Image Based Visual Servo Control of Dynamic Under-Actuated Systems. The project builds on earlier work on visual servo control of under-actuated rigid body dynamics to develop and implement sophisticated and robust image based visual servo control for a wide class of under-actuated and fully actuated dynamic systems. The scope of the project extends far beyond basic testing of preliminary results to address key technical issues facing visual servo control algorithms at this time. The project i ....Image Based Visual Servo Control of Dynamic Under-Actuated Systems. The project builds on earlier work on visual servo control of under-actuated rigid body dynamics to develop and implement sophisticated and robust image based visual servo control for a wide class of under-actuated and fully actuated dynamic systems. The scope of the project extends far beyond basic testing of preliminary results to address key technical issues facing visual servo control algorithms at this time. The project is strongly motivated by the host of emerging applications for visual servo control of unmanned aerial vehicles. The experimental program within the project is based on control of a four rotor VTOL `hoverbot'.Read moreRead less
Image-based teleoperation of semi-autonomous robotic vehicles. This project will contribute strongly to Australia's robotic service industry in the development of semi-autonomous robotic inspection vehicles by; developing core technology in image-based teleoperation, training experts in the area, promoting the study of this topic within the Australian academia, and developing test facilities and prototype vehicles. Robotic inspection vehicles have the potential to replace direct human presence i ....Image-based teleoperation of semi-autonomous robotic vehicles. This project will contribute strongly to Australia's robotic service industry in the development of semi-autonomous robotic inspection vehicles by; developing core technology in image-based teleoperation, training experts in the area, promoting the study of this topic within the Australian academia, and developing test facilities and prototype vehicles. Robotic inspection vehicles have the potential to replace direct human presence in difficult, dangerous or simply uncomfortable inspection tasks such as; inspection of industrial pressure vessels, piping and conduits in factories or mines, undersea cabling, inspection of bridges, dams and other large scale civil buildings, amongst many other possibilities.Read moreRead less
Co-design and dynamic mission optimisation of hypersonic flight vehicles. This project aims to deliver fundamental knowledge by integrating the modelling and control with the design of next generation hypersonic platforms. In an era where Australia's national security reliance on geographic isolation and support from allied forces are being challenged, the research outcomes of this project will play an important role in understanding the capabilities of hypersonic systems. The project will also ....Co-design and dynamic mission optimisation of hypersonic flight vehicles. This project aims to deliver fundamental knowledge by integrating the modelling and control with the design of next generation hypersonic platforms. In an era where Australia's national security reliance on geographic isolation and support from allied forces are being challenged, the research outcomes of this project will play an important role in understanding the capabilities of hypersonic systems. The project will also have significant spillover benefits into other complex system domains, where computational tools can be used to aid in design leading to high embedded-IP products for Australian industry. Furthermore, the proposal encompasses a strong research training aspect, with graduates exposed to leading edge industry and academia.Read moreRead less
Stock Identification And Discrimination Of Mulloway In Australian Waters
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Investigate population structure of mulloway, Argyrosomus hololepidotus, to determine whether mulloway in Australian waters belong to one large inter-breeding population throughout their range or whether 2 or more separate stocks exist.
Shark Futures: A Report Card For Australia's Sharks And Rays
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$199,997.20
Summary
With growing concerns for the status of shark and ray populations world-wide, and increasing pressure to ensure Australia’s 320 species are effectively managed and conserved, there is a need for decision makers in government to have access to comprehensive and accurate information. One of the greatest challenges for the sharks and rays is that more than any other taxa they exist across the spectrum of interests from sustainable fisheries resources to threatened species requiring conservation. Fu ....With growing concerns for the status of shark and ray populations world-wide, and increasing pressure to ensure Australia’s 320 species are effectively managed and conserved, there is a need for decision makers in government to have access to comprehensive and accurate information. One of the greatest challenges for the sharks and rays is that more than any other taxa they exist across the spectrum of interests from sustainable fisheries resources to threatened species requiring conservation. Further complicating the assessment and management of these species is the fact that many species ranges extend beyond Australia’s territorial waters, where management is implemented differently and populations may be in very different states. Australia’s abilities both in management of its sharks and rays, and the science that underpins it, are recognised as world-leading. Despite this there remain many challenges that face our sharks and rays, but they may not always be those that are faced by other nations in our region. Currently the available information is fragmentary and difficult to access, and most assessment is focused on only a few species targeted by fisheries. The growing information needs of initiatives such as Shark-Plan 2, CITES, CMS, ESD, WTO and EPBC listing struggle to be met because of the lack of a synthesis of information across this group. Locally relevant information on the status of sharks and rays, and the synthesis of knowledge about them, will thus be critical to addressing the challenges that face this group in Australian waters. Objectives: 1. To synthesise available information on sharks and rays in Australian waters 2. To produce a report card on the status of Australia’s sharks and rays Read moreRead less
Biological Data And Model Development For Management Of Longfin Eel Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$339,353.00
Summary
The proposed research will provide a management model for longfin eels, and the data to support the model in Queensland. Supporting data for NSW will be supplied by a collaborative project in that state. The model will also be suitable for managing shortfin eels in Victoria, Tasmania, NSW and Queensland, given appropriate data. The research will also develop methodology for a fishery-independent sustainability indicator, which will similarly be useful for both longfin and shortfin eels.
