Determination Of Effective Longline Effort In The Eastern Tuna And Billfish Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$128,607.00
Summary
The effective and sustainable management of the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery (ETBF) is dependent on having an understanding of the impact of the ETBF on the fish resources which occur off eastern Australia. While changes in catch-per-unit-effort are widely used as an indicator of changes in resource availability, changes in operational practices and prevailing oceanographic conditions makes it difficult to determine the effective effort directed at particular species. This in turn makes i ....The effective and sustainable management of the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery (ETBF) is dependent on having an understanding of the impact of the ETBF on the fish resources which occur off eastern Australia. While changes in catch-per-unit-effort are widely used as an indicator of changes in resource availability, changes in operational practices and prevailing oceanographic conditions makes it difficult to determine the effective effort directed at particular species. This in turn makes it difficult to interpret changes in catch rates as changes in resource availability. However, as the ETBF has expanded, catch rates in some of the earlier regions to be fished have declined significantly leading to increased concern as to whether recent catch levels can be sustained.
For the ETBF, the following four issues highlight the need to better understand the relationship between catch rates and resource availability. By addressing these needs, this research directly addresses aspects of research priorities 1 and 2 identified for the ETBF in 2004.
1. The need to develop indicators of resource availability off eastern Australia Current stock assessments for the principal tuna species in the WCPO still remain uncertain, and uncertainties in the spatial distribution of both the resource and recruitment patterns makes it difficult to infer from these assessments the status of the resource in a limited region such as off eastern Australia. In order to provide an understanding of the impact of the ETBF on the fish resources which occur off eastern Australia, the Fisheries Assessment Group for the ETBF has identified as a high priority the need to develop a number of performance indicators for monitoring the status of these resources. These indicators are to be based on the monitoring of temporal and spatial changes in catch rates (and sizes) which, in turn, will require gaining a better understanding of the factors, apart from resource availability, which influence catch rates.
2. The need to improve the data and methods used to standardise catch rates. To improve our understanding of those factors which influence catch rates, information needs to be collected on a range of operational factors which influence the effectiveness of longline fishery gears. These factors include targeting and gear setting practices, resulting hook depths, depth preferences of the target species, time-of-capture, and prevailing oceanographic conditions. Furthermore, an understanding of these relationships is crucial if one is to make use of the new habitat-based models which have been developed to standardise longline catch rates.
3. The need to improve indicators of stock status in the WCPO. Improvements in regional stock assessments are needed to assist managers of the ETBF gain a better understanding of the status of the stocks on which the ETBF depends. While several factors contribute to the uncertainties in the WCPO assessments, improvements in the construction of indices of stock biomass based on the analysis of longline catch-per-unit-effort have been identified by the Standing Committee on Tuna and Billfish as a critical factor and a high priority for further research (SCTB 2003). The availability of accurate indices of stock biomass will also a critical input for the development of assessment models for those pelagic resources (such as swordfish and striped marlin) which have a more regional SW Pacific stock structure.
4. The need to avoid the incidental capture of important bycatch species. Information on the fishing characteristics of longline gears in the ETBF is also needed to help address another major concern to the management of the ETBF - the real or perceived threat that longlining has to threatened and endangered species. An improved understanding of the factors influencing the configuration of longline fishing gears and resulting catch rates will help identify fishing practices which may be used to avoid the incidental capture of important bycatch species, such as turtles and other threatened and endangered species (Polavina et al 2003). This will be similar to the observer-based research carried out in the mid-1990s in the Coral Sea to help identify methods to avoid the capture of black marlin. This work will also assist in the identification of fishing practices which selectively avoid the capture of individual target and by-product species (eg. swordfish, sharks) if required for management purposes.
Finally, by gaining a better understanding of the data requirements needed to develop performance indicators for monitoring resource status in the ETBF, this project will provide guidance to AFMA on the types of data which will be needed to be collected for management purposes. This will also assist in deciding which data is best sourced from logbooks and which may be best provided through an observer program.
