330 results

Shark depredation in Australian fisheries: understanding the scope of the issue and identify potential mitigation options

Project number: 2021-038
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $25,510.00
Principal Investigator: Toby P. Piddocke
Organisation: Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC)
Project start/end date: 5 May 2021 - 29 Mar 2023
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Rac Wa
Rac Qld
Rac Nt
Depredation

Need

Shark depredation of catches have been nationally acknowledged as an issue for all stakeholders – however, much of the information is anecdotal and there is a lack of clarity on where efforts need to be prioritised to find possible solutions.
In response, the FRDC will facilitate up to two national workshops to understand the scope of depredation and approaches to mitigate and manage this source of mortality.

Objectives

1. Define key dimensions of the shark depredation issue in Australian fisheries (across all relevant sectors) in terms of (i) relevant characteristics of the shark species and populations involved, (ii) relevant traits of the fisheries involved, (iii) potential impacts of shark depredation, from economic, ecological, stock assessment, and social perspectives
2. Clearly identify and discuss potential mitigation options
3. Facilitate a national approach to collaborate cross-jurisdictional knowledge and efforts to define the scope of shark depredation in Australia and potential next steps

Report

Author: Jonathan D. Mitchell
Report • 2022-08-10 • 806.52 KB
2021-038 Discussion paper for FRDC National Workshop on Shark Depredation.pdf

Summary

To guide the workshops, FRDC commissioned Dr Jonathan Mitchell (Qld DAF) to draft a discussion paper exploring key issues in Australian shark depredation research. Given that at least one substantial global review on shark depredation had been published recently (Mitchell et al. 2018; doi:10.1007/s11160-018-9528-z), an exhaustive survey of the literature was not sought. Rather the discussion paper was intended to situate insights from the global experience of shark depredation in the context of Australian fisheries.
Final Report • 2022-12-25 • 9.91 MB
2021-038-DLD.pdf

Summary

At the request of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum and in response to increasing stakeholder concern, FRDC held a series of workshops to explore the issue of shark depredation in Australian fisheries addressing two areas:

  • Workshop 1: Developing a shared understanding of the nature and dimensions of the shark depredation issue, and

  • Workshop 2: Identification of possible mitigation measures and pathways towards their development or adoption.

This document provides a synopsis of discussions, presentations, and attendee comments collated from the shark depredation workshops facilitated by FRDC through May and June 2022.

Project products

Report • 2022-08-10 • 806.52 KB
2021-038 Discussion paper for FRDC National Workshop on Shark Depredation.pdf

Summary

To guide the workshops, FRDC commissioned Dr Jonathan Mitchell (Qld DAF) to draft a discussion paper exploring key issues in Australian shark depredation research. Given that at least one substantial global review on shark depredation had been published recently (Mitchell et al. 2018; doi:10.1007/s11160-018-9528-z), an exhaustive survey of the literature was not sought. Rather the discussion paper was intended to situate insights from the global experience of shark depredation in the context of Australian fisheries.
Final Report • 2022-12-25 • 9.91 MB
2021-038-DLD.pdf

Summary

At the request of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum and in response to increasing stakeholder concern, FRDC held a series of workshops to explore the issue of shark depredation in Australian fisheries addressing two areas:

  • Workshop 1: Developing a shared understanding of the nature and dimensions of the shark depredation issue, and

  • Workshop 2: Identification of possible mitigation measures and pathways towards their development or adoption.

This document provides a synopsis of discussions, presentations, and attendee comments collated from the shark depredation workshops facilitated by FRDC through May and June 2022.

Report • 2022-08-10 • 806.52 KB
2021-038 Discussion paper for FRDC National Workshop on Shark Depredation.pdf

Summary

To guide the workshops, FRDC commissioned Dr Jonathan Mitchell (Qld DAF) to draft a discussion paper exploring key issues in Australian shark depredation research. Given that at least one substantial global review on shark depredation had been published recently (Mitchell et al. 2018; doi:10.1007/s11160-018-9528-z), an exhaustive survey of the literature was not sought. Rather the discussion paper was intended to situate insights from the global experience of shark depredation in the context of Australian fisheries.
Final Report • 2022-12-25 • 9.91 MB
2021-038-DLD.pdf

Summary

At the request of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum and in response to increasing stakeholder concern, FRDC held a series of workshops to explore the issue of shark depredation in Australian fisheries addressing two areas:

  • Workshop 1: Developing a shared understanding of the nature and dimensions of the shark depredation issue, and

  • Workshop 2: Identification of possible mitigation measures and pathways towards their development or adoption.

This document provides a synopsis of discussions, presentations, and attendee comments collated from the shark depredation workshops facilitated by FRDC through May and June 2022.

