Fine scale management of abalone fisheries may reduce the risk of Zonal stock collapse through discreet management units permitting separate extraction controls on the basis of the population parameters specific to these areas.
Furthermore, implementation of finer scale 'management units' has the potential for better resource use through increased TACC based on the productivity of individual populations.
However, fine scale management of abalone fisheries is limited by (1) the existing knowledge on the spatial variability in growth rate, F, M, abundance and reproductive biology of abalone; (2) difficulties with ensuring effective compliance with a multitude of size limits and area TACC by commercial fishers; (3) the ability to estimate relevant minimum sizes and TACC at fine spatial scales; and (4) the ability of managers of abalone fisheries to define appropriate boundaries between 'management units'.
Consequently, there are clear needs (1) to examine the spatial variation in the fisheries biology, morphology and genetics of blacklip abalone; (2) to investigate options for effective compliance at small spatial scales; (3) to model abalone populations at fine spatial scales and (4) to utilise this information to establish a framework that assists with the developement of spatial 'management units' with appropriate MLL and TACC.
This project directly addresses one of the top priorites identified by the South Australian Abalone Fishery Management Committee (Reducing the spatial of management - priority ranking 2), as well as the fourth strategic (Enhance governance arrangements for more innovative, responsive and effective management of the resources) and third targeted priority (Stock assessment/sustainability/management) within the Natural Resources Program R&D priorities identified by the SAFRAB.