External Review Of Independent Data Validation Options, Uses And Opportunities
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$308,754.00
Summary
Introduction Independent data validation in commercial fishing is becoming more commonplace in Australia. Fisheries in Australia provide a significant income to the country, and play an integral role in our food security, livelihoods, and social lives. Challenges such as overfishing, illegal and unreported fishing, bycatch and interactions with threatened, endangered, or protected species, provide hinderances to fully sustainable fishing. The increasing demands on the marine environment for ....Introduction Independent data validation in commercial fishing is becoming more commonplace in Australia. Fisheries in Australia provide a significant income to the country, and play an integral role in our food security, livelihoods, and social lives. Challenges such as overfishing, illegal and unreported fishing, bycatch and interactions with threatened, endangered, or protected species, provide hinderances to fully sustainable fishing. The increasing demands on the marine environment for energy production, marine protected areas, and recreational use are leading management of fisheries in Australia to be spatially based. Currently, some jurisdictions in Australia (e.g. Queensland, Tasmania, Australian Fisheries Management Authority), have already introduced independent data validation programs. The aim of these programs is, on the surface, to improve the quality, reliability, and transparency of fisheries data in Australia. However, there is considerable distrust from commercial fishers regarding a) data collection methods; b) the use of collected data; c) the legality of both collecting, and storing data; d) the cost of installing and running the systems – both financial and physical; e) ongoing maintenance of systems; f) the reliability of data from the systems, and g) whether the data are actually going to be used for their intended purpose. Recognising the need for greater transparency in fisheries data, and the general distrust of these systems, this project aims to provide an external review of data validation options, uses, and opportunities within Australia. Objective The primary objective of this project is to address industry stakeholders’ concerns regarding the reliability and transparency around the collection, use, and storage of independent fisheries data validation methods. This will be achieved by conducting a comprehensive, and systematic review of independent data validation (IDV) processes both within Australia, and globally. The review will then allow us to evaluate IDV mechanisms, legal implications around IDV, and economic considerations of various IDV methods, including whether any value-add opportunities exist. The project will provide outputs that will allow for efficient choice of relevant data validation options for particular fisheries in Australia, while outlining the pros and cons for relevant methods. The results will enhance confidence for commercial fishers, and fishery managers around choosing the best data validation options for their fishery.
Methods 1) Systematic literature review to determine available independent data validation methods We will research and compile a comprehensive list of independent data validation methods (IDV) that are available currently, and in the future through a systematic literature review. The systematic literature review will cover peer-reviewed literature and relevant reports published globally in the last 10 years. The review will examine existing technologies, methodologies, and best practices in IDV used in relevant industries (not just limited to fisheries), and present a summary of current best practice, and likely additions in the future to IDV. The review will include information on the potential add-on possibilities associated with IDV methods – which will be expanded upon in (4). The review will equip industry stakeholders with the knowledge to fully understand the range of options in IDV, and those most suitable for their fishery. 2) Stakeholder consultation – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) Within the project we will conduct an extensive survey across a diversity of fishers across Australia (including those that have already implemented IDV, and those that have not), to gather insight into the perceptions of independent data validation (IDV). Through this SWOT analysis, we will identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with current IDV mechanisms from the perception of industry, and map this to the published literature in point (1). This will allow us to address concerns from industry and identify those concerns that are representative of IDV globally. This analysis will serve as a foundational understanding of the industry's readiness and receptiveness towards adopting IDV and provide industry with independent information relating to their concerns. 3) Review of legal implications for IDV implementation, including case studies Alongside the systematic literature review in (1), we will conduct a thorough review of Australian legislation relating to IDV. This will include both publicly available legal documents, and information regarding internal policy documents from governmental departments. The review will include fisheries legislation and policy, data ownership, data licencing, data storing, and Freedom of Information requests that have occurred within the context of fisheries data relating to IDV. Some of industry’s concerns regarding IDV relate to how the data will be used outside of a fisheries context, and we will ensure that our legislative review includes advice regarding data use. The review will provide information on Australian legislation relating to IDV, and data collection, storage and sharing. 4) Assessment of value-add opportunities Building upon the findings from (1-3), we will assess the value-add opportunities presented by adopting IDV. This assessment will include a financial model similar to the one in the report “Challenges, Opportunities, and Costs of Electronic Monitoring” that was published by The Environmental Defence Fund in 2016 [REF] that will provide industry with a tool to investigate the costs and benefits of adopting various IDV methods. Additionally, we will explore how IDV can contribute to improved market access, stakeholder relationships, and sustainability credentials for fisheries businesses, alongside the potential of improved data quality from fisheries. Our work will build on our planned literature and legal review of independent data validation (IDV) and provide potential ‘value-add’ opportunities for commercial fishers, based on the information in the review. Some potential benefits may include: • Increased or improved market access (where IDV can demonstrate aspects of sustainable fishing practices required by, for example, sustainability labels such as the Marine Stewardship Council Certification). • Potential for selling or distribution of data to researchers / third parties (depending on data owners.