Report • 2022-08-10 • 806.52 KB
2021-038 Discussion paper for FRDC National Workshop on Shark Depredation.pdf

Summary

To guide the workshops, FRDC commissioned Dr Jonathan Mitchell (Qld DAF) to draft a discussion paper exploring key issues in Australian shark depredation research. Given that at least one substantial global review on shark depredation had been published recently (Mitchell et al. 2018; doi:10.1007/s11160-018-9528-z), an exhaustive survey of the literature was not sought. Rather the discussion paper was intended to situate insights from the global experience of shark depredation in the context of Australian fisheries.
Final Report • 2022-12-25 • 9.91 MB
2021-038-DLD.pdf

Summary

At the request of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum and in response to increasing stakeholder concern, FRDC held a series of workshops to explore the issue of shark depredation in Australian fisheries addressing two areas:

  • Workshop 1: Developing a shared understanding of the nature and dimensions of the shark depredation issue, and

  • Workshop 2: Identification of possible mitigation measures and pathways towards their development or adoption.

This document provides a synopsis of discussions, presentations, and attendee comments collated from the shark depredation workshops facilitated by FRDC through May and June 2022.

Report • 2022-08-10 • 806.52 KB
2021-038 Discussion paper for FRDC National Workshop on Shark Depredation.pdf

Summary

To guide the workshops, FRDC commissioned Dr Jonathan Mitchell (Qld DAF) to draft a discussion paper exploring key issues in Australian shark depredation research. Given that at least one substantial global review on shark depredation had been published recently (Mitchell et al. 2018; doi:10.1007/s11160-018-9528-z), an exhaustive survey of the literature was not sought. Rather the discussion paper was intended to situate insights from the global experience of shark depredation in the context of Australian fisheries.
Final Report • 2022-12-25 • 9.91 MB
2021-038-DLD.pdf

Summary

At the request of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum and in response to increasing stakeholder concern, FRDC held a series of workshops to explore the issue of shark depredation in Australian fisheries addressing two areas:

  • Workshop 1: Developing a shared understanding of the nature and dimensions of the shark depredation issue, and

  • Workshop 2: Identification of possible mitigation measures and pathways towards their development or adoption.

This document provides a synopsis of discussions, presentations, and attendee comments collated from the shark depredation workshops facilitated by FRDC through May and June 2022.

Report • 2022-08-10 • 806.52 KB
2021-038 Discussion paper for FRDC National Workshop on Shark Depredation.pdf

Summary

To guide the workshops, FRDC commissioned Dr Jonathan Mitchell (Qld DAF) to draft a discussion paper exploring key issues in Australian shark depredation research. Given that at least one substantial global review on shark depredation had been published recently (Mitchell et al. 2018; doi:10.1007/s11160-018-9528-z), an exhaustive survey of the literature was not sought. Rather the discussion paper was intended to situate insights from the global experience of shark depredation in the context of Australian fisheries.
Final Report • 2022-12-25 • 9.91 MB
2021-038-DLD.pdf

Summary

At the request of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum and in response to increasing stakeholder concern, FRDC held a series of workshops to explore the issue of shark depredation in Australian fisheries addressing two areas:

  • Workshop 1: Developing a shared understanding of the nature and dimensions of the shark depredation issue, and

  • Workshop 2: Identification of possible mitigation measures and pathways towards their development or adoption.

This document provides a synopsis of discussions, presentations, and attendee comments collated from the shark depredation workshops facilitated by FRDC through May and June 2022.

Report • 2022-08-10 • 806.52 KB
2021-038 Discussion paper for FRDC National Workshop on Shark Depredation.pdf

Summary

To guide the workshops, FRDC commissioned Dr Jonathan Mitchell (Qld DAF) to draft a discussion paper exploring key issues in Australian shark depredation research. Given that at least one substantial global review on shark depredation had been published recently (Mitchell et al. 2018; doi:10.1007/s11160-018-9528-z), an exhaustive survey of the literature was not sought. Rather the discussion paper was intended to situate insights from the global experience of shark depredation in the context of Australian fisheries.
Final Report • 2022-12-25 • 9.91 MB
2021-038-DLD.pdf

Summary

At the request of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum and in response to increasing stakeholder concern, FRDC held a series of workshops to explore the issue of shark depredation in Australian fisheries addressing two areas:

  • Workshop 1: Developing a shared understanding of the nature and dimensions of the shark depredation issue, and

  • Workshop 2: Identification of possible mitigation measures and pathways towards their development or adoption.

This document provides a synopsis of discussions, presentations, and attendee comments collated from the shark depredation workshops facilitated by FRDC through May and June 2022.

Report • 2022-08-10 • 806.52 KB
2021-038 Discussion paper for FRDC National Workshop on Shark Depredation.pdf

Summary

To guide the workshops, FRDC commissioned Dr Jonathan Mitchell (Qld DAF) to draft a discussion paper exploring key issues in Australian shark depredation research. Given that at least one substantial global review on shark depredation had been published recently (Mitchell et al. 2018; doi:10.1007/s11160-018-9528-z), an exhaustive survey of the literature was not sought. Rather the discussion paper was intended to situate insights from the global experience of shark depredation in the context of Australian fisheries.
Final Report • 2022-12-25 • 9.91 MB
2021-038-DLD.pdf

Summary

At the request of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum and in response to increasing stakeholder concern, FRDC held a series of workshops to explore the issue of shark depredation in Australian fisheries addressing two areas:

  • Workshop 1: Developing a shared understanding of the nature and dimensions of the shark depredation issue, and

  • Workshop 2: Identification of possible mitigation measures and pathways towards their development or adoption.

