Objectives: 1. Collect background data on shipping operations to establish the incidence of magnitude of ballast water discharge. 2. Determine the influence of season on species composition and survival of the introduced organisms. 3. Establish practicable methods of control
Catch Analysis And Productivity Of The Deep-water Dogfish Resource In Southern Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$95,940.00
Summary
Upper slope dogfishes have been suggested as an alternate resource that could be harvested by some sectors of the SSF; some operators are already targeting these species and this is likely to increase in the future. If ITQs are introduced in the SSF, fishers are likely to have an incentive to target species not under quota control. The dogfish resource is likely to receive increased attention from shark fishers under ITQs and the fact that it is a targeted fishery suggests it could become rapidl ....Upper slope dogfishes have been suggested as an alternate resource that could be harvested by some sectors of the SSF; some operators are already targeting these species and this is likely to increase in the future. If ITQs are introduced in the SSF, fishers are likely to have an incentive to target species not under quota control. The dogfish resource is likely to receive increased attention from shark fishers under ITQs and the fact that it is a targeted fishery suggests it could become rapidly over-exploited if no catch controls are introduced. Deep-water dogfish are also caught by trawl, both in the SET and the Great Australian Bight (GAB), and are also taken by dropline. Agreement needs to be sought between sharkMAC, SETMAC, GABMAC and the SEFNTCC on appropriate management of dogfish (Future management options for the Southern Shark Fishery - a report prepared for AFMA by FERM). The five year strategic plan for the SSF incorporates projects on alternate resources, although they are currently listed as a low priority. However, as noted by the Southern Shark Fishery Assessment Group (report to SharkMAC from SharkFAG 24.4.1997) an implication of introducing quotas into the SSF is that there are inadequate data for stock assessment of species other than school and gummy shark.
Trawl surveys of the outer shelf and upper slope off New South Wales have documented a very significant reduction in catch rates of squalid sharks over the last 20 years (Ken Graham, NSW Fisheries Research Institute, personal communication). There is also anecdotal information from fishermen targeting dogfish in New South Wales and Western Australia that catches have declined in the original fishing areas. Evidence from other regions where these deep-water species are fished for their liver oils such as the Philippines, New Guinea and the Azores suggests that local populations can be fished down relatively quickly.
It is possible that deep sea squalid sharks have, because of their suspected low productivity, declined to a similar extent to the orange roughy stocks, now 10-20% of initial levels. This raises the question of the sustainability of present catches. Dogfish are an important component of the deep-water ecosystem and under the Federal Fisheries Act AFMA has a stated objective to manage Commonwealth fisheries in accordance with principles of ecologically sustainable development (ESD). AFMA sees this objective as requiring it to manage fisheries so as to minimise the impact of fishing on biological diversity and ecosystem habitat. Objectives: 1. Estimate the annual retained and discarded catch of deep-water dogfish by geographical area and depth strata within the Southern Shark, Western Australian shark, South East Trawl, Great Australian Bight Trawl and South Australian dropline fisheries. 2. Examine dogfish catch and effort data by region and depth strata for changes in catch rate with time 3. Determine population structure (size distributions and sex ratio) of principle dogfish species by region and depth strata 4. Assess the biological productivity of the major upper and deep slope dogfish species from data on age, growth and reproduction 5. Obtain qualitative estimates of the mortality of the discarded component of the dogfish catch Read moreRead less
Fisheries Biology Of Blue-throat Wrasse (Notolabrus Tetricus) In Victorian Waters
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$106,500.00
Summary
In recent years a market has been established for live blue throat wrasse. The total catch has risen rapidly from less than 10 tonnes during the early 1990s to almost 60 tonnes in 1995/96. The number of fishers targeting wrasse has also increased with 50 Victorian fishers taking wrasse by hand-line during 1995/96 compared to less than 5 in 1989/90.. Given the life history of the species the possibility of rapidly over-fishing wrasse in Victoria waters cannot be discounted. A number of fishe ....In recent years a market has been established for live blue throat wrasse. The total catch has risen rapidly from less than 10 tonnes during the early 1990s to almost 60 tonnes in 1995/96. The number of fishers targeting wrasse has also increased with 50 Victorian fishers taking wrasse by hand-line during 1995/96 compared to less than 5 in 1989/90.. Given the life history of the species the possibility of rapidly over-fishing wrasse in Victoria waters cannot be discounted. A number of fishers who target the blue throat wrasse have already raised concern that in recent years catch rates have declined and the size of fish has decreased.
