Optimising The Efficiency Of Enforcement In Commercial Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$233,474.55
Summary
The cost of enforcement in most fisheries is substantial. There has been little research on the effectiveness of enforcement measures or the investigation of alternate enforcement strategies. An understanding of the fisher’s perception of the enforcement program, particularly the perceived level of inspections, and how they will respond to changes in enforcement is required to more effectively and efficiently maintain compliance with the regulations.
Similarly the relationship between ....The cost of enforcement in most fisheries is substantial. There has been little research on the effectiveness of enforcement measures or the investigation of alternate enforcement strategies. An understanding of the fisher’s perception of the enforcement program, particularly the perceived level of inspections, and how they will respond to changes in enforcement is required to more effectively and efficiently maintain compliance with the regulations.
Similarly the relationship between the extent of enforcement effort and the level of compliance is not understood for most fisheries. If the rate of compliance is not overly sensitive to the amount or type of enforcement it may be possible to reduce some elements of the enforcement effort and cost while maintaining an acceptable level of compliance. On the other hand if the rate of compliance is highly sensitive to the amount of enforcement effort it will be possible to determine the amount of effort required to obtain the required level of compliance.
The true nature and extent of non-compliance is required to better direct enforcement effort. Spatial and temporal patterns of non-compliance need to be investigated. A better understanding of the motivation for non-compliance, whether the incentive is financial or otherwise, will be gained by comparing expected gains against the likely penalties and probability of detection. This will enable the effectiveness of penalties as a deterrent to be assessed. This information is needed in a form that will enable managers responsible for enforcement activities to explore the effect of the location, timing and type of enforcement activity on the level of compliance. Objectives: 1. Estimate the level of non-compliance in the Western Australian rock lobster industry. 2. Determine factors such as seasonal, regional and factory, which may affect the level of non-compliance in order to better target the timing of enforcement effort. 3. Develop relationships between enforcement and compliance with the regulations to enable an assessment of increasing or decreasing the level of enforcement on the level of compliance. 4. Determine the reasons and motivations for the non-compliance of commercial fishers with the regulations in terms of the expected gains versus the probability of detection. 5. Ascertain the perceptions of the fishing regulations and enforcement measures including the perceived probability of detection for commercial fishers. 6. Ascertain whether commercial fishers are aware of the full extent and frequency of inspections. Read moreRead less
Establishment Of A Fish Marketing Technical Advisory Service To Fishermen, Processors And Merchants
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Educate fishermen & co-ops on improving quality of catches through better handling methods. 2. Educate processors, wholesalers & retailers on care, storage & presentation of fish & crustaceans. 3. Print information leaflets, posters on handling; promote Aust spp, especially new
Application Of Molecular Genetics To The Australian Abalone Fisheries: Forensic Protocols For Species Identification And Blacklip Stock Structure
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$353,888.00
Summary
The state of molecular genetic technology in abalone is underdeveloped and in need of some basic research to develop molecular protocols that can be applied to various management and compliance issues; microsatellite markers are likely to have the most utility, and other abalone fisheries will benefit from Australian research (Sweijd 1997 - External review FRDC 98/126).
Abalone populations elsewhere in the world have crashed catastrophically. Australian abalone resources are in a relat ....The state of molecular genetic technology in abalone is underdeveloped and in need of some basic research to develop molecular protocols that can be applied to various management and compliance issues; microsatellite markers are likely to have the most utility, and other abalone fisheries will benefit from Australian research (Sweijd 1997 - External review FRDC 98/126).
Abalone populations elsewhere in the world have crashed catastrophically. Australian abalone resources are in a relatively good condition, but are under heavy pressure from many external factors, including poaching, that could cause irreversible damage. In addition, some sections of the industry are excited by the potential of translocation or reseeding for stock enhancement, but without fully understanding the genetic variability in a population this represents a high conservation risk. Understanding genetic variation in abalone at both the species and stock level is vital to the long-term sustainability of these valuable fisheries, as well as for genetic conservation.