This document provides a synopsis of discussions, presentations, and attendee comments collated from the shark depredation workshops facilitated by FRDC through May and June 2022.

Report • 2022-08-10 • 806.52 KB
2021-038 Discussion paper for FRDC National Workshop on Shark Depredation.pdf

Summary

To guide the workshops, FRDC commissioned Dr Jonathan Mitchell (Qld DAF) to draft a discussion paper exploring key issues in Australian shark depredation research. Given that at least one substantial global review on shark depredation had been published recently (Mitchell et al. 2018; doi:10.1007/s11160-018-9528-z), an exhaustive survey of the literature was not sought. Rather the discussion paper was intended to situate insights from the global experience of shark depredation in the context of Australian fisheries.
Final Report • 2022-12-25 • 9.91 MB
2021-038-DLD.pdf

Summary

At the request of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum and in response to increasing stakeholder concern, FRDC held a series of workshops to explore the issue of shark depredation in Australian fisheries addressing two areas:

  • Workshop 1: Developing a shared understanding of the nature and dimensions of the shark depredation issue, and

  • Workshop 2: Identification of possible mitigation measures and pathways towards their development or adoption.

This document provides a synopsis of discussions, presentations, and attendee comments collated from the shark depredation workshops facilitated by FRDC through May and June 2022.

Report • 2022-08-10 • 806.52 KB
2021-038 Discussion paper for FRDC National Workshop on Shark Depredation.pdf

Summary

To guide the workshops, FRDC commissioned Dr Jonathan Mitchell (Qld DAF) to draft a discussion paper exploring key issues in Australian shark depredation research. Given that at least one substantial global review on shark depredation had been published recently (Mitchell et al. 2018; doi:10.1007/s11160-018-9528-z), an exhaustive survey of the literature was not sought. Rather the discussion paper was intended to situate insights from the global experience of shark depredation in the context of Australian fisheries.
Final Report • 2022-12-25 • 9.91 MB
2021-038-DLD.pdf

Summary

At the request of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum and in response to increasing stakeholder concern, FRDC held a series of workshops to explore the issue of shark depredation in Australian fisheries addressing two areas:

  • Workshop 1: Developing a shared understanding of the nature and dimensions of the shark depredation issue, and

  • Workshop 2: Identification of possible mitigation measures and pathways towards their development or adoption.

This document provides a synopsis of discussions, presentations, and attendee comments collated from the shark depredation workshops facilitated by FRDC through May and June 2022.

Report • 2022-08-10 • 806.52 KB
2021-038 Discussion paper for FRDC National Workshop on Shark Depredation.pdf

Summary

To guide the workshops, FRDC commissioned Dr Jonathan Mitchell (Qld DAF) to draft a discussion paper exploring key issues in Australian shark depredation research. Given that at least one substantial global review on shark depredation had been published recently (Mitchell et al. 2018; doi:10.1007/s11160-018-9528-z), an exhaustive survey of the literature was not sought. Rather the discussion paper was intended to situate insights from the global experience of shark depredation in the context of Australian fisheries.
Final Report • 2022-12-25 • 9.91 MB
2021-038-DLD.pdf

Summary

At the request of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum and in response to increasing stakeholder concern, FRDC held a series of workshops to explore the issue of shark depredation in Australian fisheries addressing two areas:

  • Workshop 1: Developing a shared understanding of the nature and dimensions of the shark depredation issue, and

  • Workshop 2: Identification of possible mitigation measures and pathways towards their development or adoption.

This document provides a synopsis of discussions, presentations, and attendee comments collated from the shark depredation workshops facilitated by FRDC through May and June 2022.

Report • 2022-08-10 • 806.52 KB
2021-038 Discussion paper for FRDC National Workshop on Shark Depredation.pdf

Summary

To guide the workshops, FRDC commissioned Dr Jonathan Mitchell (Qld DAF) to draft a discussion paper exploring key issues in Australian shark depredation research. Given that at least one substantial global review on shark depredation had been published recently (Mitchell et al. 2018; doi:10.1007/s11160-018-9528-z), an exhaustive survey of the literature was not sought. Rather the discussion paper was intended to situate insights from the global experience of shark depredation in the context of Australian fisheries.
Final Report • 2022-12-25 • 9.91 MB
2021-038-DLD.pdf

Summary

At the request of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum and in response to increasing stakeholder concern, FRDC held a series of workshops to explore the issue of shark depredation in Australian fisheries addressing two areas:

  • Workshop 1: Developing a shared understanding of the nature and dimensions of the shark depredation issue, and

  • Workshop 2: Identification of possible mitigation measures and pathways towards their development or adoption.

This document provides a synopsis of discussions, presentations, and attendee comments collated from the shark depredation workshops facilitated by FRDC through May and June 2022.