We will include updated outcomes and outputs from the project as detailed below, and will look to refine these with the Professional Fishers Association of New South Wales, commercial fishers, and the Steering Committee.
5) Best Practice Guidelines We will provide industry and fisheries resource managers with a Best Practice Guideline relating to IDV as a formal result from the steps (1-4) above. 6) Engagement with Industry Stakeholders Throughout the project, we will actively engage with industry stakeholders through workshops, focus groups, and one-on-one consultations to discuss project findings. This engagement will provide a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment among stakeholders towards implementing IDV practices. We will facilitate target outreach efforts engaging with industry associations, peak bodies, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other interested parties on the project progress.
Objectives: 1. Deliver a systematic literature review of global independent data validation methods, and the costs and benefits associated with implementing these in commercial fisheries. 2. Deliver a report on industry opinions and concerns based on stakeholder consultation 3. Deliver a review of legislation and policy that is relevant. and relating to independent data validation methods in Australia 4. Provide opportunities for stakeholder engagement in the project, and in discussions regarding the outcomes. Read moreRead less
Abundance, Population Modelling, And Potential Biological Removal Estimates For Common Dolphins In Spencer Gulf: Implications For The South Australian Sardine Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$380,000.00
Summary
This project is needed to assess the impacts of the South Australian Sardine Fishery (SASF) on the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis). The SASF is Australia’s largest volume fishery and is critical to providing a supply of feed for the ranching of southern bluefin tuna. Operational interactions between common dolphins and the SASF have been persistent since the development of the fishery. Common dolphins occasionally become encircled in purse seine nets during fishing operations, which can lead ....This project is needed to assess the impacts of the South Australian Sardine Fishery (SASF) on the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis). The SASF is Australia’s largest volume fishery and is critical to providing a supply of feed for the ranching of southern bluefin tuna. Operational interactions between common dolphins and the SASF have been persistent since the development of the fishery. Common dolphins occasionally become encircled in purse seine nets during fishing operations, which can lead to their injury and death. Observations of high interaction rates from an initial observer program, led to the temporary closure of the fishery in 2005 while an industry Code of Practice (CoP) to reduce dolphin interactions was developed. Since then, the CoP has been reviewed and refined to increase its effectiveness in preventing dolphin interactions, and improve release procedures. An independent on-board observer program has operated in the fishery since July 2006. It collects information on dolphin interaction and mortality rates, as well as data relating to the application of the CoP, and this information is provided in annual assessment reports. Since the introduction of the CoP, dolphin encirclement and mortality rates have declined, however, concerns about the level of interactions and mortality have persisted, with industry facing sustained pressure to demonstrate that steps taken to manage and mitigate dolphin interactions represent World’s best practice, and are sustainable.