Currently there is no information available on the biology and population dynamics of blue throat wrasse in Victorian waters. In view of this there is a great need to further our knowledge and understanding of the species. To ensure that the fishery is sustainable, accurate information on the biology is required so that long term management strategies can be introduced. Objectives: 1. To describe the biology of and fishery for blue throat wrasse in Victorian waters. 2. To provide the scientific data necessary for rational management of the resource. Read moreRead less
Spawning And Larval Recruitment Processes Of Commercially Important Species In Coastal Waters Off Victoria
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$197,820.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To collect ichthyoplankton and physical, chemical and oceanographic data in Bass Strait during the winter of 1997 and the summer of 1997/98. 2. To describe the composition, abundance and spatial distribution of fish eggs and larvae, with particular reference to the early stages of commercially-important inshore fish species and those of the south-east trawl fishery. 3. To determine the areas and season of the spawning of King George whiting (Sillaginodes punctata) ....Objectives: 1. To collect ichthyoplankton and physical, chemical and oceanographic data in Bass Strait during the winter of 1997 and the summer of 1997/98. 2. To describe the composition, abundance and spatial distribution of fish eggs and larvae, with particular reference to the early stages of commercially-important inshore fish species and those of the south-east trawl fishery. 3. To determine the areas and season of the spawning of King George whiting (Sillaginodes punctata) off the Victorian coast. 4. To determine the abundance of the different developmental stages of King George whiting at different locations and identify the possible occurrence of larval transport by back calculating the age of larvae. 5. To determine the areas and season of spawning of pilchards (Sardinops sagax) off the Victorian coast and to describe the horizontal and vertical distribution of eggs and larvae. 6. To identify regions of changing nutrient and chlorophyll concentration, and their relationship to physical properties (S,T) and ichthyoplankton abundance. 7. To collect physical oceanographic data and satellite images to extend the 3-D Bass Strait hydrodynamic model of coastal currents. 8. To describe the spatial and seasonal distribution of rock lobster phyllosomes and giant crab megalopa. Read moreRead less
Assessment Of Length And Age Composition Of Commercial Kingfish Landings
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$142,101.00
Summary
Following a decision in 1990 to impose a minimum legal length of 60 cm (total length) on kingfish and the banning of pelagic traps in 1996, there has been considerable controversy concerning the appropriateness of the current management measures. Gillanders et al. (1997) demonstrated that the current minimum legal size is about 15 cm below the length at which 50% of females are mature. However, the absence of adequate size and age composition data for the commercial landings means it is not po ....Following a decision in 1990 to impose a minimum legal length of 60 cm (total length) on kingfish and the banning of pelagic traps in 1996, there has been considerable controversy concerning the appropriateness of the current management measures. Gillanders et al. (1997) demonstrated that the current minimum legal size is about 15 cm below the length at which 50% of females are mature. However, the absence of adequate size and age composition data for the commercial landings means it is not possible to determine the impact of possible changes in minimum legal size. Yield modelling, combined with information on composition of landings, is an appropriate and important first step in examining the suitability of minimum legal size settings. The nature of the commercial fishery for kingfish presents significant difficulties for the design of unbiased and cost effective sampling of these fisheries. Kingfish are caught in significant quantities in small, localised fishing operations, mainly south of 30° S latitude. There appears to be considerable annual and seasonal variation in the catches by the various sectors, however it is known that when reasonable densities of kingfish are located, very high catches can be taken over short time periods. The dispersed yet intense nature of the fishery has great potential to cause bias in collections aimed at estimating the length and age composition of the total catch of kingfish. A major aim of this proposal is to develop cost effective sampling strategies which will minimise bias in ongoing monitoring of the kingfish fishery. The collection of size and age composition estimates from the commercial catch will enable the evaluation of whether an age structured model would be an appropriate mechanism for assessing the status of the fishery. Variation in the relative strength of year classes can be evaluated in each of the three years and these will provide important information on the dynamics of this stock. Further, these data can be used to provide auxiliary inputs for the fitting of a synthetic model which will utilise catch-effort data that have been collected from the fishery. Objectives: 1. To accurately document the size and age composition of kingfish landed by commercial fishers in NSW. 2. To refine existing estimates of kingfish growth with new information on size at age, with a focus on large fish. 3. To examine the suitability of the current minimum legal length with yield models, utilising the improved information on kingfish growth and information on kingfish size and age composition. 4. To examine the possibility of using age-structured modelling in future assessments of yellowtail kingfish. Read moreRead less