Development of an Indigenous Engagement Strategy for fishing interests with a focus on Commonwealth fisheries

Project number: 2021-024
Project Status:
Current
Budget expenditure: $393,707.00
Principal Investigator: Nicholas R. McClean
Organisation: University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Project start/end date: 30 Sep 2021 - 29 Jun 2023
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Rac Cmwth
Indigenous

Need

From call:

To effectively implement the new legislative requirements and Commonwealth fisheries resource sharing framework, the Commonwealth is seeking to develop an appropriate ‘Indigenous engagement strategy’. This engagement strategy will also be relevant for other Australian jurisdictions. The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) are key stakeholders in this work and will have significant input. It is also envisaged that the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF), comprised of the Directors of Fisheries in each jurisdiction and the Commonwealth and its Indigenous subcommittee will be kept abreast and engaged regarding the research outputs.

Objectives

1. To develop a strategy to guide effective engagement between Indigenous fishing interests and management agencies responsible for Commonwealth fisheries, and with applicability to appropriate state and local level processes.

Establishing influence of environmental factors on trace element profiles database and sampling frequency

Project number: 2021-022
Project Status:
Current
Budget expenditure: $670,000.00
Principal Investigator: Janet Howieson
Organisation: Curtin University
Project start/end date: 30 Jun 2021 - 30 Jun 2026
Contact:
FRDC
SPECIES
Royal Red Prawn
Redspot King Prawn
King Prawns
Banana Prawns
Tiger Prawns

Need

Commercial in confidence. To know more about this project please contact FRDC.

Objectives

Commercial in confidence

The ongoing development, implementation, communication and extension of the Australian Fish Names Standard (AS 5300) and the Australian Aquatic Plant Names Standard (AS 5301) for 2021-2025

Project number: 2021-021
Project Status:
Current
Budget expenditure: $722,749.00
Principal Investigator: Gordon Yearsley
Organisation: Ellipsis Editing
Project start/end date: 30 Jun 2021 - 29 Sep 2025
Contact:
FRDC

Need

Australian Standards have status and are recognised as best practice, but are not legal documents. However, a Government can reference a standard in legislation and it becomes mandatory.
AS 5300 is not yet mandated in Australia, but is listed in the FSANZ Standard 2.2.3 - Fish and Fish Products as an advisory note (https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2011C00569 ) and AS 5301, is not reference anywhere.

Both SRB's recognise and industry stakeholder groups, recognise the standards must be mandated within FSANZ or other appropriate legislation. It is key that legislation covers the complete supply chain including food service, for the Standards to become fully effective. Further communication and extension of the required to support better adoption. Through this project, we will continue to articulate the need for the standards to become consumer law, whilst also advocating for further industry adoption of the standards.

The use of standard names achieves outcomes that are consistent with the aims of the seafood industry and Government:
1. Improved monitoring and stock assessment enhances the sustainability of fisheries resources.
2. Increased consistency and efficiency in seafood marketing to improve consumer confidence and industry profitability.
3. Improved accuracy and consistency in trade descriptions enables consumers to make more informed choices when purchasing seafood and reduces the potential for misleading and deceptive conduct.
4. More efficient management of seafood related public health incidents and food safety through improved labelling and species identification.

FNC undertook a stakeholder survey (Attachment1), with the key net benefits considered to be: consistency, integrity, transparency, improved management of food fraud and food safety and strengthening public, consumer and stakeholder confidence of the industry. These net benefits align with the FRDC's Fish forever 2030 vision and R & D Plan 2020-25; with strong relevance to Strategy V: Provide foundational information and support services; and Outcome 5: Community, trust, respect and value.
Attachment 2 & 3: Letters of support and net benefits summary show for further support of the Standards.

Objectives

1. To improve the content and relevance of AS 5300 and AS 5301 including underlying procedures to meet market, regulator and stakeholder needs and expectations.
2. To develop communication and extension plans for enhancing the understanding and use of the Standards for relevant stakeholders.
3. Implement and deliver communication and extension plans in collaboration with FRDC communications team to the key stakeholders, other FRDC services, broader seafood industry, government and other relevant users for increased uptake and use of AS 5300 and AS 5301.
4. To explore and develop opportunities to create efficiencies in administrating the Fish Names and Aquatic Plant Names SRB's.
5. Meet audit requirements for maintaining both AS 5300 and AS 5301 accreditation.

Stable isotopes: a rapid method to determine lobster diet and trace lobster origin?

Project number: 2021-020
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $31,890.00
Principal Investigator: John P. Keane
Organisation: University of Tasmania
Project start/end date: 30 Jun 2021 - 29 Jun 2022
Contact:
FRDC
SPECIES
Southern Rock Lobster

Need

1. Tracing lobster origin
The need for determining whether stable isotopes are a useful tool for diet analysis and identification of catch location is a priority for the SRL fishery. If proved useful, this technology will allow for rapid identification and isolation of stock abnormalities – such as toxic algal blooms, which has potential to save a lot of time and money for fisheries management.

2. Invasive urchin controls
If results show that small lobsters do predate on urchins, this will be important for informing stock rebuilding targets and reference points relative to urchin control. Primarily we could advise on whether urchin control targets and performance indicators should be based on total lobster biomass or only large lobster biomass. For example, if small lobsters (140mm CL) are found to actively predate on small urchins, the pressure to rebuild the large lobster biomass (>140mm CL) may be reduced. This could in turn help to adapt the rebuild strategy, in line with effective urchin control.

