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Mitigating Threatened Species Bycatch In Gillnet Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$300,000.00
Summary
Mitigating the bycatch of threatened species in Australian gillnet fisheries is a major management challenge. Australian prawn trawl gear is a well-documented example of how the testing and implementation of bycatch reduction devices has resulted in the significant reduction in the bycatch of non-target species including threatened species. However, devices or modifications to reduce bycatch in gillnets are far less well studied. Where the deployment of gillnets overlaps with the habitat of thre ....Mitigating the bycatch of threatened species in Australian gillnet fisheries is a major management challenge. Australian prawn trawl gear is a well-documented example of how the testing and implementation of bycatch reduction devices has resulted in the significant reduction in the bycatch of non-target species including threatened species. However, devices or modifications to reduce bycatch in gillnets are far less well studied. Where the deployment of gillnets overlaps with the habitat of threatened species, bycatch of these species can occur, creating a significant management issue. Within northern Australian gillnet fisheries, bycatch of threatened/migratory sawfishes, river sharks, and devil rays listed under the EPBC Act is an on-going issue requiring evidence-based interventions. Northern Australia holds the most significant remaining populations of sawfishes and river sharks globally, but these important species form the most numerous threatened species bycatch in local gillnet fisheries. Within these fisheries, the target bony fish are harvested at sustainable levels with high-quality seafood product providing important economic contributions locally and nationally. Mitigating the on-going bycatch of non-target threatened species is arguably the most significant challenge facing these fisheries.
This project will test novel mitigation devices (static green LED lights and an electric deterrent (SharkGuard)) and assess alternative gears to gillnets to reduce bycatch of EPBC Act listed sharks and rays. In partnership with industry, trials will assess the effectiveness of devices to elicit a response in bycatch species, their ability to reduce bycatch levels, and their impact on target species. An assessment of alternative gear types will consider the feasibility of transitioning the commercial sector of the NT Barramundi Fishery to fishing gear with lower bycatch levels in the future. Trial outcomes will provide industry and managers with proven options to assist implementation of threatened species mitigation strategies in northern gillnet fisheries.
This project will give industry and managers confidence in tested bycatch mitigation technologies. Only by comprehensively testing static green LED lights and the SharkGuard electric deterrent through aquarium and field trials under varied local conditions can a scientifically robust evaluation of bycatch reduction be undertaken. Successful demonstration overseas of the devices to be trialled provides the starting knowledge that they can deter sharks and rays and reduce their bycatch levels by up to 95%. To our knowledge, these bycatch mitigation devices have not been tested in Australian gillnet fisheries. If demonstrated and applied in northern Australian gillnet fisheries, these devices may have the ability to significantly reduce the bycatch of eight EPBC Act listed threatened and/or migratory sharks and rays, as well as other sharks of conservation concern (notably, hammerhead sharks). Furthermore, there may be flow-on benefits to other EPBC Act listed species groups, particularly marine turtles. LED lights were initially applied as a bycatch reduction measure for turtles, and they have been demonstrated to reduce turtle bycatch (turtle bycatch is at a low level in NT and WA gillnet fisheries making direct experimental/field evaluation of bycatch reduction difficult in the NT/WA). Objectives: 1. Comprehensively test two novel mitigation devices (deterrents) to provide industry and managers with scientifically robust tested measures with the potential to be implemented throughout a wide variety of gillnet fisheries. 2. Assess alternative gears to gillnet within the NT Barramundi Fishery. Investigating alternative gear is aimed at assessing if there are ways to achieve sustainable catches of target species while reducing or even eliminating bycatch of focal threatened species. Read moreRead less
Systematic Revision Of The Australian Fishes Of The Family Pomadasyidae
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Study the fishes of the family Pomadasyidae in the scientific collection of the Australian Museum Sydney & the National Museum Melbourne
Aquatic Animal Health And Biosecurity Subprogram: Disinfection Measures To Support Biosecurity For Infectious Spleen And Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV) At Aquaculture Facilities
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$99,992.00
Summary
In the simplest of terms, biosecurity is the protection of living organisms from any type of infectious organism. It can be applied at a local level, such as at a single farm or a national or an international level. One of the best ways to protect fish and safeguard industries and ecosystems, is by preventing and controlling disease with a good biosecurity program. Effective disinfection procedures are important components of disease control and general guidelines for aquatic animal health are a ....In the simplest of terms, biosecurity is the protection of living organisms from any type of infectious organism. It can be applied at a local level, such as at a single farm or a national or an international level. One of the best ways to protect fish and safeguard industries and ecosystems, is by preventing and controlling disease with a good biosecurity program. Effective disinfection procedures are important components of disease control and general guidelines for aquatic animal health are available from the OIE. However, interpretation and implementation by industry and regulatory authorities require pathogen specific information.
