Taxonomy Of Northern Australia's Commercially Important Ostreidae
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$70,000.00
Summary
This project is directly aligned with the FRDC’s national research priority ‘Developing new and emerging aquaculture growth opportunities’. The demonstrated interest from a number of parties in tropical oyster aquaculture makes them well placed as candidates for the FRDC’s target of advancing ‘two or more emerging aquaculture species’. However, the lack of robust scientific names is problematic for the developing tropical rock oyster industry in several ways.
Firstly, it creates problem ....This project is directly aligned with the FRDC’s national research priority ‘Developing new and emerging aquaculture growth opportunities’. The demonstrated interest from a number of parties in tropical oyster aquaculture makes them well placed as candidates for the FRDC’s target of advancing ‘two or more emerging aquaculture species’. However, the lack of robust scientific names is problematic for the developing tropical rock oyster industry in several ways.
Firstly, it creates problems for regulation, for example, with permits and licences being issued under species names that are likely incorrect. For example, the tropical black-lip oyster is often referred to as Saccostrea echinata, however this name almost certainly correctly designates a smaller, spined oyster that also exists within Australia, but with a much broader range than the tropical blacklip. This issue needs to be resolved urgently to avoid confusion between farmers and regulators in the future.
Secondly, it impedes industry development, i.e., in Queensland, where there is reluctance to allow farming of new species until their true species identity and distribution is ascertained (John Dexter, Fisheries QLD, pers. comm.).
Thirdly, confusion regarding species may also lead to inefficiencies in improvement of production, as hatchery practices developed for one species may be incorrectly applied to another that is mistakenly thought to be the same.
Therefore, a revision of the taxonomy of these oyster species is urgently required.
Objectives: 1. To determine the correct species names for Australian tropical oysters of commercial interest 2. To evaluate the genetic diversity present within existing tropical oyster populations Read moreRead less
Habitat Ecological Risk Assessment For Eco-regions With High Trawl Footprints, In Southern Queensland And Northern NSW
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$2,306,521.00
Summary
Australian fisheries, including trawl fisheries, need to ensure they met legislative requirements to ensure they have no unacceptable impacts on ecosystems. Similarly, the marine ecosystems and its biodiversity need to be conserved and protected. This project links across sustainability and conservation management objectives by building and extending previous works such as FRDC 2003-021 and FRDC 2016-039, works that provide/establish regional and national regionally relevant clarification .... Australian fisheries, including trawl fisheries, need to ensure they met legislative requirements to ensure they have no unacceptable impacts on ecosystems. Similarly, the marine ecosystems and its biodiversity need to be conserved and protected. This project links across sustainability and conservation management objectives by building and extending previous works such as FRDC 2003-021 and FRDC 2016-039, works that provide/establish regional and national regionally relevant clarification of the seabed mapping and landscape-scale fishing footprints, and exposure and protection of demersal assemblages with respect to trawling. Although significant bycatch data are available (mostly for fishes) for some trawl grounds in the region, such data are needed broadly across the study area (including for invertebrates) and there is almost no information on the distribution and abundance of habitats and sensitive habitat-forming benthos. Currently, this lack of adequate biological data is an impediment to completing bycatch and habitat ERAs for these priority areas. Thus, a pre-requisite need is to survey these areas for distribution and abundance of sensitive habitats and bycatch species. This project will then fill the existing gaps and needs in the southern portion of QLD and north-eastern of NSW with new data & methods and new risk-based management assessments to implement a consistent spatial approach for the conservation management of demersal assemblages applying to all continental shelf trawl fisheries. This will be done in collaboration with researchers in each State, industry and commonwealth managers. This project proposes to conduct the required distribution and abundance surveys, and then assess whether sensitive habitats and bycatch species are at substantive risk from trawling. If necessary, the project would also evaluate risk-management options that may be proposed, using an objective MSE-type approach. Methods and outputs proposed herein would be comparable with those from the previous GBR Seabed Project (FRDC 2003-021). Previous sampling in the GBR, southern Queensland and northern NSW, would be taken into account.
Objectives: 1. Map the distribution and abundance of habitats and bycatch species in southern Queensland and northern NSW, with focus on trawl-exposed eco-regions, 2. Complete quantitative risk assessments for seabed habitats and bycatch species, 3. Use an objective MSE-type approach, if required, to evaluate any risk-management options proposed for sensitive habitats and bycatch species. Read moreRead less
Development Of A User-friendly Management Strategy Evaluation Framework For Queensland’s Rocky Reef Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$138,225.00
Summary
The Queensland Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery is predominantly a multi-species commercial, charter and recreational line fishery. Many of the species captured in the fishery are comprised of stocks that span the Queensland and New South Wales state border. In Queensland, the two main fished species, snapper and pearl perch, are overfished (see links in Methods section).
