Objectives: 1. Construct a cheap means of ensiling fish waste and demonstrate the efficacy of the silage as a feed component for pigs, poultry and farmed fish
Stock Structure And Spatial Dynamics Of The Warehous: A Pilot Study
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$110,450.00
Summary
Blue and spotted warehou are important species in the South East Fishery. The 2000 actual TACs for blue and spotted warehou were 1907 and 4829 tonnes, respectively. The species, however, exhibit conflicting trends. The blue warehou TAC has been reduced in recent years while that for spotted has been increased. The total blue warehou catch in 1999 was the lowest since 1986 and recent assessments indicate that the "stock" is in decline. The 2001 TAC for blue warehou has been halved to 750 t ....Blue and spotted warehou are important species in the South East Fishery. The 2000 actual TACs for blue and spotted warehou were 1907 and 4829 tonnes, respectively. The species, however, exhibit conflicting trends. The blue warehou TAC has been reduced in recent years while that for spotted has been increased. The total blue warehou catch in 1999 was the lowest since 1986 and recent assessments indicate that the "stock" is in decline. The 2001 TAC for blue warehou has been halved to 750 t. For spotted warehou, it was concluded, at a recent stock assessment workshop, that while recruitment is variable trends in standardised CPUE indicate a relatively stable resource.
There have been no studies on the stock structure of these species in Australian waters and for management purposes both species are considered one stock. In this application, the term stock is used to refer to a management unit, that is fishing one unit does not effect another. This may or may not have a genetic significance.
Both species exhibit complex spatial variability, particularly east and west of Bass Strait. The importance of this to assessment is increasingly been realised. The most recent assessment of blue warehou is considerably more uncertain because model fits to the data are very poor, assuming a single population across the fishery, and consequently areas east and west of Bass Strait were modelled separately. However, fits of models themselves are not an adequate base for determining stock structure and there are a number of hypotheses (eg. separate east and west stocks; one stock but the recruitment rates to the east and west differ among years; migrations between east and west) that appear to be consistent with the existing information. Similarly future assessments of spotted warehou will be limited without this information. Clearly, the lack of information on stock structure and spatial dynamics will adversely effect the efficacy and acceptance of stock assessments of both species.
This proposal aims to address this issue by assessing a suite of tools to determine which can provide the most information on stock structure; genetics, morphometrics, otolith morphology and otolith microchemistry. The latter may also provide valuable insights in migratory dynamics. All these techniques can be expensive and sometimes provide ambiguous results. Consequently, the proposal is to undertake a pilot study assessing these approaches to ascertain the most useful method prior to any full study being undertaken. However, although it is a pilot study, it is hoped that the preliminary results will assist BWAG weight the hypotheses used in the modelling and hence reduce uncertainty in the assessment. Objectives: 1. To determine a suitable approach for assessing stock structure in blue and spotted warehou. 2. To evaluate the use of otolith microchemistry as a means of examining migration in blue and spotted warehou. Read moreRead less
Benchmarking Australia's National Status Reporting System
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$47,985.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Provide a summary of the national species/fisheries status reporting systems used by the US, NZ, Canada and Iceland. 2. Provide a summary of the national species/fisheries status reporting system as used last year in Australia and current developments in that system 3. Benchmark the Australian system with objective 1 summarising where the Australian system is superior or inferior 4. Provide recommendations regarding how the Australian system can be improved t ....Objectives: 1. Provide a summary of the national species/fisheries status reporting systems used by the US, NZ, Canada and Iceland. 2. Provide a summary of the national species/fisheries status reporting system as used last year in Australia and current developments in that system 3. Benchmark the Australian system with objective 1 summarising where the Australian system is superior or inferior 4. Provide recommendations regarding how the Australian system can be improved to ensure it meets or exceeds current world's best practice. Read moreRead less
Stock Assessment For South East And Southern Shark Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$634,630.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Develop and improve quantitative stock assessment methods for finfish and shark species. 2. Provide new or updated quantitative assessments for SEF quota species based on SEFAG priorities. 3. Provide new or updated quantitative assessments for Southern Shark Fishery species based on SharkFAG priorities.
A Review Of Projects Concerned With Improved Exploitation Of Underutilised Species
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$36,729.16
Summary
The potential use of underutilised species has been identified as a means of increasing the productivity and profitability of some fishing sectors, as such, jurisdictions continue to prioritise research that explores the viability of underutilised species as seafood and/or receives applications of this nature.
While the prospect of using fish that are readily available is attractive, there are likely to be numerous reasons why the fish are not currently exploited commercially. These re ....The potential use of underutilised species has been identified as a means of increasing the productivity and profitability of some fishing sectors, as such, jurisdictions continue to prioritise research that explores the viability of underutilised species as seafood and/or receives applications of this nature.
While the prospect of using fish that are readily available is attractive, there are likely to be numerous reasons why the fish are not currently exploited commercially. These reasons may be related to fishing processes, regulation, market perceptions, quality and supply chain arrangements.