Objectives: 1. Determination of the depths attained by longline fishing gears deployed in the ETBF and investigation of the relationships between targeting and gear setting practices and hook depths and longline shape characteristics 2. Investigation of the relationships between hook depth and the capture depths and associated water temperatures for the principal species caught by longline gears in the ETBF 3. Investigation of the time-of-capture of the principal catch species caught by longline gears in the ETBF 4. Investigation, and where necessary refinement, of the technical assumptions used in the habitat based models being used to standardise longline catch per unit effort in the WCPO 5. Development of habitat based method for standardizing longline catch rates and application to the ETBF 6. Investigation of the relationships between longline fishing practices, gear configurations, hook-types and the incidental capture of bycatch and byproduct species in the ETBF 7. Determination of the adequacy of information currently recorded in vessel logbooks for standardisation of longline CPUE and, where necessary, recommended changes Read moreRead less
The Australian Ornamental Fish Industry In Australia 2006/07
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$70,000.00
Summary
FRDC Tof R. The FRDC and DAFF are seeking a study plan (using the standard FRDC application template) that outlines how the consultant plans to meet the objectives of the study. The proposal must include a list of contacts and sources of information the consultant will use in undertaking the study (PIAA should be consulted, but should not be the sole source of information) Objectives: 1. Determine an estimate of the overall structure, size and value of the ornamental fish indu ....FRDC Tof R. The FRDC and DAFF are seeking a study plan (using the standard FRDC application template) that outlines how the consultant plans to meet the objectives of the study. The proposal must include a list of contacts and sources of information the consultant will use in undertaking the study (PIAA should be consulted, but should not be the sole source of information) Objectives: 1. Determine an estimate of the overall structure, size and value of the ornamental fish industry in Australia 2. Determine an estimate of the overall structure, size and value (using the above indicators) of ornamental fish industry activities 3. Determine the level of recreational ornamental fish ownership and the types of owners - based upon level of seriousness (simple fish tank up to breeding and showing) 4. Compilation of a list of the commercially important species traded in Australia categorized by, value, source, production method etc 5. Develop a method to estimate the GVP of the industry on an annual basis 6. Identify potential areas for industry growth (subject to funding availability) Read moreRead less
The Effects Of Cyclones On The Seagrass Communities And Penaeid Prawn Stocks Of The Gulf Of Carpentaria
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$140,774.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Quantitatively map & re-sample seagrass in W G of Carpentaria ... ]. 2. Compare with [periods before/after Cyclone Sandy Determine rate of recolonisation & relative importance of spp & propagules. 3. Describe extent to which Cyclone S has altered abundance of juveniles. Pop change. Commonwealth impacts
Investigations Of The Effect Of Water Temperature On The Growth, Recruitment And Breeding Cycle Of The Western Rock Lobster
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Deploy automatic temperature recorders in 60m & 10m deep water to monitor sea surface & bottom temperature. 2. Determine if data can explain some variations in rock lobster growth, recruitment & breeding state. Use with other data re fluctuations in abundance
Improving Bycatch Reduction Strategies And Escape Vents In Queensland Mud Crab Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$129,915.00
Summary
The proposed work directly targets the opportunity • to benchmark bycatch reduction devices (including escape vents) and strategies currently in use in the Queensland Crab Fishery, • to trial refined escape vents for better (i) retention of legal crabs and exclusion of non-legal crabs and fish bycatch.
Recommended refinements to the regulation of escape vents in commercial mud crab pots will be provided to Fisheries Queensland by October/November 2022 for potential inclusion i ....The proposed work directly targets the opportunity • to benchmark bycatch reduction devices (including escape vents) and strategies currently in use in the Queensland Crab Fishery, • to trial refined escape vents for better (i) retention of legal crabs and exclusion of non-legal crabs and fish bycatch.
