Review Of National Guidelines To Develop Fishery Harvest Strategies
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$443,632.00
Summary
The current National Guidelines were developed through the FRDC (Project 2010/061) with recognition of the need for a coordinated, nationally consistent approach to establishing harvest strategies for Australian fisheries. At this time, the Commonwealth Harvest Strategy Policy and Guidelines (2007, now updated) provided a foundation for harvest strategy development in Commonwealth managed fisheries, however implementation of the key elements of harvest strategies (defined objectives, indicators, ....The current National Guidelines were developed through the FRDC (Project 2010/061) with recognition of the need for a coordinated, nationally consistent approach to establishing harvest strategies for Australian fisheries. At this time, the Commonwealth Harvest Strategy Policy and Guidelines (2007, now updated) provided a foundation for harvest strategy development in Commonwealth managed fisheries, however implementation of the key elements of harvest strategies (defined objectives, indicators, assessments, reference points, trigger points and decision rules) varied across jurisdictions, and gaps remained for data limited fisheries. Similar to the proposed project, the AFMF and FRDC recognised that support for development of harvest strategies could be improved through development of the National Guidelines that focused on less developed areas of harvest strategy policy, including cross-jurisdictional and recreational management arrangements, and incorporating quadruple bottom line (ecological, social, cultural and economic) analysis into fisheries decision making. As harvest strategy policy and incorporation of quadruple bottom line ecologically sustainable development (ESD) principles have increased as management priorities, harvest strategies have sought to incorporate increasingly challenging issues, in many cases continuing to use disparate approaches between jurisdictions that arguably hold the same objectives and responsibilities, as well as potentially competing interests. In many cases, harvest strategy policy and development has been held back from achieving quadruple bottom line objectives due to a lack of consistency in the outlook and approach between jurisdictions, and available guidance for dealing with the complexities associated with multi-species, multi-sector or multi-jurisdictional issues. With significant developments occurring around traditional fishing and management, progressing the inclusion of cultural fishing specific objectives is also required. In addition, the review provides opportunity to address broader issues including the relationship and function of harvest strategies in association with shared access with competing users, cultural interests, ecological issues (e.g. habitat degradation, pollution and climate change), and marine conservation areas, as well as options, incentives and trade-offs for improving data, monitoring and assessment in data poor fisheries or sectors. The proposed review will ensure the National Guidelines remain a prominent, independent and contemporary guide for fisheries jurisdictions, managers, researchers, fishers and stakeholders in supporting the review of harvest strategy policy frameworks and the development of harvest strategies that in many cases seek to resolve complex issues and balance competing interests. To achieve this, the proposed project aims to: 1. Review and update the National Guidelines to Develop Fishery Harvest Strategies to ensure the National Guidelines are consistent with current harvest strategy utilisation, address contemporary fisheries challenges and the most up to date information available; 2. Take stock of harvest strategies in Australia (by jurisdiction) and internationally, including how many fisheries now have operational harvest strategies adopted and those under development; and 3. Produce a report with the updated National Guidelines coupled with a detailed communication plan and associated materials to promote and communicate the outcome of the review with all stakeholders.
Objectives: 1. To review and update the National Guidelines to Develop Fishery Harvest Strategies (2014) to ensure the National Guidelines are consistent with current harvest strategy utilisation and reflect the most up to date information available 2. To take stock of harvest strategies in Australia and internationally (by jurisdiction) including how many fisheries now have operational harvest strategies adopted and those under development 3. To produce a report with the updated National Guidelines coupled with a detailed communication plan to promote the outcome of the review Read moreRead less
Objectives: 1. Study the biology of the mud crab (Scylla serrata) and its fishery in Queensland, 2. Study the relative efficiency of various methods of fishing for crabs
An Economic Evaluation Of Fishing Methods Used In The South Australian Marine Scale Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Estimate the relative economic efficiency of fishing methods used in the SA marine scale fishery. 2. Identify possible changes to the current range of restrictions on permitted fishing methods that will improve economic efficiency in the fishery
A Technical Review Of Formal Fisheries Harvest Strategies.
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$80,000.00
Summary
Since the HSP was introduced in 2007 there has been a great deal published both nationally and internationally concerning the development and application of harvest strategies. This work needs to be reviewed for new technical content, especially with respect to new and developing methodologies for stock assessments and risk evaluation, and how the new work relates to issues that have been identified in the current HSP. For example, a 10 July 2012 letter from DAFF to FRDC identified issues arisin ....Since the HSP was introduced in 2007 there has been a great deal published both nationally and internationally concerning the development and application of harvest strategies. This work needs to be reviewed for new technical content, especially with respect to new and developing methodologies for stock assessments and risk evaluation, and how the new work relates to issues that have been identified in the current HSP. For example, a 10 July 2012 letter from DAFF to FRDC identified issues arising from the review of the harvest strategy policy as a key research priority.
