Can Sawfish Bycatch Within The NPF Be Mitigated Using An Electric Field?
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$113,468.11
Summary
The Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF) is the largest Australian prawn fishery and the most valuable Commonwealth managed fishery. Annual gross value of production of the fishery was valued at $115.2 million in 2014. In recent decades, the incidental take of bycatch species has become an important issue in trawl fisheries worldwide. Impacts of fishing activities on the marine environment, including bycatch interactions are heavily scrutinised by organisations assessing the sustainability of fisheries ....The Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF) is the largest Australian prawn fishery and the most valuable Commonwealth managed fishery. Annual gross value of production of the fishery was valued at $115.2 million in 2014. In recent decades, the incidental take of bycatch species has become an important issue in trawl fisheries worldwide. Impacts of fishing activities on the marine environment, including bycatch interactions are heavily scrutinised by organisations assessing the sustainability of fisheries such as the MSC. Various Threatened, Endangered and Protected (TEP) species are still regularly caught by the fishery, including sawfishes. All four sawfish species caught within the NPF are listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix I and the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS) Appendices I & II. Within Australia, three species are listed as Vulnerable, and all four species are listed as Migratory on the EPBC Act 1999.
Sawfishes are among the most threatened family of marine fishes and the most threatened family of cartilaginous fishes (Dulvy et al 2014). Incidental capture, particularly in trawls and gillnets, is the primary threat to sawfishes (Harrison and Duly 2014). Based on a risk assessment of the bycatch species in the NPF, all sawfishes have been identified as ‘at risk’ to trawling and least likely to be sustainable from prawn trawl fishing. A bycatch sustainability assessment also showed little change in catches of sawfishes as a result of the introduction of TEDs into the commercial fleet. The threatened status of sawfishes, vulnerability to fisheries, ongoing catches, and the inefficiency of current bycatch reduction devices to reduce sawfish bycatch suggest an urgent need for the development of new bycatch reduction devices to minimise interactions with fishing gear. This will also have the benefit of improving crew safety on the vessels as the removal of sawfish entangled in the nets is quite dangerous.
Objectives: 1. Assess whether sawfish behaviourally respond to electric fields as measured by reaction from a stationary position 2. Compare sawfish behavioural response across three fields of different characteristics Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Industry-extension Of Acoustic Release Technology For At-call Access To Submerged Head-gear In The NSW Rocklobster Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$73,476.10
Summary
The existing FRDC-funded project "Study of ghost fishing in the NSW rock lobster fishery" (FRDC project 2007/038; Final report due November 2012) has demonstrated that lost lobster traps continue to catch and accumulate lobsters, resulting in morbidity/mortality. Traps may be lost due to cut-off of head-gear by commercial shipping or recreational vessels, through vandalism or interactions with marine creatures (e.g. cetaceans). Loss of traps and lobsters may also result from theft. One strategy ....The existing FRDC-funded project "Study of ghost fishing in the NSW rock lobster fishery" (FRDC project 2007/038; Final report due November 2012) has demonstrated that lost lobster traps continue to catch and accumulate lobsters, resulting in morbidity/mortality. Traps may be lost due to cut-off of head-gear by commercial shipping or recreational vessels, through vandalism or interactions with marine creatures (e.g. cetaceans). Loss of traps and lobsters may also result from theft. One strategy for reducing the potential for cut-offs, ghost-fishing and theft that was examined in FRDC project 2007/038 was the use of acoustic release technology that would privide fishers with "at-call" access to sub-surface head-gear. The Desert Star ARC-1XD system was extensively tested and trialled in experiments that involved commercial fishing on the mid and outer continental shelf off NSW.
