Utilisation Of Boat Ramp Cameras To Estimate Recreational Fishing Catch And Effort In Key Victorian Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$142,200.00
Summary
There is no current information on total recreational fishing effort or landings for Victorian fisheries and therefore no continuous time series on these variables, as is the case in most jurisdictions. This represent a key knowledge gap, and hence risk, for fisheries sustainability in the state and has resulted in several fisheries (i.e. those with significant recreational catch) being assessed as ‘Undefined’ in the most recent SAFS round. In addition to the above, the Victorian Government ....There is no current information on total recreational fishing effort or landings for Victorian fisheries and therefore no continuous time series on these variables, as is the case in most jurisdictions. This represent a key knowledge gap, and hence risk, for fisheries sustainability in the state and has resulted in several fisheries (i.e. those with significant recreational catch) being assessed as ‘Undefined’ in the most recent SAFS round. In addition to the above, the Victorian Government has brought out several bay and inlet fisheries over the last two decades, meaning recreational catch is the most significant harvest component for most species/stocks. This also means that there is no longer commercial logbook data being obtained on which to base assessment of these species/stocks. As such, having recreational catch and effort information will enable more sophisticated population dynamic stock assessment models to be used for assessment purposes. Victoria possesses such a model that is parameterised for the Western Victorian Snapper Stock (WVSS), complete with management strategy evaluation, that cannot be used to inform decision making at present because the landings from the largest fleet (i.e. boat based recreational fishers) are currently unknown. Recreational catch and effort information will be used for ongoing stock assessment to inform management advice to inform the following immediate, direct priorities: 1) WVSS harvest strategy, 2) rebuilding of the Gippsland Lakes black bream stock, 3) Corner Inlet Management Plan, and 4) assessment of the eastern Victorian snapper stock.
Objectives: 1. Calibration of boat ramp camera infrastructure 2. Extrapolation of fishing effort to boat ramps that do not have cameras using Google Earth imagery 3. Combining fishing effort information derived from boat ramp cameras and Google Earth with creel survey data to estimate the fishing effort and landings of snapper in Port Phillip Bay, the total boat based recreational landings in Corner Inlet and landings of black bream in the Gippsland Lakes Read moreRead less
Identifying Biological Stocks Of Silver Trevally And Ocean Jackets For Assessment And Management
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$458,203.00
Summary
This application is required primarily to address the needs of FRDC and the SAFS advisory group to resolve stock uncertainty for two priority species across their national distributions, being Silver Trevally and Ocean Jackets. The results will inform future SAFS assessments that will ideally be done at the biological stock level. In addition, understanding appropriate scales for assessment and management will benefit future collaborative research, stock assessments and management arrange ....This application is required primarily to address the needs of FRDC and the SAFS advisory group to resolve stock uncertainty for two priority species across their national distributions, being Silver Trevally and Ocean Jackets. The results will inform future SAFS assessments that will ideally be done at the biological stock level. In addition, understanding appropriate scales for assessment and management will benefit future collaborative research, stock assessments and management arrangements. In particular, Silver Trevally in eastern Australia is recognized as being Depleted in NSW waters, yet if there is a single biological stock also being fished by neighbouring jurisdictions (for example the Commonwealth fisheries) there will need to be improved collaboration in terms of stock assessment and management to recover the stock. All relevant jurisdictions have identified the need to resolve stock structure of Silver Trevally and Ocean Jackets as they are important to commercial and recreational fisheries across their distributions.
Objectives: 1. To clarify the stock structure of Silver Trevallies nationally across Queensland, New South Wales, the Commonwealth, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. 2. To clarify the stock structure of Ocean Jackets nationally across New South Wales, the Commonwealth, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. 3. Using information from objectives 1 and 2, make recommendations on stock delineation for each species and the appropriate scales for management. Read moreRead less
Determine The Risk That Southern Rock Lobster Fishing And Other Recreational And Commercial Fishing Activities Act As A Vector Of Transmission Of The Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$130,349.30
Summary
This project would utilise the combination of a systematic review of literature and industry consultation to provide a thorough risk assessment of AVG impacting other areas and industries. Risk analysis is a well-established scientific method and is commonly used by veterinary epidemiologists to allow objective assessment of the risks of animal production or harvest practices or trade in transmitting animal diseases. This project seeks to apply risk assessment to explore the risk that SRL fishe ....This project would utilise the combination of a systematic review of literature and industry consultation to provide a thorough risk assessment of AVG impacting other areas and industries. Risk analysis is a well-established scientific method and is commonly used by veterinary epidemiologists to allow objective assessment of the risks of animal production or harvest practices or trade in transmitting animal diseases. This project seeks to apply risk assessment to explore the risk that SRL fishers and other activities pose to transmission of AVG and what level of risk mitigation is required to manage that risk. It may be possible to relax fishing and movement restrictions if the risk can be mitigated, or wider consideration of more activities may lead to risk mitigation recommendations for various activities.
