The Seafood Industry And The Environment: Interference Or Legitimate Public Concern?
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$5,300.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To inform seafood industry participants of the nature of environmental interest in the activities of the seafood industry - especially the catching sector. 2. To prepare the basis for an industry policy and strategy for dealing with environmental interests in a proactive manner.
Community Perceptions Of Fishing: Implications For Industry Image, Marketing And Sustainability
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$104,065.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To conduct focus groups with selected sub-groups of the Australian public to serve as a basis for developing a structured survey instrument. 2. To develop the survey instrument in discussion with the advisory group, conduct a pilot test of the instrument, and administer it to a statistically representative sample of the Australian adult population (18+). 3. To identify implications of survey findings for industry communication, education and marketing activities (f ....Objectives: 1. To conduct focus groups with selected sub-groups of the Australian public to serve as a basis for developing a structured survey instrument. 2. To develop the survey instrument in discussion with the advisory group, conduct a pilot test of the instrument, and administer it to a statistically representative sample of the Australian adult population (18+). 3. To identify implications of survey findings for industry communication, education and marketing activities (from answers to knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and behavioral questions). 4. To identify implications of survey findings for ESD monitoring and reporting frameworks (behavioral questions in particular). 5. In discussions with the advisory group, to develop options and strategies for addressing any negative perceptions of the industry, identifying appropriate actions, agencies to implement actions, and methods for evaluating success of implementing options. 6. To communicate overall survey results to stakeholders in a meaningful and useful form. Read moreRead less
A Review Of Current Research Needs Of The South East Trawl Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$22,000.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Review the current research planning and selection porocesses for the SETF; assess the effectiveness of the industry input to these processes and, if necessary, recommend changes to achieve more effective industry involvement. 2. Review the current SEF Research Plan (from an industry perspective) and suggest future industry research requirements based on discussions with industry, fishery managers, researcher, Environment Australia, relevant NGO's and funding agencies. ....Objectives: 1. Review the current research planning and selection porocesses for the SETF; assess the effectiveness of the industry input to these processes and, if necessary, recommend changes to achieve more effective industry involvement. 2. Review the current SEF Research Plan (from an industry perspective) and suggest future industry research requirements based on discussions with industry, fishery managers, researcher, Environment Australia, relevant NGO's and funding agencies. In particular, this assessment should identify emerging environmental issues, requiring strategic research and research that may be required to assist the fishery in gaining environmental accreditation. 3. In light of increasing demands for research, recommend appropriate funding sources and strategies with a view to assisting the industry to gain maximum leverage from its research expenditure. Read moreRead less
Quantifying Inter-sectoral Values Within And Among The Indigenous, Commercial And Recreational Sectors
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$92,972.00
Summary
In developing the 2020-25 Strategic Plan, FRDC identified five outcomes and associated enabling strategies, including Outcome 4: Fair and secure access to aquatic resources. In developing Outcome 4, FRDC realized that it did not have a shared appreciation of the different beliefs and values that underpin perceptions of fairness and security. Furthermore, it was acknowledged that such values differ within and between different sectors of the fishing and aquaculture sector and can be the source of ....In developing the 2020-25 Strategic Plan, FRDC identified five outcomes and associated enabling strategies, including Outcome 4: Fair and secure access to aquatic resources. In developing Outcome 4, FRDC realized that it did not have a shared appreciation of the different beliefs and values that underpin perceptions of fairness and security. Furthermore, it was acknowledged that such values differ within and between different sectors of the fishing and aquaculture sector and can be the source of tension and conflict.
The FRDC is therefore seeking to understand contrasting and complementary values among Indigenous, commercial, and recreational fishing sectors. The proposed project will provide valuable information towards building trust across the industry through an improved understanding of the social, economic and ecological values within and among the three sectors. It will also provide FRDC with the basis for monitoring progress towards the achievement of Outcome 4.
The primary objective of the project is to collect, analyse and report on the values held by the Indigenous, commercial and recreational sectors. Findings from the project will be used to inform resource management and support for fair and secure access to aquatic resources. The findings will also be valuable to regulators’ through an enhanced understanding of values across the different sectors leading to more efficient and effective consultation processes.
