost savings to the tune of $6-12 million annually. This project aims to trial a lobster trap which will encourage fishers to alter their fishing behaviour thereby increasing their CPUE which translates directly to cost savings in fuel and bait usage.
The decision to use more efficient pots could be undertaken at an individual fisher level, but this requires robust conversion rates for any modified design(s) to ensure that the integrity of the fishery's input based management system is not compromised. The potential for further cost savings arising through the purchase and maintenance of licences containing lesser numbers of entitlements is also likely.
Objectives: 1. To calculate the potential cost savings which arise through the use of a reduced number of more efficient 1.2m lobster traps in tandem with a modified fishing behaviour. These estimates would be derived by obtaining attaining robust estimates of catch rates (catch per unit effort) using the 1.2m trap compared to traditional pots in the fishery combined with the estimated reduction in operating costs that would arise from the widespread adoption of the 1.2m traps. For instance, a fisherman choosing to deploy a 1.2m trap that is 20% more efficient than traditional methods would lose 20% of his entitlements. This analysis would incorporate both varying estimates of efficiency and degree of uptake by industry. 2. To determine whether a modified 1.2m lobster trap will alter the fishing behaviour of the WRL fleet which is traditionally focused on 24 hour soak times. This would be achieved through an increased reliance on a trap which is greater in volume than the traditional pot, retains 100% of animals and ideally suited to extended soak times i.e. 48 – 72 hours. Read moreRead less