Objectives: 1. Assess the risk that Southern Rock Lobster fishing operations (the use of pots and fishing vessels) act as a vector of transmission of AVG. 2. Assess the risk that other commercial and non-commercial fishing activities act as a vector of transmission of AVG. This will include:• recreational fishing (including boating activities)• abalone fishing and associated activities such as cleaning abalone catch enroute to port• a representative net fishing industry.We note that the Victorian Government has completed a risk assessment on abalone diving and we will not repeat that, instead review their risk assessment and include that in our project to be efficient. Read moreRead less
External Review Of Independent Data Validation Options, Uses And Opportunities
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$308,754.00
Summary
Introduction Independent data validation in commercial fishing is becoming more commonplace in Australia. Fisheries in Australia provide a significant income to the country, and play an integral role in our food security, livelihoods, and social lives. Challenges such as overfishing, illegal and unreported fishing, bycatch and interactions with threatened, endangered, or protected species, provide hinderances to fully sustainable fishing. The increasing demands on the marine environment for ....Introduction Independent data validation in commercial fishing is becoming more commonplace in Australia. Fisheries in Australia provide a significant income to the country, and play an integral role in our food security, livelihoods, and social lives. Challenges such as overfishing, illegal and unreported fishing, bycatch and interactions with threatened, endangered, or protected species, provide hinderances to fully sustainable fishing. The increasing demands on the marine environment for energy production, marine protected areas, and recreational use are leading management of fisheries in Australia to be spatially based. Currently, some jurisdictions in Australia (e.g. Queensland, Tasmania, Australian Fisheries Management Authority), have already introduced independent data validation programs. The aim of these programs is, on the surface, to improve the quality, reliability, and transparency of fisheries data in Australia. However, there is considerable distrust from commercial fishers regarding a) data collection methods; b) the use of collected data; c) the legality of both collecting, and storing data; d) the cost of installing and running the systems – both financial and physical; e) ongoing maintenance of systems; f) the reliability of data from the systems, and g) whether the data are actually going to be used for their intended purpose. Recognising the need for greater transparency in fisheries data, and the general distrust of these systems, this project aims to provide an external review of data validation options, uses, and opportunities within Australia. Objective The primary objective of this project is to address industry stakeholders’ concerns regarding the reliability and transparency around the collection, use, and storage of independent fisheries data validation methods. This will be achieved by conducting a comprehensive, and systematic review of independent data validation (IDV) processes both within Australia, and globally. The review will then allow us to evaluate IDV mechanisms, legal implications around IDV, and economic considerations of various IDV methods, including whether any value-add opportunities exist. The project will provide outputs that will allow for efficient choice of relevant data validation options for particular fisheries in Australia, while outlining the pros and cons for relevant methods. The results will enhance confidence for commercial fishers, and fishery managers around choosing the best data validation options for their fishery.
