This proposal is a major part of initial research to be undertaken by the Aquafin CRC. This project has been jointly developed by the research agencies in close consultation with industry, Government regulators and FRDC.
Within the salmon component of the CRC Environment Program, local or on-site research needs are being addressed by an existing FRDC grant 2000/164 which is designed to determine the effects of fallowing on benthic fauna and biogeochemical processes.
The prese ....This proposal is a major part of initial research to be undertaken by the Aquafin CRC. This project has been jointly developed by the research agencies in close consultation with industry, Government regulators and FRDC.
Within the salmon component of the CRC Environment Program, local or on-site research needs are being addressed by an existing FRDC grant 2000/164 which is designed to determine the effects of fallowing on benthic fauna and biogeochemical processes.
The present proposal will examine the system-wide environmental issues facing finfish aquaculture with an initial focus on the salmonid industry. This project explicitly addresses the fact that further expansion of the salmonid industry will be limited by the industry’s contribution to nutrient loads in surrounding water bodies and possible effects on phytoplankton abundance, dissolved oxygen levels and other ecological changes. The Tasmanian State Government is proposing to limit nutrient release through the imposition of feed quotas for different regions. The quotas set are necessarily best estimates and may be overly conservative because of a lack of detailed knowledge of the effects of nutrient release on ecosystem functioning.
The modelling, laboratory and associated field work proposed here provides a mechanism to identify the minimum data needs for assessing environmental conditions, allows scenarios to be tested and key linkages in the ecology of the region to be identified. However, for these to function well we need to resolve uncertainties about the influence of waters from D’Entrecasteaux Channel on conditions in the Huon Estuary, the role of organic-rich sediments in the natural cycling of nutrients and consumption of oxygen in the estuary and the manner in which phytoplankton groups respond to elevated nutrient levels. The project will take advantage of the extensive set of environmental information, data and concepts generated by the FRDC-funded Huon Estuary Study - Environmental Research for Integrated Catchment Management and Aquaculture (Project No. 96/284; abbreviated to HES hereafter).
There is a demonstrable need for more effective monitoring of the environmental effects of finfish aquaculture. Predictive models can be used by industry and regulators to guide choices among alternative development strategies. For effective long-term management, it is also critical that effective monitoring programs are set in place, both to allow evaluation of the performance of environmental management strategies, and to assess model performance and reliability. This project will contribute to the design of long-term monitoring programs, by identifying cost-effective indicators and sampling designs which discriminate among alternative model assumptions and predictions, taking into account spatial and temporal variability. As well, the Program will seek advice and information from overseas agencies to take advantage of emerging technologies and approaches. Objectives: 1. Our overall objective is to aquire the necessary system understnding and knowldege, and apply it, in collaboration with industry and regulators, to support development of an adaptive management program which addresses system-wide impacts and production capacity for, and allows sustainable development of, salmon farms in the Huon Estuary and D'Entrecasteaux Channel. 2. Also, to develop and implement 3-D hydrodynamic and ecological models of the Huon Estuary and D'Entrecasteaux Channel, and use these to assess an predict the environmental impacts of salmon farm nutrient loads in relation to other nutrient sources (especially catchments and marine boundaries), and to assess the level of connectivity and exchange between Huon Estuary and D'Entrecasteaux Channel, and among subsystems within the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. 3. Determine the role of sediments in estuaries and nearby channel as a source of nutrient release and oxygen consumption as an input for the modes and for comparison and processes occurring in sediments under fish cages. 4. Identify and quantify the key processes that link nutrient cycles with phytoplankton abundance and composition and determine the fate of the nutrients produced in finfish cage farms in waters of the Huon Estuary and D'Entrecasteaux Channel. Read moreRead less
Development Of A Hydrodynamic Model To Investigate Near Field And Regional Connectivity Around Okehampton Bay
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$332,469.00
Summary
