Non-market Values To Inform Decision-making And Reporting In Fisheries And Aquaculture – An Audit And Gap Analysis
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$118,293.91
Summary
Most Australian fisheries policies require that fisheries management take account of the cumulative effect of all human users of marine resources, including professional, recreational and Indigenous Australian fishers. The triple bottom line (TBL) approach is the general framework used to assess performance against economic, social, and environmental dimensions. TBL requires articulation of these broad values, but these may be qualitatively assessed. Significant progress has been made in incorpo ....Most Australian fisheries policies require that fisheries management take account of the cumulative effect of all human users of marine resources, including professional, recreational and Indigenous Australian fishers. The triple bottom line (TBL) approach is the general framework used to assess performance against economic, social, and environmental dimensions. TBL requires articulation of these broad values, but these may be qualitatively assessed. Significant progress has been made in incorporating some of these elements into fisheries management decision, particularly prioritising different objectives of fishery management [e.g. 1, 2]. In some cases, development of semi-quantitative approaches have been used to assist in decision-making across these multiple dimensions [e.g. 3], including in some cases indigenous value [e.g. 4]. Recent research has also extended this focus to develop a robust articulation of Indigenous Australian customary fishing values to enable their inclusion when developing fisheries management policies [5].
Optimal decisions require the trade-off between costs and benefits to be considered. TBL approaches do not explicitly consider this trade-off, resulting in challenges in identifying optimal outcomes. Where these costs and benefits are expressed as explicit monetary values, assessing the trade-off requires deducting the expected costs from the expected benefits (commonly referred to as cost-benefit analysis (CBA)).
However, in fisheries, many costs and benefits do not have an explicit monetary value. Hence, decisions about the use and management of marine resources increasingly requires objective information on the non-market value of benefits (and costs). Some attention has been focused on the estimation of non-market values of recreational fishing [e.g. 6, 7], although only limited attempts to-date have been made to use these values in supporting management decision making [e.g. 8]. Many other values have not been quantified, and their use in fisheries management has not been fully explored.
Objectives: 1. To support robust and defeasible evidence based decision-making in fisheries and aquaculture decision making that is understood and supported by key fisheries and aquaculture managers. 2. To provide managers with an understanding of the resources available to account for non-market values in fisheries and aquaculture decision making 3. To identify key research gaps and make recommendations related to the need for further empirical non-market valuation studies Read moreRead less
Seafood CRC: Harvest Strategy Evaluations And Co-management For The Moreton Bay Trawl Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$127,800.00
Summary
Commercial fishers believe that immediate action is required to improve the economic viability of the Moreton Bay Trawl Fishery (MBTF). Challenges relate to inefficiencies and resource utilisation, specifically (i) gear efficiency; (ii) harvest rules; (iii) fuel consumption; (iv) over-capitalisation; (v) seasonal closure effects on deployment of capital; (vi) harvesting for market demand; and (vii) environmental impacts of the fishery. In addition, the fishery is operating in a global environmen ....Commercial fishers believe that immediate action is required to improve the economic viability of the Moreton Bay Trawl Fishery (MBTF). Challenges relate to inefficiencies and resource utilisation, specifically (i) gear efficiency; (ii) harvest rules; (iii) fuel consumption; (iv) over-capitalisation; (v) seasonal closure effects on deployment of capital; (vi) harvesting for market demand; and (vii) environmental impacts of the fishery. In addition, the fishery is operating in a global environment of falling prawn prices and increasing fuel prices.
Exacerbating these challenges is the recent implementation of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan. In addition to loss of fishing grounds for conservation, the State Government’s Marine Park Structural Adjustment Package, which sought to remove active fishing licences from the Bay, failed to address effort displacement. This has led to reduced economic yield from fished areas and increased ecological impacts. The impacts to fishers include increased competition in open areas, higher steaming, social and labour costs, and market impact through targeting sub-optimal product. In summary, the ecological, social and economic costs to fishers have increased.
The rising costs of production have motivated fishers to address profitability. Harvest strategies aimed at optimising economic performance would help address these issues and potentially offer the MBTF greater resource security.
Implementation of harvest strategies may be improved by changing the regulatory framework of the fishery. This would provide benefits from a compliance, monitoring and reporting perspective. Currently, the 10 year review of the Queensland East Coast Trawl Fishery Management Plan is underway. Whilst the primary objective of the review is to update the Plan with respect to delivering the best long term economic benefits for society through effective and sustainable management of Queensland’s fisheries resources, it also provides an opportunity for regulatory change for improved harvest strategies in the MBTF
Objectives: 1. Review the literature and data (i.e., economic, biological and logbook) relevant to the Moreton Bay trawl fishery 2. Identify and prioritise management objectives for the Moreton Bay trawl fishery, as identified by the trawl fishers 3. Undertake an economic analysis of Moreton Bay trawl fishery 4. Quantify long-term changes to fishing power for the Moreton Bay trawl fishery 5. Assess priority harvest strategies identified in 2 (above). Present results to, and discuss results with, MBSIA, fishers and Fisheries Queensland. Read moreRead less
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
Two-Eyed Seeing – A Framework For Cultural Fishery Assessments Supporting Equitable And Sustainable Access To Shared Resources In NSW Inland Rivers
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$1,460,500.00
Summary
Fish are totemic and a primary food source; and so are part of the deep cultural, spiritual and economic connections Aboriginal communities have to their waterways that are part of ‘Country’. Cultural knowledge tells us that when there’s more water availability cultural fishers experience increased total catches and greater diversity of target species, and they fish more (e.g. increase in recreational and subsistence fishing). These narratives also suggest that as a result of these improved cult ....Fish are totemic and a primary food source; and so are part of the deep cultural, spiritual and economic connections Aboriginal communities have to their waterways that are part of ‘Country’. Cultural knowledge tells us that when there’s more water availability cultural fishers experience increased total catches and greater diversity of target species, and they fish more (e.g. increase in recreational and subsistence fishing). These narratives also suggest that as a result of these improved cultural fishing opportunities, there are flow on socio-economic benefits to household budgets, diets of communities, social behaviours and mental health and well-being.