The proposed research will provide a management model for longfin eels, and the data to support the model in Queensland. Supporting data for NSW will be supplied by a collaborative project in that state. The model will also be suitable for managing shortfin eels in Victoria, Tasmania, NSW and Queensland, given appropriate data. The research will also develop methodology for a fishery-independent sustainability indicator, which will similarly be useful for both longfin and shortfin eels.
Glass eel fishing and the aquaculture it supports are developing industries throughout southern and eastern Australia, and are potentially worth tens of millions of dollars. Prices for adult eels have also increased in recent years, encouraging the growth of this industry. However, adult stocks in Queensland and NSW appear to be declining. In addition, eels comprise a major part of stream biomass, and are probably the most important predators in many freshwater ecosystems. Significant changes to stream ecology by major reductions in eel biomass have the potential to destabilise ecosystems, facilitating invasion by exotics among other problems.
The FRDC is supporting glass eel industry development. However, sustainability of glass and adult eel fishing is not yet being addressed. Internationally, eel fisheries have not been sustained. Glass eel supplies have collapsed in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Our modelling of Queensland eel stocks demonstrates two things. Firstly, fishing of adult eels can severely reduce the number of spawning females. This is backed up by evidence from New Zealand, where the Lake Ellesmere eel fishery has seen drastic declines in the number of (particularly female) spawners (Jellyman 1995). Thus some types of adult eel fishing may damage the glass eel fishery. On the other hand, reduced or redirected adult eel fishing may significantly enhance the glass eel fishery. A management model will provide insight into these issues. Modelling of the kind proposed has not previously been published for eels, and interest has been expressed by international eel researchers.
Secondly, very little is known about longfin eel demography and population structure, knowledge which is needed for informed management of eel stocks. Some very sparse demographic data come from New Zealand, Tasmania and Victoria, but even this is compromised by eels’ great variability in growth and maturation rates between environments. Queensland may hold the majority of longfin eel biomass in Australia, but no studies have been carried out either here or in NSW. Statistically sound fishery-independent techniques are required to estimate population structure and demography for all important sectors of the population, particularly females. Fishery-dependent techniques will not work in Queensland due to the decline of the fishery. Data from NSW will provide complementary information on males, which are probably seldom found outside estuaries.
As the glass eel fishery develops and as demand for adult eels rises, information on the changing status of wild eel stocks will be required. A sustainability indicator can provide this. Such indicators are best developed as early as possible in the evolution of the fishery.