Primarily this project is needed to satisfy the regulatory requirements of the Tasmanian salmon industry regulator, the EPA. Currently there is no calibrated local scale model that is suitable to provide connectivity information of the region in question. This proposal aims to develop a nested suite that may provide environmental information to assist in satisfying the salmon farming requirements in the region. Objectives: 1. A calibrated model is developed, where the model skill ....Primarily this project is needed to satisfy the regulatory requirements of the Tasmanian salmon industry regulator, the EPA. Currently there is no calibrated local scale model that is suitable to provide connectivity information of the region in question. This proposal aims to develop a nested suite that may provide environmental information to assist in satisfying the salmon farming requirements in the region. Objectives: 1. A calibrated model is developed, where the model skill is known and those connectivity characteristics can be bounded by levels of confidence. Read moreRead less
Fishery-independent Estimate Of Spawning Biomass Of Southern Bluefin Tuna Through Identification Of Close-kin Using Genetic Markers
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$739,660.00
Summary
Management of SBT is greatly complicated by large uncertainties in the stock assessment. One key parameter is absolute spawning stock size, for which the only available estimates are highly uncertain and are driven entirely by fishery-derived data (e.g. Japanese CPUE, catches on the spawning ground). Hence, the management procedures being developed for SBt use relative, rather than absolute, abundance indices. Current concerns about historical over-catch, of uncertain magnitude and duration make ....Management of SBT is greatly complicated by large uncertainties in the stock assessment. One key parameter is absolute spawning stock size, for which the only available estimates are highly uncertain and are driven entirely by fishery-derived data (e.g. Japanese CPUE, catches on the spawning ground). Hence, the management procedures being developed for SBt use relative, rather than absolute, abundance indices. Current concerns about historical over-catch, of uncertain magnitude and duration make the conventional stock aseessment even less certain. A fishery independent estimate of standing stock biomass (SSB) provides both a stand alone benchmark to compare with current catches, and a fixed reference point around which to rebuild future assessments. This cannot be done with current fishery independent approaches, such as conventional tagging. However, recent advances in genetic and statistical methods now permit a fishery-independent estimate, using identification of parent-offspring pairs in random samples of juveniles and spawners. The same approach can also provide information on age-specific fecundity and thus on appropriate definition of SSB (spawning stock biomass). This is another area of significant uncertainty for management because, as noted above, the different definitions of SSB have considerably different implications for stock projections and rebuilding times.
An absolute estimate of spawning stock biomass is particularly valuable given the estimated level of depletion of the SBT stock, and the high uncertainty about the productivity of the stock (i.e. the relationship between the parent stock and recruitment). Although this project will initially aim to provide an estimate of average SSB over 2002-2005, it will ultimately provide the methods to enable a time-series of SSB to be estimated if sampling continues. Furthermore, the statistical methods developed and applied in this project will have general applicability to a range of species.
Objectives: 1. To provide a fishery-independent estimate of the number of SBT spawners (preliminary estimate ready for CCSBT 2007; precise estimate ready for CCSBT 2008). 2. To provide direct estimates of age-specific fecundity and an improved definition of spawning stock biomass (estimate for CCSBT 2008) Read moreRead less
Growth Of Pearl Oysters In The Southern And Northern Areas Of The Pearl Oyster Fishery And Examination Of Environmental Influences On Recruitment To The Pearl Oyster Stock
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$143,482.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To determine growth rates of pearl oysters in the Lacepede Channel and Exmouth Gulf areas 2. To utilize the existing and new knowledge of time lags between spatfall and recruitment to the fishery and the period of vulnerability to fishing to carry out analyses of possible environmental influences on recruitment
Assessment Of The Impacts Associated With The Harvesting Of Marine Benthic Invertebrates For Use As Bait By Recreational Anglers
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$346,425.88
Summary
Coastal areas of Australia, especially those close to urban areas, are under increasing pressure from industrial and tourism developments, and the associated infrastructure to support them. These shallow-water coastal and estuarine areas will also continue to be the focus of attention by the recreational and commercial fishing sectors. An understanding of the impacts of damage to key intertidal habitats will allow managers to minimise the adverse impacts and developmental degradation on Austra ....Coastal areas of Australia, especially those close to urban areas, are under increasing pressure from industrial and tourism developments, and the associated infrastructure to support them. These shallow-water coastal and estuarine areas will also continue to be the focus of attention by the recreational and commercial fishing sectors. An understanding of the impacts of damage to key intertidal habitats will allow managers to minimise the adverse impacts and developmental degradation on Australia's fisheries resources.