Recommended refinements to the regulation of escape vents in commercial mud crab pots will be provided to Fisheries Queensland by October/November 2022 for potential inclusion in the next round of regulatory amendments to the Crab Fishery.
More appropriately specified escape vents will produce better commercial outcomes (i.e., retention of legal crabs) and better ecological outcomes (e.g. exclusion of sub-legal crabs and finfish prone to entrapment in crab pots). Reports from crabbers indicate that some of the regulated escape vents allow legal crabs to escape, whilst the small escape vent (75 x 60 mm) reportedly allows very little bycatch to escape. A quantitative study that encompasses regional variation in mud crab morphometrics (i.e., carapace depth/height ~carapace width) would provide empirical data upon which management decisions can be objectively made.
Better documentation on marine turtle entrapment in crab pots (which is currently of limited public access) and gear modification to efficiently reduce or prevent marine turtle entrapment would be of benefit to threatened and endangered marine turtle populations of Queensland (in particular loggerhead turtles) and would contribute to the development of a risk mitigation strategy for the fishery.
Objectives: 1. Benchmark bycatch reduction devices and strategies currently in use in the Queensland crab fishery. 2. Trial alternate configurations and advise on potential changes to escape vent regulations achieve better commercial and ecological outcomes. 3. Collate information on marine turtle interactions with crab pots (including ghost pots) and consider pot configuration(s) that could contribute to a risk mitigation strategy for marine turtles in the Qld crab fishery. 4. Develop options for adoption of bycatch reduction devices and strategies in the recreational sector of the Qld crab fishery. Read moreRead less
Rock Lobster Post Harvest Subprogram: Optimising Water Quality In Rock Lobster Post-harvest Processes
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$136,226.00
Summary
There are concerns that poor water quality may be having an affect on the health of post-capture rock lobsters. This project addresses this in three ways:
1. Determining the optimal level of ammonia in holding and transport systems. This will contribute to the understanding of optimal system design.
2. Understanding the mechanism of ammonia toxicity. This will enable industry to develop methods to counteract the harmful effects.
3. Providing information to the rock lob ....There are concerns that poor water quality may be having an affect on the health of post-capture rock lobsters. This project addresses this in three ways:
1. Determining the optimal level of ammonia in holding and transport systems. This will contribute to the understanding of optimal system design.
2. Understanding the mechanism of ammonia toxicity. This will enable industry to develop methods to counteract the harmful effects.
3. Providing information to the rock lobster industry in the appropriate form to ensure uptake of the results of research on optimising water quality, specifically in the area of oxygen and ammonia. Objectives: 1. Production of a manual on optimising the provision of oxygen during rock lobster post-harvest processes 2. Determine the median lethal concentration (LC-50) of ammonia to adult southern and western rock lobsters (stressed and unstressed). 3. Determine the physiological consequences of exposing lobsters to sub-lethal ammonia concentrations, and the consequences of further exposing lobsters to acute post-harvest stressors. 4. Production of a manual on ammonia problems during rock lobster post-harvest processes Read moreRead less
Effects Of Trawling Subprogram: Assessment And Management Of Potential Impacts Of Prawn Trawling On Estuarine Assemblages
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$397,682.00
Summary
As mentioned above in B2 Background, one consequence of increasing concerns over ecosystem effects of fishing is that fisheries scientists, managers and fishermen are now being asked to consider not only the consequences of removing target species and non-target, by-catch species but also the ecological implications of disrupting habitats and the many species living in these systems. Unfortunately, much of the life on and in the seabed influenced by fishing gear like demersal trawls is unknown ....As mentioned above in B2 Background, one consequence of increasing concerns over ecosystem effects of fishing is that fisheries scientists, managers and fishermen are now being asked to consider not only the consequences of removing target species and non-target, by-catch species but also the ecological implications of disrupting habitats and the many species living in these systems. Unfortunately, much of the life on and in the seabed influenced by fishing gear like demersal trawls is unknown to the general public and, in Australia, much of it also remains unknown to science. While the species that comprise the biodiversity of these systems (sponges, ascidians, byrozoans, polychaetes, microscopic organisms, juveniles of commercially exploited species, etc.) have little charisma, public appeal or commercial priority, their role is a critical one because they underpin much of the local ecology. Add this to the fact that most of our commercial and recreational fisheries rely on the continued normal functioning of these ecosystems and it becomes obvious that the fishing industry itself should be (and in certain enlightened fisheries, are) concerned about these issues. That is, not only is it important for fishermen to understand these ecosystems in order to answer public outcries, it also makes good business sense for them to be actively involved in the maintenance of these systems upon which their fisheries depend.
