Two-Eyed Seeing – A Framework For Cultural Fishery Assessments Supporting Equitable And Sustainable Access To Shared Resources In NSW Inland Rivers
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$1,460,500.00
Summary
Fish are totemic and a primary food source; and so are part of the deep cultural, spiritual and economic connections Aboriginal communities have to their waterways that are part of ‘Country’. Cultural knowledge tells us that when there’s more water availability cultural fishers experience increased total catches and greater diversity of target species, and they fish more (e.g. increase in recreational and subsistence fishing). These narratives also suggest that as a result of these improved cult ....Fish are totemic and a primary food source; and so are part of the deep cultural, spiritual and economic connections Aboriginal communities have to their waterways that are part of ‘Country’. Cultural knowledge tells us that when there’s more water availability cultural fishers experience increased total catches and greater diversity of target species, and they fish more (e.g. increase in recreational and subsistence fishing). These narratives also suggest that as a result of these improved cultural fishing opportunities, there are flow on socio-economic benefits to household budgets, diets of communities, social behaviours and mental health and well-being.
Water is sacred and living; and central to the cultural, social and spiritual identity of Aboriginal people, as well as to their livelihoods. Conceptual models underpinning western water management frameworks and decision making do not incorporate Aboriginal/First Nations socio-cultural complexity, local knowledge and governance arrangements. These are critical – Aboriginal/First Nations people have strong connections with fish, water, rivers and knowledge to contribute to planning, as well as a fundamental right to participate. Water and fish are central to the way of life, two-way knowledge and planning frameworks will support reciprocity in engagement and participation.
Two-Eyed Seeing Frameworks (Ganma, Yolgnu for two-ways) provide a way forward for cultural fishery assessments supporting equitable and sustainable access to shared resources. In this framework, knowledge systems (western and cultural) contribute in parallel, on an equal footing, and both serve as evidence bases to produce an enriched picture of mutual understanding. Application of this framework can empower Aboriginal communities to participate more equitably and negotiate by using their science and values and providing a method for inclusion.
The overall objective of this proposed project is to empower Aboriginal communities through application of a “Two-Eyed seeing framework” (Reid et al. 2020) to participate more equitably and negotiate for cultural fishing practices and water allocation and management. This project will define the cultural fishery and quantify the socio-economic value of cultural fishing in two NSW river regions, and assist communities to identify water management needs for key cultural fish species to support ongoing planning and negotiations. It will improve our current fishery and water management by providing a pathway for cultural fisheries and cultural science to be included. Overall, it will increase our current knowledge of fish and fisheries, by bridging the gap between cultural science and western science practitioners and knowledge holders to share understandings, insights and skills. The application and extension of this framework to a national project will be considered for future use in addressing cultural fishery allocations and management.
Objectives: 1. Identify suitable NSW riverine cultural fisheries, engage with Aboriginal Communities, Traditional Owners, codesign the project and confirm move to phase 2. 2. Define and quanitfy the cultural fishery and associated totemic, cultura and social values 3. Identify and describe fish objectives and water management needs for cultural fish species using the Fish and Flows Framework. 4. Determine if changes in (2) are related to changes in water availability, policy and operations and/or river restoration activities (e.g. fish passage restoration, cold water passage, screening), if possible. 5. Objectively assess the efficacy and utility of the “Two-Eyed Seeing framework” in assessing the totemic, culutal and social fishing values and linking them to the fish and flows framework, including consideration of National applicability. Read moreRead less
SESSF Industry Development Subprogram: Adding Value To An Under Utilised Fish Species (silver Warehou)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$53,800.00
Summary
There is little opportunity for fishers in the SESSF to increase profitability. All major species have been allocated quotas, and there is little scope to increasing quotas with all species fully exploited or overfished. While much research has focused on the collection of biological data, assessment of the status of fish stocks and the impact of fishing on the environment (Knuckey 2004) there is a need to investigate value adding to species currently captured by the fishery.
Silver w ....There is little opportunity for fishers in the SESSF to increase profitability. All major species have been allocated quotas, and there is little scope to increasing quotas with all species fully exploited or overfished. While much research has focused on the collection of biological data, assessment of the status of fish stocks and the impact of fishing on the environment (Knuckey 2004) there is a need to investigate value adding to species currently captured by the fishery.
