Expert Consultation To Develop A Common Methodology To Determine Status Of Undefined Species
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$31,852.83
Summary
The SAFS assessments have provided assurance to seafood buyers regarding the stock status of many key Australian species and is a respected source of information used by the broader Australian community, including third party certification schemes,environmental NGOs, government, seafood retailers and food service companies.
However, the undefined status poses a problem for these stakeholders as they would like to buy many of these species but are constrained by how the interpretation o ....The SAFS assessments have provided assurance to seafood buyers regarding the stock status of many key Australian species and is a respected source of information used by the broader Australian community, including third party certification schemes,environmental NGOs, government, seafood retailers and food service companies.
However, the undefined status poses a problem for these stakeholders as they would like to buy many of these species but are constrained by how the interpretation of "undefined" may be viewed. The risk is that the stock may be overfished, underfished, it has no access to certification and there is no evidence base for the community to make an informed option.
There are also other stocks not included in the SAFS and falling under state jurisidictions which are also classified as undefined or unknown.
Given the variety of methods available, there is benefit of gaining agreement amongst scientists working in this area of methods to assess undefined stocks based on (a) the data and (b) the resources available. In some cases catch data may be available, but the resources required for catch only models may not be available. Also important is to increase focus on testing the performance of methods proposed for the assessment of data deficient fisheries (not a shortage of methods so much as a shortage of rigorous tests) . Gaining agreement on a risk based approach with agreed understanding on the interpretations of this approach would benefit SAFS users.
Objectives: 1. Undertake a workshop to progress the development of assessment methods for undefined species in the Status of Australian Fish Stocks report and other data limited species/fisheries Read moreRead less
Marine Scalefish Sector - Seafood Services Australia Food Safety Pilot Project
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$14,900.00
Summary
With the establishment of state based networks it is increasingly important to ensure that the products and services developed and delivered by Seafood Services Australia are relevant to and driven by local needs.
The original SeaQual food safety guidelines for harvesting, processing and retailing seafood were developed specifically to meet the requirements of Victorian legislation. Since then there have been changes in the development of the ANZFA national food safety standards as w ....With the establishment of state based networks it is increasingly important to ensure that the products and services developed and delivered by Seafood Services Australia are relevant to and driven by local needs.
The original SeaQual food safety guidelines for harvesting, processing and retailing seafood were developed specifically to meet the requirements of Victorian legislation. Since then there have been changes in the development of the ANZFA national food safety standards as well as a number of SSA initiatives including the seafood food safety risk analysis, development of a draft seafood safety standard and the development of a national seafood food safety emergency management plan. The National Seafood Industry Training Package, released in March 2000, identifies food safety as one of the core competencies for anyone working in the seafood industry.
It is now timely to review the SeaQual food safety guidelines to ensure that they are pragmatic and relevant to various fishing industry sectors. In particular it is important to demonstrate that developing a food safety plan can be done at any level in the industry. To date there has not been much effort placed in relation to food safety in small, multi species, multi method fishing operations.
Demonstrating that the SeaQual food safety guidelines are useful pragmatic tools relevant to the whole industry will be an important aspect in developing the customer focus necessary to achieve an internationally competitive industry. The project will use the SeaQual food safety guidelines for harvesting and the associated template to develop specific fishery type models to further enhance the capacity of fishing businesses to understand and comply with their customer’s and the legislative requirements for production of safe food. Objectives: 1. Develop and implement food safety plans for selected marine scale fish enterprises using the SeaQual food safety guidelines for harvesting seafood and the accompanying food safety plan template. 2. Provide input and feedback to Seafood Services Australia on how to improve the SeaQual guidelines and template for use by other fishing operations. 3. Assist in developing capacity within the SA Marine Scale Fishery to identify and manage current and potential food safety risks. 4. Provide four model templates for the sectors within the SA Marine Scale Fishery, enabling all operators within this fishery to comply with required consumer and government standards. Read moreRead less
Linking Ecosystem Services To The Profitability Of Prawn Fisheries Linked To 2017-188
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$145,000.00
Summary
Natural capital is the soil, air, water, habitat, land and biodiversity that sustains food and fibre production globally. Valuing these natural assets can improve industry profitability and improve natural resource management practices to increase environmental sustainability. Increased profitability might be achieved by (1) verified environmental sustainability and access to premium markets; (2) reduced risk to financial investors, with flow-on effects including finance discounts; and (3) capac ....Natural capital is the soil, air, water, habitat, land and biodiversity that sustains food and fibre production globally. Valuing these natural assets can improve industry profitability and improve natural resource management practices to increase environmental sustainability. Increased profitability might be achieved by (1) verified environmental sustainability and access to premium markets; (2) reduced risk to financial investors, with flow-on effects including finance discounts; and (3) capacity to engage in emerging markets for environmental services.
