138 results

Informing the structural reform of South Australia's Marine Scalefish Fishery

Project number: 2017-014
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $496,836.00
Principal Investigator: Jonathan Smart
Organisation: SARDI Food Safety and Innovation
Project start/end date: 30 Jun 2017 - 29 Jun 2020
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Wild Catch
Sustainability
Resource Access And Allocation
Recreational Fishing
Rac Sa

Need

South Australia’s Marine Scalefish Fishery (MSF) is currently undergoing a strategic review with the principal aim of restructuring the fishery in order to ensure its long-term sustainability and economic viability. The heterogeneous mixture of participants, fishing devices, licence conditions and regulations associated with this fishery makes the tasks of administering and managing it extremely challenging. These complexities intertwined within a highly dynamic fleet that is capable of shifting fishing effort amongst species and regions often alters the emphasis of its overarching management. Industry and Government are working collaboratively to address the inherent complexities of the fishery through firstly developing a mechanism to rationalise the fleet, then reforming its overall structure, and ultimately refining its future management. In order to optimise this structural reform, it is necessary to disentangle and understand the fleet dynamics of this extremely complex fishery. This project aims to explore the implications of strategic management options (e.g. regionalisation, licensing, ITQ’s and ITE’s) on the future structure and viability of the MSF, from resource sustainability, economic and social perspectives.

Objectives

1. To review the structure and function of multi-species, multi-gear fisheries around the world.
2. To disentangle the complexities of the South Australian commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery to describe long-term spatio-temporal trends in the composition, dynamics and socio-economic performance of the fishing fleet
3. To evaluate the possible strategic management options such as regionalisation, licensing, ITQs and ITEs on the future structure and viability of South Australia’s MSF
4. To determine the biological, economic and social 'carrying capacity' of the MSF across key regions of the fishery.

Final report

ISBN: 978-1-876007-43-0
Authors: Jonathan Smart Mike Steer Fred Bailleul David Hall Ian Knuckey Anders Magnusson Julian Morison Jon Presser and Jacki Schirmer
Final Report • 2022-09-27 • 29.96 MB
2017-014-DLD.pdf

Summary

This study was undertaken by the South Australia Research and Development Institute (SARDI) in collaboration with PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture, BDO EconSearch, the Marine Fishers Association (MFA), Fishwell Consulting and University of Canberra. This project guided the reform of South Australia’s commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery (MSF) by providing scientific advice and analyses to underpin its implementation. The MSF is a multi-sector, multi-gear and multi-species fishery, making any management reform a complex and difficult process. Both the sustainability of key stocks and commercial fishery’s economic performance have been deteriorating over a 20-year period; significantly influenced by fishery overcapitalisation. Simply put, there were too many fishers and not enough fish to support a vibrant and sustainable commercial fishery. This was addressed through the three ‘pillars’ of the reform: regionalisation, unitisation and rationalisation. These pillars were reflected in the reform with: 1) the creation of four new zones of management; 2) implementation of individual transferable quotas (ITQs) for appropriate ‘Tier 1’ stocks; and 3) rationalisation of the commercial MSF fleet by removing one third of licences through a voluntary licence surrender program (VLSP). These pillars were supported by research on the biological, economic and social carrying capacity of the fishery. The reform was implemented on 1 July 2021 resulting in a fishery that has regional management with appropriate output controls and a reduced fleet size.

Australian Society for Fish Biology: Scientific networking, early career development and international engagement

Project number: 2016-406
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $96,000.00
Principal Investigator: Chris Fulton
Organisation: Australian Society For Fish Biology Inc
Project start/end date: 31 Dec 2015 - 30 Dec 2018
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Stakeholder
Conference
Community
Communications
Ageing