Silver warehou is one of the most promising low-value species to trial for value adding. At present there is little demand from the consumer public with its off white colour when filleted, large catches of it are landed during winter months depressing the price. Many hundreds of tonnes of this species is currently discarded at sea due to lack of markets.
The cost of establishing new markets for both the flathead and school whiting were considerable and borne solely by Consolfish, though all fishers benefited from the higher prices. The products were so successful that Consolfish can no longer afford to process small to medium flathead as the high price at the wharf makes it unviable.
Silver warehou is a relatively unfamilar fish to oversees processors. This project is needed to develop a consumer friendly product and then organise the processing techniques, further training and production planning. The Thai processors have indicated they are keen to process the fish and the Woolworth supermarket chain have indicated they will be willing to stock it on a trial basis. Promotion of the product will be required and will be undertaken at Consolfish expense.
Objectives: 1. Conduct research to confirm appropriate markets for this seafood product 2. Develop a new seafood product from silver warehou that will appeal to the consumer and is competitively priced to similar imported products 3. Adapt equipment to process silver warehou into suitable products 4. Establish training program for processing staff to ensure product QA 5. Desribe how the process applied to silver warehou can be adapted to other low-value species Read moreRead less
Objectives: 1. To improve the value of the fishery by: a) using more of the product caught; 2. b) value adding the product; 3. c) producing a dry lobster bait, or at least a fishmeal from the resultant waste.
SCRC: PhD : An Investigation Of The Microbiology And Biotechnical Properties Leading To Extended Shelf-life In Goldband Snapper (Pristipomoides Multidens)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Tropical snapper species are have a highly variable shelf-life during chilled storage. The overall aim of this project is to determine why Goldband Snapper (Pristipomoides multidens) has a greater shelf life than some similar fish species and to use this knowledge to produce some practical applications to increase shelf-life in other species with shorter shelf-life. To do this we will investigate the microbiological and biochemical properties of Goldband Snapper and, using a control species for ....Tropical snapper species are have a highly variable shelf-life during chilled storage. The overall aim of this project is to determine why Goldband Snapper (Pristipomoides multidens) has a greater shelf life than some similar fish species and to use this knowledge to produce some practical applications to increase shelf-life in other species with shorter shelf-life. To do this we will investigate the microbiological and biochemical properties of Goldband Snapper and, using a control species for comparison, determine if any of these properties are responsible for the long shelf life observed with this fish species. The control species for this project, the Saddleback Snapper (Paracaesio kusakarii), was chosen because it is a similar fish but with a much shorter shelf life. If any significant differences are detected, the possibility of transferring or replicating these properties onto other fish will be investigated. This project will impact greatly on the fishing industry if particular bacteria (or lack of bacteria) or other properties which promote long shelf life are able to be identified and replicated on other fish species.
The project is related to and arose as a result of FRDC 2006/209 “Developing targeted strategies for improving product quality through selected low value seafood supply chains.” and will continue working with currently estabished industry partners including WAFIC and WA Department of Fisheries. The project will be under the auspices of the WA Centre of Excellence for Seafood (CoES), and is particularly associated with the supply chain performance theme of the CoES.Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Development Of A National Aquatic Animal Health Curriculum For Delivery By Tertiary Institutions
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$39,980.00
Summary
The project will address the Aquatic Animal Health Sub Program priority (4) for the Development of a national aquatic animal health curriculum for delivery by tertiary institutions. Trained professionals in aquatic animal health are needed to support the continued development and sustainability of the aquaculture sector within Australia. The productivity and marketability of the aquaculture and fishing industries depend directly on the capacity to promote, monitor, manage, research, and reg ....The project will address the Aquatic Animal Health Sub Program priority (4) for the Development of a national aquatic animal health curriculum for delivery by tertiary institutions. Trained professionals in aquatic animal health are needed to support the continued development and sustainability of the aquaculture sector within Australia. The productivity and marketability of the aquaculture and fishing industries depend directly on the capacity to promote, monitor, manage, research, and regulate the health and welfare of a wide range of species in a wide range of aquatic environments. Currently training opportunities and resourceful corporate knowledge exist across the country covering only a subset of the core attributes required to meet industry, government and service needs. It is necessary to review available training capacities to develop a standard national curriculum to educate relevant veterinarians and other aquatic health professionals.