Compliance is not only a major issue in the draft 1998 review of wild abalone R&D needs in Australia, but is also an international issue. There are currently no forensic tools available in Australia to assist authorities identify abalone products and force compliance.
The application of molecular genetics in this study will provide managers with: • forensic tests for species identification • estimation of rates of gene flow between selected locations (i.e. stock identification).
Stock identification is needed not only for managing the commercial and recreational catch, but also for assessing the risks of translocation and reseeding projects, and land-based or sea-based aquaculture industries.
This study will build on a pilot project that developed the basis for an abalone forensic protocol, and will also provide a comprehensive assessment of the use of microsatellite markers for abalone stock identification. These goals are of both national and international interest. Objectives: 1. To refine, and where necessary establish, abalone species identification protocols to forensic standards suitable for required fisheries compliance. 2. To define the stock structure of blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra) around Tasmania, using polymorphic nuclear DNA microsatellite markers. 3. To determine a suitable sampling and analysis regime for other temperate Australian abalone fisheries. 4. To determine the possible effects of harvesting on the genetic conservation of the blacklip abalone (H. rubra), by comparing the allozyme variation of two areas of the Tasmanian fishery with results obtained from the same areas in the late 1980s. Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Effectiveness Of Larger Mesh Size In Reducing The Capture Of Juvenile Target Species In Select NSW Ocean Beach Seine Operations
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$32,805.00
Summary
This application is an industry initiative aimed at reducing the incidental bycatch of juvenile target species encountered in ocean deployed beach seines. This project will not only empower industry members with instilled confidence in their gear, but also assist in addressing the potential conflict between the two user groups.
There is genuine concern regarding the capture of significant proportions of juveniles whilst targeting migratory schools of bream, tarwhine and luderick predom ....This application is an industry initiative aimed at reducing the incidental bycatch of juvenile target species encountered in ocean deployed beach seines. This project will not only empower industry members with instilled confidence in their gear, but also assist in addressing the potential conflict between the two user groups.
There is genuine concern regarding the capture of significant proportions of juveniles whilst targeting migratory schools of bream, tarwhine and luderick predominantly; when using currently legislated beach seine net specifications.
A beach seine net can be divided into three 3 main sections: anterior wings, posterior wings and the bunt/codend. Current legislation prescribes a maximum mesh size of 86, 65 and 65mm respectively for these sections.
Recently, (Wooden, unpublished) investigated the use of alternate net configurations and the use of morphological data in ocean and estuary deployed beach seines. In brief the study indicated: (i) Current configurations of NSW beach seines are inappropriate for maximizing size selectivity for nearly all retained species, (ii) Morphological data can be used to predict and trial appropriate mesh sizes to reduce bycatch and (iii) No significant physical or physiological damages resulted from juvenile bream escaping from a modified beach seine with a mesh size of 102mm (in simulated laboratory experiments).
Anecdotal information from numerous sources on landings of juveniles in conventional beach seine gears, identifies the need for further research on certain gear components of the ocean beach seine fishery. Proposed investigations (beach seine net constructed entirely of 102mm mesh) aim to further improve size selectivity and eliminate the unwanted capture of juvenile target species.
The research proposed in this application clearly relates to the vision of the fishery and directly addresses many objectives listed under Goal 1 & Goal 2 of the FMS and addresses FRDC’s high priorities responding to strategic challenge 1.