Water is sacred and living; and central to the cultural, social and spiritual identity of Aboriginal people, as well as to their livelihoods. Conceptual models underpinning western water management frameworks and decision making do not incorporate Aboriginal/First Nations socio-cultural complexity, local knowledge and governance arrangements. These are critical – Aboriginal/First Nations people have strong connections with fish, water, rivers and knowledge to contribute to planning, as well as a fundamental right to participate. Water and fish are central to the way of life, two-way knowledge and planning frameworks will support reciprocity in engagement and participation.
Two-Eyed Seeing Frameworks (Ganma, Yolgnu for two-ways) provide a way forward for cultural fishery assessments supporting equitable and sustainable access to shared resources. In this framework, knowledge systems (western and cultural) contribute in parallel, on an equal footing, and both serve as evidence bases to produce an enriched picture of mutual understanding. Application of this framework can empower Aboriginal communities to participate more equitably and negotiate by using their science and values and providing a method for inclusion.
The overall objective of this proposed project is to empower Aboriginal communities through application of a “Two-Eyed seeing framework” (Reid et al. 2020) to participate more equitably and negotiate for cultural fishing practices and water allocation and management. This project will define the cultural fishery and quantify the socio-economic value of cultural fishing in two NSW river regions, and assist communities to identify water management needs for key cultural fish species to support ongoing planning and negotiations. It will improve our current fishery and water management by providing a pathway for cultural fisheries and cultural science to be included. Overall, it will increase our current knowledge of fish and fisheries, by bridging the gap between cultural science and western science practitioners and knowledge holders to share understandings, insights and skills. The application and extension of this framework to a national project will be considered for future use in addressing cultural fishery allocations and management.
Objectives: 1. Identify suitable NSW riverine cultural fisheries, engage with Aboriginal Communities, Traditional Owners, codesign the project and confirm move to phase 2. 2. Define and quanitfy the cultural fishery and associated totemic, cultura and social values 3. Identify and describe fish objectives and water management needs for cultural fish species using the Fish and Flows Framework. 4. Determine if changes in (2) are related to changes in water availability, policy and operations and/or river restoration activities (e.g. fish passage restoration, cold water passage, screening), if possible. 5. Objectively assess the efficacy and utility of the “Two-Eyed Seeing framework” in assessing the totemic, culutal and social fishing values and linking them to the fish and flows framework, including consideration of National applicability. 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
SCRC: PhD : An Investigation Of The Microbiology And Biotechnical Properties Leading To Extended Shelf-life In Goldband Snapper (Pristipomoides Multidens)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Tropical snapper species are have a highly variable shelf-life during chilled storage. The overall aim of this project is to determine why Goldband Snapper (Pristipomoides multidens) has a greater shelf life than some similar fish species and to use this knowledge to produce some practical applications to increase shelf-life in other species with shorter shelf-life. To do this we will investigate the microbiological and biochemical properties of Goldband Snapper and, using a control species for ....Tropical snapper species are have a highly variable shelf-life during chilled storage. The overall aim of this project is to determine why Goldband Snapper (Pristipomoides multidens) has a greater shelf life than some similar fish species and to use this knowledge to produce some practical applications to increase shelf-life in other species with shorter shelf-life. To do this we will investigate the microbiological and biochemical properties of Goldband Snapper and, using a control species for comparison, determine if any of these properties are responsible for the long shelf life observed with this fish species. The control species for this project, the Saddleback Snapper (Paracaesio kusakarii), was chosen because it is a similar fish but with a much shorter shelf life. If any significant differences are detected, the possibility of transferring or replicating these properties onto other fish will be investigated. This project will impact greatly on the fishing industry if particular bacteria (or lack of bacteria) or other properties which promote long shelf life are able to be identified and replicated on other fish species.
The project is related to and arose as a result of FRDC 2006/209 “Developing targeted strategies for improving product quality through selected low value seafood supply chains.” and will continue working with currently estabished industry partners including WAFIC and WA Department of Fisheries. The project will be under the auspices of the WA Centre of Excellence for Seafood (CoES), and is particularly associated with the supply chain performance theme of the CoES.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