Objectives

1. To determine the level of stable isotope variation within individual lobster tissues (e.g. muscle vs shell) and identify a non-lethal and minimally destructive method of sampling for stable isotopes.
2. To describe lobster diet off eastern Tasmania and quantify the role of smaller lobsters (&lt
140mm CL) in the predation and control of Longspined Sea Urchin in Tasmania.
3. To ascertain if stable isotopes can be used to identify catch location of individual lobsters post-harvest across SE Australia

Final report

ISBN: 978-1-922708-49-6
Authors: Jennifer E. Smith John Keane Michael Oellermann Craig Mundy & Caleb Gardner
Final Report • 2023-05-01 • 1.66 MB
2021-020-DLD.pdf

Summary

Scientists at IMAS conducted a stable isotope study on Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) collected from Southern Australian sites to determine whether or not capture site could be determined post-harvest.
Final Report • 2023-05-01 • 1.66 MB
2021-020-DLD.pdf

Summary

Scientists at IMAS conducted a stable isotope study on Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) collected from Southern Australian sites to determine whether or not capture site could be determined post-harvest.
Final Report • 2023-05-01 • 1.66 MB
2021-020-DLD.pdf

Summary

Scientists at IMAS conducted a stable isotope study on Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) collected from Southern Australian sites to determine whether or not capture site could be determined post-harvest.
Final Report • 2023-05-01 • 1.66 MB
2021-020-DLD.pdf

Summary

Scientists at IMAS conducted a stable isotope study on Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) collected from Southern Australian sites to determine whether or not capture site could be determined post-harvest.
Final Report • 2023-05-01 • 1.66 MB
2021-020-DLD.pdf

Summary

Scientists at IMAS conducted a stable isotope study on Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) collected from Southern Australian sites to determine whether or not capture site could be determined post-harvest.
Final Report • 2023-05-01 • 1.66 MB
2021-020-DLD.pdf

Summary

Scientists at IMAS conducted a stable isotope study on Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) collected from Southern Australian sites to determine whether or not capture site could be determined post-harvest.
Final Report • 2023-05-01 • 1.66 MB
2021-020-DLD.pdf

Summary

Scientists at IMAS conducted a stable isotope study on Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) collected from Southern Australian sites to determine whether or not capture site could be determined post-harvest.
Final Report • 2023-05-01 • 1.66 MB
2021-020-DLD.pdf

Summary

Scientists at IMAS conducted a stable isotope study on Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) collected from Southern Australian sites to determine whether or not capture site could be determined post-harvest.
Final Report • 2023-05-01 • 1.66 MB
2021-020-DLD.pdf

Summary

Scientists at IMAS conducted a stable isotope study on Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) collected from Southern Australian sites to determine whether or not capture site could be determined post-harvest.
Final Report • 2023-05-01 • 1.66 MB
2021-020-DLD.pdf

Summary

Scientists at IMAS conducted a stable isotope study on Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) collected from Southern Australian sites to determine whether or not capture site could be determined post-harvest.
Final Report • 2023-05-01 • 1.66 MB
2021-020-DLD.pdf

Summary

Scientists at IMAS conducted a stable isotope study on Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) collected from Southern Australian sites to determine whether or not capture site could be determined post-harvest.
Final Report • 2023-05-01 • 1.66 MB
2021-020-DLD.pdf

Summary

Scientists at IMAS conducted a stable isotope study on Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) collected from Southern Australian sites to determine whether or not capture site could be determined post-harvest.

SafeFish 2021-2025

Project number: 2021-018
Project Status:
Current
Budget expenditure: $1,561,242.00
Principal Investigator: Alison Turnbull
Organisation: Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) Hobart
Project start/end date: 5 Jul 2021 - 29 Jun 2025
Contact:
FRDC

Need

Maintaining and enhancing market access for Australian seafood is critical for future industry survival and growth, particularly during and following the COVID-19 epidemic. SafeFish makes a significant contribution to this by carrying out the following:

1. Food safety incident response. SafeFish provides industry and government with immediate technical information required to respond to incidents relating to food safety and/or market access. Subsequently, technical input is provided to update policies for prevention of similar incidents and respond to them should they recur. Appropriate technical responses reduce the impact of food safety incidents and ensure better outcomes for future management.

2. Technical input to inter-government consultations on food regulations and market access. It is essential for the Australian seafood industry to participate in consultations such as Codex and monitor top export destination regulatory changes through WTO SPS notifications to ensure that proposed new, or modified, regulations are pragmatic and cost-effective for the Australian seafood industry. It is far easier to influence standards under development than after they have been finalised. Similarly, it is essential for the seafood industry to stay in close contact with Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) when domestic food safety regulations are reviewed.

3. Proactive research, risk analyses and training. The safety of Australian seafood is not negotiable in domestic and international markets. Over recent years SafeFish has conducted many activities to assist the industry anticipate and minimize food safety risks. The objective of these activities has always been to identify and mitigate risks before they cause a problem, or to grow knowledge to enable us to improve our risk management in a cost effective manner.