Fisheries Queensland, through the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy, has recently formed the Rocky Reef Working Group (WG) t ....The Queensland Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery is predominantly a multi-species commercial, charter and recreational line fishery. Many of the species captured in the fishery are comprised of stocks that span the Queensland and New South Wales state border. In Queensland, the two main fished species, snapper and pearl perch, are overfished (see links in Methods section).
Fisheries Queensland, through the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy, has recently formed the Rocky Reef Working Group (WG) to provide advice on a range of matters, including management options that would rebuild these and other rocky reef fishery stocks towards long-term sustainability targets. The management options available to constrain recreational catch harvests to sustainable limits are particularly challenging. The WG have met twice to discuss and outline candidate management strategies for pearl perch and snapper (see working group communiques @www.daf.qld.gov.au). These include urgent short-term and long-term management options for the commercial, charter and recreational sectors accessing pearl perch and snapper stocks. Changes to bag and size limits, TACC (for commercial fishers), and spatial and/or temporal closures are potential management changes. However, it is difficult to assess the effect of these measures without a dedicated modelling tool, the primary output from the proposed research. The project will draw on and add to information from past research and stock assessment projects. The MSE modelling framework will be modern, quick, user-friendly and adaptable for more fish species as needed later (e.g. teraglin and grass emperor, or other fisheries). This work will support understanding on how to improve the sustainability of pearl perch and snapper in Queensland.
This research project will address the specific research priority "Management strategy evaluation for the sustainability of Queensland rocky reef finfish" as outlined in the FRDC's November 2108 Competitive Round Call for Expressions of Interest. This research is critical for the management of the rocky reef fishery and, as such, Fisheries Queensland resource managers are supportive of this work.
Objectives: 1. Develop a management strategy evaluation for Queensland's rock reef fishery Read moreRead less
Vaccination For Emergency And Long-term Control Of Nodavirus In Australian Marine Aquaculture
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$567,695.00
Summary
The grouper industry is new but growing in Australia with recent new private sector investment in the hatchery in Cairns. However, all current grow out is affected by nodavirus outbreaks which have been both acute and severe. Without a solution the industry will not be able to continue. Fortunately, nodavirus is preventable by vaccination and there is local capacity to produce. Whilst there is currently insufficient demand to allow a fully privately financed vaccine initiative, with an emergency ....The grouper industry is new but growing in Australia with recent new private sector investment in the hatchery in Cairns. However, all current grow out is affected by nodavirus outbreaks which have been both acute and severe. Without a solution the industry will not be able to continue. Fortunately, nodavirus is preventable by vaccination and there is local capacity to produce. Whilst there is currently insufficient demand to allow a fully privately financed vaccine initiative, with an emergency vaccine put in place and a registration data pack established, the industry is predicted to grow to a point where vaccine production by the private sector will become self-sustaining. This project will deliver an emergency vaccine to assist farmers through 2018/2019 grow out. It will build capability in vaccination of grouper in the industry. Most importantly it will provide the efficacy data, optimisation and formulation data with documentation appropriate for future licensing of a vaccine for use in Australia. Objectives: 1. An emergency vaccine to prevent nodavirus in the Queensland grouper cohort for stocking in spring/summer 2018 2. A data pack suitable for registration of an optimally formulated nodavirus vaccine for Australia Read moreRead less
Transitioning Cobia Aquaculture Research And Development In Queensland To Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$510,560.00
Summary
Cobia production was instigated in Queensland as a business diversification and risk mitigation option for the marine pond-based aquaculture sector. BIRC has produced and supplied the entirety of cobia fingerlings to industry partners through a number of research projects. In early April 2019, RPP produced their first batch of cobia fingerlings from larvae supplied from BIRC. While commercial-scale methods for hatchery and fingerling production have been successfully adopted by farms, the indust ....Cobia production was instigated in Queensland as a business diversification and risk mitigation option for the marine pond-based aquaculture sector. BIRC has produced and supplied the entirety of cobia fingerlings to industry partners through a number of research projects. In early April 2019, RPP produced their first batch of cobia fingerlings from larvae supplied from BIRC. While commercial-scale methods for hatchery and fingerling production have been successfully adopted by farms, the industry still needs to demonstrate that it can be self-reliant and self-propagating by 2021, by producing seed from its own broodstock. Further, more effective feeding strategies are required for growout-sized fish (> 2 kg) which typically exhibit poor feed conversion ratios (FCR), impacting production efficiencies. This revised proposal seeks to seamlessly transition cobia R&D to a fully vertically integrated industry production model by (1) the supply of biosecure cobia broodstock and seedstock (fertilised eggs and larvae) to industry collaborators; (2) optimising feeding strategies using experimental trials; and (3) promoting project outputs through web-based media.