Need

In the face of mounting pressure on Australia’s marine and freshwater ecosystems, there is a need for robust scientific information to support the sustainable development and management of our aquatic resources. The ASFB is Australasia’s premier professional association for fish and fisheries researchers. The annual science conference and associated workshop/s makes an important and tangible contribution to skill development of people involved in fish and fisheries research and management, particularly offering students and early career researchers opportunities to present their work, interact with peers and develop collaborative links. The ASFB has a strong commitment to promoting and communicating science, encouraging sustainable management practices, encouraging excellence in fisheries research, and recognizing outstanding contributions of scientists and professionals through various awards and scholarships. In addition the ASFB has recognised the need for increased international engagement in particular via increased active involvement with World Council of Fisheries Societies.
This proposal is seeking sponsorship support for the annual science conference in 2016 (Hobart), 2017 (Western Australia) and 2018 (location to be decided but possibly Victoria) and a series of conference associated awards that support student travel and recognise research excellence. The proposal addresses three people development program goals, namely (i) to encourage knowledge transfer and R&D adoption (ASFB annual science conference) and (ii) to recognise and promote achievements (ASFB student research awards) and (iii) to enhance industry leadership (bringing together a range of people for the annual conference). These activities will encourage participation and exchange of information and provide an opportunity to develop networks and collaborations with outside organisations. In addition this proposal seeks support for one senior ASFB office bearer to attend the 7th World Fisheries Congress (WFC) in Busan as part of an Australia-New Zealand team bidding to host 8th WFC in 2020.

Objectives

1. Provide a forum for researchers, managers and stakeholders to meet to discuss issues relevant to fish and fisheries science and management
2. Support, encourage and recognise achievements of early career researchers
3. Support and encourage student participation at ASFB's annual science conference and key international conferences
4. Increased international profile of ASFB via greater participation in activities of World Fisheries Council and planning for World Fisheries Congress

Handbook

Author: Australian Society for Fish Biology
Handbook • 2020-09-22 • 1.18 MB
2016-406-DLD-Appendix 5 ASFB 2019 Program.pdf

Summary

The 2019 ASFB conference was held in Canberra from 14 to 17 October, 2019 at the National Library of Australia, ACT. The conference theme of “Communicate to illuminate & inspire" encouraged the 251 delegates (including 62 students) from across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South Africa, the USA and Fiji to find new ways to share our passion for fishes, and raise their profile among the many people who depend on them for their everyday health and wellbeing.

Project products

Handbook • 2020-09-22 • 176.29 KB
2016-406-DLD-Appendix 4 ASFB 2018 Program.pdf

Summary

The 2018 ASFB conference was held in Melbourne from 11 to 14 October, 2018 at the Rydges on Swanston, Melbourne, Victoria. The conference theme of “Science into Practice, Practice into Science” challenged and engaged delegates to explore the relationships between scientific research, natural resource management and policy formulation. In so doing, the conference celebrated our successes at the science-practice nexus. 

Handbook • 2020-09-22 • 3.05 MB
2016-406-DLD-Appendix 3 ASFB 2017 Program.pdf

Summary

The 2017 ASFB conference was held at the Albany Convention Centre from 30 June to 3 July in Albany, Western Australia. The conference program was a 4-day event, with the theme of ‘Turning points in fish and fisheries’ asking delegates to share all those influential moments or developments, small or large, that changed the way they go about their fisheries research and management. The event also actively engaged the local Albany community via a free public forum and a special session partnership with the local high school students. Another key aspect of the event was the “Nurturing fish scientists” session that brought together key speakers into a discussion forum to share experiences and tips for making the most of the formative years of becoming a professional scientist or manager in our field. 
Handbook • 2020-09-22 • 1.52 MB
2016-406-DLD-Appendix 2 ASFB OCS 2016 Program.pdf

Summary

The 2016 ASFB conference was held as a joint event with the OCS between 4 and 7 September at Wrest Point, Hobart, Tasmania. This was the second time that the ASFB had held its annual conference in conjunction with the OCS. The conference explored the theme of “Intersections in fish and fisheries” as well as exploring issues in gender equity and diversity through special events that highlighted the achievements of women in fish and fisheries via an opening night poster exhibition and full conference forum on gender equity in fish and fisheries on the first full conference day. A broad and comprehensive program of scientific presentations met the diverse range of interests of members of the two science societies, as did a variety of social events. 
Final Report • 2020-09-23 • 866.21 KB
2016-406-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Australian Society for Fish Biology (ASFB) was founded in 1971 and is a professional, independent, non-profit, and non-aligned organisation. The Society’s objectives are to promote research, education and management of fish and fisheries and to provide a forum for the exchange of information. Annual conferences/workshops have been held each year since the Society's inception and provide a forum for scientists, managers, and industry from around Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere to meet and discuss the most recent developments in fish and fisheries science and management.

