Indigenous Fishing Subprogram: Mapping Livelihood Values Of Indigenous Customary Fishing
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$300,000.00
Summary
The need for this project was identified at the National Forum (Cairns 2011) (see Principles 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,10 - FRDC 2010/401). While commercial and recreational fisher values are fairly well understood, Indigenous values remain elusive to the development of fishing management strategies and policies. Similarly, Indigenous engagement in contemporary fisheries remains limited. These gaps result from a paucity of documented information in a format accessible to fisheries managers, and a sho .... The need for this project was identified at the National Forum (Cairns 2011) (see Principles 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,10 - FRDC 2010/401). While commercial and recreational fisher values are fairly well understood, Indigenous values remain elusive to the development of fishing management strategies and policies. Similarly, Indigenous engagement in contemporary fisheries remains limited. These gaps result from a paucity of documented information in a format accessible to fisheries managers, and a shortage of Indigenous leaders and practitioners seeking to engage in fisheries and fisheries management.
These challenges are recognised in national R&DE plans and by the national FRDC IRG in calls for research to facilitate greater Indigenous engagement in fisheries, as well as more effective inclusion of Indigenous livelihood values in fisheries planning. Livelihood values include social, cultural and economic components. Achieving the longer term national goal of a comprehensive assessment of Indigenous fishing effort and development of catch allocation models will require lead up investment in Indigenous capacity to engage, as well as in documenting Indigenous livelihood values in fishing.
Significant progress has been achieved in mapping Indigenous values and building Indigenous engagement in related areas of natural resource management - particularly in water planning and land and sea management. The Indigenous capacity and expertise from these endeavours are relevant to the challenge of improving engagement of Indigenous people and knowledge in contemporary fisheries. In short, this project brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous expertise from successful Indigenous natural and cultural resource management endeavours to map Indigenous values of aquatic biological resources and build capacity for greater Indigenous participation in fisheries. Further changes to regulations regarding Indigenous access to fisheries have been foreshadowed in two of the jurisdictions during the timeframe of the study. As such the study may allow investigation of the impacts of these changes to Indigenous satisfaction with their level of engagement in fisheries management and fishing activity.
Objectives: 1. Identify cultural, social and economic values of Indigenous fishing at selected case study communities 2. Articulate connections between established Indigenous land and sea management regimes and Indigenous aspirations in fisheries 3. Support the recognition of Indigenous values and use of aquatic resources in fisheries management 4. Build Indigenous and non-Indigenous capacity for collaborative fisheries research and management 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
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
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
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
The Development And Production Of EMS Template Documents For The Salmonid, Oyster And Abalone Aquaculture Sectors In Tasmania
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$106,667.00
Summary
The overarching need is for demonstrable environmentally sustainable resource use in the Tasmanian aquaculture industry. On a local/regional level, there is an identified need for an EMS officer to facilitate development of EM systems for specific aquaculture industries in Tasmania. Evolution of EM systems throughout the industry will be fragmented unless an organised process of introduction and development is provided. National and state ESD and NRM strategic initiatives (along with legislat ....The overarching need is for demonstrable environmentally sustainable resource use in the Tasmanian aquaculture industry. On a local/regional level, there is an identified need for an EMS officer to facilitate development of EM systems for specific aquaculture industries in Tasmania. Evolution of EM systems throughout the industry will be fragmented unless an organised process of introduction and development is provided. National and state ESD and NRM strategic initiatives (along with legislative requirements) need to be incorporated into any industry EMS project development.
A partnership between regulators, industry and the peak representative body (TFIC) is being formed to develop and implement EMS within the Tasmanian aquaculture industry. Finfish growers are part of this new partnership, demonstrating a desire to address environmental responsibility. While the largest salmon producer in the state has taken some steps towards EMS accreditation, as yet other stakeholders in this sector are yet to establish EM systems.
Poor community perceptions of the oyster growing industry are typified by regular protests about the proliferation of feral oysters. The development of an EMS template that addresses problems such as this will allow oyster growers to demonstrate that they are being proactive in dealing with industry impacts on the environment.
With pilot projects based on the Green Chooser template underway by Tasmanian East Coast shellfish farmers, the appointment of an EMS officer to the Tasmanian aquaculture industry will enable a more collaborative and uniform rollout of EM systems. Under the guidance of an EMS officer each individual program will feed into other similar programs, strengthening the value of individual EM systems and the entire industry initiative.
The employment of an EMS officer for the aquaculture industry will be instrumental in capitalising on previous FRDC/industry investments. It fits neatly with the Seafood Industry Training Package Review recommendations to elevate environmental awareness/management and ESD within the training modules.
Objectives: 1. The overall goal is demonstrable and credible environmentally sustainable use of natural resources where industry does not live off the environmental capital but from the return gained from using that resource, incorporating intergenerational responsibility into the process. 2. The key objective for this project is to develop and produce an EMS template document as a tool for each of the salmonid, oyster and abalone sectors of the Tasmanian aquaculture industry for use as a generic framework that is the backbone of local and regional individualised EM systems. 3. The intent is for an appointed EMS officer (in conjunction with industry representatives) to produce these three key EMS templates based on the Green Chooser model. These documents will embody stated national, state and local ESD/NRM goals in conjunction with all relevant legislative requirements. Read moreRead less