80 results
Adoption
Environment
PROJECT NUMBER • 2021-089
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Climate resilient wild catch fisheries

This report outlines the impending need for the fishing industry to reduce GHG emissions by 2030. Over 8 months, the project evaluated alternative fuels' potential to cut emissions, recognising challenges in regulatory stimulus and incomplete research. Among numerous options, certain solutions...
ORGANISATION:
Seafood Industry Australia (SIA)
TAGS
Climate Resilience
Climate Mitigation

Tuna Champions v2.0: Bluefin and beyond

Project number: 2021-086
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $800,000.00
Principal Investigator: Sean Tracey
Organisation: Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) Hobart
Project start/end date: 30 Dec 2021 - 30 Dec 2024
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Recreational Fishing
SPECIES
Longtail Tuna
Bigeye Tuna
Albacore
Southern Bluefin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna

Need

During the initial conceptual steering committee meeting of the Tuna Champions program it was identified, and supported by marketing specialists, to focus on a single species, in this case the SBT. If this was done well, it would minimise dilution of the messaging and improve the uptake and momentum of increased stewardship in that particular fishery. It was noted however that the messages would likely ‘spill over’ into other species, particularly other tuna species as the practices being promoted were applicable to them. Then further, that the messaging and recognition of the value of stewardship as it relates to recreational fishing practices would spill over more broadly to other species. This effect has now been realised with fishers that target other tuna species already organically sharing and promoting the message of tuna champions and more broadly, several other recreational stewardship programs have been developed or are currently in the funding or conceptual phases including Shark Mates, Snapper Stewards and a program in Tasmania promoting stewardship in the recreational fishery targeting Sand Flathead.

The recent recognition by the Federal Government of the success of the Tuna Champions program was highlighted in the commitment to fund an extension of the program announced with the launch of the 2021 Federal budget.

This funding will facilitate the need to broaden the program to the next level by increasing the scope of the project to now focus on more key tuna species in Australia, including Yellowfin Tuna and Longtail Tuna. The geographic distribution of these species and the recreational fisheries that target them will increase the breadth of the program across Australia with both these species commonly caught on the east and west coasts and Longtail Tuna caught along the top-end of Australia, including the Northern Territory.

Objectives

1. Deliver an education program and communication strategy focusing on responsible fishing practices within the recreational sector and educating grass-roots fishers on best practices around all aspects of their interactions with key tuna species in Australia.
2. Develop a research hub to facilitate ongoing recreational fisher engagement in studies pertaining to key tuna species in Australia.
3. Develop a self-funding model to ensure the long-term sustainability of Tuna Champions independent of Commonwealth government funding.

An investigation of recreational fishing peak bodies in Western Australia, Victoria and Northern Territory to identify insights into models of success

Project number: 2021-081
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $39,988.63
Principal Investigator: Jane Gallichan
Organisation: Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing Inc (TARFish)
Project start/end date: 16 Jan 2022 - 29 Jun 2022
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Recreational Fishing
Rac Tas

Need

The Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing Inc. (TARFish) has identified that its current form and mode of operation is uncertain and not sustainable in the long term and, most importantly, is not sufficiently meeting the needs of recreational fishers in Tasmania.

TARFish proposes to undertake an investigation into current successful recreational fishing peak body models that identifies; the success factors, benefits and risks, together with how it was achieved, over what time frame and potential future growth or evolution pathways planned by each organisation.

Specifically, the investigation proposes to examine RecFish West (Western Australia), VR Fish (Victoria) and AFANT (Northern Territory). Each organisation is distinct in terms of the combination of;
1. Organisational structure, governance and length of operation (maturity)
2. Advocacy and lobbying approach and outcomes
3. Program and service delivery, including partnerships
4. Membership value, types and quantum
5. Funding source, security and quantum,
6. Relationships with key stakeholders and State Government
7. Community perception of organisation
8. Consideration of how each body determines the priorities and research and development needs of recreational fishers
The investigation will distil relevant insights for each jurisdiction and provide recommendations on preferred model(s) to work towards in the context of TARFish’s current state and future aspirations.

The project is of interest to the Tasmanian Government and they will provide some financial support to the project.

It is expected that there will be strong interest in this investigation from other jurisdictions who are in a similar position to TARFish including but not limited to – South Australia, Queensland and News South Wales as well as the national peak body ARFF.