Objectives: 1. 1. To examine and quantify the effectiveness of larger than prescribed mesh size in reducing the capture of juveniles in ocean beach seine operations targeting ground-fish species. 2. 2. Provision of information that support management decisions for the long term benefit of the resource and users. Read moreRead less
Objectives: 1. Review current status of the wild abalone fishery in NSW, Vic, Tas, SA & WA with respect to: i. Health of the fishery in each state, in particular the status of the stocks and the level of risk in regard to maintaining current stock levels. ii. Management strategy for each fishery. iii. Economic viability of the industry and how it is structured. iv. The impact of poaching and how it is being addressed by the industry and management. 2. Review R&D, including: i. ....Objectives: 1. Review current status of the wild abalone fishery in NSW, Vic, Tas, SA & WA with respect to: i. Health of the fishery in each state, in particular the status of the stocks and the level of risk in regard to maintaining current stock levels. ii. Management strategy for each fishery. iii. Economic viability of the industry and how it is structured. iv. The impact of poaching and how it is being addressed by the industry and management. 2. Review R&D, including: i. Type of R&D that has been undertaken in the different fisheries for the past 15 years (FRDC can provide this info with respect to FRDC projects) ii. The level of adoption of results and reasons for non-adoption iii. Identify the R&D that has resulted in the most benefit in terms of ecological sustainability and industry development iv. Document the expertise of the research providers, including, record of involvement, publications in the area and external funds gained etc. 3. Determine the R&D priorities for each fishery, and in particular focus on: i. Biology, stock assessment and modelling. ii. Reference points and/or sustainability indicators. iii. Environmental impacts both from the fishery and on the fishery. iv. Economic objectives. v. Fisheries compliance, including, poaching, stock and product identification efficiency of methods used. vi. Post harvest, including, marketing, processing. vii. Performance indicators for R&D. Read moreRead less
Australia has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) declared adjacent to its Antarctic territorial claims in East Antarctica. Australia has also a direct interest in BANZARE Bank and Elan Bank due to shelf claims and their close relationship to the Kerguelen Plateau. The EEZ in East Antarctica does not include an Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ), thus this area is effectively 'high seas' and the Australian fishing industry has no special privileges in this part of the Convention area. However, ALPL star ....Australia has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) declared adjacent to its Antarctic territorial claims in East Antarctica. Australia has also a direct interest in BANZARE Bank and Elan Bank due to shelf claims and their close relationship to the Kerguelen Plateau. The EEZ in East Antarctica does not include an Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ), thus this area is effectively 'high seas' and the Australian fishing industry has no special privileges in this part of the Convention area. However, ALPL started fishing in East Antarctica in 2015 and have a strong interest to continue fishing activities if catch limits in East Antarctica allow for economical operations. CCAMLR's failure to assess Antarctic toothfish stocks in East Antarctica with tag-based stock assessments has resulted in a highly precautionary approach for setting catch limits in the area, with small and potentially uneconomical catch limits spread across a number fishable blocks. There is an urgent need to (a) delineate the structure and linkages of Antarctic toothfish stocks around Antarctica and particularly in East Antarctica, and (b) develop alternative assessment approaches to enable a reliable evaluation of stock biomass and the impact of the fishery on stock status in this area. In particular, the project will provide an evaluation of whether Antarctic toothfish could be suitable for the close-kin mark-recapture method to estimate biomass in East Antarctica. Australia has maintained a leadership role in CCAMLR, including SC-CAMLR since its inception. Australia wishes to maintain the precautionary approach of CCAMLR and its ability to meet environmental objectives as well as those of the fishing industry. This project will contribute to Australia's CCAMLR obligations as a fishing nation to conduct research towards a robust fishery stock assessment, and provide an important opportunity to influence the management of activities which have the potential to adversely affect marine living resources in high seas areas adjacent to the Australian EEZ.
