Fish LIGHT - Low Impact Gears And Innovative Harvest Technologies
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$9,050,000.00
Summary
This program of works supports the trial, implementation, and evaluation of innovative and alternative low-impact harvest technologies (fishing gears) within Queensland’s inshore fisheries (East Coast and Gulf of Carpentaria). The program will be developed in a way that supports an evidence-based approach to developing and trialling sustainable alternative commercial fishing gears, and be run in collaboration with relevant Government agencies and fisheries stakeholders.
Through the addi ....This program of works supports the trial, implementation, and evaluation of innovative and alternative low-impact harvest technologies (fishing gears) within Queensland’s inshore fisheries (East Coast and Gulf of Carpentaria). The program will be developed in a way that supports an evidence-based approach to developing and trialling sustainable alternative commercial fishing gears, and be run in collaboration with relevant Government agencies and fisheries stakeholders.
Through the additional support of co-investment of $4.5 million by FRDC (in line with this application and the approved funds listed under project 2023-154), the program will be delivered in two stages across a six-year timeframe (up to a total investment of $9 million).
The fishing methods to be trialled as part of the first stage will range from exploring enhancements of existing low-impact gear types, through to trials of innovative harvest technologies. The alternative low-impact harvest technologies will first be trialled in order to demonstrate their triple bottom line credentials. After this, the second stage will support broader implementation and evaluation of commercial application over a three-year period.
The program of works will also explore additional opportunities to enhance the economic value and social profile of the fishery, to ensure that any new harvest technologies align with global best practice standards, product value adding to enhance profitability margins, and improvements in social acceptability.
Wild caught seafood also allows for a diverse mix of species that appeal to a range of consumers and seafood businesses. It is planned that this work will explore potential opportunities for market expansion. Objectives: 1. Undertake gear trials with clear monitoring and assessment of gear performance against economic, ecological (including SOCI interactions) and social indicators. 2. Evaluate different gear trial pathways to understand the cost benefit trade-offs, timeframes and identify principles for success 3. Identify attitudinal, behavioural, and contextual factors affecting the adoption and perception of the alternative gear, and design and implement interventions to alleviate this. 4. Support developmental fishery implementation and optimisation of gears and business models to ensure long-term sustainability. 5. Understand the market and consumer preferences associated with caught combination of new gears and undertake optimisation of post-harvest processes and business models to support profitability. 6. Develop forums and communication materials to support responsible innovation and knowledge transfer for and across Australian community, and with a focus on commercial fisheries and key rightsholders and stakeholders Read moreRead less
Quantifying The Exposure, Protection And Recovery Of Seafloor Habitats In Spencer Gulf To Prawn Trawling
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$314,535.00
Summary
An independent review (FishListic Pty Ltd. 2019) identified knowledge gaps that need to be addressed for the SGPF to have a successful re-assessment of their MSC certification. The review found that detailed information was needed on the percentage of key seafloor habitat types within and outside the trawl footprint.
The review highlighted the need to visually monitor the SGPF’s associated habitats to address knowledge gaps of habitat extent, regeneration, detailed mapping, sensitivity ....An independent review (FishListic Pty Ltd. 2019) identified knowledge gaps that need to be addressed for the SGPF to have a successful re-assessment of their MSC certification. The review found that detailed information was needed on the percentage of key seafloor habitat types within and outside the trawl footprint.
The review highlighted the need to visually monitor the SGPF’s associated habitats to address knowledge gaps of habitat extent, regeneration, detailed mapping, sensitivity and understanding of gear impacts. Specific knowledge gaps are: a) the presence/extent of sponge and rhodolith habitats currently in medium to high-intensity trawl areas; b) regeneration of sponge and rhodolith habitats previously subjected to high-intensity trawling; c) post-capture survivability of rhodolith pavement; and d) impact of gear on specific habitats.
The MSC Fisheries Standard for Habitats (PI 2.4) requires explicit assessment of the fishery’s impact on commonly encountered habitats, vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) and minor habitats. While VMEs are not currently designated in Spencer Gulf, the common, sensitive and minor habitats associated with the SGPF need to be evaluated. Data are needed on the amount of exposure of these habitats to prawn trawling in Spencer Gulf, as well as on their protection and recovery, to determine their status.
In order for the SGPF to maintain its status as one of the world’s best managed prawn trawl fisheries and retain its social licence to operate, the requirements of MSC Principle 2: Habitat (2.4) need to be addressed. Seafloor habitat types found within the trawl grounds need to be visually monitored, described, quantified, and impacts from prawn trawling assessed.
New understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of key habitats and impacts from fishing in the context of the entire Spencer Gulf is needed to protect fisheries resources and the environment that supports them, and for integrated ecosystem-based management to be implemented in the future.
Objectives: 1. Estimate the proportion of key seafloor habitats (namely sponge gardens, rhodolith pavements and seagrass) and selected by-catch species that occur inside and outside the SGPF trawl footprint; 2. Quantify the spatial distribution of cumulative trawl intensity and time-since-trawled across Spencer Gulf; 3. Quantify the exposure and protection of seafloor habitats and by-catch species to trawling; 4. Estimate the potential regeneration timeframes of key seafloor habitats and assess their current status. Read moreRead less
Development And Evaluation Of Multi-species Harvest Strategies In The SESSF
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$464,973.00
Summary
The current HSP has biomass target reference points. The problem however, is that research has shown that in multi-species fisheries with technical interactions (i.e. the mixture of different species catches with the same gear) and ecosystem interactions (e.g. competition or predation), it is not possible to maintain all species at the same target level, and there is no empirical basis to assume biomass of non-target species will always be below or at BMEY. In fact, it is likely that the biomas ....The current HSP has biomass target reference points. The problem however, is that research has shown that in multi-species fisheries with technical interactions (i.e. the mixture of different species catches with the same gear) and ecosystem interactions (e.g. competition or predation), it is not possible to maintain all species at the same target level, and there is no empirical basis to assume biomass of non-target species will always be below or at BMEY. In fact, it is likely that the biomass of some of these species will be greater than BMEY as well as below it. This was demonstrated for the SESSF by Smith et al (2107).
The new CHSP recognises that net economic returns for multi-species fisheries may be maximised by including differential targets in harvest strategies that are always above BLIM, but greater or lower than BMEY. In addition, recent recommendations by the SESSF Monitoring and Assessment Research Project (SMARP) into monitoring and assessment options, including multi-year TAC decision frameworks, require simulation testing. Thus, there is a critical need to develop, evaluate and operationalise a fishery-wide harvest strategy with multiple and appropriate reference points, and multispecies decision rules. The question is what would a multi-species harvest strategy that covers an entire fishery or component of it, rather than a number of single species harvest strategies, look like.
We need to develop and operationalise a fishery-wide harvest strategy with multiple and appropriate reference points, and multispecies decision rules.
This will need to be implemented by June 2020, so there is an urgent need to design and evaluate a range of options from which to select a candidate harvest strategy. The aim of this project is to develop a fit-for-purpose harvest strategy in the SESSF that meets the intent of the policy, is cost effective and maximises net economic returns. Objectives: 1. To develop and evaluate multi-species harvest strategies, including reference points and decision rules. 2. To evaluate future monitoring and assessment options identified in the SESSF Monitoring and Assessment Research Project. 3. To develop a process and set of design principles for multi-species harvest strategies. Read moreRead less
While the AAHTS has been in operation for 9 years, there remains a need for the continual education and training of aquatic animal health professionals to enhance their skills across a range of specialist disciplines. Based on the significant outcomes from the previous nine years of the AAHTS, the Department of Agriculture has contributed $75,000.00 (less $7,500.00 (10%) management fee, cash contribution to FRDC) to ensure that the AAHTS continues to be implemented for a further 3-year period (2 ....While the AAHTS has been in operation for 9 years, there remains a need for the continual education and training of aquatic animal health professionals to enhance their skills across a range of specialist disciplines. Based on the significant outcomes from the previous nine years of the AAHTS, the Department of Agriculture has contributed $75,000.00 (less $7,500.00 (10%) management fee, cash contribution to FRDC) to ensure that the AAHTS continues to be implemented for a further 3-year period (2019/20-2021/22) with matching funding anticipated from the FRDC Aquatic Animal Health and Biosecurity Subprogram. Thus, an application is needed to generate an agreement between CSIRO-AAHL and FRDC for continuation of AAHTS which would be administered as previously, i.e., by CSIRO-AAHL (rather than FRDC) through the FRDC Aquatic Animal Health and Biosecurity Subprogram. Objectives: 1. To improve the knowledge and skills in aquatic animal health management to support Australia’s fishing and aquaculture industry, including the aquarium sector Read moreRead less
Building Industry Capacity To Lead Co-management Initiatives Within The Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery: Training Industry To Conduct Biomass Estimate Surveys
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$90,462.00
Summary
There is a need to develop capacity within industry in order to progress future co-management initiatives in the Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery (BSCZSF). Central to future co-management initiatives will be industry’s ability to collect data in a systematic and scientific manner that is robust and reliable to inform management decision making. Industry needs to be trained to coordinate and collect data. This data may also deliver cost savings when compared to the current pre-season biom ....There is a need to develop capacity within industry in order to progress future co-management initiatives in the Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery (BSCZSF). Central to future co-management initiatives will be industry’s ability to collect data in a systematic and scientific manner that is robust and reliable to inform management decision making. Industry needs to be trained to coordinate and collect data. This data may also deliver cost savings when compared to the current pre-season biomass surveys.
The unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have forced industry and management to review existing research and management processes to ensure the on-going viability Australia’s fishing industry. Whilst the scallop fishery has to date been largely shielded from the impacts (a seasonal effect) there is tremendous uncertainty about the coming fishing year and markets. There is now a need to re-think the data collection processes for this fishery and provide the industry with the opportunity and capacity, under a co-management approach, to cost-effectively collect data to inform management decisions.
The coming season provides the perfect opportunity for the first steps into a new co-management paradigm. The biomass in western Bass Strait waters are significant, with many in the industry saying it’s the highest in over 40 years of fishing. Based on the 2019 TAC, the maximum harvest fraction last season was less than 9% of the surveyed biomass, noting it was even lower, as the TAC remained under-caught. Furthermore AFMA have recently announced that the formal pre-season biomass estimation survey will not proceed in 2020 due the uncertainties surrounding the impacts of COVID-19.
This project will investigate industry’s capacity to coordinate in-season biomass surveys and provide the opportunity for industry to understand the requirements to undertake formal scientific studies.
Objectives: 1. Build industry capacity to lead and participate in fishery data collection projects 2. Industry coordinated data collection to inform biomass estimation of the fishery 3. Industry coordinated data collection and data analysis to inform decision making and develop co-management arrangements Read moreRead less
Partnering To Deliver National Research, Development And Extension For Australia’s Recreational Fishing Sector: Management Project 2022-2024
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$426,082.00
Summary
There is an opportunity to create a new partnership with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) to aggregate information from a regional and jurisdictional level to a national forum with the view to provide advise the FRDC in prioritising strategic and tactical investments in RD&E to deliver positive outcomes for the Australian recreational sector. An ARFF – FRDC partnership could be extend beyond simply prioritisation, to include establishing opportunities for effective and t ....There is an opportunity to create a new partnership with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) to aggregate information from a regional and jurisdictional level to a national forum with the view to provide advise the FRDC in prioritising strategic and tactical investments in RD&E to deliver positive outcomes for the Australian recreational sector. An ARFF – FRDC partnership could be extend beyond simply prioritisation, to include establishing opportunities for effective and targeted extension and adoption of R&D outputs to effect cultural and behavioural changes within recreational sector beneficiaries. A properly resourced and coordinated collaboration may also identify opportunities for co-investment with traditional and non-traditional sources, particularly those linked to the ARFF network. This proposal looks to formalise a partnership between the recreational fishing sector and the FRDC and outlines the structure, function, resourcing and phases of that partnership model. The effective delivery of this partnership model will in turn derive benefits to the recreational sector, its supporters, the broader Australian community, and the FRDC through the delivery of the R&D Plan 2020-2025. Objectives: 1. Proactively work with the recreational fishing community and key partners to identify and coordinate national and regional RD&E priorities, and assist to develop scopes to address those priorities 2. Inform FRDC and stakeholders of the shifting landscape and capability, and emerging needs of the Australian (and international) recreational sector relevant to the FRDC's R&D Plan 2022-2025 3. Ensure quality and relevance of R&D investments undertaken by the FRDC to the recreational sector through technical and extension advice and support for FRDC management and project teams 4. Support extension and adoption of R&D in those areas relevant to the Australian recreational sector, and aligning to FRDC’s R&D Plan 2020-25, with an aspiration to enhance behaviour change, as well as capacity and capability in the sector 5. Support management of external national and international partnerships delivering recreational R&D across FRDC 6. Facilitate co-investment in RD&E which benefits the recreational fishing community nationally, and aligns to the FRDC’s R&D Plan 2020-25, to assist in its delivery Read moreRead less
During the initial conceptual steering committee meeting of the Tuna Champions program it was identified, and supported by marketing specialists, to focus on a single species, in this case the SBT. If this was done well, it would minimise dilution of the messaging and improve the uptake and momentum of increased stewardship in that particular fishery. It was noted however that the messages would likely ‘spill over’ into other species, particularly other tuna species as the practices being promot ....During the initial conceptual steering committee meeting of the Tuna Champions program it was identified, and supported by marketing specialists, to focus on a single species, in this case the SBT. If this was done well, it would minimise dilution of the messaging and improve the uptake and momentum of increased stewardship in that particular fishery. It was noted however that the messages would likely ‘spill over’ into other species, particularly other tuna species as the practices being promoted were applicable to them. Then further, that the messaging and recognition of the value of stewardship as it relates to recreational fishing practices would spill over more broadly to other species. This effect has now been realised with fishers that target other tuna species already organically sharing and promoting the message of tuna champions and more broadly, several other recreational stewardship programs have been developed or are currently in the funding or conceptual phases including Shark Mates, Snapper Stewards and a program in Tasmania promoting stewardship in the recreational fishery targeting Sand Flathead.