It will also fulfill the requirements of a number of FRDC priority Program themes. Theme 1 Biosecurity and aquatic animal health by enhancing the development of capability, systems, knowledge and technologies to detect and identify pathogens to mitigate their impact on aquatic animals, ecosystems, profitability and viability. Theme 12 &13 Workforce development by specifically planning through focused educational outputs for future workforce needs and Innovation Skills by aiding in the building of human capability to produce and adopt knowledge technologies and innovative practices Theme 14 Extension and adoption. Having consistently qualified scientific support for the fishing and aquaculture industries there will be timely delivery of accessible, accurate RD&E outputs to all stakeholders. This project plays a pivotal role in fulfilling Objective 5 of Aquaplan 2014-2019, Australia's National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health.
Objectives: 1. A review of the need, scope and end user market for a national curriculum in aquatic animal health 2. An understating of the current content and provision of aquatic animal health education within the tertiary sector in Australia. Read moreRead less
Valuing WA Smaller Commercial Fisheries Across The Supply Chain
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$149,681.00
Summary
The proposed study will produce information about the supply-chain economic contribution of selected small scale fisheries in Western Australia, as well as a method that can be applied to making these estimates for other fisheries.
The proposed approach includes making three separate estimates of the supply-chain contribution of selected fisheries using three different levels of information: (1 – minimal cost) published fishery production data and a regional economic model that describe ....The proposed study will produce information about the supply-chain economic contribution of selected small scale fisheries in Western Australia, as well as a method that can be applied to making these estimates for other fisheries.
The proposed approach includes making three separate estimates of the supply-chain contribution of selected fisheries using three different levels of information: (1 – minimal cost) published fishery production data and a regional economic model that describes inter-regional flows using published statistical data, (2 – minimum consultation) the same as 1 but also including a workshop with key stakeholders to inform the assumptions, and (3 – maximum data) the same as 2 but also collecting primary data from businesses along the supply-chain. As such, the estimates produced for the selected fisheries using approach 3 will be of high quality and the recommended method described in the guidelines will be informed by a comparison of the cost and performance of undertaking the analysis using each level of information.
Three approaches to obtain supply chain data will be utilised and compared in this project. Below summarises the set of data sources within each approach.
Minimal cost approach Fishery production statistics: Published production statistics (State of the Fisheries 2020/21*) or data request to DPIRD Fishery financials and employment: Published profiles (if available) or matched fisheries (as per 2017-210) Supply-chain flows: Analysis of regional input-output tables, taken as given Supply-chain financials and employment: Analysis of regional input-output tables
Minimal consultation approach Fishery production statistics: Published production statistics (State of the Fisheries 2020/21*) or data request to DPIRD Fishery financials and employment: Published profiles (if available) or matched fisheries (as per 2017-210) Supply-chain flows: Estimated by workshop with stakeholders, starting from input-output table estimates Supply-chain financials and employment: Analysis of regional input-output tables
Maximum data approach Fishery production statistics: Published production statistics (State of the Fisheries 2020/21*) or data request to DPIRD Fishery financials and employment: Primary data Supply-chain flows: Primary data Supply-chain financials and employment: Primary data
* Newman, S.J., Wise, B.S., Santoro, K.G. and Gaughan, D.J. (eds) 2021, Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of Western Australia 2020/21: The State of the Fisheries, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia.
Key to estimating the supply-chain flows for the low-data approaches, we will apply the direct coefficients from input-output tables within our RISE models to the value of each fishery to estimate the value of each node of the supply chain for each fishery. The input-output model tells us for each dollar of sales from the fishing sector there are sales to other sectors (i.e. processing, wholesale trade, retail trade, food services). Subsequently, those sectors also have sales to other sectors. By applying these coefficients in sequence we can estimate the value of each node of the supply chain. Data for input-output models are held by BDO and ultimately sourced from publications by ABS, RBA, ATO and other public organisations.
Under the minimal consultation approach, we will refine the supply-chain map developed under the minimal cost approach by eliciting judgement by key stakeholders. These stakeholders will have an idea of the size of the supply chain nodes and will be able to confirm or adjust the values according to their knowledge.
Under the maximum data approach, we will interview businesses along the supply chain in order to collect data to value each supply chain node. We will elicit the value of each business and the number and size of businesses at each node. Information on the number and approximate size of businesses at each supply chain node will be sought from industry participants at the workshop. Contact details for businesses willing to be involved in the interview process with also be sought at the workshop.