General guidelines for disinfection in response to emergency aquatic animal diseases are provided in AquaVet Plan, Operation Manual for Decontamination (DAWR, 2014-2019) and by the OIE (Aquatic Code, Chapter, 4.3). However, the survival of RSIV outside a host is unknown and disinfection with ether, formalin and chloroform are impractical, particularly without detailed application instructions (OIE Aquatic Manual, Chapter 2.3.7). Biosecurity regulators and farm managers require disinfection efficacy data specific for megalocytiviruses to interpret these guidelines for prevention and control of disease. Detailed disinfection protocols that are efficacious for DGIV in field relevant sample matrices are required. A range of practical methods ensures a suitable procedure can be adapted for the wide range of environments encountered in aquatic health.
Given the prior outbreak of DGIV resulting in over 90% of Murray cod dying at a hatchery in Victoria, there is a real risk to domestic aquaculture if DGIV was to become established. There is a critical need to develop and test biosecurity measures to manage the disease risk to Australian fish farms. Objectives: 1. Identify effective disinfection measures to support biosecurity for ISKNV at aquaculture facilities Read moreRead less
Effects Of Trawling Subprogram: Assessment And Improvement Of BRDs And TEDs In The NPF - A Cooperative Approach By Fishers, Scientists, Fisheries Technologists, Economists And Conservationists
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$786,569.12
Summary
From April 15th, 2000, all NPF vessels will be required to use B&Ts in their nets. This constitutes a major change in fishing practice and it is unclear how the catching and economic performance of the fishery will be affected. An accurate assessment of B&T performance will be a vital step towards removing pressure on the fishery from legislation aimed at protecting species and the environment. The Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 and new Commonwealth environment legislation (the Environme ....From April 15th, 2000, all NPF vessels will be required to use B&Ts in their nets. This constitutes a major change in fishing practice and it is unclear how the catching and economic performance of the fishery will be affected. An accurate assessment of B&T performance will be a vital step towards removing pressure on the fishery from legislation aimed at protecting species and the environment. The Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 and new Commonwealth environment legislation (the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) will enable effective listings of key threatening processes, of which trawling may again be one. However, if the NPF can demonstrate adequate reductions in catches of vulnerable species due to the use of B&Ts, it may avoid any actions arising from such a listing.
There is an ongoing need for NPF fishers to optimise the performance of B&Ts. The NPF is a large and remote fishery and many fishers still have little or no experience with B&Ts. Hence, there is widespread concern by industry over a lack of preparedness as the 2000 season approaches. This project proposes to continue to develop B&Ts by using the skills and expertise of industry and the other project collaborators in the first and second years after the complusory introduction of B&Ts.
NORMAC has approved a suite of B&Ts for use in the NPF and regulations pertaining to their design and use. These regulations will also provide scope for fishers to develop new exclusion devices. However, an approval process or protocol is not yet defined. This project will design an appropriate assessment and approval process for new B&T designs.
The use of B&Ts may also have implications for fishing effort standardisation based on their potential to change a fisher’s ability to catch prawns. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately measure the change in catches so that adjustments in fleet effort can be made for stock assessments.
It is also important that fishers are convinced that the actual use of B&Ts, rather than just the appearance of use, may be in their economic interest. The purchase costs of B&Ts and any negative effects on the overall performance of the fishing gear or its handling must be viewed by fishers against any economic benefits arising from the use of the devices. This project proposes an economic assessment of the costs and benefits of the introduction of B&Ts. Objectives: 1. To optimise the performance of approved B&Ts on NPF vessels. 2. To identify the factors influencing the performance of B&Ts. 3. To measure any change in catch rates of total unwanted bycatch and in particular, selected charismatic or vulnerable bycatch species, due to the use of B&Ts. 4. To measure any change in catches of commercially important prawns and retained byproduct species due to the use of B&Ts. 5. To assess the economic costs and benefits to industry of the use of B&Ts. 6. To establish a protocol for the ongoing development and testing of new B&Ts. Read moreRead less
NCCP: Identifying Synergistic Genetic Bio Control Options For Cyprinus Carpio In Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$80,000.00
Summary
A review of genetic biocontrol options for carp in Australia will assist the Science Advisory Group (SAG) of the National Carp Control Plan (NCCP) and other decision-makers to identify suitable techniques or approaches for potential inclusion in the NCCP. At its third meeting, the SAG reviewed two applications to prepare genetic biocontrol technologies for use on carp in Australia. One application focussed on the ‘Daughterless Carp’ technology, while the other concentrated on the Trojan Y Chromo ....A review of genetic biocontrol options for carp in Australia will assist the Science Advisory Group (SAG) of the National Carp Control Plan (NCCP) and other decision-makers to identify suitable techniques or approaches for potential inclusion in the NCCP. At its third meeting, the SAG reviewed two applications to prepare genetic biocontrol technologies for use on carp in Australia. One application focussed on the ‘Daughterless Carp’ technology, while the other concentrated on the Trojan Y Chromosome technique. After discussing these applications, SAG members agreed that the group lacked sufficient knowledge to make a well-informed decision, and requested that NCCP management procure an expert review of genetic biocontrol technologies to clarify decision-making on research investment. Most of the Australian experts with knowledge in this area already have considerable intellectual property invested in a particular technique. To ensure an independent perspective, NCCP management is therefore seeking an international expert to conduct the review.
