The ASFB Annual Conference is the key opportunity for Fisheries Managers, Researchers, Academics ans Students to come together to discuss issues relating to Fisheries resources and conservation. In particular, the 2010 Conference and Symposium will focus on emerging issues in relation to Climate Change.

While there is a lot of general talk on climate change, this symposium aims to present some credible science and predictions that can be used as a synopsis of the likely impacts on fish and fisheries.

There are likely to be significant climate change impacts on the biological, economic, and social aspects of Australian fisheries and that there is little consolidated knowledge of the potential impacts of climate change. Both positive and negative impacts are expected, and impacts will vary according to changes in the regional environment: south-east fisheries are most likely to be affected by changes in water temperature, northern fisheries by changes in precipitation, and western fisheries by changes in the Leeuwin Current.

There may be new opportunities for some wild fisheries where tropical species shift southward. There will also be many challenges, (such as that faced by the Tasmanian salmon aquaculture industry due to Atlantic salmon being cultivated close to their upper thermal limits of optimal growth). Nevertheless, it is important that there is potential for adaptation measures to be employed by the industry.

There is a need for fisheries and aquaculture management policies to better integrate the effects of climate variability and climate change in establishing harvest levels and developing future strategies. This will enhance the resilience of marine biodiversity and the adaptive capacity of the fisheries and aquaculture industries.

Please refer to the conference sponsorship brochure (attached) to determine if there is an appropriate category for FRDC.

Harlequin fish, O. dentex, are endemic to Australia and occur from Victoria to Western Australia, with South Australia being central to its natural geographic range. This species has a very attractive appearance and appealing fresh texture and taste. According to the preliminary assessment of Prof Gong, who has more than 15 years’ experiences in promoting and marketing unique fish species in China, this product would fetch a market price similar to, if not higher than, the most expensive fish species sold at the top end restaurants in China, such as fresh tuna and sea cucumbers. However, the basic knowledge required for the aquaculture development of this species is lacking. This proposal seeks to commence a systematic approach to address this need. The time period required to grow harlequin fish to market size (0.8 to 1.0 kg in weight is anticipated) is unknown. There is a need to obtain information on this critical factor that will influence the research and investment strategies in the subsequent stages. There is also a need to gather preliminary biological information that is currently not available (e.g. capacity to capture broodstock, potential to hold the species in farm tanks, the species readiness to feed on manufactured diets). Finally, a basic desktop cost – benefit analysis is needed to prepare a business case to evaluate the economic viability of harlequin fish aquaculture in South Australia.

Modern tourism markets are hungry for indigenous content and Cape York Peninsula (CYP) has the
potential to become a leader in catering to these markets. Figures from the Coen Biosecurity vehicle counter reveal a 250% increase in traffic on CYP in the past 5 years, a statistic that indicates the time is right for indigenous communities to become involved. There is an urgent need for enterprise development opportunities to be identified and potential personnel to be supported.
All government and community agencies approached agreed that addressing this need is long overdue and requires immediate action. This has to be achieved within the constraints of seasonal conditions that severely restrict CYP access from December to May each year.
Recreational fishing tourism has already been identified by various surveys as having major economic
importance on CYP, particularly to the Weipa and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) economies. Extending this market based on the capacity to build on the knowledge and experience of local indigenous people has already been suggested by visiting clientele in anticipation of an enriched CYP fishing experience.
Similar enthusiasm has been shown from those involved in ecotourism orientated activities, that, for the purposes of this report, will be included with recreational fishing tourism, given that infrastructure is often shared.
Establishing a comprehensive data base that would provide a platform for government and communities to address the empowerment of CYP indigenous communities via recreational fishing and ecotourism opportunities is obviously a significant step in getting the process underway and should be completed at the earliest opportunity - the 2011 dry season.
This confirms the tactical nature of this project that seeks to investigate, identify and document current and future opportunities leading to the development and coordination of an indigenous recreational fishing tourism market sector for Cape York Peninsula.