Carbon Farming Outreach Program. Integrated approaches to building fishing and aquaculture emission knowledge - Gap analysis
FRDC will analyse fishing and aquaculture emissions reduction and carbon sequestration information to support development of the Carbon Farming Outreach Program's knowledge bank. FRDC will identify gaps in publicly available information on emissions reduction, emissions intensity, and carbon sequestration, and provide actionable insights/recommendations to avoid duplication and ensure cross-commodity consistency. The project will collaborate across stakeholders, RDCs, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and the broader supply chain. The project will engage a consultant with extensive knowledge of fishing and aquaculture and other commodities to conduct the analysis, ensuring it is informed by industry-specific expertise and includes collaborative opportunities with other RDCs. The project will involve systematic stakeholder consultations to identify and prioritise gaps and develop actionable recommendations for producers to lower emissions and sequester carbon.
Qualitative assessment of the potential impacts of seismic survey activity on Victorian managed fisheries of commercial and recreational importance
Seismic surveys undertaken by the petroleum industry and the energy sector in offshore waters use high intensity airguns to characterise seabed petroleum resources and/or potential offshore energy installations. Seismic noise has been shown elsewhere to have adverse effects on marine biota including direct (e.g. injury) or indirect (e.g. behavioural) impacts. A review of relevant literature (including unpublished studies conducted in Victorian waters) is required to fully evaluate potential consequences of expanded seismic surveys. Such a review will provide a more robust basis for decision making by authorised planners consistent with a precautionary approach to development.