Objectives: 1. To recommend a method to map and value the supply chain of small scale fisheries in WA and to estimate the economic contribution at each node of the supply chain, including options for addressing gaps in data availability. 2. To develop an extension to the Australian Fisheries and Aquaculture Industry 2017/18 Practitioner Guidelines, for assessing supply chains and economic contributions of small-scale fisheries. Read moreRead less
Non-Market Impact Valuation For Fisheries RD&E (Phase I)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$42,000.00
Summary
FRDC requires a study to assess and compile relevant, publicly available, non-market impact valuation studies for potential use in future FRDC RD&E impact assessments and an assessment of the major gaps in the available non-market information related to the environmental and social impacts of fisheries RD&E to inform and prioritise potential future willingness-to-pay studies. Objectives: 1. Assess and compile relevant, publicly available, non-market impact valuation studies for po ....FRDC requires a study to assess and compile relevant, publicly available, non-market impact valuation studies for potential use in future FRDC RD&E impact assessments and an assessment of the major gaps in the available non-market information related to the environmental and social impacts of fisheries RD&E to inform and prioritise potential future willingness-to-pay studies. Objectives: 1. Assess and compile relevant, publicly available, non-market impact valuation studies for potential use in future FRDC RD&E impact assessments. 2. Identify and prioritise the major data/information gaps in the available non-market information related to the environmental and social impacts of fisheries RD&E to inform potential future willingness-to-pay studies. Read moreRead less
In Victoria, the seafood industry has been slow to develop collaborative relationships with educational and research providers, particularly in the higher education sector. The Austrimi scholarship will support capacity building within the research community, enourage collaborative partnerships and foster innovation through targetted research. Objectives: 1. Establish the Functional Foods Scholarship at Victoria University
RRD4P: FRDC Contribution: Closing The Loop: Black Soldier Fly Technology To Convert Agricultural Waste
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$90,000.00
Summary
Black soldier fly farming (BSF) is an emerging industry that provides a low-cost waste management solution for converting agricultural waste into high quality fertiliser (BSF castings or frass) and protein (BSF larvae as animal feed). However, the BSF products cannot be developed further in Australia until biosecurity, environmental and food safety risks are addressed. This collaborative project between industry, government and researchers will a) develop frass as a slow-release, granulated fert ....Black soldier fly farming (BSF) is an emerging industry that provides a low-cost waste management solution for converting agricultural waste into high quality fertiliser (BSF castings or frass) and protein (BSF larvae as animal feed). However, the BSF products cannot be developed further in Australia until biosecurity, environmental and food safety risks are addressed. This collaborative project between industry, government and researchers will a) develop frass as a slow-release, granulated fertilizer product that is safe to handle, transport and apply; b) quantify the biosecurity and environmental risks associated with applying frass to cropping and c) overcome the barriers to adoption by involving policy makers and farmers during trials and assisting early adopters through extension activities. Adoption of BSF technology and its products has potential to increase productivity and profitability via reduced input costs and alternative revenue streams on agricultural enterprises.
Primary industries produce large volumes of waste by-products that often contain significant amounts of macro and micro-nutrients that are typically in a dilute, nutritionally unbalanced form for agricultural crops (Abbott et al., 2018). The handling, management and application of wastes are costly and time consuming for producers whilst transportation and reuse off-farm is currently impractical and uneconomical. Poor livestock and waste management practices in the past have led to stable fly (as opposed to the Black Soldier Fly which is not a pest) outbreaks, odour, GHG emissions and nutrient leaching and runoff into waterways. This has resulted in stringent application restrictions being imposed for manure application through Health Regulations 2001 and through the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act). These regulations on manure disposal have led to loss of important marketing options causing significant cost increases (> $4 million annually). Currently, composting to Australian Standards on-site is both costly and lengthy and does not have sufficient scale, capacity or end market to process the entire allotment of manure. Consequently, large quantities of manure (225,000m3 of manure per annum) are transported long distances to broadacre agricultural zones for pasture and crop fertilisation at a significant cost to producers. Page 15 of 21 BSF technology has potential to improve profitability and sustainability for livestock and cropping industries by significantly reducing waste volumes whilst creating a high value fertiliser product. Once fully commercialised, BSF cultivation could process hundreds of tonnes of waste per day, requiring only a small amount of space. The BSF technology is both suitable for medium to large enterprises and provides more