Tactical Research Fund: Rapid response to abalone virus depletion in western Victoria: information acquisition and reefcode assessment models
The workshop review concluded that (1) there are significant gaps and limitations in the existing information on the status of the abalone populations across reefs in western Victoria (West and Central zones) and exposure of these populations to the virus and (2) that the current regional model was inadequate to represent the current situation in the western zone or to evaluate management options.
In relation to the information needs, it was concluded that there was an urgent need for a repeat of the scientific surveys at all the standard monitoring sites in the western zone, and far enough into the central zone to be ahead of the virus outbreaks, during July-August 2007. The standard sampling should be augmented by genetic sampling and broad survey of aggregations on the reefs.
The current quantitative regional model is not adequate to represent the current situation in the western zone or to evaluate management options. This is because the current situation in the western zone provides both a form of depletion that is very different from fishing, in terms of the size classes affected and extent of depletion. Reefs are affected differently and the management options are also likely to vary by reef, but the existing regional model does not represent reefs. Because the current situation is unique, there is no longer a basis for assuming that the previously-used industry-based semi-quantitative assessment of reef codes will continue to be reliable.
Thus there is a need to develop and apply a quantitative model that is spatially resolved to at least the reef-code level, and to use this for assessment of population status and examination of management options at the reef-code level.
Final report
Tactical Research Fund: Developing an analytical module for large-scale recreational fishery data based on phone/diary survey methodology
The 2000/01 National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey (NRIFS) yielded the first comprehensive assessment of recreational fishing in Australia. Core components were a telephone-based screening survey of households followed by a phone/diary survey in which fishing and expenditure was monitored.
From a methodological perspective, exceptionally high survey response rates, a comprehensive approach to non-response calibration and representation are features that have been recognised internationally as benchmarks for such surveys. However, the complexity of the NRIFS and sheer quantity of data collected meant that analysis was not straightforward and simple statistical approaches were not available.
Since the NRIFS, several jurisdictions have identified the need to provide on-going state-wide and regional information about their recreational fisheries, with the NRIFS methodology seen as cost effective in providing such information. For instance, Tasmania and SA will be conducting state-wide surveys in 2007/08 and Victoria and WA are undertaking regional surveys using the methodology.
While the efficacy of the phone/diary methodology in collecting detailed and robust data has been established, options for data analysis need to be developed and more fully integrated. Specifically, analytical routines need to interface directly with the databases and be flexible enough to enable a range of queries to be run efficiently and be repeatable. The development of an analytical module would represent a significant advancement in the provision of recreational data and will have immediate and on-going application in a number of jurisdictions. This project directly addresses AFMF and national recreational R&D priorities relating to assessment of non-commercial fishery impacts.
Final report
Educating though Escape with ET
Assessing and managing interactions of protected and listed marine species with commercial fisheries in Western Australia
Incidental mortality in commercial fishing activities is acknowledged as an issue for many protected and endangered species throughout the world. Whilst Australia is considered a world leader in managing
these interactions, further improvements and development of additional knowledge is still required to
meet the expectations of the community. Within WA, to address the variety of interactions with protected
and listed marine species across all our commercial fisheries in a cost effective manner, an holistic and
integrated approach needs to be taken. Several protected species issues have already been identified through existing management processes, including entanglement of whales in fishing ropes and interactions between seals and demersal gillnets. These two issues involve protected species on the Commonwealth threatened list (i.e the Australian sea lion, Humpback and Southern Right Whale) which generates attention from both an ecological and political respect. A greater understanding of the factors involved in these interactions will be needed to design mitigation programs. Assessments at both the individual fishery and bioregional level will be required to input into the ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) frameworks that are being developed for each WA bioregion. There is also the ongoing requirement for all fisheries to satisfy the protected species criteria under the EPBC Act which for some is vital to maintain their export certification. Moreover, there is the potential for significant pressure from advocacy groups to press for regulation of fishing effort or methods unless well-formulated management systems to address these pressing issues are developed.
Final report
Strategic revenue options for the recreational fishing sector
For many years it has been difficult to find a means whereby the recreational and sport fishing sector of the fishing industry can secure a reliable and equitable source of revenue to provide the capability for the sector to develop and grow.
Equity issues are always difficult to overcome when it comes to financing a proposal e.g. under the current state arrangements if we were to ask for a contribution (from licence funds) from the states with fishing licences then not all states would contribute equitably as some have no or limited licence arrangements. However if a levy was imposed, for example, at the wholesale point of sale for fishing tackle or boat sales and this passed on to the end user then the end user will be contributing on a user pays basis i.e. the more you buy the more you pay. And this would be equitable across the country with no exceptions. The alternative funding options identified in the paper will be assessed for equity, effectiveness and ease of implementation.
Programs such as the Recreational Fishing Community Grant Program are not long term (20 yrs) and it is increasingly evident that the recreational sector must be able to support its direction and to take responsibility for the future. A reliable and secure funding source is essential for this.
Final report
Historically, the recreational fishing sector in Australia has always relied on governments to provide resources to develop and promote the sector. The idea of a long term, strategic revenue stream independent of government formed the basis of this scoping study.
An independent revenue stream would allow the sector’s representative groups to develop long term plans for capacity building, succession planning, promotion and marketing of recreational fishing, Research, Development & Extension, restoration projects, etc which in turn will deliver direct benefits to the fishing public.
Several options for strategic funding mechanisms were considered including hypothecation of existing taxes and the raising of new levies on fishing related purchases. Most of these were rejected based on government policy or difficulties with implementing new “taxes”. A broader roll out of general fishing licences or boating levies was considered as one possible source of funding at state/territory level while the establishment of a permanent recreational fishing trust was considered as an option at a national level to fund activities of national importance. Both of these streams, however, rely on some form of government involvement.
The only options for a truly independent stream for the recreational fishing sector involves the development of partnerships with corporate sponsors and reliance on money collected directly from recreational fishers through donations or membership. Provision of professional services may establish a revenue stream for peak representative organisations.
Keywords: Recreational fishing, funding, revenue, grants, strategic.