Objectives: 1. To collect, analyse and report on the values held by the Indigenous, commercial and recreational sectors using a robust and systematic methodology that is repeatable (i.e., using Q-methodology). 2. To identify complementary and contrasting values among Indigenous, commercial and recreational sectors through an extensive survey. 3. To report findings and provide recommendations for efficient and practical data collection mechanisms to FRDC. Findings from the project will be used to inform resource management and to support fair and secure access to aquatic resources. The findings will also be valuable to regulators’ through an enhanced understanding of values across the different sectors leading to more efficient and effective consultation processes. Read moreRead less
ASFB Workshop: Towards Sustainability For Data Limited Multi-sector Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$20,000.00
Summary
The current ESD case studies project has identified multi-sector fisheries, often with limited data, as posing one of the most difficult areas for assessment of stock status. These fisheries are typically fished by a small number of commercial operators taking small catches of a diverse range of species. Comprehensive commercial databases are generally lacking, and recreational catches are poorly known. Such stocks are often significantly impacted by environmental variation both man made and nat ....The current ESD case studies project has identified multi-sector fisheries, often with limited data, as posing one of the most difficult areas for assessment of stock status. These fisheries are typically fished by a small number of commercial operators taking small catches of a diverse range of species. Comprehensive commercial databases are generally lacking, and recreational catches are poorly known. Such stocks are often significantly impacted by environmental variation both man made and natural.
There is an urgent need for researchers and managers responsible for future fisheries ESD reporting and assessment to examine techniques for data gathering (both catch/effort and biological) and assessment for these types of fisheries. The historical approach of dealing with the data and assessments of fisheries from a single sector perspective is no longer compatible with ESD requirements.
This ASFB workshop will bring scientists, managers, and other stakeholders together to investigate innovative ways of providing reliable assessments of the stocks and sustainable harvest levels for our coastal, estuarine, and inland fish resources. Objectives: 1. To explore alternative data sources for multi sector fisheries 2. To report on innovative methods for ESD assessment of multi sector fisheries. 3. To bring together researchers, managers and key stakeholders to focus on assessment and resource sharing for these fisheries. 4. Publication of the papers presented at the workshop as well as the subsequent discussion and comments. Read moreRead less
Biological Parameters For Managing The Fisheries For Blue And King Threadfin Salmons, Estuary Rockcod, Malabar Grouper And Mangrove Jack In North-western Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$336,038.12
Summary
There is an urgent need to obtain detailed information on crucial aspects of the biology of the above five species so that appropriate management plans can be developed for conserving these species. The importance of conserving these species is demonstrated by the following:
1. Each of the five species makes a very important contribution to the nearshore and boat-based recreational fishery in the region, with the threadfin salmons being the species that are the most sought-after and cau ....There is an urgent need to obtain detailed information on crucial aspects of the biology of the above five species so that appropriate management plans can be developed for conserving these species. The importance of conserving these species is demonstrated by the following:
1. Each of the five species makes a very important contribution to the nearshore and boat-based recreational fishery in the region, with the threadfin salmons being the species that are the most sought-after and caught by shore-based recreational fishers;
2. The threadfin salmons are by far the most important component of the catches of the KGBMF;
3. The recreational, commercial and aboriginal fisheries and the charter boat and “fishing safari” operations collectively generate income, jobs and tourism, that are of vital importance to the economies of the small and isolated communities of the region;
4. These species represent the major food source for local aboriginal communities and the threadfin salmons, in particular, are of great cultural significance for these communities.
The development of effective management plans is critical for preventing an escalation of the conflict that exists amongst recreational, commercial, charter and aboriginal fishers. The need for sound biological information to develop those plans has been identified by the members of each of those fishing sectors and by the support of Dr R. Lenanton (Supervising Finfish Scientist, Department of Fisheries WA) and Mr Frank Prokop (Executive Director, RecFishWest) in developing this application.
Objectives: 1. The main objective is to produce the biological data for the blue and king threadfin salmons, estuary rockcod, malabar grouper and mangrove jack in the Pilbara/Kimberley upon which effective management plans may be developed. Specifically, this will involve determining the following: 2. Size and age compositions, sex ratios, growth rates and the sizes and ages at which the first four species change sex. 3. Sizes and ages at which females and males reach maturity, the duration and location of spawning and whether multiple spawning occurs within a breeding season. 4. Batch fecundity and its relationship to body size. 5. Size compositions of fish caught by recreational, commercial, aboriginal and charter fishers. 6. A yield and spawning biomass per recruit assessment and an evaluation of the effectiveness of different legal minimum and maximum sizes. Read moreRead less
An Investigation Of The Impacts Of Ponded Pastures On Barramundi And Other Finfish Populations In Tropical Coastal Wetlands
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$222,056.00
Summary
Wild production of barramundi depends partially on nursery habitats located in tropical coastal wetlands. Modifications of these habitats have potential to impact barramundi populations (Russell and Garrett, 1985). Extensive areas of tropical coastal wetlands (including upper intertidal areas on coastal plains and in estuaries, brackish-water wetlands and riverine floodplains) have been modified by the development of ponded pastures and other pondage systems. The impacts of such developments on ....Wild production of barramundi depends partially on nursery habitats located in tropical coastal wetlands. Modifications of these habitats have potential to impact barramundi populations (Russell and Garrett, 1985). Extensive areas of tropical coastal wetlands (including upper intertidal areas on coastal plains and in estuaries, brackish-water wetlands and riverine floodplains) have been modified by the development of ponded pastures and other pondage systems. The impacts of such developments on barramundi have not been documented despite considerable concern amoungst fisheries stakeholders regarding the entrapment and survival of barramundi in pondage systems.