Survey Sampling Design And Length-frequency Data Analysis For On-going Monitoring And Model Parameter Evaluation In The South Australian Rock Lobster Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$219,836.44
Summary
Objectives: 1. To establish a formal protocol for a length-frequency sampling survey which satisfies the two basic statistical criteria of accuracy and precision, specifically, (1) non-biased means, and (2) quantifiable variances. 2. To incorporate the desires of the fishing industry in the practicalities of length sampling, through extensive consultation and workshops, where fishers will ultimately decide the protocol adopted, while still conforming to the criteria of 1. above that as ....Objectives: 1. To establish a formal protocol for a length-frequency sampling survey which satisfies the two basic statistical criteria of accuracy and precision, specifically, (1) non-biased means, and (2) quantifiable variances. 2. To incorporate the desires of the fishing industry in the practicalities of length sampling, through extensive consultation and workshops, where fishers will ultimately decide the protocol adopted, while still conforming to the criteria of 1. above that assure the quality of survey information. 3. To assess the range of stock assessment methods available for analysing length frequencies to estimate the fundamental population dynamic parameters describing the South Australian lobster fishery, notably, annual recruitment, annual egg production, mortality, and size structure. Read moreRead less
Byproduct: Catch, Economics And Co-occurrence In Australias Longline Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$83,841.00
Summary
At present, the target catch within pelagic longline fisheries is only a handful of the more than 70 species of fish taken during these operations. However, a considerable number of non-target species are marketed in Australia and elsewhere as a byproduct. While considerable attention has been focussed on target species and, in recent years, on bycatch species, assessment of the threats to, and opportunities for, the sustainable development of the harvest of byproduct species in Australia's tu ....At present, the target catch within pelagic longline fisheries is only a handful of the more than 70 species of fish taken during these operations. However, a considerable number of non-target species are marketed in Australia and elsewhere as a byproduct. While considerable attention has been focussed on target species and, in recent years, on bycatch species, assessment of the threats to, and opportunities for, the sustainable development of the harvest of byproduct species in Australia's tuna and billfish fisheries is long overdue. In particular, these species may represent significant opportunities for increased production from Australia's commercial fisheries including supply to export markets.
One of the key aims of the Commonwealth's Bycatch Action Plan (BAP) for Australia's tuna and billfish fisheries is the development of mechanisms to convert bycatch into byproduct where appropriate. One of the key impacts on the sustainable utilisation of these species are the current suite of Offshore Constituional Settlement (OCS) agreements that describe catch limits for many species taken in Australia's tuna and billfish fisheries. Analysis of spatial and temporal trends in catch and effort data for byproduct species would greatly assist future actions under the BAP including OCS re-negotiations.
In addition, management action taken to address issues facing target or bycatch species (e.g. spatial and/or temporal closures) may have considerable impacts on the take of economically-important, byproduct species. A wholistic approach is required and this approach needs to be supported by complete information from the fishery including all available information on byproduct species. As evidence for the significance of byproduct species to operators and managers it should be noted that operators in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery have launched legal proceeding against AFMA twice since 1999 specifically in relation to byproduct species (i.e. southern bluefin tuna and pelagic sharks). Objectives: 1. Identify key byproduct species in Australia's pelagic longline fisheries, through spatial and temporal analyses of catch and economic data 2. Determine co-occurrence in catch of key byproduct species with both target species and with other key species Read moreRead less
Description Of The Biology And An Assessment Of The Fishery For Silver Trevally Off NSW
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$108,390.00
Summary
Because of the increasing significance of silver trevally to a number of fisheries off NSW (including the trawl sector of the SEF, where it is one of 16 species managed by Total Allowable Catch) and the current lack of data on which to assess the impact of fishing on the stock, it is important to undertake research which will lead to an understanding of the current status of the stock.
There is a need to determine the basic biological parameters, including growth rates and spawning bio ....Because of the increasing significance of silver trevally to a number of fisheries off NSW (including the trawl sector of the SEF, where it is one of 16 species managed by Total Allowable Catch) and the current lack of data on which to assess the impact of fishing on the stock, it is important to undertake research which will lead to an understanding of the current status of the stock.
There is a need to determine the basic biological parameters, including growth rates and spawning biology for use in stock assessment modeling.
