PROJECT NUMBER
•
2023-105
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED
ORGANISATION:
Western Australian Fishing Industry Council Inc (WAFIC)
44 results
To evaluate the possible impacts of the proposed South Coast Marine Park on commercial fishing
Project number:
2022-198
Project Status:
Current
Budget expenditure:
$150,000.00
Principal Investigator:
Matt Pember
Organisation:
Western Australian Fishing Industry Council Inc (WAFIC)
Project start/end date:
16 Jun 2023
-
12 Jun 2025
Contact:
FRDC
Review and quantify the cumulative effects of expanding industrial coastal developments and emerging offshore renewable energy on the fishing industry in WA
Project number:
2022-104
Project Status:
Current
Budget expenditure:
$220,000.00
Principal Investigator:
Carli Telfer
Organisation:
Western Australian Fishing Industry Council Inc (WAFIC)
Project start/end date:
30 Mar 2023
-
30 Jun 2024
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
The fishing industry in WA and Offshore renewable sector has the opportunity to develop and set a framework for how the industries will work side-by-side to build long term collaborative relationship. Currently, the offshore renewable sector has clearly defined statutory basis, however no marine spatial planning has been provided, to date, and no statutory authority or priority policy that allows or considers the fishing industry. Exclusions zone around infrastructure ultimately claims authority over the water with fishers excluded. In Scotland, 10 years has passed since the establishment of the first offshore wind farm and the Scottish Fishermans Federation are still grappling with the impacts from this industry. In Scotland, first it was the oil and gas sector, then decommissioning and now offshore renewable, so there are real opportunities to learn from overseas and our own WA experiences to work towards developing a framework, to avoid ongoing conflict.
The fishing industry in WA is a defender of a healthy marine environment and is supportive of low carbon emissions, sustainable marine environments and aquatic resources, with the fishing industry also playing one of the most important roles for the community by providing food security. There is currently insufficient protection for the fishing industry with existing plans, legislation, tools and mechanisms bringing balance to some industries and not others. However, in Australia we have an opportunity before wind farms are placed in Australian waters to adequately understand the science of the impacts, by reviewing the literature and learning from other jurisdictions, to provide evidence-based decision-making outcomes for both sectors.
A framework is required that values and protects a legitimate, sustainable and long-established fishing industry which remains at the core of our coastal communities and contributes to our national food security. This new framework will work to provide a key role for the fishing industry in marine spatial planning, particularly in relation to offshore renewable sector and we can jointly understand the potential impacts, co-existence opportunities and avoid displacement to ensure the long-term economic viability of the fishing industry remains.
A full assessment of the spatial squeeze that restricts fishing throughout WA needs to be understood to assess cumulative impacts and avoid displacement of the fishing industry. There is a clear need to understand the potential effects associated with offshore renewable projects and assess how fishing industries can co-design or coexist. If displacement is unavoidable an established compensation process may need to be developed. This project will therefore work with State and Commonwealth Governments to establish important marine spatial planning principles for the fishing industry.
1. Evaluate the cumulative impacts on the fishing industry resulting in restrictive access to fish resources.
2. Review the international literature on the spatial impacts that affect fishing businesses and develop a recommended coexistence governance framework which could be adopted at a state level or potentially even nationally for future renewable energy projects or developments that impact coastal environments and aquatic resources.
PROJECT NUMBER
•
2019-162
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED
Western Abalone Divers Association 2020 Quota Setting Workshop: Opportunity for shared understanding of potential TACC setting processes by Western Australian Abalone stakeholders
The staff of the Industry Consultation Unit travelled in January 2020 to Port Fairy Victoria to attend the WADA 2020 Quota Setting Workshop to gain an understanding of the Western Zones TACC setting process, and formulate a overview of how to better undertake the workshop in Western Australia,...
ORGANISATION:
Western Australian Fishing Industry Council Inc (WAFIC)
SPECIES
PROJECT NUMBER
•
2017-250
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED
ORGANISATION:
Western Australian Fishing Industry Council Inc (WAFIC)
SeSAFE - delivering industry safety through electronic learning
Project number:
2017-194
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure:
$692,000.00
Principal Investigator:
Steve J. Eayrs
Organisation:
Western Australian Fishing Industry Council Inc (WAFIC)
Project start/end date:
28 Feb 2018
-
28 Feb 2020
Contact:
FRDC
The fishing industry ranks amongst the highest risk industries in Australia for safety, yet there are considerable barriers to basic safety training, including:
• Cost – operators cannot afford it
• Time – Courses are infrequent throughout the year. This does not meet the operational needs of the industry, where workers may be required at short notice.