This project links the profitability of prawn fisheries to natural assets via the ecosystem services they provide, building on the methods and data developed in FRDC project 2013/006. By describing the causal links between the physical environment and fishing activities, and quantifying the condition of the biophysical environment and impacts of different land uses, management practices can be be optimised resulting in increased profits and environmental sustainability.
Objectives: 1. link the profitability of prawn fisheries in NSW to the ecosystem services provided by natural assets 2. identify and engage stakeholders related to prawn fisheries in NSW 3. increase stakeholders' awareness of and skills in natural capital accounting Read moreRead less
Effects Of Habitat Disturbances On Coastal Fisheries Resources In Tin Can Bay/ Great Sandy Strait
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$292,153.03
Summary
Objectives: 1. Characterise estuarine & marine faunas associated with disturbed, undisturbed habitats at selected sites within the Tin Can Bay/Great Sandy Strait region, southern Queensland. 2. Identify sources of variation and describe levels of variation in abundance of important finfish, crustacean and cephalopod populations and in community structure 3. Assess whether changes considered undesirable from a fisheries viewpoint may have resulted from disturbances 4. Pr ....Objectives: 1. Characterise estuarine & marine faunas associated with disturbed, undisturbed habitats at selected sites within the Tin Can Bay/Great Sandy Strait region, southern Queensland. 2. Identify sources of variation and describe levels of variation in abundance of important finfish, crustacean and cephalopod populations and in community structure 3. Assess whether changes considered undesirable from a fisheries viewpoint may have resulted from disturbances 4. Provide a basis for the preparation of guidelines for acceptable levels of disturbance to rrsult in minimal impacts on fisheries and habitats in northern Australia Read moreRead less
Guidelines For The Updated Harvest Strategy Policy
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$665,000.00
Summary
The Commonwealth first implemented a Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy (the policy) in 2007. In 2012 the then Department of Agriculture conducted a review of the policy which found the policy to be effective. The review also concluded that additional policy direction was required in some areas. An updated Harvest Strategy Policy is currently being drafted that builds on the successes of the 2007 policy and addresses the needs identified. Like the 2007 policy, this updated policy will require gui ....The Commonwealth first implemented a Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy (the policy) in 2007. In 2012 the then Department of Agriculture conducted a review of the policy which found the policy to be effective. The review also concluded that additional policy direction was required in some areas. An updated Harvest Strategy Policy is currently being drafted that builds on the successes of the 2007 policy and addresses the needs identified. Like the 2007 policy, this updated policy will require guidelines for its effective implementation.
In collaboration with experts and a broad range of stakeholders, this project will facilitate the development and delivery of updated guidelines for the updated policy. Every effort will be made to ensure that these new guidelines are as practical as possible and provide genuine guidance for fisheries managers (and the various experts that support fisheries management processes) whose jobs it is to operationalize the directives contained within the updated policy.
See attachment for further detail. Objectives: 1. Delivery of clear, practical guidance for implementation of policy directives by fisheries managers. 2. Address key information needs for implementation of the updated Harvest Strategy Policy 3. See attachment for further detail. Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Defining A Way Forward For The Queensland Reef Line Fishery Through Evaluating Resource Sharing Research And Development Options With Stakeholders
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$23,649.09
Summary
The Fisheries (Coral Reef Fin Fish) Management Plan 2003 will be reviewed in 2012. The project aim is for stakeholders to co-operate in developing a way forward with respect to Research and Development (R and D) requirements in the consideration of resource sharing options as a part of the Management Plan. Catch sharing arrangements and associated R and D between sectors of the fishery - commercial, recreational and charter - need to be explored. The fish resources are accessed by various fish ....The Fisheries (Coral Reef Fin Fish) Management Plan 2003 will be reviewed in 2012. The project aim is for stakeholders to co-operate in developing a way forward with respect to Research and Development (R and D) requirements in the consideration of resource sharing options as a part of the Management Plan. Catch sharing arrangements and associated R and D between sectors of the fishery - commercial, recreational and charter - need to be explored. The fish resources are accessed by various fishery users and are of interest to conservation bodies, management agencies and the general public. Currently, the CPUE of both major species are declining (FRDC 2008/103) and there are believed to be areas of over-exploitation.