There is currently no detailed information available on the specific effects of loss or damage to intertidal estuarine habitats on the animal assemblages that utilise these habitats, despite the recognised importance of the habitats and the benthic invertebrates to fisheries resources. Studies which have examined the effects of damage to subtidal habitats have shown important links to fisheries utilising these habitats (e.g. Sainsbury et al., 1993). Similar studies should be a priority for critical intertidal estuarine habitats. Although this project focuses on damage to intertidal habitats caused by bait-harvesting, the results of this work will be applicable to other sources of damage to these habitats, providing an important database establishing causal relationships between effects on the physical structure of the habitat and impacts on the associated animals. Objectives: 1. Assess the ecological impacts of commercial and recreational harvesting of yabbies and bloodworms on other components of the ecosystem. 2. Assess the impacts of bait-harvesting activities on the sustainability of populations of yabbies (Trypaea australiensis) and bloodworms (Marphysa sp.). 3. Develop a population assessment technique for yabbies and bloodworms. 4. Determine levels of recruitment of these species and assess whether harvesting affects recruitment. 5. Obtain estimates of the recreational harvest of these species. Read moreRead less
SCRC: Seafood CRC: International Trade Negotiations Impacting On Seafood Industry Interests
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
The need for the project was identified at the Seafood Access Forum meetings in January and confirmed at the meeting in March 2008. The report will be a key input to discussions at the SAF meeting scheduled for 17 June 2008.
Effects Of Trawling Subprogram: Prawn Fishery Bycatch And Discards - Fates And Consequences For A Marine Ecosystem
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$419,638.25
Summary
*Public perceptions Commercial fisheries, in particular prawn fisheries, conjour negative perceptions of environmental impact by the general community. This stems as much from the negative imagery of capture of species of intrinsic public e.g. dolphins, as it does from notions that commercial fisheries irreversibly deplete stocks.
*Adverse consumer response Public perceptions have been shown to translate into adverse consumer response. In addition, domestic perception and politi ....*Public perceptions Commercial fisheries, in particular prawn fisheries, conjour negative perceptions of environmental impact by the general community. This stems as much from the negative imagery of capture of species of intrinsic public e.g. dolphins, as it does from notions that commercial fisheries irreversibly deplete stocks.
*Adverse consumer response Public perceptions have been shown to translate into adverse consumer response. In addition, domestic perception and political pressure threatens the actual conduct of fisheries rather than the market for the product. There is a clear need to better inform the Australian public on the environmental performance of commercial fisheries by identifying environmental impacts and promoting responsible work practices.
*Improved promotion of commercial fishing The proposal addresses a major need for more effective promotion of commercial fisheries linked to domestic perceptions and market opportunities.
*The ecosytem effects of fishing need to be understood. Most of Australia's major fisheries are undertaken in nearshore habitats yet relatively little is known of the effects of fishing on coastal ecosystems. This project seeks to address this question for a major coastal fishery. The objectives of the project are consistent with the aims of modern fisheries management and have been identified as an information need by FRDC. Objectives: 1. To determine which scavengers exploit material from prawn trawlers. 2. To determine the relative contribution this material makes to their diet and the population level consequences of prawn by-catch discarding for scavenger species. 3. To determine the population level consequences of prawn by-catch for the by-catch species themselves. 4. To quantify the rates and relative importance of nutrient regeneration by natural processes (winds and currents) and by prawn trawling activities in Spencer Gulf. 5. To integrate the information that has been collected from both this study and previous work to develop a trophodynamic model that quantitatively describes the influence of prawn trawling in a coastal ecosystem. 6. To complete a comprehensive written assessment of the ecological impact of prawn trawling in Spencer Gulf, consistent with the need to adopt principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development. 7. To identify and promote environmentally favourable work practices. Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Economic Assessment Of The Impact Of Recent Major Changes To Fisheries Management In The WA West Coast Demersal Wetline Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$66,870.00
Summary
The West Coast demersal wetline fish stocks are currently overfished. The best assessment calls for an immediate 50% reduction in the catches of Category 1 “high risk” species.
New management initiatives are being implemented across the commercial, recreational and charter sectors to secure the necessary catch reductions. The success of these initiatives depends upon each sector responding appropriately.
Early assessment of the impact of these changes and the response of each s ....The West Coast demersal wetline fish stocks are currently overfished. The best assessment calls for an immediate 50% reduction in the catches of Category 1 “high risk” species.
New management initiatives are being implemented across the commercial, recreational and charter sectors to secure the necessary catch reductions. The success of these initiatives depends upon each sector responding appropriately.