Objectives

1. To deliver robust food safety research and advice to industry and regulators that underpins Australia's reputation as a producer of safe seafood
2. To maintain and enhance the capabilities in Australia to provide that research and advice in a cost effective, efficient and timely manner.

Basement Jacks - Where's your stock at? Understanding stock structure and connectivity of Mangrove Jack in northern Australia

Project number: 2021-017
Project Status:
Current
Budget expenditure: $250,000.00
Principal Investigator: Grant J. Johnson
Organisation: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (NT)
Project start/end date: 15 Jan 2023 - 29 May 2026
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Stock Assessment
Rac Wa
Rac Qld
Rac Nt
Rac Nsw
SPECIES
Mangrove Jack

Need

Mangrove Jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) are a long lived (>50 years), late maturing (~6 to 10 years) species that can grow to a large size (>1 metre). Their typical distribution in Australian waters extends from Perth, around the north of the continent to Sydney. Mangrove Jack spend several years as juveniles in freshwater and estuarine habitats before migrating to deeper, offshore waters as they near sexual maturity.

Mangrove Jack are popular amongst all fishing sectors; their aggressive feeding and tendency to aggregate (as both juveniles and adults) also makes them vulnerable to overfishing. Juvenile Mangrove Jack are primarily (but not exclusively) caught by Indigenous fishers, recreational fishers and charter boat clients around estuaries and inshore reefs, whereas adults are caught (occasionally in significant quantities) by offshore trawl operations to the west of Cape York.

The sustainability of Mangrove Jack is assessed under the national Status of Australian Fish Stocks (SAFS) reporting framework, which relies on an understanding of the stock structure of each focal species. Previous genetic analyses using mitochondrial and microsatellite markers suggest that Mangrove Jack form a single homogeneous stock in Australian waters. However, these analytical tools often lack the resolution necessary to detect fine-scale stock structure in larval dispersing fishes. This in turn compromises current stock assessment approaches for Mangrove Jack (undertaken at the jurisdictional or management unit level) as there may be a spatial mismatch between the area of the assessment unit/s and the true stock structure of this species; a situation confounded by a limited understanding of the dynamics of ontogenetic migration/connectivity in Mangrove Jack.

This being the case, there is a pressing need to examine the population structure and connectivity of Mangrove Jack across its Australian range. This will be achieved through a combination of cutting-edge genetic methods (i.e. single nucleotide polymorphisms), otolith micro-chemistry and parasite analyses, in order to address the national FRDC priority “Resolving stock uncertainty for priority species (including Mangrove Jack)”.

Objectives

1. Determine the stock structure of Mangrove Jack across northern Australia
2. Describe the level of inshore/offshore connectivity of Mangrove Jack between Carnarvon and Cape York (encompassing areas prospected by demersal trawl fisheries)
3. Increase stakeholder participation in fisheries research
4. Improve community awareness of fishery management practices

Toolbox for the estimation of fish population abundance

Project number: 2021-007
Project Status:
Current
Budget expenditure: $175,000.00
Principal Investigator: Alistair Hobday
Organisation: CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Hobart
Project start/end date: 31 Jul 2023 - 29 Aug 2024
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Rac Wa
Rac Vic
Rac Tas
Rac Sa
Rac Qld

Need

Abundance estimates are used both directly and indirectly in stock assessment processes to support fishery management. Australia’s fisheries research agencies all estimate fish population abundance in some way. These include genetic and conventional tagging, acoustics (active and passive), trawl and egg surveys, as well as using proxies of abundance such as catch. Each of these methods have benefits, biases and caveats linked to the method and to the fish species being assessed. For example, differences between life history and habitat can make an abundance estimation method that has worked for one species unsuitable for another. As the application of each method of estimating abundance is potentially species/scenario specific, potential use by researchers and managers can be fraught.

In developing or proposing an abundance estimate for use in fisheries assessment, researchers must have a clear understanding of the assessment framework in order to make sure that an abundance estimate can be used. Claims such as “this time series can then be used in stock assessment” must be verified by funding agencies (particularly beyond FRDC) and defensible. Proliferation of abundance estimation methods without links to the assessment process will not yield an expected benefit beyond knowledge accumulation.

A project is needed to capture the range of methods of estimating abundance for management purposes, and specify the conditions of use, limitations and readiness level for operational use. A decision tree and methods ‘toolbox’ that describes the techniques, their relative strengths and weaknesses will help researchers and managers identify the best suited abundance estimate approach, and guide research effort to overcome known weaknesses.

The development of a ‘toolbox’ of techniques would be used to inform:
1. techniques available to estimate abundance
2. suitability of them to different conditions such as life history, and data availability
3. requirements of the technique such as methods used, prerequisite expertise, data and cost; and
4. circumstances under which the technique can be used.
This project would also identify potential new approaches and technologies that might complement or replace current ones.