Objectives: 1. Review of genetic biocontrol options for carp in Australia Read moreRead less
Identification Of Natural Mudworm Species In South Australian Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea Gigas) Stocks
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$5,000.00
Summary
In South Australia and all other countries spionid polychaete (‘mudworm’) infestations are a major problem for oyster growers and have large financial impacts, it has been recorded by individual oyster growers to lose up to $50,000 in stock in one year. There are 150 licensed oyster growers in SA and if this loss caused by mudworm was calculated at 5% of the extreme cases at $2500 per licence holder the economic cost to industry would equate to $375,000 per annum. These losses may not be throug ....In South Australia and all other countries spionid polychaete (‘mudworm’) infestations are a major problem for oyster growers and have large financial impacts, it has been recorded by individual oyster growers to lose up to $50,000 in stock in one year. There are 150 licensed oyster growers in SA and if this loss caused by mudworm was calculated at 5% of the extreme cases at $2500 per licence holder the economic cost to industry would equate to $375,000 per annum. These losses may not be through mortality, but growers experiencing mudworm problems provide extra oysters when selling to their buyers to compensate for losses from mudworm infestations. In South Australia the species causing damage are not well known. It is for this reason that South Australian Oyster Research Council (SAORC) want to implement a survey to gain an understanding of mudworm species found in SA to assist industry with the management of this pest.
The industry views the need to understand and control mudworm infestations as the losses caused by these worms could potentially be reduced if known species are identified and management techniques can be put in place to reduce infestation rates. However, the farmer’s ad-hoc management approaches have failed to stop or reduce mudworm infestation rates, as farmers have reported that with even the best management practices they still experience mudworm infestations. Due to this, the South Australian Oyster Research Council has identified two experts in mudworm identification to work with SA scientists to survey mudworm species and suggest management practices to SA oyster growers to potentially reduce the problem. Mudworm surveys have been conducted in many other oyster growing areas and different species have been identified which have different life cycles, hence, different forms of management practices are required to reduce infestations.
If this project can achieve a 50% reduction in mudworm infestations or mortality after harmful species have been identified and farmers have implemented management techniques developed through the extension training workshop, the savings to growers will be approximately $187,500 dollars over the next year. The reduction in oyster growers production costs is a small component, the benefits will be seen in the future through increased consumer confidence, hence, increased sales of SA oysters.
In addition, minimising the impact of mudworm on the Pacific oyster aquaculture industry in SA will also strengthen the confidence of new growers and investors in this industry thereby encouraging its further development. Objectives: 1. Design and conduct a survey of spionid polychaetes (mudworm) to identify natural species and life cycle from South Australian oyster growing regions. 2. Work with SA scientist to train them in the identification of SA mudworm species. 3. Identify the best management techniques to reduce mudworm infestation rates in SA. 4. Communicate advice to farmers through a workshop format. Read moreRead less
Preliminary Assessment Of The Distribution And Potential Impact Of The Introduced Seastar Asterias Amurensis In Tasmanian Waters
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$17,896.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Using available information assess the current and potential impact of the seastar Asterias amurensis on SE Australian fisheries, aquaculture and ecosystems
The development of the Fishnames project has been an ongoing concern for industry and the Fisheries Research Development Corporation.
The terms of reference (ToR) have been developed and wll be provided to workshop participants for consideration and feedback. The ToR include:
1) Report that details recommended changes to the objectives of the Fishnames process.
2) Changes to the Fishnames process.
3) The composition of the Fishnames committee.
4) Brie ....The development of the Fishnames project has been an ongoing concern for industry and the Fisheries Research Development Corporation.
The terms of reference (ToR) have been developed and wll be provided to workshop participants for consideration and feedback. The ToR include:
1) Report that details recommended changes to the objectives of the Fishnames process.
2) Changes to the Fishnames process.
3) The composition of the Fishnames committee.
4) Brief ‘user friendly’ summary of the project and outcomes suitable for publication on the FRDC website. Objectives: 1. Recommend changes to the objectives of the Fishnames process. 2. Chang to the Fishnames process. 3. The composition of the Fishnames committee. 4. A brief ‘user friendly’ summary of the project and outcomes suitable for publication on the FRDC website Read moreRead less
A Preliminary Assessment Of The Genetic Population Structure Of Asterias Amurensis In Tasmania
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$38,343.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Determine whether the introduced seastar is the southern sub-species, Japanese and Russian populations of Asterias amurensis versicolor or a northern sub-species 2. Determine whether the Tasmanian populations are derived from one or several introductions 3. Determine whether the invasion of Tasmanian waters has been accompanied by a loss of genetic variation with respect to native populations