Before investing additional funds in projects of this nature, FRDC requires an evaluation of past projects to determine the factors behind their success or failure. This analysis will then provide the basis for a decision matrix that can be used by project applicants and FRDC staff to design future projects.
It is not clear why there is a low market demand for seafood products derived form underutilized species. It is likely that provision of low cost, attractive seafood would create significant consumer interest, as has happened with basa. But it is unknown why the supply chain has not responded to this opportunity. More information about seafood demand is required from the seafood trading companies.
If a significant change to the emphasis of these projects is proposed by FRDC as a result of this study, a workshop will be needed to inform and consult with key stakeholders about the proposed changes.
Objectives: 1. Provision of a collated summary of all underutilized species projects supported by FRDC, and an analysis of lessons learned from each project. 2. Provision of a check list of success criteria to be used as guidance for future applicants in preparing projects concerned with underutilized species and by FRDC in evaluating them. 3. Identification of commercial factors and fisheries managememt policy concepts that might influence future supply and demand of underutilized species in Australia. Read moreRead less
Defining Regional Connections In Southwestern Pacific Broadbill Swordfish
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$135,187.00
Summary
Knowledge of the stock structure and migration patterns is fundamental to ensuring effective stock assessment and management of a fishery. While this knowledge is scanty for many Commonwealth fisheries, swordfish structure and movements are particularly poorly known. The stock harvested by the ETBF is locally depleted, suggesting population structure, but there are no direct data on movement or distribution available. Parameterizing a model of movement for swordfish would clarify the stock stru ....Knowledge of the stock structure and migration patterns is fundamental to ensuring effective stock assessment and management of a fishery. While this knowledge is scanty for many Commonwealth fisheries, swordfish structure and movements are particularly poorly known. The stock harvested by the ETBF is locally depleted, suggesting population structure, but there are no direct data on movement or distribution available. Parameterizing a model of movement for swordfish would clarify the stock structure and provide a mechanism for incorporating their movements into spatial management or assessment models.
The recent Ministerial Directive to AFMA has highlighted the lack of knowledge regarding swordfish. Key initiatives in the directive are 1) develop harvest strategies for its fisheries to ensure sustainable management; 2) recover overfished stocks; and 3) end overfishing on stocks. Furthermore, the directive urges AFMA to move to spatial management. Critical to the design of harvest strategies, determination of stock status, and development of spatial management measures is a sound knowledge of the connectivity between stocks fished locally and in other parts of the Pacific basin. In order to ensure equity in limitations due to management arrangements, Australia will need to pursue policies that ensure other nations protect shared stocks within the context of the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission - requiring clear evidence of the amount of movement between locally and regionally harvested stocks and empirically validated assessment models.
The March 2005 AFMA/ComFRAB Research Gap Analysis and Priority Setting Workshop, held jointly by AFMA and ComFRAB underlined the needs outlined above for swordfish in the ETBF specifically – identifying both spatial management measures to rectify the localized depletion and provision of science and policy advice into the WCPFC. The ETBF research priorities and FRDC’s strategic challenges both identify these same issues, as discussed in the Background section. Objectives: 1. Collect swordfish movement data and habitat preferences on the Coral Sea spawning grounds and during subsequent migration using electronic tags 2. Collate data from this study with data from ongoing studies on swordfish movement in the Tasman Sea, east of New Zealand, and in the central South Pacific spawning area. 3. Refine existing analysis methods to incorporate electronic tag data and oscillatory movements such as annual migrations 4. Parameterize a regional movement model which describes retention times on the spawning grounds and migration patterns 5. Provide a succinct description of stock structure and movement that can be incorporated into other analyses Read moreRead less
Collection Of Fisheries Data Required For Management Of The Blue Swimmer Crab Fishery In The Central And Lower West Coasts Of Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$300,250.00
Summary
This project is essential to the provision of fisheries data for the effective management of blue swimmer crab. The FRDC has realised the urgent need for research into the W.A. blue swimmer crab fishery and have approved funding for relevant biological research (FRDC project 97/137). This current proposal, together with FRDC project 97/137 and project proposals that have been submitted under the umbrella of the National Collaborative Blue Swimmer Crab Research Programme (Kumar 1997), will prov ....This project is essential to the provision of fisheries data for the effective management of blue swimmer crab. The FRDC has realised the urgent need for research into the W.A. blue swimmer crab fishery and have approved funding for relevant biological research (FRDC project 97/137). This current proposal, together with FRDC project 97/137 and project proposals that have been submitted under the umbrella of the National Collaborative Blue Swimmer Crab Research Programme (Kumar 1997), will provide the vital link that will allow W.A. researchers to provide appropriate management advice for the fishery in the future.