Similarly, the widespread introduction of exotic species of water-loving grasses in ponded pastures has not been documented nor investigated. The invasion of these species in wetlands and water-courses represents a major change in wetland ecology. The impact of exotic grass species on the value of tropical coastal wetlands as barramundi nurseries is unknown.
Apart from the issues of barramundi entrapment and mortality, ponded pastures and other pondage systems may have potential benefits to fisheries production by increasing the area of wetland or by increasing the duration of inundation. These positive aspects of pondage systems have not been assessed but may provide an avenue to balance the fisheries needs with those of the agricultural sectors and other wetland users. This balance would require the development of wetland management strategies to facilitate barramundi survival and movement in ponded pastures.
The Queensland Government has established an interdepartmental ponded pasture steering committee to develop a policy on ponded pastures in response to considerable community concern over environmental issues associated with ponded pastures and the introduction of exotic grass species. Public and industry comments on a discussion paper produced by the ponded pasture steering committee identified the impact of ponded pastures on fisheries as a major issue. However, the formulation of a policy which adequately safeguards the interests of fisheries stakeholders has been hampered by a lack of information with respect to the impacts of ponded pastures on fisheries, particularly barramundi. It remains to be determined whether the modification of wetlands by embankments and by the introduction of exotic grass species represents a significant impact to barramundi production.
Information on the growth, survival and movement of barramundi in ponded pastures and other pondage systems is required to determine the nature of impacts on barramundi production. Such information is also required to establish a more informed discussion between the fishing industry and agricultural sectors. Ultimately, strategies are required for managing ponded pastures and other pondage systems to balance the needs of fisheries with the requirements of agricultural sectors and other wetland users. Objectives: 1. To document the extent of ponded pastures and other pondage systems in and adjacent to coastal wetlands on the central coast of Queensland. 2. To assess the movement, growth and survival of barramundi in ponded pastures. 3. To assess the utilization by barramundi of ponded pastures and wetlands dominated by exotic grass species. 4. To identify appropriate wetland management strategies for facilitating barramundi movement and survival in ponded pastures and other pondage systems. 5. To document the fish bycatch and their relevant abundance in ponded pastures. Read moreRead less
Taking Stock: Defining And Managing Shared Resources - A Joint ASFB-FARMAA Workshop
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$63,225.00
Summary
Unlike rules in the worlds in which fish live, those in the world of fishery resource management are shaped by government jurisdiction and maritime boundaries, and influenced by political whim. Human conflicts often arise when fish cross ‘invisible’ lines. Our understanding of resource dynamics and management needs, and our ability to perceive and resolve conflict, may become clouded by fish-related activities in distant parts of a fish stock. What are fish stocks? Can stocks be contained wit ....Unlike rules in the worlds in which fish live, those in the world of fishery resource management are shaped by government jurisdiction and maritime boundaries, and influenced by political whim. Human conflicts often arise when fish cross ‘invisible’ lines. Our understanding of resource dynamics and management needs, and our ability to perceive and resolve conflict, may become clouded by fish-related activities in distant parts of a fish stock. What are fish stocks? Can stocks be contained within meaningful boundaries? And what are the implications of assessing resources and implementing management strategies if stocks are shared by many users, or if stock boundaries are not clearly known? Quantifying fish stocks, fishery resources and related activities is central to formulating strategies for ecologically sustainable development and management. Taking Stock: Defining and Managing Shared Resources is a pivotal issue for many Australian fishery scientists and managers.
There are numerous examples of fisheries where management strategies are compromised by poorly understood and poorly quantified fish-related activities within the ecological range of the stocks. Conflicts may arise at three scales: macro scale between nations, meso scale between states or provinces, and micro scale between stakeholders within a jurisdiction. Examples where conflicts may arise include recreational fishing, taking of by-catch, traditional fishing, fishing on grounds adjacent to Australian waters, and habitat modifications. Each of these activities can, under certain circumstances, have detrimental effects on the well-being and sustainability of fish stocks.
The ASFB-FARMAA workshop will bring together fishery scientists, managers and stakeholders to discuss methods for defining and managing stocks shared at macro, meso and micro scales. Discussions at all three scales will ensure that the workshop has wide appeal and relevance to participants. This workshop will advance our understanding of key issues, and provide benchmark information for future directions in fisheries research and management. Objectives: 1. Provide benchmark information for defining, assessing and managing shared fishery resources to Australian fishery researchers, managers and stakeholders. Read moreRead less