Objectives: 1. Delineate stock structure of Antarctic toothfish within the Southern Ocean. 2. Evaluation whether Antarctic toothfish could be suitable for a close-kin mark-recapture method to estimate biomass in East Antarctica. Read moreRead less
Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon Research, Development And Extension Management
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
The Tasmanian salmon farming industry has undergone exceptional production and profitability gains in its short history and has ambitious targets for the future. A report commissioned in 2015 indicated an annual Industry gross output of $1.12 billion and the direct employment of almost 2800 full time positions. Projecting forward, the Industry is confident of turning over $2 billion by 2030, with clear implications for continued jobs growth and economic impacts within Tasmania. To achieve this, ....The Tasmanian salmon farming industry has undergone exceptional production and profitability gains in its short history and has ambitious targets for the future. A report commissioned in 2015 indicated an annual Industry gross output of $1.12 billion and the direct employment of almost 2800 full time positions. Projecting forward, the Industry is confident of turning over $2 billion by 2030, with clear implications for continued jobs growth and economic impacts within Tasmania. To achieve this, and to strengthen linkages with Government, the Tasmanian community and myriad stakeholders, ongoing proactive and reactive research is vital. This point is particularly salient given the present need to diversify the research portfolio to address potential constraints to industry growth. For example, spatial limitations on the expansion of grow-out operations in sheltered waters have resulted in new research and development approaches to investigate and trial offshore farming operations. Expanding the scope of the research and development program in such a manner is replete with complexities requiring significant input and coordination by the TSGA.
The portfolio of research funded between the FRDC and TSGA is significant, with around $4m of combined funding available each year – an amount steadily growing as Industry GVP grows. There is a need for both the FRDC and TSGA to have the capacity to actively manage this research portfolio, understand the current and future opportunities requiring research, development and extension (RD&E), and to communicate outputs to all stakeholders. Previously, these tasks were largely undertaken by the former TSGA CEO and, at times consultants were hired on an ad hoc basis. Given industry expansion however, there is a pressing need for a permanent role dedicated to addressing and coordinating the management needs of a RD&E portfolio that is growing in size, scope and complexity.
Objectives: 1. Coordinate Atlantic salmon farming RD&E planning and management so that RD&E is strategically prioritized to address Industry needs and delivered cost-effectively. 2. Communicate information and the extension of R&D outputs to support and promote the adoption of new technologies and scientific developments. 3. Develop an updated RD&E Strategy for the Industry to guide research for the period 2020-2025. Read moreRead less
Development Of Risk Assessment Procedures In National Fisheries Compliance Programs
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$54,635.00
Summary
State and Commonwealth fisheries management agencies are accountable for achieving efficient and effective compliance outcomes. In 1999 the National Fisheries Compliance Committee (NFCC) identified risk assessment as a vital component of fisheries compliance programs through the publication of the Strategic Direction for Australian Fisheries Compliance and Framework for Fisheries Agencies paper.
The need to develop comprehensive and practical assessment procedures has increased in recen ....State and Commonwealth fisheries management agencies are accountable for achieving efficient and effective compliance outcomes. In 1999 the National Fisheries Compliance Committee (NFCC) identified risk assessment as a vital component of fisheries compliance programs through the publication of the Strategic Direction for Australian Fisheries Compliance and Framework for Fisheries Agencies paper.
The need to develop comprehensive and practical assessment procedures has increased in recent years to meet auditing requirements and reporting needs to stakeholders. The Governance component of ESD principles when applied to fisheries will necessitate demonstration of the ability to achieve best practice compliance to achieve the requirements of management plans..
Some agencies have commenced the development of risk assessment procedures, however they have not been developed uniformly. Other agencies are yet to develop procedures. The development and national application of uniform procedures will assist the achievement of best practice and provide fisheries compliance practitioners with the data to answer stakeholder queries regarding risks associated with key issues such as cost, efficiency, effectiveness, changes in practice, emerging trends, technology influences and cross jurisdictional impacts. Objectives: 1. To identify criteria and measures for assessing compliance risks in nationally indicative fisheries. 2. To identify which fisheries compliance risk assessment criteria, measures and processes are practical and useful. 3. To develop a user-friendly resource package for use by fisheries compliance practitioners to assess compliance risks in a consistent and nationally agreed fashion. 4. To communicate and extend the risk assessment resource package nationally. Read moreRead less
SCRC: Seafood CRC Research Travel Grant: Learning The Practical Aspects Of Using Of Clay Particles To Improve Bacterial Management During Larval Culture, University Of Miami, Experimental Marine Hatchery