Implementation of fishery independent surveys for the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery

Funded Activity Summary

Catch and effort data obtained from commercial logbooks is the primary source of information used as an index of abundance for most SESSF species. The assumption underlying this is that commercial catch rates change in a linear fashion with abundance. This assumption, however, has little independent support for many SEF species and is frequently criticised by industry and scientists alike. One of the most significant problems with commercial CPUE data in the SEF is that fishers modify their fishing practices to suit quota availability and market demands. Also, many fishermen only put the retained catch in logbook data, not the total catch. Furthermore, the influence of environmental conditions on fish availability also reduces the effectiveness of CPUE as an index of abundance. Low or bycatch TACs also prevent catch rate data being used as an index of abundance.

Implementation of a fishery independent survey is the most cost-effective and feasible means to get an independent index of abundance for the suite of SESSF species.

Recognising this, the SESS Fishery Assessment Group (SESSFAG) has placed highest priority on the need to implement fishery-independent methods for surveying relative abundance of SESSF fish stocks.

Objectives:
1. Review the current fishery independent surveys that are operating in the SESSF and determine their efficacy and potential for use in a multi-species survey. Determine which survey methods are most suitable for the main species in the SESSF.
2. Design a suite of cost-efficient fishery independent surveys that will meet the needs of the fishery in providing indices of abundance for most major species in the SESSF. Determine the most practical way of undertaking the surveys and gain broad stakeholder acceptance of the survey design.
3. Determine the cost structure for the surveys and how funding and research quota will be allocated.
4. Undertake a full one-year trial of the survey design. Review the results of the survey with respect to cost-efficiency, practicality and provision of high quality (precise) indices of abundance and modify the design accordingly.
5. Implement a long-term (5-10 year) survey program that can be progressively funded by industry under standard CRIS Policy

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 31-08-2006

End Date: 01-12-2011

Funding Scheme: Funding Scheme not available

Funding Amount: $3,349,385.50

Funder: Fisheries Research and Development Corporation

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

There are no FoR codes available for this funding activity

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Aquaculture | Biodiversity | Ecosystem resilience | Ecosystem | Fishing Technology | Habitat | Stock Assessment

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