Eel life histories are complex and unique, and successful management requires a different approach from other fisheries. Successful management of glass and adult eel fisheries requires a management model supported by demographic and fishery-based data. It also requires a feedback mechanism in the form of a sustainability indicator. The proposed research will provide the first and develop methodology for the second. Objectives: 1. Estimate population parameters required for a management model. These include survival, density, age structure, growth, age and size at maturity and at recruitment to the adult eel fishery. Estimate their variability among individuals in a range of habitats. 2. Develop a management population dynamics model and use it to investigate management options. 3. Establish baseline data and sustainability indicators for long-term monitoring. 4. Assess the applicability of the above techniques to other eel fisheries in Australia, in collaboration with NSW. Distribute developed tools via the Australia and New Zealand Eel Reference Group. Read moreRead less
Collaborative Investigation On The Usage And Stock Assessment Of Bait Fishes In Southern And Eastern Australian Waters, With Special Reference To Pilchards (Sardinops Sagax Neopilchardus); Extension Into Qld And NSW (stage 2)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$94,826.00
Summary
1. Need to thoroughly assess the developmental fishery Logistical difficulties encountered during the first year of Queensland's developmental fishery have recently been overcome and levels of effort during the final year seem likely to approach the capacity of the vessel and crew. Extending the research project to include this final year of fishing will facilitate the acquisition of catch-at-age data from the first year of large-scale commercial utilisation of a virtually virgin stock. This ....1. Need to thoroughly assess the developmental fishery Logistical difficulties encountered during the first year of Queensland's developmental fishery have recently been overcome and levels of effort during the final year seem likely to approach the capacity of the vessel and crew. Extending the research project to include this final year of fishing will facilitate the acquisition of catch-at-age data from the first year of large-scale commercial utilisation of a virtually virgin stock. This will enhance assessment of the fishery’s potential as these data are essential for the application of age-based simulation models (C. Dichmont, pers. comm) that will be used to obtain a preliminary estimate of biomass for comparison with estimates obtained using the DEPM and that may be used for future assessments of the fishery.
2. Need to assess inter-annual variations in stock size Studies in South Australia and Victoria indicate the potential for large inter-annual variations in the spatial and temporal patterns of distribution and abundance of clupeoid eggs/larvae. These fluctuations, in conjunction with variations in adult spawning parameters and age-specific mortality rates, can greatly affect estimates of spawning biomass obtained using the DEPM and have significant implications for agencies responsible for the management of pilchard stocks. Several scientists (e.g. Dr D Williams, AIMS) have suggested that interannual variations in abundance may be particularly large in locations that are relatively close to the edge of the geographical distribution of pilchards, such as southern Queensland. Quantification of the magnitude of inter-annual fluctuations requires egg surveys to be conducted over several years. Conducting egg surveys during a year of intensive fishing will facilitate the comparison of estimates of spawning biomass obtained using the DEPM with those calculated using fishery-dependent methods (Hilborn and Walters 1992).
3. Need to develop a fishery-independent sampling method Researchers throughout Australia urgently require an efficient fishery-independent method for collecting the samples of adult pilchards required to monitor seasonal changes in reproductive status and estimate parameters required for application of the DEPM (e.g. K. Jones, M. Kinloch (SARDI), D. Gaughan (WADF) - pers. comm.). The use of a multi-mesh gill net to sample fish attracted to surface and underwater lights was tested from the RV Warrego in October 1997. This method appears to provide a cost and time efficient means of catching adult pilchards but needs to be refined and tested.
4. Need to develop and assess methods to minimise impacts on dolphins Predatory fishes, seabirds and marine mammals that occur in the waters of southern Queensland appear to feed opportunistically and seem unlikely to be seriously effected by an ecologically sustainable fishery for pilchards. However, the common bottle-nosed dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, is sometimes encircled and occasionally drowned in purse seine fisheries throughout Australia. The occasional capture of such animals in fishing gear must be given due consideration by fisheries managers as conservation groups have recently used this issue as a reason for closing down sustainable fisheries, even when capture rates are so low that impacts on population levels are minimal. The incidental capture of dolphins in purse seine nets in southern Queensland can only be quantified and the need for and/or success of mitigating procedures for use in Australian fisheries can only be properly assessed during an extended period of intensive fishing such as will occur during 1998/9. Objectives: 1. To obtain catch-at-age data from a virgin stock in order to compare estimates of spawning biomass of pilchards obtained using the Daily Egg Production Method (DEPM) and age-based simulation models. 2. To describe the inter-annual variations in the spatial and temporal patterns of distribution and abundance of clupeoid eggs/larvae in southern Queensland and northern NSW. 3. To develop, apply and assess a new technique for obtaining samples of adult pilchards required to (i) obtain fishery-independent estimates of population structure, (ii) describe seasonal changes in reproductive status and (iii) calculate adult reproductive parameters required for application of the DEPM. 4. To develop and assess methods for preventing common bottle-nosed dolphins, Tursiops trucatus, being encircled in purse seine nets. Read moreRead less
Experimental Culture Of The Native Oyster, Ostrea Anqasi, In Victoria
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Determine the best method of catching or otherwise obtaining native oyster spat 2. to determine the best methods and area for on-growing native oyster