Partnering To Deliver National Research, Development And Extension For Australia’s Recreational Fishing Sector: Management Project 2022-2024
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$426,082.00
Summary
There is an opportunity to create a new partnership with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) to aggregate information from a regional and jurisdictional level to a national forum with the view to provide advise the FRDC in prioritising strategic and tactical investments in RD&E to deliver positive outcomes for the Australian recreational sector. An ARFF – FRDC partnership could be extend beyond simply prioritisation, to include establishing opportunities for effective and t ....There is an opportunity to create a new partnership with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) to aggregate information from a regional and jurisdictional level to a national forum with the view to provide advise the FRDC in prioritising strategic and tactical investments in RD&E to deliver positive outcomes for the Australian recreational sector. An ARFF – FRDC partnership could be extend beyond simply prioritisation, to include establishing opportunities for effective and targeted extension and adoption of R&D outputs to effect cultural and behavioural changes within recreational sector beneficiaries. A properly resourced and coordinated collaboration may also identify opportunities for co-investment with traditional and non-traditional sources, particularly those linked to the ARFF network. This proposal looks to formalise a partnership between the recreational fishing sector and the FRDC and outlines the structure, function, resourcing and phases of that partnership model. The effective delivery of this partnership model will in turn derive benefits to the recreational sector, its supporters, the broader Australian community, and the FRDC through the delivery of the R&D Plan 2020-2025. Objectives: 1. Proactively work with the recreational fishing community and key partners to identify and coordinate national and regional RD&E priorities, and assist to develop scopes to address those priorities 2. Inform FRDC and stakeholders of the shifting landscape and capability, and emerging needs of the Australian (and international) recreational sector relevant to the FRDC's R&D Plan 2022-2025 3. Ensure quality and relevance of R&D investments undertaken by the FRDC to the recreational sector through technical and extension advice and support for FRDC management and project teams 4. Support extension and adoption of R&D in those areas relevant to the Australian recreational sector, and aligning to FRDC’s R&D Plan 2020-25, with an aspiration to enhance behaviour change, as well as capacity and capability in the sector 5. Support management of external national and international partnerships delivering recreational R&D across FRDC 6. Facilitate co-investment in RD&E which benefits the recreational fishing community nationally, and aligns to the FRDC’s R&D Plan 2020-25, to assist in its delivery Read moreRead less
During the initial conceptual steering committee meeting of the Tuna Champions program it was identified, and supported by marketing specialists, to focus on a single species, in this case the SBT. If this was done well, it would minimise dilution of the messaging and improve the uptake and momentum of increased stewardship in that particular fishery. It was noted however that the messages would likely ‘spill over’ into other species, particularly other tuna species as the practices being promot ....During the initial conceptual steering committee meeting of the Tuna Champions program it was identified, and supported by marketing specialists, to focus on a single species, in this case the SBT. If this was done well, it would minimise dilution of the messaging and improve the uptake and momentum of increased stewardship in that particular fishery. It was noted however that the messages would likely ‘spill over’ into other species, particularly other tuna species as the practices being promoted were applicable to them. Then further, that the messaging and recognition of the value of stewardship as it relates to recreational fishing practices would spill over more broadly to other species. This effect has now been realised with fishers that target other tuna species already organically sharing and promoting the message of tuna champions and more broadly, several other recreational stewardship programs have been developed or are currently in the funding or conceptual phases including Shark Mates, Snapper Stewards and a program in Tasmania promoting stewardship in the recreational fishery targeting Sand Flathead.
The recent recognition by the Federal Government of the success of the Tuna Champions program was highlighted in the commitment to fund an extension of the program announced with the launch of the 2021 Federal budget.
This funding will facilitate the need to broaden the program to the next level by increasing the scope of the project to now focus on more key tuna species in Australia, including Yellowfin Tuna and Longtail Tuna. The geographic distribution of these species and the recreational fisheries that target them will increase the breadth of the program across Australia with both these species commonly caught on the east and west coasts and Longtail Tuna caught along the top-end of Australia, including the Northern Territory.