Methods 1) Systematic literature review to determine available independent data validation methods We will research and compile a comprehensive list of independent data validation methods (IDV) that are available currently, and in the future through a systematic literature review. The systematic literature review will cover peer-reviewed literature and relevant reports published globally in the last 10 years. The review will examine existing technologies, methodologies, and best practices in IDV used in relevant industries (not just limited to fisheries), and present a summary of current best practice, and likely additions in the future to IDV. The review will include information on the potential add-on possibilities associated with IDV methods – which will be expanded upon in (4). The review will equip industry stakeholders with the knowledge to fully understand the range of options in IDV, and those most suitable for their fishery. 2) Stakeholder consultation – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) Within the project we will conduct an extensive survey across a diversity of fishers across Australia (including those that have already implemented IDV, and those that have not), to gather insight into the perceptions of independent data validation (IDV). Through this SWOT analysis, we will identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with current IDV mechanisms from the perception of industry, and map this to the published literature in point (1). This will allow us to address concerns from industry and identify those concerns that are representative of IDV globally. This analysis will serve as a foundational understanding of the industry's readiness and receptiveness towards adopting IDV and provide industry with independent information relating to their concerns. 3) Review of legal implications for IDV implementation, including case studies Alongside the systematic literature review in (1), we will conduct a thorough review of Australian legislation relating to IDV. This will include both publicly available legal documents, and information regarding internal policy documents from governmental departments. The review will include fisheries legislation and policy, data ownership, data licencing, data storing, and Freedom of Information requests that have occurred within the context of fisheries data relating to IDV. Some of industry’s concerns regarding IDV relate to how the data will be used outside of a fisheries context, and we will ensure that our legislative review includes advice regarding data use. The review will provide information on Australian legislation relating to IDV, and data collection, storage and sharing. 4) Assessment of value-add opportunities Building upon the findings from (1-3), we will assess the value-add opportunities presented by adopting IDV. This assessment will include a financial model similar to the one in the report “Challenges, Opportunities, and Costs of Electronic Monitoring” that was published by The Environmental Defence Fund in 2016 [REF] that will provide industry with a tool to investigate the costs and benefits of adopting various IDV methods. Additionally, we will explore how IDV can contribute to improved market access, stakeholder relationships, and sustainability credentials for fisheries businesses, alongside the potential of improved data quality from fisheries. Our work will build on our planned literature and legal review of independent data validation (IDV) and provide potential ‘value-add’ opportunities for commercial fishers, based on the information in the review. Some potential benefits may include: • Increased or improved market access (where IDV can demonstrate aspects of sustainable fishing practices required by, for example, sustainability labels such as the Marine Stewardship Council Certification). • Potential for selling or distribution of data to researchers / third parties (depending on data owners.
We will include updated outcomes and outputs from the project as detailed below, and will look to refine these with the Professional Fishers Association of New South Wales, commercial fishers, and the Steering Committee.
5) Best Practice Guidelines We will provide industry and fisheries resource managers with a Best Practice Guideline relating to IDV as a formal result from the steps (1-4) above. 6) Engagement with Industry Stakeholders Throughout the project, we will actively engage with industry stakeholders through workshops, focus groups, and one-on-one consultations to discuss project findings. This engagement will provide a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment among stakeholders towards implementing IDV practices. We will facilitate target outreach efforts engaging with industry associations, peak bodies, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other interested parties on the project progress.
Objectives: 1. Deliver a systematic literature review of global independent data validation methods, and the costs and benefits associated with implementing these in commercial fisheries. 2. Deliver a report on industry opinions and concerns based on stakeholder consultation 3. Deliver a review of legislation and policy that is relevant. and relating to independent data validation methods in Australia 4. Provide opportunities for stakeholder engagement in the project, and in discussions regarding the outcomes. Read moreRead less
Resolving The Biological Stock Structure Of Southern Ocean Crab Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$398,737.00
Summary
The ability of fisheries managers to control for sustainable harvest and reduce risks of fisheries overexploitation depends largely on an understanding of biological stock structure and recruitment dynamics. This information is critical for understanding the resilience of individual fishing stocks to fishing pressure and environmental disturbance, and the potential for stock replenishment through natural recruitment processes. At present this information is lacking for Australian giant crab (P. ....The ability of fisheries managers to control for sustainable harvest and reduce risks of fisheries overexploitation depends largely on an understanding of biological stock structure and recruitment dynamics. This information is critical for understanding the resilience of individual fishing stocks to fishing pressure and environmental disturbance, and the potential for stock replenishment through natural recruitment processes. At present this information is lacking for Australian giant crab (P. gigas) and giant spider crab (L. gaimardii) fisheries.
New opportunities have emerged that greatly enhance our ability to characterise patterns of biological stock structure in fine detail. Modern genomic technologies now allow for rapid and cost-effective assessments of genome wide variation within and between natural populations, allowing for spatial patterns of genetic structure to be characterised with unprecedented sensitivity. Additionally, advances in modelling capabilities are now allowing the unique integration of biological and physical oceanographic data to develop high-resolution models of larval dispersal in complex marine environments. Combining these new tools with traditional methods, such as stable isotopes and acoustic telemetry, provides a unique opportunity to undertake better assessments of biological stock structure and dynamics by accounting for both adult and juvenile dispersal stages.