The recent recognition by the Federal Government of the success of the Tuna Champions program was highlighted in the commitment to fund an extension of the program announced with the launch of the 2021 Federal budget.
This funding will facilitate the need to broaden the program to the next level by increasing the scope of the project to now focus on more key tuna species in Australia, including Yellowfin Tuna and Longtail Tuna. The geographic distribution of these species and the recreational fisheries that target them will increase the breadth of the program across Australia with both these species commonly caught on the east and west coasts and Longtail Tuna caught along the top-end of Australia, including the Northern Territory.
Objectives: 1. Deliver an education program and communication strategy focusing on responsible fishing practices within the recreational sector and educating grass-roots fishers on best practices around all aspects of their interactions with key tuna species in Australia. 2. Develop a research hub to facilitate ongoing recreational fisher engagement in studies pertaining to key tuna species in Australia. 3. Develop a self-funding model to ensure the long-term sustainability of Tuna Champions independent of Commonwealth government funding. Read moreRead less
Assessing Current Data And Alternate Data Collection Methods Relating To Recreational Catches Of Tropical Tuna And Billfishes
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$249,442.00
Summary
The recreational sector of the Tropical Tuna and Billfish Fishery (TTBF) is an important component of the overall fishery. The recreational fishery has a number of distinct components – the organized club-based sector, the non-club sector and the charter sector. Some catch and catch-effort data, although incomplete, are available from the club-based and charter sectors, while data from the non-club sector, including the magnitude of that sector, are largely lacking. These uncertainties and gaps ....The recreational sector of the Tropical Tuna and Billfish Fishery (TTBF) is an important component of the overall fishery. The recreational fishery has a number of distinct components – the organized club-based sector, the non-club sector and the charter sector. Some catch and catch-effort data, although incomplete, are available from the club-based and charter sectors, while data from the non-club sector, including the magnitude of that sector, are largely lacking. These uncertainties and gaps mean that the total Australian catch by the sector is unknown. However, recreational data may provide relative indicators of stock and fishery performance through time (e.g., CPUE), which could be valuable for monitoring TTBF stocks and the quality of the recreational fishery. This project will summarise existing recreational data available for the TTBF and evaluate their utility for monitoring, to guide immediate application and identify areas requiring further development.
A large component of the total catch of the TTBF recreational sector, is released. Post release mortality is a re-occurring question that has been studied to some extent by the use of satellite telemetry in some target species (striped marlin, swordfish and to a lesser extent, yellowfin tuna). This project will additionally review available data for release rates which are required to apply estimates of post release mortality over the whole fishery.
While all five target species of the TTBF are also caught by the recreational sector, two species – striped marlin and yellowfin tuna – are particularly numerically important. In addition, a relatively new recreational fishery for swordfish has emerged in Victorian and Tasmanian waters, with potential to spread to other States, but is largely unmonitored. This project will assess these important species.
Aside from the five commercial target species within the TTBF, the recreational sector also targets and highly values other billfish species, especially black marlin, blue marlin and sailfish. These species are also caught as bycatch of the domestic commercial sector, although blue and black marlin are not permitted to be landed by commercial licence holders and are therefore discarded. Recreational data sources may provide the only cost-effective monitoring option for stocks of these non-commercial species.
Objectives: 1. Review traditional and contemporary, cost-effective sources of recreational and charter catch and catch-effort data for Tropical Tuna and Billfish (including assumption and limitations of the data as well as a cost benefit analysis of methods) 2. Collate available data sources to improve the understanding of the potential catch on local abundance/availability of commercial, recreational and charter target species 3. Provide recommendations on how recreational and charter catch data might be collected, standardized, and integrated in future decision-making Read moreRead less