In order to ensure equality between sectors and for the resource to return maximum economic yields while remaining biologically sustainable in the long-term, there is a need to explore management arrangements and the associated R and D requirements. Stakeholders must work co-operatively to identify issues and discuss R and D options with the aim for consensus on future management for sustainability of economic, environmental and social aspects. There needs to be a ‘vision for the fishery’ that is endorsed by stakeholders and resource sharing options should align with this vision.
Objectives: 1. Conduct a workshop for all relevant stakeholders to discuss and endorse a Research and Development Plan for potential resource sharing in the QRLF. 2. Develop a "Vision for the Fishery" at the workshop. 3. Develop a Research and Development Plan for potential resource sharing in the QRLF. Read moreRead less
Review Of The Assessment Of School Shark In The Southern Shark Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$32,183.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To ensure that best available scientific advice is available for management decisions and that industry has confidence in the outcome of the stock assessment. 2. To review estimates of abundance and basic biological parameters used in assessing school shark stock status. 3. To review statistical and modelling methods used in the school shark stock assessment. 4. To improve industry understanding of the stock assessment process and acceptance of the results. < ....Objectives: 1. To ensure that best available scientific advice is available for management decisions and that industry has confidence in the outcome of the stock assessment. 2. To review estimates of abundance and basic biological parameters used in assessing school shark stock status. 3. To review statistical and modelling methods used in the school shark stock assessment. 4. To improve industry understanding of the stock assessment process and acceptance of the results. Read moreRead less
BCA: Risk Analysis And Sustainability Indicators For Prawn Stocks In The Northern Prawn Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$4,107.00
Summary
To assess whether the ESD and MEE objectives are met there is a need to determine the status of prawns stocks in the NPF and to develop guidelines to define whether the present status of the stocks may require management actions. It is important to precisely define what population parameters should be monitored and what biological reference points should these parameters be compared in order to determine whether management action is required. The Northern Prawn Fishery Assessment Group (NPFA ....To assess whether the ESD and MEE objectives are met there is a need to determine the status of prawns stocks in the NPF and to develop guidelines to define whether the present status of the stocks may require management actions. It is important to precisely define what population parameters should be monitored and what biological reference points should these parameters be compared in order to determine whether management action is required. The Northern Prawn Fishery Assessment Group (NPFAG) has identified that spawning stock biomass and standardised fishing effort are the two most important indicators for target stocks in the NPF. The NPFAG has also established that targets and limits for these indicators need to be set and reassessed as new information is collected. The NPFAG has also recommended that future advice provided to them by researchers should include an explicit measurement of the probabilities that each of these targets may be exceeded. Calculation of such probabilities requires formal risk analysis to be carried out as part of the stock assessment.