Our team will leverage existing partnerships with industry stakeholders to undertake a comprehensive assessment of biological stock structure in the P. gigas and L. gaimardii fisheries. We proposed to adopt a multidisciplinary research program that will help to define the geographic boundaries of biological populations and the recruitment potential of individual fishing stocks. Outputs from this project will provide managers with a resource for establishing sustainable management programs in these fisheries that account for patterns of stock connectivity and the sensitivities of individual stocks to environmental disturbance and fishing pressure. Objectives: 1. Produce a regional map showing giant crab and giant spider crab biological stock structure and population connectivity (i.e., dispersal pathways) 2. Identify key stocks of giant crab and giant spider crab across Southern Australia that are major larval sources and well connected, whose careful management can facilitate greater resilience in the fishery 3. Provide a set of management recommendations based on our research findings that will promote more informed and sustainable fishing practices Read moreRead less
Toolbox For The Estimation Of Fish Population Abundance
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$175,000.00
Summary
Abundance estimates are used both directly and indirectly in stock assessment processes to support fishery management. Australia’s fisheries research agencies all estimate fish population abundance in some way. These include genetic and conventional tagging, acoustics (active and passive), trawl and egg surveys, as well as using proxies of abundance such as catch. Each of these methods have benefits, biases and caveats linked to the method and to the fish species being assessed. For example, dif ....Abundance estimates are used both directly and indirectly in stock assessment processes to support fishery management. Australia’s fisheries research agencies all estimate fish population abundance in some way. These include genetic and conventional tagging, acoustics (active and passive), trawl and egg surveys, as well as using proxies of abundance such as catch. Each of these methods have benefits, biases and caveats linked to the method and to the fish species being assessed. For example, differences between life history and habitat can make an abundance estimation method that has worked for one species unsuitable for another. As the application of each method of estimating abundance is potentially species/scenario specific, potential use by researchers and managers can be fraught.
In developing or proposing an abundance estimate for use in fisheries assessment, researchers must have a clear understanding of the assessment framework in order to make sure that an abundance estimate can be used. Claims such as “this time series can then be used in stock assessment” must be verified by funding agencies (particularly beyond FRDC) and defensible. Proliferation of abundance estimation methods without links to the assessment process will not yield an expected benefit beyond knowledge accumulation.
A project is needed to capture the range of methods of estimating abundance for management purposes, and specify the conditions of use, limitations and readiness level for operational use. A decision tree and methods ‘toolbox’ that describes the techniques, their relative strengths and weaknesses will help researchers and managers identify the best suited abundance estimate approach, and guide research effort to overcome known weaknesses.
The development of a ‘toolbox’ of techniques would be used to inform: 1. techniques available to estimate abundance 2. suitability of them to different conditions such as life history, and data availability 3. requirements of the technique such as methods used, prerequisite expertise, data and cost; and 4. circumstances under which the technique can be used. This project would also identify potential new approaches and technologies that might complement or replace current ones. Objectives: 1. To document the various methods available to fisheries managers for estimating abundance. 2. To document a cost / benefit / needs and requirements basis for the various methods available to fisheries managers for estimating abundance. 3. Develop a ‘toolbox’ to disseminate details of fit-for-purpose methods of estimating abundance to fisheries managers and management agencies, that will informi. the techniques that are available to estimate abundanceii.the suitability of the technique to different scenarios such as life history parameters of species, data availability (or absence), assumed low population sizeiii.the requirements of the technique such as methods used, pre-requisite expertise, data and costiv.under what circumstances can the technique be used and the underlying assumptions. 4. To identify potential new (and non-lethal) approaches and emerging technologies that may offer an opportunity for capturing fishery dependent data that can be used to estimate abundance Read moreRead less
Investigating The Use Of A Remote Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROUV) For Surveying Abalone On Reefs In The Western Zone Abalone Fishery, Victoria.