Objectives: 1. Expand cobia production: (a) supply of biosecure broodstock from BIRC to RPP; (b) bilateral exchange of broodstock management, reproductive knowledge and technical support between DAF and RPP; (c) on-demand supply of quality fertilised eggs and/or 1-2 day-old larvae from BIRC to RPP; and (d) optional fee for service ($10,000 per year) entry to future project participants, enabling access to BIRC seedstock through a pro rata arrangement. 2. Optimise feeding strategies for farmed cobia using commercially available finfish diets: (a) conduct a feed trial at BIRC in collaboration with RPP to test the effect of feed frequency of a commercially available fish diet on cobia growth performance (FCR, SGR, biomass); and (b) conduct a feed trial at BIRC in collaboration with RPP to fast track winter growth of cobia juveniles using a commercially available fish diet. 3. Contribute project deliverables to the DAF cobia aquaculture RD&E web portal. Read moreRead less
Review Of Regulation And Policy Guiding Use Of Artificial Reefs And Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD) In Australian Waters
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$226,750.00
Summary
Globally, Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and artificial reefs are increasingly used tools to enhance fisheries – particularly recreational fisheries. Over the last decade there has been greater use of these tools in Australia. In recent years, FADs have been increasingly deployed including in Commonwealth waters for the purpose of enhancing recreational fisheries managed by state governments. There are concerns that the recent rapid deployment of FADs, particularly in Commonwealth waters have n ....Globally, Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and artificial reefs are increasingly used tools to enhance fisheries – particularly recreational fisheries. Over the last decade there has been greater use of these tools in Australia. In recent years, FADs have been increasingly deployed including in Commonwealth waters for the purpose of enhancing recreational fisheries managed by state governments. There are concerns that the recent rapid deployment of FADs, particularly in Commonwealth waters have negatively impacted the operations of some Commonwealth fisheries such as the East Coast Tuna and Billfish Fishery. There are also marine safety concerns which extends beyond just commercial fishing vessels. There is a need to better understand the regulatory environment for FADs and artificial reefs to ensure that benefits can be realised while impacts avoided or mitigated. The regulatory environment for the deployment of FADs (and artificial reefs) in Commonwealth waters is potentially different from that when they are deployed in state waters. It also extends beyond fisheries legislation and includes the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act 1999), the Sea and Submerged Lands Act 1973, and the Navigation Act 2012. The administration of these Acts and associated subordinate legislation crosses several government agencies. In relation to the EPBC Act 1999, the Commonwealth marine area is a Matter of National Environmental Significance (MNES). There is however little specific guidance as to whether FADs potentially impact MNES and how any impacts can be mitigated. In addition to better understand the complex regulatory environment, there is a need to develop more effective and fit for purpose engagement strategies with all stakeholders. There is a need for national project as it is an issue which is now cross jurisdictional.
Please note we have attached responses from three State Ministers indicating their support for a collaborative approach to this issue. Objectives: 1. Identification of the current regulatory and policy frameworks in all Australian jurisdictions that guide or impact the deployment and use of FADs and artificial reefs in State, Territory and Commonwealth waters. 2. Identification of the current and projected use of FADs and artificial reefs in Australian jurisdictions. 3. With relevant input through a workshop and other tools where appropriate, development of a best practice guide for the planning, sighting and deployment of FADs and artificial reefs. Read moreRead less
Normalising Voluntary Catch Reporting On QLD Fishing 2.0 App
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$400,830.00
Summary
There is a need for accurate and timely recreational fishing catch data to support inputs to stock assessment and reduce uncertainty and increase trust in management advice for many Queensland fish stocks. Population based phone logbook surveys have been traditionally used to estimate recreational catch, but they are becoming increasingly costly and impractical. Cost-effective alternatives capable of engaging recreational fishers are needed. Voluntary self-reporting of catches by recreat ....There is a need for accurate and timely recreational fishing catch data to support inputs to stock assessment and reduce uncertainty and increase trust in management advice for many Queensland fish stocks. Population based phone logbook surveys have been traditionally used to estimate recreational catch, but they are becoming increasingly costly and impractical. Cost-effective alternatives capable of engaging recreational fishers are needed. Voluntary self-reporting of catches by recreational fishers – e.g. via a smart phone-based application (app) – is one key alternative method that can reduce costs and potentially increase the accuracy, and hence stakeholder acceptance of recreational catch estimates that inform stock assessments. However, despite the number of smart phone apps targeting recreational fishers growing in abundance, this approach has its own inherent challenges, which have been well-documented. Further, there has been a lack of rigorous social science initiatives with the goal of understanding the underlying dynamics of mobile app usage in this context, and existing behaviour change programs fostering app usage by recreational fishers are rarely formally documented or evaluated. Having recreational fishers willing and supportive towards providing their