Additionally, there are a number of future management options that have been recently considered by NORMAC. These include reductions of pool of the licensing units used in the NPF, (A-units, representing vessel length and engine power), gear restrictions as well as further seasonal and spatial closures. Although the operational implications of adopting some of these options have been the subject of NORMAC discussions, the scientific evaluation of options is not carried out in a structured framework but rather as individual assessments as different options are proposed by NORMAC. There is a need to establish a structured framework for management strategy evaluation so that the NPFAG and NORMAC can compare different options in a consistent way. This framework for management strategy evaluation should allow for the integration of risk analysis into the evaluation of management options. The consequences of each management strategy should be quantified and evaluated against the indicator of performance established by the NPFAG. The evaluation should include the estimation of the probability that, in the future, certain undesirable or desirable states of the stock are reached. Objectives: 1. To assess the probability that current NPF prawn stocks are being fished at sustainable levels (as defined by performance indicators of stock status developed by NORMAC) by carrying out a risk analysis. 2. To predict the performance of future NPF management alternatives by comparing predicted stock parameters against NORMAC’s performance indicators of stock status. Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Optimisation Of PCR Tests For Diagnosis Of Megalocytivirus (gourami Iridovirus) And Cyprinid Herpesvirus 2 (goldfish Herpesvirus)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$104,000.00
Summary
Megalocytivirus In 2003 there was an outbreak of iridovirus in farmed Murray cod in Victoria that caused 90% losses. In 2004 these viruses were found in imported ornamental fish - gourami. These have established breeding populations in the wild in Australia and therefore may pose a threat to biodiversity in the Murray-Darling Basin and other systems in which Maccullochella sp. still exist. These viruses are not host specific and all Murray-Darling Basin sp. may be susceptible. Due to the ris ....Megalocytivirus In 2003 there was an outbreak of iridovirus in farmed Murray cod in Victoria that caused 90% losses. In 2004 these viruses were found in imported ornamental fish - gourami. These have established breeding populations in the wild in Australia and therefore may pose a threat to biodiversity in the Murray-Darling Basin and other systems in which Maccullochella sp. still exist. These viruses are not host specific and all Murray-Darling Basin sp. may be susceptible. Due to the risk to aquaculture, recreational fisheries and biodiversity, there is need to develop and validate diagnostic tests for GIV in order to enable rapid accurate detection of GIV, facilitate surveys of Murray cod and imported ornamental fish to improve risk assessment and conduct surveys of free-living and farmed fish in Australia. The specific tests required include a robust and accurate PCR, and cell culture. These tests need to be able to distinguish GIV from related iridoviruses such as RSIV.
CyHV-2 of goldfish In the last 10 years imported goldfish numbers have continued to grow, in part, due to their competitive price. The imported goldfish have been subjected to the AQIS requirements for import certification and a 3 week holding period before release. Anecdotal evidence suggests that mortality rates of domestically produced goldfish increase when these fish are mixed in retail shops with imported goldfish. Investigations have revealed pathology consistent with CyHV-2. Imported goldfish may carry latent CyHV-2 infections. This project aims to provide the diagnostic capability and a sampling regime to further investigate these concerns.
The project relates directly to Strategies 1, 2 and 3 in Aquaplan 2005-2010 and meets key research area 7.2.1 in the FRDC Aquatic Animal Health Sub Program Research and Development Plan 2002-2008 (updated June 2005).
Objectives: 1. To optimise a PCR for detection of megalocytivirus 2. To optimise a PCR for detection of CyHV-2 in goldfish 3. To transfer technology to diagnostic laboratories in Australia Read moreRead less
Develop A Strong Current Warning System And Inform Knowledge Of The Nearshore Current Regime Influencing The Western Rock Lobster Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$199,000.00
Summary
By combining this greater coverage with information derived from commercial fishers (e.g. days when gear is drowned or lost to determine key current velocities) a purpose built webapp can be developed, hosted on an existing service, which allows fishers to asses the risks posed by ocean currents to their fishing operation before they set their gear. This would also allow for fishers to predict days when drowned gear may resurface and therefore the fishing operation may continue.
In addi ....By combining this greater coverage with information derived from commercial fishers (e.g. days when gear is drowned or lost to determine key current velocities) a purpose built webapp can be developed, hosted on an existing service, which allows fishers to asses the risks posed by ocean currents to their fishing operation before they set their gear. This would also allow for fishers to predict days when drowned gear may resurface and therefore the fishing operation may continue.
In addition to this helping the fishing operation, greater current modelling coverage over this part of the fishery will allow for the fine-scale assessment of the links between water movement and puerulus settlement. As part of FRDC project “2016-260 WRL IPA: assess causes and implications of anomalous low lobster catch rates in the shallow water areas near the centre of the Western Rock Lobster fishery” 40 additional puerulus collectors will be added to the current DOF monitoring program which will provide extensive coverage of settlement rates between Seven Mile, Dongara and Jurien Bay.
Objectives: 1. Establish additional coastal radar station 2. Establish a predictive warning system for ocean conditions that can be used by the WRL fishery to improve efficiency 3. Assess the relationship between water circulation and puerulus settlement rates Read moreRead less