Reference Kumar, M.S., 1997. Draft strategy for collaborative research programs on the blue swimmer crab, Portunus pelagicus - a national approach. Unpub. doc., SARDI, South Australia: 11 pp. Objectives: 1. To establish a log book and catch monitoring programme for the fishery. 2. To establish the effect of trap selectivity/efficiency on the size composition, sex ratio and moult stage of the catch in the two major regions. 3. To establish discard mortality for recreational and commercial fishing methods. Gear methods will include recreational drop netting, commercial trap fishing, tangle netting and trawling. 4. To establish conversion factors for relating the effort for traps to that of the historical tangle nets. 5. To assess the status of the various Western Australian fisheries for blue swimmer crabs, integrating information derived from this and other concurrent FRDC projects. Read moreRead less
Improving And Promoting Fish-trawl Selectivity In The Commonwealth Trawl Sector (CTS) And Great Australian Bight Trawl Sector (GABTS) Of The Southern And Eastern Scalefish And Shark Fishery (SESSF)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$776,141.00
Summary
It is very clear that fishing-technology research to improve resource harvesting is a priority need for the future sustainability of fish trawling in Australia. The issue is quite poignant, considering that over the past 15 years, there has been a massive reduction in the total number of trawlers in Australia, and lower profits among remaining operators struggling to remain viable. Innovative modifications and refinements to existing systems that improve selectivity and reduce environmental impa ....It is very clear that fishing-technology research to improve resource harvesting is a priority need for the future sustainability of fish trawling in Australia. The issue is quite poignant, considering that over the past 15 years, there has been a massive reduction in the total number of trawlers in Australia, and lower profits among remaining operators struggling to remain viable. Innovative modifications and refinements to existing systems that improve selectivity and reduce environmental impacts and costs are an urgent priority to ensure economic viability. Such developments are difficult to achieve by individual fishers without quality research, development and extension that is adequately resourced.
More specifically, there is a clear need to maintain progress towards developing innovative, high-priority technological modifications to fish trawls in the CTS and GABTS that mitigate sustainability issues while maintaining target catches at existing levels. Equally important, ratified designs then need to be tested across fleets to encourage adoption and refinement as a precursor to eventual legislation. Ultimately, satisfying these needs will contribute towards improving the social licence and economic return of trawl fisheries in the SESSF, while helping to ensure their ongoing sustainability and address what remains one of the most controversial issues facing bottom trawling.
Objectives: 1. Review the available domestic and international literature and data, and consult with a project stakeholder committee (comprising representatives of the CTS, GABTS, NSW PFA and AFMA) to prioritise modifications to be formally assessed for their utility in minimising bycatch, while maintaining target catches among trawls used in the CTS and GABTS. 2. Based on the outcomes of 1 above, assess the utility of existing and new modifications to trawls for minimising bycatch, while maintaining target catches in the CTS and GABTS. 3. By providing strong economic incentives through improved efficiencies, and via applied extension activities, encourage the wide-scale voluntary adoption and ongoing exploration of appropriate best-practice technologies that cumulatively reduce bycatches, while maintaining target catches in the CTS and GABTS. Read moreRead less
Review Of The Assessment Of School Shark In The Southern Shark Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$32,183.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To ensure that best available scientific advice is available for management decisions and that industry has confidence in the outcome of the stock assessment. 2. To review estimates of abundance and basic biological parameters used in assessing school shark stock status. 3. To review statistical and modelling methods used in the school shark stock assessment. 4. To improve industry understanding of the stock assessment process and acceptance of the results. < ....Objectives: 1. To ensure that best available scientific advice is available for management decisions and that industry has confidence in the outcome of the stock assessment. 2. To review estimates of abundance and basic biological parameters used in assessing school shark stock status. 3. To review statistical and modelling methods used in the school shark stock assessment. 4. To improve industry understanding of the stock assessment process and acceptance of the results. Read moreRead less
Development Of Discard-reducing Gears And Practices In The Estuarine Prawn And Fish Haul Fisheries Of NSW
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$546,034.00
Summary
Whilst public consternation may be sufficient reason for fisheries managers and scientists to seek solutions to this issue, there are also many biological and economic reasons for doing so. Firstly, there is a clear need to determine the real (not just perceived) level of the problem and how it varies in space and time and among particular fishing methods. If the anecdotal reports of large quantities of juvenile fish being discarded prove correct (addressed in the first stage of the proposed .... Whilst public consternation may be sufficient reason for fisheries managers and scientists to seek solutions to this issue, there are also many biological and economic reasons for doing so. Firstly, there is a clear need to determine the real (not just perceived) level of the problem and how it varies in space and time and among particular fishing methods. If the anecdotal reports of large quantities of juvenile fish being discarded prove correct (addressed in the first stage of the proposed project), and if we can ameliorate such discarding (addressed in the second stage), there would be obvious large and long-term benefits to all interacting recreational and commercial fisheries targetting these species. Further, reducing discards from prawn and fish hauling will improve the efficiencies of these operations and could improve the quality (and even the quantity) of the product - especially in the case of prawn hauling.
The consequences of not completing this study could be substantial. It is possible that in the absence of information, a ban may be inevitable. Objectives: 1. To identify and quantify the by-catch, discards and landed catches from prawn and fish hauling at a variety of locations throughout NSW using a stratified, randomized observer-based survey; these data will be used to determine key gears, methods, areas and times of discarding that will be addressed in Objective 2. 2. To develop, test and implement modifications to current hauling gears and fishing practices that will decrease the identified problematic discards. Read moreRead less