In order to provide the data necessary to adequately assess the status of the trevally stock, there is a need to document the portion of the stock utilised by the various fishery sectors, and to determine the relative impacts on the stock of each sector. It is also important that a monitoring regime be established which will provide data on which to base advice for the future sustainable management of exploitation of the resource. Objectives: 1. The first objective of this research program is to describe the size and age composition of the catch of silver trevally taken by each of the sectors utilising the resource in waters off NSW.. 2. The reproductive biology of the species will also be investigated, including determination of the size at first maturity, spawning period and fecundity. 3. Techniques to age silver trevally will be refined and applied to samples from both commercial and recreational catches following which a growth rate model for this species in NSW will be developed. 4. All relevant data will be incorporated in an initial stock assessment which will describe the relative impact on the silver trevally stock of the various fishery sectors. 5. Advice will be provided to fishery managers on the status of the stock, and the appropriateness or otherwise of establishing a minimum legal size for silver trevally. Read moreRead less
Digital Video Techniques For Assessing Population Size Structure And Habitat Of Greenlip And Roe’s Abalone
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$288,213.00
Summary
To make more reliable projections on future catches of abalone, catch data needs to supplemented with an appreciation of what is coming into the fishery. This requires information on in-water stocks to allow predictions of new recruitment to be confirmed and recruitment failures to be identified. Commercial divers have unequalled access to in-water stocks, particularly in remote regions. Although commercial divers regularly dive areas of interest, and could provide a cost effective means of ....To make more reliable projections on future catches of abalone, catch data needs to supplemented with an appreciation of what is coming into the fishery. This requires information on in-water stocks to allow predictions of new recruitment to be confirmed and recruitment failures to be identified. Commercial divers have unequalled access to in-water stocks, particularly in remote regions. Although commercial divers regularly dive areas of interest, and could provide a cost effective means of monitoring stocks, this has been difficult to achieve because: 1) the traditional process for collecting data is considered non-independent (compromised) in the hands of commercial divers, and 2) divers perceive caliper and slate technology as slow, an undue interference and insufficient in coverage to supply representative datasets. What is needed is an efficient, cost effective stock monitoring process that utilises commercial abalone divers, around the time of their normal fishing activities, to give fisheries managers and quota holders critical in-water information for the management of stocks. Recent preliminary trials, where researchers utilised digital video surveys filmed by commercial divers, clearly provides the potential for such a process. Whereas researchers need such footage as a data source, the video also provides a mechanism for divers to 'ground truth' their own perceptions of change on surveyed reefs and convey what they are seeing to licence owners. Most importantly, such a system gives divers a further opportunity to contribute to stock management and reduce licence fees under cost recovery regimes. Presently, video is played back and measurements are taken on two software packages. This process needs streamlining so that access to frames and measuring of abalone is time efficient. Measures and images generated from such a process need to be stored in an appropriate database, where they can be accessed through simple interrogation. Objectives: 1. Determine the reliability and usefulness of in-water digital video in getting cost effective, fishery independent counts and measures of abalone (as an alternative to traditional manual techniques). 2. To provide a comparison of abundance and stock structure information (between and within years) for main fishing areas videoed. 3. Develop a time (cost) efficient computer program to extract (frame grab) and measure (within frame) abalone on videotape, and a database where images and data from video can be stored, accessed and interrogated. Read moreRead less
The development of this proposal is strongly supported by the Australian Southern Rock Lobster Council who want sustainable development. The council realises the need for research, monitoring and extension, so that future management issues inherited with the OCS transition can be addressed. Issues such as limitation of access, pot numbers, sustainable yield, compliance with regulations and optimisation of product value, will all require a firm knowledge base for consideration.
The maj ....The development of this proposal is strongly supported by the Australian Southern Rock Lobster Council who want sustainable development. The council realises the need for research, monitoring and extension, so that future management issues inherited with the OCS transition can be addressed. Issues such as limitation of access, pot numbers, sustainable yield, compliance with regulations and optimisation of product value, will all require a firm knowledge base for consideration.
The major problem is to establish the intermoult period so that growth rates can be established.
In terms of population structure we have a reasonable picture so far, however the price differential for the crabs indicates product value could be optimised by selective harvest of a range of smaller sizes. This option could not be initiated without real time data on population structure. Given the current history of depletion in some areas of the fishery, the consideration of this option in the absence of such information, would lead to overfishing and mismanagement.
The crabs wide geographic distribution (straddling 11 management areas), the changeover in jurisdictional responsiblity, its status as a developing fishery and its $11 million per annum value are justification for a continued effort on the species. It would be foolish to squander an Australia-wide effort involving industry, scientists and government, at the time when states are working to formalise managment of the fishery; to discontinue research when information is most needed. Managers will not have the advice they need if the resource is handled peicemeal by the new array of jurisdictions, however this project offers an existing cost effective network and an overview that will provide most of the information needed to deal with the fundamental issues.
The future of the Giant Crab fishery is a national resource development issue. Objectives: 1. To determine intermoult period and complete the essential information needed to establish growth rates. 2. To determine the continuing effects of fishing on population structures an implications for sustainability. 3. To determine the effects on yield per recruit of moult timing and therefore the catch available to the commercial fishery. 4. To model the fishery using two methods a)an individual based model b)a spatial dynamic fishery population model patterned after the rock lobster model of SA. 5. To assess moult timing and the development of a condition index as a layman's guide for selection of premoult crabs from the wild harvest for holding in sea cages for a single moult to value add. 6. To improve genetic analysis of giant crab populations using DNA rather than protein based techniques to provide information of high resolution. 7. To continue to document the development of the fishery and its realtionship with the southern rock lobster fishery. 8. To oportunistically conduct preliminary modelling of the spiny crab (hypothallassis amata) in regard to size, sex, reproductive state and shell state, coincident with giant crab catch sampling in southern WA. 9. To oportunistically build an experiment with seafloor collectors to determine effectiveness of catching giant crab larvae. Read moreRead less