The 2 commercial fishers who were involved in these experiments (Mr Ron Firkin and Mr Scott Westley) were so impressed with the performance of the acoustic system and its potential advantages for their businesses that they have made substantial investments in the technology. Both have since successfully used the system for commercial fishing in its "portable" configuration (i.e. running off batteries but not integrated with their vessel's power system and onboard electronics). They have required and continue to require considerable assistance from NSW DPI staff to set-up, use the system and problem-solve. There is now an immediate need to encourage and support this intial phase of commercial use of the system by these pioneering fishers and to provide the infrastructure for the necessary training and support for fishers who elect to invest in this technology in the future. Objectives: 1. Install Desert Star ARC-1XD acoustic release system and integrate with on-board electronics on at least 3 vessels in the NSW lobster fishery 2. Provide training and support in the use and maintenance of the system for fishers who adopt this technology in 2012-13 3. Produce documentation (manuals, diagnostic & problem-solving tools) covering intallation, use and maintenance of the system 4. Broker changes/improvements to the acoustic release system's hardware, firmware and software with the manufacturer 5. Monitor the performance of acoustic release systems implemented in the NSW lobster fishery Read moreRead less
Development Of Intensive Pond Farming Techniques For The Mud Crab, Scylla Serrata (Forskal), In Northern Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Identify methods by which moult associated cannibalism in mud crabs can be minimised under high stocking densities in the laboratory. 2. Incorporate results of laboratory studies in pond design and management systems in pilot commercial scale farming trials
Objectives: 1. Observe the temperature and salinity structure along a section from the mouth of Spencer Gulf SA to the edge of the continental shelf at three-monthly intervals 2. Take water samples at selected locations
TSGA IPA: Understanding Dorvilleid Ecology In Macquarie Harbour And Their Response To Organic Enrichment
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$87,135.40
Summary
Previous research has shown a clear impact gradient associated with cage salmon farming operations, and that presence of bacterial mats (Beggiatoa) and proliferation of opportunistic species are features commonly associated with high levels of organic enrichment (e.g. Pearson & Rosenberg, 1978). The presence of opportunists, such as Capitellid worms, being classified as representative of “unacceptable impact” (Macleod et al., 2004). This premise has been validated in SE Tasmania and underpins r ....Previous research has shown a clear impact gradient associated with cage salmon farming operations, and that presence of bacterial mats (Beggiatoa) and proliferation of opportunistic species are features commonly associated with high levels of organic enrichment (e.g. Pearson & Rosenberg, 1978). The presence of opportunists, such as Capitellid worms, being classified as representative of “unacceptable impact” (Macleod et al., 2004). This premise has been validated in SE Tasmania and underpins regulatory monitoring requirements statewide (DPIPWE, 2004).
The understanding that proliferation of opportunists represents deteriorating conditions was translated to monitoring protocols in Macquarie Harbour, but the relationship between opportunists and the level of enrichment was not explicitly tested in this region. However, video surveys suggest that in Dorvilleid worms rather than Capitellids were the species most indicative of organic enrichment effects(DPIPWE, 2004). Dorvilleids can tolerate anaerobic sediments and high levels of hydrogen sulphide (Levin et al. 2013) and are known to be indicators of the impacts of finfish aquaculture (e.g. Paxton et al. 2010).
However, Macquarie Harbour is ecologically very different to other farming areas in SE Tasmania; the sediments are inherently depauperate, largely epibiotic and spatially patchy. A recent study in Canada has highlighted the need to better understand the relationships and compliance thresholds for established enrichment indicators (i.e. Beggiatoa sp and opportunistic polychaete complexes) in systems where ecological patchiness may occur (Hamoutene et al 2014); suggesting that, where there is significant potential for small scale spatial variability, normal successional responses may not be as reliable. Consequently, the responses may not be consistent with expectations developed from southern Tasmanian regions.
In this context it is important to identify the relationship between Dorvilleids and sediment condition; determining the reliability of this species as an indicator of sediment condition, and characterising the environmental conditions associated with changes in Dorvilleid abundance.