Objectives: 1. Deliver an education program and communication strategy focusing on responsible fishing practices within the recreational sector and educating grass-roots fishers on best practices around all aspects of their interactions with key tuna species in Australia. 2. Develop a research hub to facilitate ongoing recreational fisher engagement in studies pertaining to key tuna species in Australia. 3. Develop a self-funding model to ensure the long-term sustainability of Tuna Champions independent of Commonwealth government funding. Read moreRead less
Exploring Wellbeing Outcomes in the Aquatic and Recreation Industry. This project aims to investigate the impact on individual wellbeing through use of public aquatic and recreation centres in Australia. Through the use of mixed methods across multiple locations, the project expects to generate new knowledge on the effect on users of different management and service models for the provision of aquatic and recreational infrastructure. Expected outcomes include a quantifiable measure of social and ....Exploring Wellbeing Outcomes in the Aquatic and Recreation Industry. This project aims to investigate the impact on individual wellbeing through use of public aquatic and recreation centres in Australia. Through the use of mixed methods across multiple locations, the project expects to generate new knowledge on the effect on users of different management and service models for the provision of aquatic and recreational infrastructure. Expected outcomes include a quantifiable measure of social and emotional wellbeing that can be utilised by centre management and government. This will help assessment of best practice for maximising community wellbeing, and can guide investment decisions by state and local government.Read moreRead less
Exploring Changes In Recreational Fishing Participation And Catch Due To COVID-19 – A WA Case Study
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Robust data is critical to ensure sustainability and demonstrate the social and economic benefits of recreational fisheries. Traditional data collection methods can be cost-prohibitive, especially for fisheries operating across large scales, or those requiring real time information. Challenges associated with data collection have been highlighted during COVID-19, where travel restrictions have changed the dynamics of regional tourism and associated recreational fishing. Increased domestic travel ....Robust data is critical to ensure sustainability and demonstrate the social and economic benefits of recreational fisheries. Traditional data collection methods can be cost-prohibitive, especially for fisheries operating across large scales, or those requiring real time information. Challenges associated with data collection have been highlighted during COVID-19, where travel restrictions have changed the dynamics of regional tourism and associated recreational fishing. Increased domestic travel is delivering economic benefits to many regional locations, however, there have been concerns about increased effort and the longer-term impact of increased catches on stock sustainability.
Federal and State Governments have implemented a range of policy responses during COVID-19, with support measures and stimulus packages for businesses, including tourism. Many jurisdictions have implemented measures to assist commercial and recreational fishing sectors, while few jurisdictions have implemented changes to recreational fishing regulations. In Western Australia, recreational fishing rules were revised to address sustainability concerns for valuable stocks of demersal finfish. This policy shift was supported by evidence from ongoing monitoring and stakeholder engagement. Further reviews will be conducted following the current state-wide survey (September 2020–August 2021), which will provide estimates of participation, effort, catch and expenditure in regional Western Australia attributed to local and non-local residents and to recreational fishing.
While intensive survey methods are repeated periodically, the adoption of indicators between these intervals can inform ongoing assessments. Social and economic indicators, such as those obtained from administrative data or record of sales, have the potential to provide rapid assessment of changes in participation, fisher demographics and catches. While benchmarking these data against traditional surveys may be required, there is a need to investigate a range of data sources that could measure change and inform rapid assessments.
Objectives: 1. Investigate community indicators that could inform sustainability and policy objectives and a performance assessment framework for recreational fisheries in Western Australia. 2. Assess attitudes among stakeholders regarding perceived confidence in social and economic indicators for recreational fisheries based on case study. 3. Assess the impacts on recreational fishing associated with COVID-19 using the agreed performance assessment framework (and case study). 4. Provide recommendations for future collection of social and economic indicators to inform sustainability and policy objectives for recreational fisheries in Western Australia. Read moreRead less
An Investigation Of Recreational Fishing Peak Bodies In Western Australia, Victoria And Northern Territory To Identify Insights Into Models Of Success
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$39,988.63
Summary
The Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing Inc. (TARFish) has identified that its current form and mode of operation is uncertain and not sustainable in the long term and, most importantly, is not sufficiently meeting the needs of recreational fishers in Tasmania.
TARFish proposes to undertake an investigation into current successful recreational fishing peak body models that identifies; the success factors, benefits and risks, together with how it was achieved, over what time ....The Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing Inc. (TARFish) has identified that its current form and mode of operation is uncertain and not sustainable in the long term and, most importantly, is not sufficiently meeting the needs of recreational fishers in Tasmania.
TARFish proposes to undertake an investigation into current successful recreational fishing peak body models that identifies; the success factors, benefits and risks, together with how it was achieved, over what time frame and potential future growth or evolution pathways planned by each organisation.
Specifically, the investigation proposes to examine RecFish West (Western Australia), VR Fish (Victoria) and AFANT (Northern Territory). Each organisation is distinct in terms of the combination of; 1. Organisational structure, governance and length of operation (maturity) 2. Advocacy and lobbying approach and outcomes 3. Program and service delivery, including partnerships 4. Membership value, types and quantum 5. Funding source, security and quantum, 6. Relationships with key stakeholders and State Government 7. Community perception of organisation 8. Consideration of how each body determines the priorities and research and development needs of recreational fishers The investigation will distil relevant insights for each jurisdiction and provide recommendations on preferred model(s) to work towards in the context of TARFish’s current state and future aspirations.
The project is of interest to the Tasmanian Government and they will provide some financial support to the project.