This project is needed to address Marine Stewardship Council Fishery Assessment recommendations for the SASF to collect adequate and sufficient quantitative information to assess the consequences of interactions with common dolphins on their populations. This project is needed to provide an important Australian fisheries test-case for meeting new US Government legislation, requiring nations importing seafood to demonstrate that they have a regulatory program for reducing marine mammal bycatch that are comparable in effectiveness to US standards. Objectives: 1. Estimate the abundance of common dolphins in core fishing areas of the SASF 2. Collect critical life history (longevity, age specific mortality) information from museum specimens 3. Develop population models to evaluate bycatch limits of common dolphins and assess the sustainability of interactions with the SASF Read moreRead less
Developing A Framework To Evaluate Capability And Capacity Investment And Implementation
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$69,825.00
Summary
The FRDC’s Capability and Capacity Building Plan identifies three objectives: • Investing in people to strengthen capability and capacity, showcasing career and development pathways to enable and empower our future workforce. • Establishing shared principles, values and trust through new ways of working to enable culture change and adoption. • Developing confidence, resilience and courage to solve problems manage uncertainty, respect and support each other. In turn, the plan outl ....The FRDC’s Capability and Capacity Building Plan identifies three objectives: • Investing in people to strengthen capability and capacity, showcasing career and development pathways to enable and empower our future workforce. • Establishing shared principles, values and trust through new ways of working to enable culture change and adoption. • Developing confidence, resilience and courage to solve problems manage uncertainty, respect and support each other. In turn, the plan outlines a range of initiatives the FRDC is investing in to achieve these objectives. One of the key needs under the plan is to monitor and evaluate capability and capacity building initiatives to showcase impact, identify lessons and adapt and improve. This proposal outlines First Person Consulting’s (FPC) proposed approach to developing a framework to evaluate the FRDC’s capability and capacity initiatives. Objectives: 1. We understand the key objective of this project is to develop an evaluation framework that can be applied to capability and capacity initiatives to:• showcase impact and change• fulfill FRDC’s performance reporting requirements• identify lessons and insights that can help improve initiatives and investment decisions Read moreRead less
The Intended and Unintended Impact of Policy for Adaptive Policy Management. The project aims to advance knowledge about the intended and unintended consequences of policy on health and well-being. It expects to innovate through new methods and novel data to integrate policy evaluation into the policy cycle in a timely fashion to prevent harm from occurring. It also leverages technology to track policy effects in real time. Expected outcomes of this project include new knowledge and enhanced pol ....The Intended and Unintended Impact of Policy for Adaptive Policy Management. The project aims to advance knowledge about the intended and unintended consequences of policy on health and well-being. It expects to innovate through new methods and novel data to integrate policy evaluation into the policy cycle in a timely fashion to prevent harm from occurring. It also leverages technology to track policy effects in real time. Expected outcomes of this project include new knowledge and enhanced policy infrastructure using new methods and interdisciplinary approaches. Significant benefits include improvements to: (1) policy management by government departments; (2) the health and wellbeing of the Australians they serve; (3) our Partners' capacity to consult governments on how technology can assist policy management. Read moreRead less
Assessing the national productivity impacts of chronic ill health. The project aims to address one of the biggest gaps in health and productivity research by designing a novel composite national metric that will rank lost productivity due to chronic illness The project brings together tax/transfer modelling, health modelling and epidemiological modelling specialists to develop a highly innovative microsimulation model: Health&WorkMOD to then quantify the costs of health-related productivity loss ....Assessing the national productivity impacts of chronic ill health. The project aims to address one of the biggest gaps in health and productivity research by designing a novel composite national metric that will rank lost productivity due to chronic illness The project brings together tax/transfer modelling, health modelling and epidemiological modelling specialists to develop a highly innovative microsimulation model: Health&WorkMOD to then quantify the costs of health-related productivity loss. The proposed model, an international first, will be a powerful tool to comprehensively model the cost impacts of illness and simulate policy options related to health and productivity. This will provide answers to critical policy questions for government with potential significant economic benefits.Read moreRead less