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$160,000.00
Summary
Provide a tactical and strategic response to the recent outbreak. Develop a cost effective assessment tool to validate the spread of the virus and build a long term mechanism to undertake fisheries independent surveys. Objectives: 1. To validate a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROUV) survey tool 2. Assess options to integrate video from ROUV technology and other sources with existing diver data to develop fisheries independent surveys 3. To validate non surveye ....Provide a tactical and strategic response to the recent outbreak. Develop a cost effective assessment tool to validate the spread of the virus and build a long term mechanism to undertake fisheries independent surveys. Objectives: 1. To validate a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROUV) survey tool 2. Assess options to integrate video from ROUV technology and other sources with existing diver data to develop fisheries independent surveys 3. To validate non surveyed abalone populations Read moreRead less
Building Capability In Food Safety In Australian Shellfish
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$351,147.00
Summary
The Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Advisory Committee (ASQAAC) is a volunteer organisation comprised of members including state regulators, industry representatives and associated stakeholders including researchers, Safefish, seafood importers and laboratories. As the program sets the requirements for market access in Australia through the Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (ASQAP), and influences industry's ability to grow and further develop our low input, carbon friendly a ....The Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Advisory Committee (ASQAAC) is a volunteer organisation comprised of members including state regulators, industry representatives and associated stakeholders including researchers, Safefish, seafood importers and laboratories. As the program sets the requirements for market access in Australia through the Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (ASQAP), and influences industry's ability to grow and further develop our low input, carbon friendly and job intensive industry. The ASQAP is best practice, and ASQAAC strives to include safe and appropriately innovative and validated measures to ensure market access is maximised - important for both COVID recovery and future proofing the national shellfish industry. There is an on-going need to provide national guidance on ASQAP interpretation and delivery for our industry that has been highlighted by both the succession needs of the well-established programs in SA, Tas and NSW, and by the emerging shellfish industries in WA, NT, and Qld. The market failure for systemisation and training material and continuous improvement stems from the underpinning knowledge of this topic being niche and highly specialised. In the words of the ASQAAC Chair Phil Baker: “The last decade has seen the exit of significant knowledge and history with long-term regulators being replaced with new recruits to the technically complex shellfish regulatory role. Currently there is little to guide them, particularly as ASQAP has transitioned to an outcome-based program. The vital knowledge required is often learned through experience.” This program aims to take advantage of the pool of experts that do exist in Australia, to the benefit of all existing and developing programs.
Objectives: 1. Understand the training needs to support the continued development of Australian shellfish industries covered by ASQAP 2. Develop technical training modules for regulators and industry in bivalve shellfish food safety risk management 3. Deliver the training modules in a manner that suits both industry and regulators, and supports learning from existing Australian experts and adoption of successful risk management strategies 4. Provide a pathway for longevity of the training Read moreRead less
National Seafood Industry Leadership Program 2018 - 2021
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$933,988.00
Summary
FRDC has developed the 2015-2020 Strategic Plan. The plan details the areas of investment for the industry and provides direction regarding the leadership requirements for the Australia seafood industry. Relevant sections of that document state the following:- “All sectors of Australian fishing and aquaculture need strong, effective, connected leadership to respond well to the challenges and opportunities before them...Having strong leadership capacity will generate strong fishing and aquacu ....FRDC has developed the 2015-2020 Strategic Plan. The plan details the areas of investment for the industry and provides direction regarding the leadership requirements for the Australia seafood industry. Relevant sections of that document state the following:- “All sectors of Australian fishing and aquaculture need strong, effective, connected leadership to respond well to the challenges and opportunities before them...Having strong leadership capacity will generate strong fishing and aquaculture communities that are productive, profitable and resilient to change, therefore people development remains an important focus for RD&E...projects include the National Seafood Industry Leadership Program"
The above indicates the ongoing need and support for the NSILP 2018-2020. Additionally, although the NSILP 2015-2017 project is yet to be fully evaluated, there is data indicating a significant increase industry need for the NSILP. This data includes 70 unsuccessful applicants over the course of the project time frame; applicant nominators requesting the reason for unsuccessful application responses and; extremely high caliber applicants who should be accepted into the NSILP being ‘rejected’ over two consecutive years. However, the greatest need remains the ongoing succession of the industry and the need for ongoing opportunity to skill-up and build the knowledge of the individuals who will step into leadership roles.
The NSILP 2018-2020 will address the needs discussed above through providing skill development in key leadership areas such as inter-personal communication, team building and strategy planning. The NSILP will also build industry sector understanding through ensuring an annual diverse participant cohort and seek guests and program speakers who reflect industry breadth and deliver addresses that reflect the range of the industry. The NSILP will raise the positive profile of the industry through building professionalism amongst the participants and through the delivery of a number of participant addresses to the industry.
Objectives: 1. To update the current NSILP through a review and desktop research process 2. To provide NSILP learning materials reflecting the above updated program 3. To facilitate a NSILP application and selection process that results in a diverse cohort of program participants 4. To provide a professionally facilitated nine-day industry leadership program for the seafood community 5. To manage the support and development of (a minimum) fifteen (15) NSILP participants/graduates 6. To create strong networks and succession opportunities between the seafood community and NSILP participants/graduates 7. To create strong networks and succession opportunities between the seafood community and NSILP participants/graduates Read moreRead less