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PROJECT NUMBER • 2018-173
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Review of FRDC's Industry Partnership Agreements (IPAs), Research Advisory Committees (RACs), Subprograms and Coordination Programs

This report presents the outcomes of a project commissioned by the Fisheries Research & Development Corporation (FRDC) to provide: ‘…a comprehensive and independent review of the current FRDC partnership models with a view to identifying: how the various models are managed by the...
ORGANISATION:
Forest Hill Consulting

Improving and promoting fish-trawl selectivity in the Commonwealth Trawl Sector (CTS) and Great Australian Bight Trawl Sector (GABTS) of the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF)

Project number: 2019-027
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $776,141.00
Principal Investigator: Matt K. Broadhurst
Organisation: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW)
Project start/end date: 29 Jul 2020 - 29 Sep 2024
Contact:
FRDC

Need

It is very clear that fishing-technology research to improve resource harvesting is a priority need for the future sustainability of fish trawling in Australia. The issue is quite poignant, considering that over the past 15 years, there has been a massive reduction in the total number of trawlers in Australia, and lower profits among remaining operators struggling to remain viable. Innovative modifications and refinements to existing systems that improve selectivity and reduce environmental impacts and costs are an urgent priority to ensure economic viability. Such developments are difficult to achieve by individual fishers without quality research, development and extension that is adequately resourced.

More specifically, there is a clear need to maintain progress towards developing innovative, high-priority technological modifications to fish trawls in the CTS and GABTS that mitigate sustainability issues while maintaining target catches at existing levels. Equally important, ratified designs then need to be tested across fleets to encourage adoption and refinement as a precursor to eventual legislation. Ultimately, satisfying these needs will contribute towards improving the social licence and economic return of trawl fisheries in the SESSF, while helping to ensure their ongoing sustainability and address what remains one of the most controversial issues facing bottom trawling.

Objectives

1. Review the available domestic and international literature and data, and consult with a project stakeholder committee (comprising representatives of the CTS, GABTS, NSW PFA and AFMA) to prioritise modifications to be formally assessed for their utility in minimising bycatch, while maintaining target catches among trawls used in the CTS and GABTS.
2. Based on the outcomes of 1 above, assess the utility of existing and new modifications to trawls for minimising bycatch, while maintaining target catches in the CTS and GABTS.
3. By providing strong economic incentives through improved efficiencies, and via applied extension activities, encourage the wide-scale voluntary adoption and ongoing exploration of appropriate best-practice technologies that cumulatively reduce bycatches, while maintaining target catches in the CTS and GABTS.

Final report

ISBN: 978-1-76058-820-5
Author: Matt K Broadhurst
Final Report • 2024-11-18 • 21.33 MB
2019-027-DLD.pdf

Summary

This project sought to produce the first-ever review of technical options for improving fish-trawl selectivity around the planet and then use this information to address a deficit in experimental work quantifying the utility of industry-developed and new selective-gear modifications in the Commonwealth Trawl Sector (CTS) and Great Australian Bight Trawl Sector (GABTS) of the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF). The work was completed during a four-year collaboration (from September 2020) between the New South Wales Department of Primary industries (NSW DPI), Fishwell Consulting, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), Commonwealth Scientific and Industry Research Organisation (CSIRO), South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association (SETFIA) and the Great Australian Bight Industry Association (GABIA). Ultimately, by highlighting regional industry efforts and identifying and validating the benefits of new options to reduce one of the most controversial issues facing bottom trawling, the project contributes towards improving the social licence and economic return of trawl fisheries in the SESSF, and supports ongoing Australian research into technological solutions to ensure fishery sustainability.
Adoption
PROJECT NUMBER • 2018-049
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

A Better Way to Fish: testing the feasibility of tunnel net ‘fish trap’ gear in North Queensland

This study found that tunnel nets are technically feasible in this location. In spite of the weather conditions, the fishing gear remained intact and successfully captured significant numbers of marketable fishes. Importantly, SOCI species were released alive and in excellent condition, as were...
ORGANISATION:
James Cook University (JCU)
Environment
Environment

Catch the Drift - Leadership and development training for the next generation in the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries

Project number: 2016-401
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $113,635.00
Principal Investigator: Jill Briggs
Organisation: Affectus Pty Ltd
Project start/end date: 31 May 2016 - 28 Dec 2017
Contact:
FRDC

Need

There are considerable leadership capacity building opportunities throughout the Australian seafood industry and community however it must be noted that these opportunities are delivered in a manner that may be perceived as difficult to access and focused on national issues. Considering this the VICFRAB has identified a need. The need is that within the Victoria seafood industry research, industry consultation and a the provision of a pilot leadership learning opportunity targeting young people across the state, from those already working in the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries to those who have completed a university degree should be developed and delivered.

This project will address strategic directions outlined in the Seafood Industry Victoria (SIV) Strategic Plan with the focus people and leadership. SIV has 8 objectives, centered on the themes of leadership and innovation, member service, business growth, people, fiscal responsibility and operational issues.

The project will also respond to Fisheries Victoria Victorian Aquaculture Strategy Action Plan that outlines the importance of capacity building and communication opportunities. Also throughout the Victoria Fisheries management plans for the commercial fisheries consultation and representation are mentioned which requires industry people to have the skills to lead the industry during both forms of engagement.

Objectives

1. To establish the leadership skills gap for the commercial and aquaculture sectors of the Victoria seafood industry
2. To develop a leadership program for two regional locations and address the skills gap
3. To deliver the two regional leadership programs
4. To support the program participants in the above programs
5. To create strong network and leadership succession opportunities for the Victoria seafood commercial and aquaculture sectors
6. To develop and deliver a project evaluation process at the conclusion of the project

Final report

ISBN: 978-0-9872781-5-9
Author: Jill Briggs
Final Report • 2018-10-01 • 1.43 MB
2016-401-DLD.pdf

Summary

Catch the Drift (CTD)was successfully completed in October 2018 with the completion of the stakeholder survey. The project delivered three CTD programs within the scheduled timeframe, meeting the expected requested participant numbers.
Additionally, due to the success of the first two regional programs and in response to a request from the Victorian seafood community, a third leadership program was delivered. Forty-five (45) individuals registered for the three programs which met the funders expectations from across a number of sectors. Of the 45 participants, 29 were men and 16 women. There was also diversity in the ages and cultures represented.
The CTD participants are well placed to ensure positive change occurs for industry and are all poised to take on new opportunities. Program evaluation found that the participants and stakeholders consulted identified that the CTD achieved strong outcomes for participants and already there is evidence that the industry is being rewarded with positive outcomes.
CTD has delivered high valued outcomes for Victorian seafood industry and participants and met its objectives.
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