• Location – Courses are usually delivered in major cities. This makes access to the training difficult for many workers, including once they are at sea.
• Context – Courses are usually delivered in a classroom setting with activities related to survival in emergency situations at sea. They do not address general workplace safety such as manual handling, electrical safety, fall protection, noise, fatigue, hazardous substances, personal protective equipment (PPE), etc.
• Access – The internet is rarely available at sea, making access to safety training and information impossible for much of the time workers are fishing.
• Demographic – workers in the fishing industry are largely represented by young, early school leavers with a high sense of adventure and risk appetite. Learning must be structured with this in mind to ensure the learner is engaged and the lessons are delivered effectively.
• Culture - the information both subliminal as well as overt sent out about safety.
The electronic LMS, which is the fundamental base for this project, is to be designed to address all of the above barriers, and provide a structured, cheap, easily accessible and timely safety course, in a manner which is readily absorbed and understood by the crew member undertaking the course. The training modules are to be delivered online and offline, making them accessible anywhere at any time and can also be tailored to specific industry sectors, while retaining the core units, and aim to achieve best practice in all aspects of WHS.
RIRDC initiated a project (attached) due to significant knowledge deficiencies in the area of commercial fishing occupational health and safety data and of the existing circumstances of the industry. The gaps in knowledge have arisen due to previous difficulties in collating and interpreting data, which have resulted from disaggregation of State data, creating difficulties in data analysis at the national level; availability of state data; and the nature of the fishing industry which results in many participants not being included in official statistics or records.
The report found that there was a lack of awareness of occupational health and safety, or safety
culture, and that it still fails to be effectively dealt with across all States of Australia. The OHS data identifies that the claims for fatal injuries in aquaculture and non fatal in marine (or wild capture) fisheries are both increasing. The most ‘at risk’ group in the industry are those between the ages of 20 to 24 years, with those aged 45 – 54 years being the next most at risk group, who will receive injuries from non powered hand tools to their upper bodies.
1. Design and trial the electronic Learning Management System in the Northern Prawn Fishery, and up to three other Australian domestic fisheries. Monitor the uptake, utility, and determine feedback on ease of use and applicability from the trials, to help make necessary modifications before distribution to others.
2. Create linkages and pathways for the LMS to be taken up by industry associations and agencies to be used in championing the improvement in safety culture and training with on-ground fishers.
3. Based on the trials, facilitate further development of 'fishery specific' modules via assistance from the PI and technical input from consultants (365 Solutions) to improve efficiency of the program and direct relevance to specific fisheries/sectors and/or agencies.
4. Utilise information from existing in-progress and under development safety projects funded by FRDC to ensure that the LMS is designed to optimise adoption and uptake by industry.
5. Identify and, where feasible, implement mechanisms to integrate the LMS into the overall marine safety program aimed at changing the culture and behaviour towards safety of the fishing industry.
Final report
ISBN:
978-0-646-85379-6
Author:
Stephen Eayrs
Final Report
•
2.51 MB
2017-194-DLD.pdf
The SeSAFE project represented a unique and successful collaboration between the fishing industry, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to improve safety awareness and performance in the fishing and aquaculture industry. For the first time, vessel crews were provided online access to modularised safety training that could be completed at home, onboard, or any other location. They could also complete the training offline, for example at sea, providing they downloaded modules beforehand. Importantly, SeSAFE training could also be provided to inexperienced crew before they step foot onboard, not afterwards as is tradition practice, thus filling a key safety void and risk.
A total of 48 safety modules (videos) were developed covering a range of generic safety topics such as emergency response, personal safety, and operational safety. A suite of fishery-specific modules was also developed for prawn fisheries around the country and the Western Rock Lobster fishery.
The delivery of modularised safety training proved to overcome many of the historical barriers to safety training, both perceived and otherwise, and over 250 fishers, many on a recurrent basis. It is estimated that over 80% of skippers and crew in the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF) were engaged in SeSAFE training, while significant numbers of skippers and crews in other fisheries have done likewise. Greater project success was anticipated, although it was hampered by COVID 19 and associated impact on the industry, as well as restricting the ability of the SeSAFE Principal Investigator to engage with this industry around the country.