Early assessment of the impact of these changes and the response of each sector is essential. The time for this assessment is now, as the changes begin to take effect, in order that an early understanding of the reactions of fishers and the likely long-term impacts can be formed.
The new restrictions will impact significantly on recreational fishing over the next year, therefore, there is a pressing need to understand how the sector responds in terms of behaviour, catches, and overall satisfaction with the fishing experience. The proposed recreational fisher survey is designed to meet this requirement, so that the early operation of the new regime can be measured, and compared to the pre-change situation captured in a similar survey funded under FRDC 2001/036 undertaken by Nicholls and McLeod. Knowledge about changes in behaviour and satisfaction with the fishing experience are crucial to understanding the impact of the changes.
Department of Fisheries estimates show that the commercial catch has been brought within the desired range. There is now a need to assess how these changes have impacted upon the commercial viability and social dynamics of coastal harbour towns. No pre- and post-change comparisons have been undertaken, a deficiency that the proposed data collection is designed to address.
The role of the Charter sector and its response to management changes is an integral part of the project.
All components of the project are designed to deliver the required information in a timely fashion. Objectives: 1. Determine the change in profitability of commercial wet line vessels operating in the west coast wet line fishery under the new management arrangements for the 3 year period 2004-07 (prior to the new arrangements) and 3 year period (FY 2008-11) after their implementation. 2. Determine the range in responses of a sample of charter boat owners and their clients to the fishery management changes introduced in the west coast wet line fishery in 2009 (interim and additional) and the impact on client satisfaction and on their businesses 3. Determine the range in responses of a sample of recreational fishing boat owners to the fishery management changes introduced in the west coast wet line fishery in 2009-11 (interim and additional) and the impact on the frequency of their fishing activities in the 2008-12 period 4. Conduct a socio-economic impact assessment of the three sectors as a result of fishery management changes introduced and a scenario analysis of the likely impact of the alternative management options on 3-4 West Coast study towns with boat harbours Read moreRead less
People Development Program: FRDC Visiting Fellows Program - Dr. Alyssa Joyce
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$20,000.00
Summary
Historically there has been an interest to expand the pilot scale operations of shellfish (mussel) farming in Jervis Bay, NSW. In addition, there are two major players from within and external to NSW that are interested in investing in shellfish (mussels, scallops and perals) farming inside the Bay, as well as pilot-scale, land-based, integrated systems that would like to develop shellfish culture. There have however been many barriers to such a sustainable seafood industry becoming a reality on ....Historically there has been an interest to expand the pilot scale operations of shellfish (mussel) farming in Jervis Bay, NSW. In addition, there are two major players from within and external to NSW that are interested in investing in shellfish (mussels, scallops and perals) farming inside the Bay, as well as pilot-scale, land-based, integrated systems that would like to develop shellfish culture. There have however been many barriers to such a sustainable seafood industry becoming a reality on the south coast, including complex jurisdictional and stakeholders issues, as well as expert capacity to evaluate industry potential.
From this perspective, the NSW Department of Primary Industries has taken the initiative to establish a working group that can identify the key sites (650ha) within Jervis Bay that could support a viable shellfish industry, and a draft NSW Aquaculture Industry Development Plan identifies potential shellfish culture sites. Alyssa Joyce has expertise in shellfish industry technology, site suitability assessment and indigenous development from Canada, and is currently researching applications of integrated shellfish-culture in Scandinavia. Alyssa's skills would provide a valuable contribution to the development of the shellfish industry on Jervis Bay as well as in integrated systems on the south coast.
The demand for high quality, locally produced seafood is increasing in NSW, particularly in response to tourism linked to fine food and wine trails. Jervis Bay is ideally suited to link sustainable aquaculture to the tourism experience as it boasts being in one of the top three most visited regions on the East Coast of Australia. Objectives: 1. Visiting fellow Alyssa Joyce will come to the Shoalhaven Marine and Freshwater Centre to collaborate and provide additional expertise to refine the selection of identified potential shellfish culture sites in Jervis Bay through an examination of biophysical capability. 2. The study will priorotise potential extensive aquaculture areas within the framework of the Jervis Bay Draft Aquaculture Industry Development Plan, with particular reference to suitable species, culture methods and environmental monitoring for legislative instruments (s.750 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the Jervis Bay Marine Park Operational Plan). 3. To identify further gaps and opportunities for research and development of shellfish culture in seabased and land-based integrated systems. Read moreRead less