Objectives

1. To document the various methods available to fisheries managers for estimating abundance.
2. To document a cost / benefit / needs and requirements basis for the various methods available to fisheries managers for estimating abundance.
3. Develop a ‘toolbox’ to disseminate details of fit-for-purpose methods of estimating abundance to fisheries managers and management agencies, that will informi. the techniques that are available to estimate abundanceii.the suitability of the technique to different scenarios such as life history parameters of species, data availability (or absence), assumed low population sizeiii.the requirements of the technique such as methods used, pre-requisite expertise, data and costiv.under what circumstances can the technique be used and the underlying assumptions.
4. To identify potential new (and non-lethal) approaches and emerging technologies that may offer an opportunity for capturing fishery dependent data that can be used to estimate abundance

Workshop to examine the viability of establishing a peak seafood industry body for South Australia

Project number: 2020-130
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $30,000.00
Principal Investigator: Ian Knuckey
Organisation: Wildcatch Fisheries SA (WFSA)
Project start/end date: 13 Jun 2021 - 30 Jul 2021
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Rac Sa

Need

With the impending wind up of Wildcatch Fisheries SA, it is timely to firstly, assess the need for a new peak industry body, and secondly, as part of that assessment, acknowledge the role of existing structures for consultation and representation at the individual fishery sector. For example, there are management advisory committees for a number of fishery sectors, along with tasked working groups to deal with specific fishery management issues, such as the development and implementation of harvest strategies and reform of the Marine Scalefish Fishery.

It is important to recognise that South Australia already has sound legislation in place (Fisheries Management Act 2007 – although it may need review and updating); it also has considerable regulation in support of the Act, along with management plans for individual fisheries – most of which have recently been reviewed and updated, including the incorporation of updated harvest strategies. Finally, SA has key policies in place covering:

 Co-management
 Allocation
 Harvest Strategy Development

Objectives

1. To host a workshop to determine the support, options and viability of a seafood peak industry body in South Australia

Workshop

Author: Ian Knuckey
Workshop • 2022-07-27 • 8.27 MB
2020-130-DLD.pdf

Summary

Following the wind-up of Wildcatch Fisheries SA, a seafood industry forum was held in mid-2021 to gauge support for a new peak industry body to represent the interests of the SA Seafood Industry to Government, its agencies, other stakeholders and the community. At this forum, key fishing and seafood stakeholders gave in-principle support for the idea, but recognised there was a range of views about the need for such a body, what it would do, what membership it might comprise, how it might be structured, and what links it might have with other established industry organisations. Assisted by funding from FRDC, a Steering Committee was formed to help resolve issues and explore potential options for a new organisation (termed in this report as “Seafood SA”) to unify and support the industry into the future. 

Project products

Workshop • 2022-07-27 • 8.27 MB
2020-130-DLD.pdf

Summary

Following the wind-up of Wildcatch Fisheries SA, a seafood industry forum was held in mid-2021 to gauge support for a new peak industry body to represent the interests of the SA Seafood Industry to Government, its agencies, other stakeholders and the community. At this forum, key fishing and seafood stakeholders gave in-principle support for the idea, but recognised there was a range of views about the need for such a body, what it would do, what membership it might comprise, how it might be structured, and what links it might have with other established industry organisations. Assisted by funding from FRDC, a Steering Committee was formed to help resolve issues and explore potential options for a new organisation (termed in this report as “Seafood SA”) to unify and support the industry into the future. 
Workshop • 2022-07-27 • 8.27 MB
2020-130-DLD.pdf

Summary

Following the wind-up of Wildcatch Fisheries SA, a seafood industry forum was held in mid-2021 to gauge support for a new peak industry body to represent the interests of the SA Seafood Industry to Government, its agencies, other stakeholders and the community. At this forum, key fishing and seafood stakeholders gave in-principle support for the idea, but recognised there was a range of views about the need for such a body, what it would do, what membership it might comprise, how it might be structured, and what links it might have with other established industry organisations. Assisted by funding from FRDC, a Steering Committee was formed to help resolve issues and explore potential options for a new organisation (termed in this report as “Seafood SA”) to unify and support the industry into the future. 
Workshop • 2022-07-27 • 8.27 MB
2020-130-DLD.pdf

Summary

Following the wind-up of Wildcatch Fisheries SA, a seafood industry forum was held in mid-2021 to gauge support for a new peak industry body to represent the interests of the SA Seafood Industry to Government, its agencies, other stakeholders and the community. At this forum, key fishing and seafood stakeholders gave in-principle support for the idea, but recognised there was a range of views about the need for such a body, what it would do, what membership it might comprise, how it might be structured, and what links it might have with other established industry organisations. Assisted by funding from FRDC, a Steering Committee was formed to help resolve issues and explore potential options for a new organisation (termed in this report as “Seafood SA”) to unify and support the industry into the future. 
Workshop • 2022-07-27 • 8.27 MB
2020-130-DLD.pdf

Summary

Following the wind-up of Wildcatch Fisheries SA, a seafood industry forum was held in mid-2021 to gauge support for a new peak industry body to represent the interests of the SA Seafood Industry to Government, its agencies, other stakeholders and the community. At this forum, key fishing and seafood stakeholders gave in-principle support for the idea, but recognised there was a range of views about the need for such a body, what it would do, what membership it might comprise, how it might be structured, and what links it might have with other established industry organisations. Assisted by funding from FRDC, a Steering Committee was formed to help resolve issues and explore potential options for a new organisation (termed in this report as “Seafood SA”) to unify and support the industry into the future. 
Workshop • 2022-07-27 • 8.27 MB
2020-130-DLD.pdf