Oil and Gas: National coordination - seismic and other issues
Project number:
2017-186
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure:
$426,973.59
Principal Investigator:
Carli Telfer
Organisation:
Western Australian Fishing Industry Council Inc (WAFIC)
Project start/end date:
30 Apr 2018
-
29 Jun 2021
Contact:
FRDC
The commercial fishing industry is under intense pressure from the O&G sector (exploration, seismic surveys, deployment of gear and now decommissioning of gear), jeopardising commercial fishing access rights, commercial fishing sustainability and potential commercial fishing resource impacts (such as Bass Strait scallop mortality) and overarching impacts on the broader marine environment (such as plankton mortality) for many fisheries.
The O&G industry also seeks relevant science to use within their environment plan submissions to offer the best ALARP practices regarding their interactions with the commercial fishing sector and the commercial fishing resource.
There is an urgent need for a national role coordinating O&G / commercial fishing specific R&D needs, seeking and updating available material and identifying gaps in the science with all materials to be available via a publicly accessible portal. Benefits for commercial fishers, O&G, eNGOs, students and the broader community.
Primary focus seismic activities plus other relevant science.
Current O&G / commercial fishing industry engagement is done in isolation with an inconsistent use of research (relevant or otherwise), inconsistent process, lack of uniformity of overarching messaging, lack of access to current and appropriate research and the duplication of work across all states.
1. Deliver a publicly accessible portal - a "one stop shop" for seismic research bibliographies, case studies and other relevant commercial fishing O&G information etc.
2. Deliver ongoing identification and qualification of relevant research papers and reference cases including annotated summaries to ensure relevance for ready and easy access by the commercial fishing sector, O&G and the broader community.
3. Deliver a set number of supported research applications relevant to the effects of oil and gas activities on commercial fishing / commercial fishing stocks etc, i.e. gap analysis and prioritisation.
4. Deliver a "best practice" document for commercial fishing representative bodies to use as a strong base for environment plan submissions.
5. Deliver a "best practice" document for commercial fishing representative bodies to use as a strong base and consistent process for fee-for-service environment plan consultation.
Final report
ISBN:
978-0-9806948-2-6
Author:
Western Australian Fishing Industry Council
Final Report
•
2022-12-22
•
2.44 MB
2017-186-DLD.pdf
Commercial fishing industry throughout Australia is under continued pressure on its operation due to activities relating to the oil and gas sector such as seismic surveys, drilling, construction of sub-sea infrastructure and commissioning. Generally, the commercial fishing sector throughout Australia is the largest and only group of relevant stakeholders affected. The activities are firmly regulated by National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) in Commonwealth waters. This project examines and develops a national approach for the commercial fishing industry and offshore oil and gas sector to ensure both parties can work together. The principles present in this project will inform governance framework on how to manage consultation and expectations between commercial fishers and the oil and gas sector. It was found that impacts varied according to species and habitat type, key gaps in the results were effects of noise disturbance to aquatic resources, impacts to larval stages of commercially important species, and the difference between lab experiment compared to natural operating environment. Recommendations from this project are to undertake an Ecological Risk Assessment, explore the benefits in developing a National interactive digital platform, regulate sharing of data between titleholders, engagement, compensation and/or financial adjustment practices need to be considered and the concept and outcomes of this project is applied to oil and gas decommissioning and renewable energy activities.
Seafood Directions 2015 - Selling our Story
Project number:
2014-502
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure:
$74,163.00
Principal Investigator:
James Fogarty
Organisation:
Western Australian Fishing Industry Council Inc (WAFIC)
Project start/end date:
8 Apr 2014
-
29 Nov 2015
Contact:
FRDC
The Australian Seafood Industry operates in a diverse and dynamic environment and although the volume produced in Australia is small by world standards, the value and quality of our product and sustainability of our practices are globally recognized. For the Seafood Industry to continue to be a world leader in seafood production and quality there must be an opportunity to learn from each other and plan for the future.
The role of Seafood Directions is to provide a significant opportunity for fisheries researchers, fisheries managers and others who work in support of the industry, to examine key contemporary and strategic issues and develop blueprints that will ensure a sustainable, profitable and socially resilient seafood industry in Australia. As stated previously, this function of Seafood Directions is particularly valuable in the absence of a National Peak Industry body representing the Australian Seafood Industry as a whole.