flexibility for smaller enterprises or regional hubs. The BSF reproduces rapidly, have high feed conversion efficiency and produce half a tonne of frass for every tonne of waste processed (Moula et al., 2018). The BSF process has also been shown to significantly reduce the biosecurity and environment risks associated with waste management. The BSF larvae outcompete stable fly, decrease the nutrient content (total N by 55 and P by 45%, respectively) and lower pathogen loading of E. coli and Salmonella levels (Lui et al., 2008; Erickson et al., 2004). In addition, BSF have been shown to reduce antibiotics and antibiotic resistant genomes in waste substrates (Cai et al., 2018). Therefore, the resulting frass fertiliser has potential to mitigate and lower the risk of contamination, GHG emissions, nutrient leaching and runoff. Developing the frass as a high quality fertiliser would open new markets and create new revenues for profit, making BSF more economically viable for the livestock industries. However, the agronomic and economic value of frass fertiliser as well as the environmental and biosecurity risks of their application needs to be evaluated to increase adoption. Also, the frass fertilizer products must be tailored to crop nutrient requirements, machinery and operations. In addition, research is needed to understand the mode and mechanisms of delivery so that the frass can be developed as a slow release fertiliser to minimise the loss of nutrients through runoff, leaching and GHG emissions. Further research on the social license and regulatory Objectives: 1. Investigate the development of Black Soldier Fly Farming (BSF) castings and larvae into high quality, low-cost, slow-release, granulated fertilizer products, that are safe to handle, transport and apply 2. Screening and optimisation of waste streams - Characterise all waste inputs to provide a profile of nutritional value and properties 3. Economic feasibility, socio-economic costs and benefits, and market evaluation 4. Assess the biosecurity risks of Black soldier fly products (frass and larvae) 5. Assess the environmental risks of Black soldier fly products (frass and larvae) 6. Assess the benefits of using BSF frass and/or larvae as a soil improver 7. Develop a granulated and/or pelletised fertiliser product 8. Develop a slow release enhanced efficiency fertiliser product 9. Develop a high quality animal feed product from approved waste materials (horticulture and meeting processing) Read moreRead less
Non-market Values To Inform Decision-making And Reporting In Fisheries And Aquaculture – An Audit And Gap Analysis
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$118,293.91
Summary
Most Australian fisheries policies require that fisheries management take account of the cumulative effect of all human users of marine resources, including professional, recreational and Indigenous Australian fishers. The triple bottom line (TBL) approach is the general framework used to assess performance against economic, social, and environmental dimensions. TBL requires articulation of these broad values, but these may be qualitatively assessed. Significant progress has been made in incorpo ....Most Australian fisheries policies require that fisheries management take account of the cumulative effect of all human users of marine resources, including professional, recreational and Indigenous Australian fishers. The triple bottom line (TBL) approach is the general framework used to assess performance against economic, social, and environmental dimensions. TBL requires articulation of these broad values, but these may be qualitatively assessed. Significant progress has been made in incorporating some of these elements into fisheries management decision, particularly prioritising different objectives of fishery management [e.g. 1, 2]. In some cases, development of semi-quantitative approaches have been used to assist in decision-making across these multiple dimensions [e.g. 3], including in some cases indigenous value [e.g. 4]. Recent research has also extended this focus to develop a robust articulation of Indigenous Australian customary fishing values to enable their inclusion when developing fisheries management policies [5].
Optimal decisions require the trade-off between costs and benefits to be considered. TBL approaches do not explicitly consider this trade-off, resulting in challenges in identifying optimal outcomes. Where these costs and benefits are expressed as explicit monetary values, assessing the trade-off requires deducting the expected costs from the expected benefits (commonly referred to as cost-benefit analysis (CBA)).
However, in fisheries, many costs and benefits do not have an explicit monetary value. Hence, decisions about the use and management of marine resources increasingly requires objective information on the non-market value of benefits (and costs). Some attention has been focused on the estimation of non-market values of recreational fishing [e.g. 6, 7], although only limited attempts to-date have been made to use these values in supporting management decision making [e.g. 8]. Many other values have not been quantified, and their use in fisheries management has not been fully explored.
Objectives: 1. To support robust and defeasible evidence based decision-making in fisheries and aquaculture decision making that is understood and supported by key fisheries and aquaculture managers. 2. To provide managers with an understanding of the resources available to account for non-market values in fisheries and aquaculture decision making 3. To identify key research gaps and make recommendations related to the need for further empirical non-market valuation studies Read moreRead less