fishing data through Fisheries Queensland’s phone app will improve the accuracy of estimates and the acceptance of the results. Encouragement of this support and willingness to voluntarily report is needed. Getting fishers to generate large volumes of quality data in a government owned app is the key challenge. Developing and implementing a behaviour change campaign involving a range of behavioural science informed interventions that promote facilitating factors while overcoming barriers deterring people from self-reporting (e.g. mistrust in the use of the data) and promoting factors that foster self-reporting (e.g., contributing to citizen science, protecting fish species for subsequent generations while not engaging in strategic bias) can be used to meet the need for effective and widespread self-reporting. One of the high-priority species is Australian east coast Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson). A 2020 stock assessment measured the biomass of the species at ~17% of 1910 levels. During public consultation on proposed management changes, most survey respondents across all sectors expressed a desire for better recreational catch data for Spanish mackerel. These findings suggest options to improve recreational catch reporting should accompany any proposed management action to rebuild the east coast Spanish mackerel stock. Most survey respondents preferred a voluntary reporting arrangement for recreationally caught Spanish mackerel over mandatory reporting. Most respondents also preferred the use of a smartphone app for any recreational catch reporting of Spanish mackerel. Improved monitoring and research is a foundational reform of the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy (SFS) 2017–2027 that includes several actions relating to improved data collection, additional monitoring of key biological stocks and the use of novel technologies such as apps.
Our revised application has been streamlined into three phases with an investment of $400,830 (excl. GST) in line with the budgetary guidance. This covers the research, design, delivery and evaluation of a pilot behaviour change program covering one fish species at two sites along the Queensland coast. A review of challenges and adjustments will follow each phase, as required.
Objectives: 1. To confirm the drivers and barriers affecting Queensland recreational fishers’ willingness to voluntarily provide high-quality catch information via a smart phone-based app 2. To co-design interventions and strategies which target facilitators and barriers to enhance the quality and quantity of data provided 3. To identify cost-effective strategies and activities to increase self-reporting of recreational fishing catches Read moreRead less
Pioneering Tropical Rock Lobster Raft Grow-out For Northern Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
This project will undertake the critical science required for the next step of closed-cycle Tropical Rock Lobster production, the grow-out of hatchery-produced juvenile lobsters in sea raft enclosures, with research trials in the pristine waters of northern Western Australia. There are multiple gaps in knowledge that must be investigated to support the development and evaluation of this production technology to meet market demands. The project partners bring expertise across the production-to-ma ....This project will undertake the critical science required for the next step of closed-cycle Tropical Rock Lobster production, the grow-out of hatchery-produced juvenile lobsters in sea raft enclosures, with research trials in the pristine waters of northern Western Australia. There are multiple gaps in knowledge that must be investigated to support the development and evaluation of this production technology to meet market demands. The project partners bring expertise across the production-to-market pipeline and we will focus on six research areas: environment; raft design; translocation, lobster health and biosecurity; feeding strategies; lobster growth performance; and, premium diverse market acceptability. We will evaluate production systems, comparing sea raft productivity with onshore culture, to de-risk and attract quality investment in a brand-new grow-out aquaculture industry by current and new aquaculture businesses.
All aspects of the production research will include training of personnel and documentation of procedures that will be made available to new lobster grow-out producers in Australia through project participants. The project team will regularly communicate progress with stakeholders, including government (national, state and territory, local), jurisdiction agencies, Traditional Owners in research trial areas, community, aquaculture producers, training and research providers. At the end of the project a Field Day event will share the current status and production models for consideration by existing and new businesses. Industry value of $160 million is projected by 2030, with future potential of over $500 million p.a. that creates 1,000 direct jobs, 900 of those in Northern Australia, for people in feed manufacture, grow-out, downstream processing/distribution and marketing.
The project outcomes are directly aligned with the Food & Agribusiness Growth Centre’s (Food Innovation Australia Limited-FIAL) vision to grow the share of Australian food in the global marketplace – as it captures a unique opportunity for growing tomorrow’s food and contributing to the $200 billion possibility for Australian agri-businesses by 2030. Objectives: 1. Successfully translocate hatchery-produced tropical rock lobster juveniles from northern QLD to northern WA 2. Evaluate an innovative sea raft grow-out production system for lobsters suited to the environment in northern WA 3. Develop production techniques including feeding strategy, stocking density and biofouling management for sea raft culture of lobsters in WA 4. Compare performance, quality and market acceptance of lobsters in sea raft systems in WA and onshore culture in QLD 5. Create production models for industry scaling and Indigenous-led business engagement, including contract growing and supply services Read moreRead less