Summary

Following the wind-up of Wildcatch Fisheries SA, a seafood industry forum was held in mid-2021 to gauge support for a new peak industry body to represent the interests of the SA Seafood Industry to Government, its agencies, other stakeholders and the community. At this forum, key fishing and seafood stakeholders gave in-principle support for the idea, but recognised there was a range of views about the need for such a body, what it would do, what membership it might comprise, how it might be structured, and what links it might have with other established industry organisations. Assisted by funding from FRDC, a Steering Committee was formed to help resolve issues and explore potential options for a new organisation (termed in this report as “Seafood SA”) to unify and support the industry into the future. 
Workshop • 2022-07-27 • 8.27 MB
2020-130-DLD.pdf

Summary

Following the wind-up of Wildcatch Fisheries SA, a seafood industry forum was held in mid-2021 to gauge support for a new peak industry body to represent the interests of the SA Seafood Industry to Government, its agencies, other stakeholders and the community. At this forum, key fishing and seafood stakeholders gave in-principle support for the idea, but recognised there was a range of views about the need for such a body, what it would do, what membership it might comprise, how it might be structured, and what links it might have with other established industry organisations. Assisted by funding from FRDC, a Steering Committee was formed to help resolve issues and explore potential options for a new organisation (termed in this report as “Seafood SA”) to unify and support the industry into the future. 
Workshop • 2022-07-27 • 8.27 MB
2020-130-DLD.pdf

Summary

Following the wind-up of Wildcatch Fisheries SA, a seafood industry forum was held in mid-2021 to gauge support for a new peak industry body to represent the interests of the SA Seafood Industry to Government, its agencies, other stakeholders and the community. At this forum, key fishing and seafood stakeholders gave in-principle support for the idea, but recognised there was a range of views about the need for such a body, what it would do, what membership it might comprise, how it might be structured, and what links it might have with other established industry organisations. Assisted by funding from FRDC, a Steering Committee was formed to help resolve issues and explore potential options for a new organisation (termed in this report as “Seafood SA”) to unify and support the industry into the future. 
Workshop • 2022-07-27 • 8.27 MB
2020-130-DLD.pdf

Summary

Following the wind-up of Wildcatch Fisheries SA, a seafood industry forum was held in mid-2021 to gauge support for a new peak industry body to represent the interests of the SA Seafood Industry to Government, its agencies, other stakeholders and the community. At this forum, key fishing and seafood stakeholders gave in-principle support for the idea, but recognised there was a range of views about the need for such a body, what it would do, what membership it might comprise, how it might be structured, and what links it might have with other established industry organisations. Assisted by funding from FRDC, a Steering Committee was formed to help resolve issues and explore potential options for a new organisation (termed in this report as “Seafood SA”) to unify and support the industry into the future. 
Workshop • 2022-07-27 • 8.27 MB
2020-130-DLD.pdf

Summary

Following the wind-up of Wildcatch Fisheries SA, a seafood industry forum was held in mid-2021 to gauge support for a new peak industry body to represent the interests of the SA Seafood Industry to Government, its agencies, other stakeholders and the community. At this forum, key fishing and seafood stakeholders gave in-principle support for the idea, but recognised there was a range of views about the need for such a body, what it would do, what membership it might comprise, how it might be structured, and what links it might have with other established industry organisations. Assisted by funding from FRDC, a Steering Committee was formed to help resolve issues and explore potential options for a new organisation (termed in this report as “Seafood SA”) to unify and support the industry into the future. 
Workshop • 2022-07-27 • 8.27 MB
2020-130-DLD.pdf

Summary

Following the wind-up of Wildcatch Fisheries SA, a seafood industry forum was held in mid-2021 to gauge support for a new peak industry body to represent the interests of the SA Seafood Industry to Government, its agencies, other stakeholders and the community. At this forum, key fishing and seafood stakeholders gave in-principle support for the idea, but recognised there was a range of views about the need for such a body, what it would do, what membership it might comprise, how it might be structured, and what links it might have with other established industry organisations. Assisted by funding from FRDC, a Steering Committee was formed to help resolve issues and explore potential options for a new organisation (termed in this report as “Seafood SA”) to unify and support the industry into the future. 
Workshop • 2022-07-27 • 8.27 MB
2020-130-DLD.pdf

Summary

Following the wind-up of Wildcatch Fisheries SA, a seafood industry forum was held in mid-2021 to gauge support for a new peak industry body to represent the interests of the SA Seafood Industry to Government, its agencies, other stakeholders and the community. At this forum, key fishing and seafood stakeholders gave in-principle support for the idea, but recognised there was a range of views about the need for such a body, what it would do, what membership it might comprise, how it might be structured, and what links it might have with other established industry organisations. Assisted by funding from FRDC, a Steering Committee was formed to help resolve issues and explore potential options for a new organisation (termed in this report as “Seafood SA”) to unify and support the industry into the future. 
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