The HSP is generally regarded as successful. However, the review has identified aspects of the policy, the guidelines, and its implementation, that might be improved to better meet the policy’s objectives. Areas of improvement include consideration of appropriate limit reference points based on trophic role or the biological characteristics of different groups of species (e.g. teleosts vs. chondrichthyans), incorporation of spatial management, approaches to setting total allowable catches (TACs) in multispecies fisheries, data-poor stocks (including byproduct), rebuilding strategies and indicators of economic performance. This project will review the latest publications relevant to those priority areas along with research work in progress so as to provide the HSP advisory committee with technical advice on potential improvements to these aspects of the existing policy. Evaluation of current research and developing technologies will provide a basis for a revised policy to incorporate greater flexibility in responding to shifts in stocks and ecosystems from environmental drivers, such as climate change. This work will ultimately contribute to continued improvements in the economic performance and sustainability of Commonwealth fisheries and will have relevance to shared fisheries, fisheries in other jurisdictions, and internationally.
Objectives: 1. A detailed review of the extent and effectiveness of implementation of the Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy and harvest strategies across Commonwealth fisheries, including the identification of potential performance measures 2. A technical overview paper for consideration by stakeholders and Australian Government agencies as part of the review of the Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy and Guidelines. Read moreRead less
Objectives: 1. To quantify levels of commercial and recreational harvesting of pipis on selected NSW beaches 2. To make preliminary estimates of the effects of harvesting
Improved Performance Of Marron Using Genetic And Pond Management Strategies
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$706,426.25
Summary
There is a need for marron aquaculture to follow the example of traditional agriculture and develop domesticated varieties, rather than continuing to rely upon unselected wild stock. In fact, current husbandry techniques on commercial farms, in particular harvesting practices, are likely to result in the selection of slower growing marron for future broodstock (i.e. through early marketing of fastest growing individuals with broodstock chosen from the residual population), as is the case in yabb ....There is a need for marron aquaculture to follow the example of traditional agriculture and develop domesticated varieties, rather than continuing to rely upon unselected wild stock. In fact, current husbandry techniques on commercial farms, in particular harvesting practices, are likely to result in the selection of slower growing marron for future broodstock (i.e. through early marketing of fastest growing individuals with broodstock chosen from the residual population), as is the case in yabby farming (Lawrence et al. 1998).
Investment in marron farming has grown rapidly in WA and SA with medium term potential of 1000 t p.a. ($20 million) in WA and 250 t pa ($6.25 million) in SA, based on current investment (conservatively $15 million in WA), anticipated expansion at these farms, performance of better farmers, and site availability (marron are grown from Geraldton to Esperance). As volumes increase the current excellent ex farm prices for marron ($16-32/kg) may decline and necessitate improved production efficiency. Consultation with industry has identified growth rate and size variation as the main factors affecting profitability of marron farming. Industry’s belief in the need for this research is reinforced with significant cash ($9000 from WA) and in kind contributions.
There is a need to i) compare production of farm stock with that of their ancestral populations to determine the effects of current farm management practices upon marron gene pools, ii) compare different wild stocks to identify the best marron strain for farming, and then iii) genetically improve the best strains
Just as traditional agriculture has increased growth rates of livestock and poultry by strain evaluation and selective breeding, there is a need to achieve similar gains with marron by developing a genetically improved strain which will result in greatly improved profitability for industry.
In addition, there is considerable debate amongst consultants and farmers as to what are the best methods for producing marron. While experimental trials have shown yields may be increased, demonstration and documentation of the "best practice" marron farming system has not been undertaken. There is a need for husbandry improvements that can both increase the quantity and improve the quality of farmed marron. The issue of improved quality is vital to farmers, as marron are exported alive but industry currently report mortality rates of up to 11%. Reducing mortality by ensuring marron being sent to market are in top condition will have clear and measurable improvements in profitability. With industry we have developed this proposal which combines the needs of industry with the proven freshwater crayfish expertise of Fisheries WA researchers along with facilities and expertise in animal breeding from the University of Western Australia. South Australian farmers and researchers are keen to extend such research activity and results to that state. To facilitate this the project involves SA industry, SARDI, PIRSA and the University of Adelaide. Objectives: 1. Selection and genetic improvement to stock. This general objective will be achieved by completing the following specific objectives:i) Identify the fastest growing wild strain of marron,ii) Compare the growth of wild marron strains with a mass selected commercial strain,iii) Determine whether any hybrids have production characteristics that are superior to wild marron strains, iv) Use mass selection to develop a faster growing "domesticated" marron strain or hybrid,v) Decrease size variation of marron cohorts to increase the proportion of marketable animals,vi) Evaluate performance of the mass selected marron strain on commercial properties,vii) Investigate inbreeding effects by comparing growth of mass selected marron with farm stock. 2. Development of improved husbandry protocols. This general objective will be achieved by completing the following specific objectives:i) Compare the effect of aeration upon both production levels and product quality,ii) Determine whether increased numbers of hides can alleviate growth reduction due to high density,iii) Evaluate stocking tightly graded juveniles in commercial ponds upon size variation at harvest, iv) Evaluate stocking advanced juveniles into commercial ponds,v) Trial a non destructive condition index developed for yabbies on marron in commercial farms,vi) Compare the effect of regional variation upon marron growth and production. 3. Extension of results to industry. This general objective will be achieved by completing the following specific objectives: i) Manual of methods for managing marron ponds to improve husbandry and genetics of farm stock,ii) Exchange of information between WA and SA. Read moreRead less