The annual science conference makes an important and tangible contribution to skill development of people involved in fish and fisheries research and management, particularly offering students and early career researchers opportunities to present their work, interact with peers, develop collaborative links and obtain new ideas. The ASFB has a strong commitment to promoting and communicating science, encouraging sustainable management practices, encouraging excellence in fisheries research, and recognising outstanding contributions of scientists and professionals through various awards and scholarships. 

Industry
PROJECT NUMBER • 2020-055
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Australian Society for Fish Biology: Scientific networking, early career development, international engagement and 50th celebrations

The Australian Society for Fish Biology (ASFB) was founded in 1971 and is a professional, independent, non-profit, non-commercial and non-aligned organisation. The Society’s objectives are to promote research, education and management of fish and fisheries and to provide a forum for the...
ORGANISATION:
Australian Society For Fish Biology Inc
TAGS
Stakeholder
Education
Ecosystem
Disease
Conference
Blank
PROJECT NUMBER • 2019-011
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Optimising Compliance Outcomes in Recreational Fisheries

This study investigated strategies to enhance compliant participation among recreational fishers, using the Peel-Harvey Blue Swimmer Crab fishery in Western Australia (WA) and the Blue Swimmer Crab fishery in South Australia (SA) as case studies. 
ORGANISATION:
University of Western Australia (UWA)
TAGS
Sustainability
Recreational Fishing
Rac Wa
Rac Sa
Human Dimensions Research
SPECIES
Blue Swimmer Crab
Environment
Environment

Trans Tasman Rock Lobster Industry Congress - Locking in the Future: 2023-2031

Project number: 2022-109
Project Status:
Current
Budget expenditure: $150,000.00
Principal Investigator: Tom T. Cosentino
Organisation: Southern Rocklobster Ltd (SRL)
Project start/end date: 7 Feb 2023 - 30 Dec 2033
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Rac Wa
Rac Tas
Rac Sa
Rac Qld
Rac Nsw

Need

Australian and New Zealand Rock Lobster is a high value product that has strong recognition in their local and export markets. There is significant capital investment across the combined jurisdictions of the Trans-Tasman lobster fisheries. As with most other wild caught fisheries and seafood sectors Trans-Tasman lobster fisheries face similar challenges in regards to, sustainability, threats to / competition for the resource and resource access, product quality and food safety, implications from aquaculture production and applying and taking advantage of new and emerging technologies. In addition to these common industry issues, lobster fisheries produce a product that is predominantly for live export which adds further challenges such as barriers to trade and trade agreements, complex supply chains and understanding the ‘what and where’ of new market opportunities.

Well organised and educational forums such as Trans-Tasman Rock Lobster Congresses enable a sharing of information and a collaborative approach to addressing challenges and sharing successes. Since first being held in 1999 the biennial Rock Lobster conferences have become the pre-eminent forum for the respective Trans-Tasman lobster industries to consider and address the many challenges across the supply chain. There is never a shortage of key issues and topics to address and bring together in a common theme to deliver a successful Trans-Tasman Industry Congress that has the support of all the key industry bodies and wider stakeholders.

The history of successful Trans-Tasman Industry Congresses, speaks for itself.
Trans-Tasman Congresses have well established support of all the key industry bodies and wider stakeholder interests with all lobster producing jurisdictions having now hosted an event. This history combined with the experience, existing contacts, establishing themes, producing engaging programmes, having informative exhibitions, attracting quality keynote speakers - both local and international, continuing sponsorship from service providers and the ability to attract the general support of industry ensure there is a pool of support and knowledge to deliver successful congresses

Initial Contributions (2023):
• Total combined initial contributions will be to a maximum of $30,000.00.
• Request a cash contribution from the NZRLIC.
• Request a contribution from the Eastern Rock Lobster Industry.
• Contribution from the SRL IPA.
• Contribution from the WRL IPA.