Enhanced 3-D seismic structure for Southwest Australia. The ancient cratonic lithosphere of Southwest Australia appears to have a distinct contrast in geophysical properties and complex geologic structure, while having some of the highest levels of earthquakes on the continent. The project aims to produce novel 3-D models of this region that combine new seismic data collected over two years with previously collected geophysical datasets from the partner investigators. A compilation of 3-D models ....Enhanced 3-D seismic structure for Southwest Australia. The ancient cratonic lithosphere of Southwest Australia appears to have a distinct contrast in geophysical properties and complex geologic structure, while having some of the highest levels of earthquakes on the continent. The project aims to produce novel 3-D models of this region that combine new seismic data collected over two years with previously collected geophysical datasets from the partner investigators. A compilation of 3-D models will subsequently be developed, to form an effective characterisation of the geologic structure of the craton and its margins. These models will provide enhanced assessment of seismic ground shaking from regional earthquakes and facilitate an improved understanding of mineral resource potential. Read moreRead less
Culturally inclusive language assessments for Indigenous Aboriginal students. This project aims to improve the literacy outcomes for Aboriginal students. It focuses on the assessment of oral language, the foundation for written literacy skills, and the mode of communication most common for this student cohort. The project will collect school-based oral language data from rural and remote educational sites and use it to develop supplementary assessment tools for multilingual education. The assess ....Culturally inclusive language assessments for Indigenous Aboriginal students. This project aims to improve the literacy outcomes for Aboriginal students. It focuses on the assessment of oral language, the foundation for written literacy skills, and the mode of communication most common for this student cohort. The project will collect school-based oral language data from rural and remote educational sites and use it to develop supplementary assessment tools for multilingual education. The assessment tools will be validated in workshops with teachers and expanded with descriptors for assessing Aboriginal students’ communicative competence. The project aims to improve educational outcomes for rural and remote Aboriginal students.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100907
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$434,107.00
Summary
Tracking groundwater variations via 4-dimensional seismic imaging. This project aims to develop an advanced seismic framework to sense subtle subsurface changes related to groundwater variations beneath the Great Artesian Basin. Groundwater storage is subject to climatic and anthropogenic forcing, but modern monitoring tools are not sufficient to capture its detailed response in both time and space. Using novel techniques and extensive seismic recordings, this project expects to generate time-la ....Tracking groundwater variations via 4-dimensional seismic imaging. This project aims to develop an advanced seismic framework to sense subtle subsurface changes related to groundwater variations beneath the Great Artesian Basin. Groundwater storage is subject to climatic and anthropogenic forcing, but modern monitoring tools are not sufficient to capture its detailed response in both time and space. Using novel techniques and extensive seismic recordings, this project expects to generate time-lapse images across the basin in unprecedented resolution to reveal the system's dynamic evolution and a static basin model to aid the interpretation. Potential benefits include improved geophysical techniques for groundwater tracking and enhanced scientific understandings to underpin future groundwater management.Read moreRead less
Transforming charity to reduce persistent poverty. This project aims to produce empirical knowledge to assist charities to reduce persistent poverty in Australia. In Australia people in poverty use charity to subsidise limited incomes and survive on a day-to-day basis. Recently charities are expected to assist in disrupting poverty in addition to poverty relief. However there is limited knowledge about how charities work with people who are poor and how they can change to work better. This proje ....Transforming charity to reduce persistent poverty. This project aims to produce empirical knowledge to assist charities to reduce persistent poverty in Australia. In Australia people in poverty use charity to subsidise limited incomes and survive on a day-to-day basis. Recently charities are expected to assist in disrupting poverty in addition to poverty relief. However there is limited knowledge about how charities work with people who are poor and how they can change to work better. This project expects to provide knowledge that governments, social service providers, and charities can use to transform their work with people in poverty. Read moreRead less
Spatial intervention: An enduring model to build mathematics achievement. Strong evidence links spatial skills with mathematics achievement but the reasons remain theoretical. The aim of this project is to empirically establish the mechanisms connecting spatial reasoning with mathematics performance, including longitudinal interventions to provide evidence for long-term impact. The project is significant given the heightened concern surrounding Australian students’ performance on national and in ....Spatial intervention: An enduring model to build mathematics achievement. Strong evidence links spatial skills with mathematics achievement but the reasons remain theoretical. The aim of this project is to empirically establish the mechanisms connecting spatial reasoning with mathematics performance, including longitudinal interventions to provide evidence for long-term impact. The project is significant given the heightened concern surrounding Australian students’ performance on national and international assessments. Expected outcomes are a detailed understanding of the ways enhanced spatial skills improve mathematics performance, and empirically tested intervention programs. Anticipated benefits include improved accessibility of mathematics education and sustained mathematics performance for all students.Read moreRead less