The need for Seafood Directions is indicated by the ongoing supportof key stakeholders of the seafood industry, as is evident by the level of industry sponsorship and attendance at the conference.
1. Plan and deliver the 9th Seafood Directions Conference in Perth Western Australia
2. Maintain a minimum of 200 registrations of which a minimum of 25% should be Harvesters
3. Further securing access rights through promoting the sustainability of fisheries as a result of certification processes and other initiatives
4. Setting the direction for marketing and promotion activities for the fishing industry for the next decade and beyond
Final report
Author:
James Fogarty
Tactical Research Fund: 2014 independent sampling program for the Australian herring fishery
Project number:
2013-061
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure:
$30,000.00
Principal Investigator:
Jeremy D. Prince
Organisation:
Western Australian Fishing Industry Council Inc (WAFIC)
Project start/end date:
9 Apr 2014
-
29 May 2014
Contact:
FRDC
SPECIES
Extension of MSC Certification for Western Australian Fisheries
Project number:
2013-030
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure:
$686,000.00
Principal Investigator:
Carli Telfer
Organisation:
Western Australian Fishing Industry Council Inc (WAFIC)
Project start/end date:
31 Aug 2013
-
30 Aug 2017
Contact:
FRDC
The FRDC, WAFIC and MSC have undertaken public perception studies on the support of fishing activities that have shown that the industry has a very low level of support. The Australian public simply does not believe the message given to it by industry and Government. Western Australia has recognised that the very survival of wild-harvest fisheries depends on a paradigm shift in this negative perception and only a credible, internationally recognised, third-party certification of the State's fisheries will alter the perception and provide industry with the level of security to invest in its future.
The $14.56 million earmarked for third party certification will be split as following: $6.56 million for MSC pre-assessment, full assessment and initial audit and; $2 million per year over 4 years ($8 million) to support Department of Fisheries research and management inputs to the certification process. If the benefits of this investment are to be fully realised for the State and the industry there must be investment in community and industry engagement, and engagement with the post-harvest sector through to the retail and food service. Without such engagement the benefits of certification will not be fully captured. This will require research and testing of cost effective mechanisms to effectively engage. The project builds on the substantial investment by the FRDC in research for Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management. The project will also link with other FRDC activities nationally like the Key Stock Status Report and the trial of the NSW Responsible Fisheries Management Certification project. The whole program of activities in WA that include: A new fisheries Act; MSC certification; and support for FRDC’s marketing function are singularly the largest changes being implemented by a fisheries jurisdiction to improve the future outlook for both capture fisheries and aquaculture.
1. To develop and assess communication strategies on how best to obtain commercial fishers support for implementation of third party certification in their fisheries, with the focus being on Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification
2. To assess options for promoting MSC to obtain public confidence in the management of WA fisheries
3. To assess different evaluation methodologies for third party certification that are cost effective and improve the delivery of the program for both fishers and the community
4. Develop and trial a practical framework that would deliver a more cost efficient way for a range of smaller, independent, companies in the supply chain to gain MSC Chain of Custody to optimize community recognition and appreciation of Australian MSC certified seafood
5. To work with stakeholders (retail, fisheries management and environmental agencies) to establish where possible equivalence for the third party certification framework that is being developed for WA fisheries
Final report
ISBN:
978-0-9806948-9-5
Author:
WAFIC
Final Report
•
2023-06-01
•
51.43 MB
2013-030-DLD.pdf
This project provides learnings of successes and failures/challenges of MSC certification in WA. At the time
of this report’s publication, 12 WA fisheries representing 90 percent value and approximately 60 percent
of the total commercial catch in the state have been awarded MSC certification. The overall aim of this
project was to ensure the long-term extension of WA’s MSC program, which would be judged on the value
and growth of certified fisheries over time, and how well the MSC model is embraced through the supply
chain.
of this report’s publication, 12 WA fisheries representing 90 percent value and approximately 60 percent
of the total commercial catch in the state have been awarded MSC certification. The overall aim of this
project was to ensure the long-term extension of WA’s MSC program, which would be judged on the value
and growth of certified fisheries over time, and how well the MSC model is embraced through the supply
chain.
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