Proposed Governance Arrangements:
• The Managing Entity (ME) i.e. the industry body responsible for administering the congress in a particular year, will be responsible for holding and managing the ‘kitty’ of funds.
• ‘Surplus’ funds will be used to fund the administration, hosting and attendance of any planning meetings conducted in the ‘interim year’, this process will be managed by the ME responsible for hosting the most recent (past) Trans Tasman Congress.
• PI & Co-Investigators will discuss and confirm the amount required for future initial contributions.

Human Dimensions Research Coordination Program 2021-24

Project number: 2020-122
Project Status:
Current
Budget expenditure: $440,705.00
Principal Investigator: Emily Ogier
Organisation: University of Tasmania
Project start/end date: 30 Sep 2021 - 29 Jan 2026
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Social Science
Social Science
Human Dimensions Research
Economic

Need

The operating environment within which Australian fisheries and aquaculture are positioned is complex, comprising economic, social and political institutions and organisations that are continuously being re-shaped by multiple external and internal drivers.

Addressing these specific drivers requires understanding of the human dimensions of fisheries and aquaculture, along with the biophysical. Human dimensions refers to the social, economic and cultural factors that affect outcomes for both the seafood community and in terms of public good. This includes the attitudes, processes and behaviours of individual people, companies, management agencies, communities, organisations, consumers, and markets. Human dimensions research has been successfully applied to understand how to enable better outcomes for Australia's fisheries and aquaculture (e.g. improved social acceptability, resilience through shocks, inclusive growth, economic productivity), and what are the effective strategies to achieve this (e.g. market based mechanisms, behavioural approaches). It brings together research capability from a broad range of disciplines.

Historically, achieving the level of coordinated investment required to effectively deliver against this need has been hampered by a range of factors, which have included:
• effective integration of human dimensions RD&E with biophysical sciences; and
• research capability and expertise capable of undertaking such research to ensure end user needs are met.

The FRDC has invested substantively in human dimensions R&D capability in recognition of this need. Ongoing coordination and strategic development of human dimensions R&D activities will support the FRDC to deliver its Fish Forever 2030 vision: Collaborative, vibrant fishing and aquaculture, creating diverse benefits from aquatic resources, and celebrated by the community.

The FRDC considers Coordination Programs as critical to delivering relevant outcomes of the R&D Plan. With respect to Human Dimensions, it is evident that a planned R&D outcome can be achieved more successfully if expertise and related activities are developed and managed in a coordinated manner.

Objectives

1. Identify and coordinate the development of human dimensions R&D priorities through review and consultation with key stakeholders, and assist to develop scopes to address those priorities
2. Ensure quality and relevance of human dimensions R&D through technical and extension advice and support for FRDC management and project teams
3. Support management of external partnerships delivering human dimensions R&D across FRDC
4. Support development of FRDC human dimensions data and analytics
5. Inform FRDC and stakeholders of state of knowledge and capability, and emerging needs, in key human dimensions R&D areas relevant to the FRDC's R&D Plan outcome and enabling strategy areas
6. Support extension and adoption of R&D in key human dimensions R&D areas relevant to the FRDC R&D Plan outcome and enabling strategy areas
7. Develop and foster R&D collaboration on international initiatives in human dimensions research of relevance to Australian fisheries and aquaculture
Blank
PROJECT NUMBER • 2018-026
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

e-fish - An Integrated Data Capture and Sharing Project

The e-fish project provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges currently experienced by fisheries agencies in data integration and sharing. The project, led by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) in consultation with Australia’s State and NT fisheries jurisdictions,...
ORGANISATION:
Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA)
TAGS
Traceability
Rac Cmwth
Market Opportunities
Data
App
SPECIES
John Dory
Adoption
PROJECT NUMBER • 2020-056
PROJECT STATUS:
CURRENT

Evaluation of a smart-phone application to collect recreational fishing catch estimates, including an assessment against an independent probability based survey, using South Australia as a case study

Information on recreational catch and effort is becoming increasingly important to inform fishery stock assessment and the sustainable management of fisheries resources. As smartphone applications ('apps') become more sophisticated and widely available, they are increasingly being used to record...
ORGANISATION:
University of Adelaide
TAGS
Sustainability
Survey
Recreational Fishing
Rac Sa
Modelling
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