It is expected that there will be strong interest in this investigation from other jurisdictions who are in a similar position to TARFish including but not limited to – South Australia, Queensland and News South Wales as well as the national peak body ARFF.
Further, the research is likely to assist governments to understand potential alternative arrangements (SLA’s, funding, program delivery etc) with peak bodies that lead to improved outcomes for recreational fishers.
Objectives: 1. Identify the combination of organisational and external/other factors that lead to the success of the specific model under investigation (x3 models to be investigated) 2. Identify organisational and external risks that may act as a barrier to successful models of operation, where possible, identify methods used to overcome barrier or reduce risks 3. Identify pathway (milestones) and critical success factors when moving from one model of operation to another including length of time and cost to implement 4. Understanding the role that funding source, quantum and security has on model selection/evolution and what came first (funding or model) 5. Consider how each body determines the strategic needs and research and development priorities for recreational fishers Read moreRead less
Determining The Design, Output Specifications And Sample Size For A National Social And Economic Survey Of Recreational Fishers In Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$125,156.00
Summary
A national recreational fishing survey of social and economic contribution is proposed for 2017-18.
The recommendation of the 2015 scoping study for a national recreational fishing survey was to implement a phone-diary survey to deliver the multiple objectives of assessing recreational catch, effort and socio-economic information. Since the focus of the proposed survey has now shifted to specifically focus on the socio-economic aspects of recreational fishing there is a strong need to ....A national recreational fishing survey of social and economic contribution is proposed for 2017-18.
The recommendation of the 2015 scoping study for a national recreational fishing survey was to implement a phone-diary survey to deliver the multiple objectives of assessing recreational catch, effort and socio-economic information. Since the focus of the proposed survey has now shifted to specifically focus on the socio-economic aspects of recreational fishing there is a strong need to reassess the priority questions and data needs of key stakeholders relating to this objective and re-assess the most appropriate survey technique to deliver a statistically robust and stakeholder relevant socio-economic survey. Note: extrapolation from small, unrepresentative, or biased sampling can lead to large errors in survey estimates and in recent times, certain recreational fishing surveys have produced questionable results due to such factors.
Objectives: 1. Identify agreed data needs and output specifications of a national socio-economic survey of recreational fishing 2. Review existing social and economic survey methodologies, with consideration of a broad range of recreational activities, including recreational fishing 3. Develop an appropriate survey framework to deliver the data needs and output specifications agreed in Objective 1 Read moreRead less
Land Based Fishing Platforms: A Guide To Understanding Current Technologies And The Processes Required To Developing Fishing Jetties
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$253,234.00
Summary
- Develop a land based platform guide to include: structural materials on the market, suitability of different platforms in different aquatic environments, different stakeholder user needs (e.g. wheelchair access), engineering standards/ requirements. The guide outlines and addresses the current barriers to installing land based platforms (in WA) and aims to identify and address the knowledge gaps of land based platform developments. The guide will include a start to finish process identifying m ....- Develop a land based platform guide to include: structural materials on the market, suitability of different platforms in different aquatic environments, different stakeholder user needs (e.g. wheelchair access), engineering standards/ requirements. The guide outlines and addresses the current barriers to installing land based platforms (in WA) and aims to identify and address the knowledge gaps of land based platform developments. The guide will include a start to finish process identifying major steps and considerations that are needed to deliver a fishing structure. - Develop a catalogue and map of land based fishing priorities for Western Australia (marine and freshwater) so the the guide can be used by Recfishwest, Local and State Government to further invest in innovative, cost effective best practice jetty developments - Develop a case study understanding the social value of Esperance Jetty via surveys of recreational fishers to develop a narrative for the role jetties play in the recreational fishing sector (Esperance Jetty has recently been rebuilt and has a historical fishing value and the new build includes fishing specific design features)
Objectives: 1. Develop a best practice guide for understanding land based fishing platform development and installations 2. Develop a catalogue of Western Australian fishing locations that have or require land based fishing platforms 3. Understand the fishing value and approvals process of a recently developed land based fishing platform Read moreRead less
The Emerging Billfish Fishing Grounds Of Northern Australia: Fisheries Description, Movements, And Hot-spots
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$442,416.00
Summary
There is a need to increase economic growth of environmentally sustainable industries in northern Australia and this project aims to increase recreational billfish fisheries tourism and facilitate management of this emerging resource. The tourism industry in Australia including recreational fisheries and associated travel sectors have been severely impacted due to Covid-19. With an estimated economic value of $3185AUD per charter fishing trip, recreational billfish fisheries represent a high-va ....There is a need to increase economic growth of environmentally sustainable industries in northern Australia and this project aims to increase recreational billfish fisheries tourism and facilitate management of this emerging resource. The tourism industry in Australia including recreational fisheries and associated travel sectors have been severely impacted due to Covid-19. With an estimated economic value of $3185AUD per charter fishing trip, recreational billfish fisheries represent a high-value and sustainable option to help develop post-Covid-19 fisheries tourism in northern Australia.