Objectives: 1. Review the international literature to establish the current state of knowledge regarding Dorvilleid ecology, and in particular, their response to organic enrichment. This will include a review of their current use as indicator of the impacts of finfish aquaculture. 2. Carry out targeted field survey at selected leases to identify the relationship between Dorvilleids and sediment condition, characterising the environmental conditions associated with changes in Dorvilleid abundance. 3. Based on the finding of 1. and 2. determine the reliability of this species as an indicator of sediment condition in Macquarie Harbour 4. In conjunction with industry and government stakeholders make recommendations on the future use of Dorvilleids in regulatory monitoring of Salmonid aquaculture in Macquarie Harbour Read moreRead less
Underwater Filming Of Bottom Trawls, Including An Australian Maritime College Separator Panel Trawl, In Conjunction With The NSW Department Of Agriculture And The SA Department Of Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Information on configuration of prawn trawls, partic net shape, ground chain & line configure & otter board angle of attach & heel. 2. Film the trawl separating different fish spp to see if separation panel at correct height. Use raw data for AMC flume tank short courses
Development And Cost-benefit Analysis Of An Electronic Observer System To Monitored A Remote Small Vessel Commercial Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$40,488.18
Summary
Monitoring of remote small vessel fisheries in Australia is often difficult and always costly. Travel costs, observer wages, and operational inefficiencies and restrictions of small vessels in accommodating on-board observers are all factors which act to restrict monitoring coverage while still incurring a relatively high cost to industry. With the a growing need for accurate catch and effort data and the high costs and operational restrictions of using human observers there is a subsequent need ....Monitoring of remote small vessel fisheries in Australia is often difficult and always costly. Travel costs, observer wages, and operational inefficiencies and restrictions of small vessels in accommodating on-board observers are all factors which act to restrict monitoring coverage while still incurring a relatively high cost to industry. With the a growing need for accurate catch and effort data and the high costs and operational restrictions of using human observers there is a subsequent need to find a cost effective alternative that will not only improve coverage levels but also reduce costs. Objectives: 1. To determine if an electronic monitoring system is a feasible alternative to on board observers for species identification, and the quantification of discarded and retained weights in a remote fishery. 2. To determine the full range of costs and benefits of implementing an Electronic Monitoring System. 3. To compare the full range of cost and benefits of an electronic monitoring system with the full range of costs and benefits of on board observers. Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Artificial Reefs - Design And Monitoring Standards Workshops
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$35,000.00
Summary
Interest in artificial reefs is growing in Australia, with recently initiated programs in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. These have been mostly pilot projects using available basic designs and materials for research purposes, or the dumping of materials of opportunity (junk).
However, the progression to dedicated and effective fisheries enhancement programs using artificial reefs has proved difficult. While environmental impact assessment has been extremely costly and time c ....Interest in artificial reefs is growing in Australia, with recently initiated programs in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. These have been mostly pilot projects using available basic designs and materials for research purposes, or the dumping of materials of opportunity (junk).
However, the progression to dedicated and effective fisheries enhancement programs using artificial reefs has proved difficult. While environmental impact assessment has been extremely costly and time consuming for some jurisdictions, the more fundamental problem of lack of demonstrably effective and appropriate reef designs remains.
In many countries the use of materials of opportunity is now discouraged or even banned, and many require all artificial reef modules to be purpose designed and built to prescribed engineering standards. Korea requires all new artificial reef modules to be tested and monitored for two years before government assessment determines whether they can be deployed in public waters.
At this time in Australia there are no standards or guidelines to assist in determining appropriate designs or materials for artificial reefs, and no agreed basic research and monitoring requirements to allow their effectiveness to be determined. Without these basic tools we run the risk of duplicating the years of trial and error, sub-optimal performance and possibly failure that plagued some countries, and drove others to introduce their present regulatory schemes. Objectives: 1. an up to date status report on the development of artificial reefs in Australia 2. informed discussion of the relative merits of artificial reef designs, construction materials and monitoring techniques 3. a consensus on desireable and undesireable features and methods 4. guidelines on designs, materials and monitoring to assist decision makers Read moreRead less