Issues concerning biodiversity and ecosystem effects of fishing are key to most management plans for commercial fisheries in Australia where there are policies to manage in an ecologically sustainable manner. Ecological sustainability is not actually possible without sustaining the diversity of the system so the examination of processes sustaining biodiversity and the inclusion of such issues in management plans is a high priority for most fisheries agencies, including NSW Fisheries. The result from this is that ESD performance indicators are required in all management plans for NSW’s commercial fisheries - particularly the controversial estuarine prawn-trawl fishery.
Maintaining the ecological sustainability of estuaries is particularly important in a broader context because most of the species exploited in oceanic and estuarine waters rely on these estuaries for critical parts of their life cycle. For example, the very large Clarence River in NSW is known to be crucial for the juvenile stages of eastern king prawns and many species of fish that are exploited in oceanic waters. Protecting the ecology of such systems will obviously have major benefits for all fisheries based on such species - not just those exploited within the estuary.
The estuarine prawn-trawl fisheries of New South Wales also provide a unique opportunity to develop experimental designs and sampling protocols to address the issue of ecological impacts of trawling. These fisheries occur in shallow, calm water and, most importantly, already have various areas and times that are open and closed to trawling, providing excellent replicable treatments to incorporate in experimental comparisons. These factors combine to make these particular trawl fisheries ideal case-studies for studying impacts of trawling on ecosystems and to provide measurable indices of biodiversity that can be used as ESD performance indicators. The proposed research is particularly important in providing a model for how future studies (in more difficult habitats) may proceed.
As mentioned in B2 Background, developing solutions to problematic impacts of prawn trawling requires one to firstly identify and quantify the problem(s) and then assess the utility of various gear-based and closure-based management strategies designed to ameliorate these problem(s). This proposal seeks funds to begin this two-stage strategy in the Clarence River estuarine prawn trawl fishery by doing the first identification and quantification phase of the work. Objectives: 1. Provide information for the development of management plans designed to ameliorate any problematic impacts of prawn trawling on the biodiversity of estuarine assemblages. 2. Quantify benthic assemblages and catches from trawls in areas and times that are trawled and untrawled in an estuarine prawn-trawl fishery. 3. Identify on-going issues to underpin future research and management. 4. Develop protocols, experimental designs and the basis for calculations of power to measure and interpret impacts of fishing practices in other habitats. Read moreRead less
Determination Of Ageing In Kingfish (Seriola Ialandi) In NSW
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$67,388.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To critically examine the methods by which the age of kingfish can be estimated 2. To review all available information on the biology of Seriola spp. 3. To re-analyse all available data on the movement of kingfish 4. To provide preliminary estimates of size at maturity 5. If a reliable method of ageing can be found, then rpeliminary estimates of variability in growth and size at age will be made at serveral locations
Surveys Of Seagrass Beds And Juvenile Prawn Populations Along The Queensland Coast - Bowen To Cairns And Karumba To Cape York
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Locate & quantify seagrass in inshore areas of the Qld coast in [locations in title]. 2. Collect & identify spp of juvenile prawns found there & estimate differences in recruitment time, density & spp composition. 3. Identify areas to be protect from trawling & development