There is an emerging recreational billfish fishery in Northern Territory waters but growth, participation and management of a sustainable fishery has been hampered by a lack of data and public awareness. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a recent increase in catches of sailfish and black marlin in waters off northern Australia may have been facilitated by the closure of Taiwanese Gillnet fisheries which operated in Australian waters between 1972 and 1986. However, there has been little scientific evaluation of past or current billfish fisheries resources in the region, and better quality fisheries data and information on the spatial distribution and seasonal movement patterns are required to guide development and management of sustainable fisheries. The catch-and-release billfish fisheries of northern Australia are likely to be sustainable but stocks are likely to be affected by fisheries in the broader Indo-Pacific region and further information is needed to inform assessments as part of the Status of Australian Fish Stocks Report. As is this a developing fishery there is a need to form a ground up educational programs on the best practices for responsible handling of billfish in the NT recreational fishery. Objectives: 1. To provide a description of the emerging recreational fishery for billfishes in northern Australia, including analyses of historic and ongoing conventional tagging data, historical records of billfish larvae (1956−1981) to map spawning areas, and evaluate whether historical commercial catch data on billfishes is available from Taiwanese gillnet fisheries (1972-1986). 2. To evaluate the movement patterns and hot-spots of billfish habitat-use in emerging recreational fishing grounds of northern Australia using pop-off satellite archival tags. 3. To conduct a pilot study evaluating the feasibility of tagging billfishes with pop-off satellite archival tags,internally and externally implanted acoustic tags for long-term monitoring of billfish residency and site fidelity on fishing grounds. 4. To collect tissue samples from northern Australia for later analysis in a separate project examining the genetic population structureand trophic ecology of billfish (Sailfish and Black Marlin) 5. To engage recreational fishers in citizen science evaluation of billfish movements and increase growth and economic development of sustainable billfish fisheries in northern Australia through a top end billfish sprint and fisher education. Read moreRead less
Citizen Science Guidelines In Recreational Fishing
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$98,840.00
Summary
Many aspects of marine systems, including diverse species, habitats, and environmental issues, need expansive research to better understand and manage sustainability of the fishing and aquaculture industry. Unfortunately, data collection is one of the most resource-intensive aspects of science and can hinder the progression of commodity-specific research and development (R&D). This project will develop best practice guidelines for the creation, execution, evaluation, and evolution of citizen sci ....Many aspects of marine systems, including diverse species, habitats, and environmental issues, need expansive research to better understand and manage sustainability of the fishing and aquaculture industry. Unfortunately, data collection is one of the most resource-intensive aspects of science and can hinder the progression of commodity-specific research and development (R&D). This project will develop best practice guidelines for the creation, execution, evaluation, and evolution of citizen science projects that specifically address research data collection in the Australian aquaculture industry, which will contribute to research outcomes that facilitate long term productivity and sustainability of the industry. For more than 50 years, formal citizen science programs have proven to be an effective way for communities to contribute to R&D by collecting scientific data that drives decision making and creates innovative solutions. This project involves a four-stage approach to enhancing R&D practices for recreational fishers, fisheries scientists, and fisheries managers by providing researchers with industry-specific information to design citizen science projects that actively engage recreational fishers. The approach provides flexibility and agility to ensure the project can achieve high quality deliverables, on time, and in budget: 1. Consultation with industry stakeholders to determine current barriers and opportunities to developing, implementing, evaluating, and evolving citizen science projects targeted at recreational fishers. 2. Desktop review and global “environmental scan” to best characterise citizen science programs, projects, and frameworks relevant to recreational fishing. 3. Development of researcher citizen science guidelines for recreational fishing that provides detailed information pertinent to industry challenges and opportunities. The guidelines will be led by the results of Stages 1 and 2, and will be intuitive, user-friendly and easily updated in the future. 4. Industry communication of the guidelines to ensure streamlined adoption by researchers and improved return on investment for this project. Strategies to amplify collaborative and sustainable citizen science opportunities identified during this project will enhance FRDC R&D outcomes 3 (a culture that is inclusive and forward thinking) and 5 (community trust, respect, and value). The guidelines will help build an environment where researchers work directly with recreational fishers, which will promote inclusivity with stakeholders, harness the wealth of local ecological expertise and foster a solution-driven culture throughout the supply chain.
Objectives: 1. Characterisation of citizen science programs, projects, and frameworks relevant to recreational fishing in Australia. 2. Facilitating the identification, design, and impact measurement of marine-based citizen science programs that are of benefit to recreational fishers in Australia. 3. Provision of guidelines to citizen science practitioners to optimise community engagement and outcomes in marine-based citizen science projects. Read moreRead less