Further, the research is likely to assist governments to understand potential alternative arrangements (SLA’s, funding, program delivery etc) with peak bodies that lead to improved outcomes for recreational fishers.

Objectives

1. Identify the combination of organisational and external/other factors that lead to the success of the specific model under investigation (x3 models to be investigated)
2. Identify organisational and external risks that may act as a barrier to successful models of operation, where possible, identify methods used to overcome barrier or reduce risks
3. Identify pathway (milestones) and critical success factors when moving from one model of operation to another including length of time and cost to implement
4. Understanding the role that funding source, quantum and security has on model selection/evolution and what came first (funding or model)
5. Consider how each body determines the strategic needs and research and development priorities for recreational fishers

Final report

ISBN: 978-0-646-88078-5
Author: Jane Gallichan
Final Report • 2024-06-20 • 862.71 KB
2021-081-DLD.pdf

Summary

In 2021, the Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing (TARFish) identified the need to improve its capacity and capability to better meet the needs of recreational fishers in Tasmania. To support organisational renewal, TARFish sought to understand the traits and/or conditions that contribute to a successful recreational peak body to better meet the needs of Tasmania's recreational fishers by reviewing the operational model of RecFishWest, the Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body, and the Amateur Fishermen's Association of the Northern Territory.
The reviewed focused on various aspects such as governance, advocacy, program and service delivery, membership, funding, relationship with the state government, community perception, and research needs. The investigation used a combination of desktop research, literature review and interviews with peak body CEO’s, government personnel and other stakeholders to identify insights and from that provide recommendations on preferred model(s) to work towards in the context of TARFish’s current state and future aspirations.
 

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.

Communities
PROJECT NUMBER • 2020-088
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Quantifying inter-sectoral values within and among the Indigenous, commercial and recreational sectors

This study explored the extent to which values are shared (or not shared) by fishers across three key sectors (i.e., Indigenous, commercial and recreational). The study was run online using Q-Method Software (https://qmethodsoftware.com), a semi-quantitative technique used to explore human...
ORGANISATION:
Natural Capital Economics
TAGS
Values & Ethics
Social Science
Social Science
Resource Access And Allocation
Recreational Fishing

Tackle Box - Fishing at home during Covid 19

Project number: 2019-213
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $70,000.00
Principal Investigator: Adam J. Martin
Organisation: Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF)
Project start/end date: 14 Oct 2020 - 31 Aug 2021
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Recreational Fishing
Mental Health
Innovation
Habitat
Economic

Need

The ARFF Tackle Box project is funded through the ‘our marine parks’ grants funded by Parks Australia. The project aims to develop a recreational fishing app to collect data from scheduled recreational fishing competitions around Australia with the aim of being able to provide data on the interactions of recreational fishers with Australia’s Commonwealth Marine Parks. So far, the application has 1049 unique users, used for 9 fishing events, and has had data input for 1905 fish and 85 Photo only competition entries.
A real and meaningful opportunity exists for ARFF to lead the national recreational fishing community by introducing some simple retooling of the ARFF Tackle Box app and get on the front foot. There will be a push from some groups to keep people fishing but the reality is we need to be responsible right now. At this point, I think this is a moment FRDC can shine as well by supporting with funding as I am told there is considerable funds still available with the Rec Fish Research budget. Also, the government has subtly announced fiscal stimulus packages for sports and arts soon to keep the population engaged and there maybe potential to tap into both sporting/recreation and mental health funding. We have received offers of help to apply for these funding opportunities by professionals in these fields when they become available.
The proposal is to revise the current model and focus on the stash of data that exists already on people’s phones and keeping people engaged at home so that when the crisis passes, they are ready to go on our network. Capitalising on the low hanging fruit without fishers actively fishing and easily reach a user target of ten thousand people in a matter of weeks and potentially One hundred thousand users within 6 months without leaving home. This consists of 5 key elements:

• Fantasy/Photo only competition where people submit what they have on their phones from previous fishing trips before ARFF’s “quarantine at home/fish within the rules” policy came into effect.
• Community voting, engagement rather than “scoreboards”. It actively engages the community without the need to leave home.
• Keeping people connected with regular briefings and interactions with the states and regio

Objectives

1. To further develop the Tackle box project/application (funded by Parks Australia) to connect recreational fishers during the COVID-19 situation
2. To use the extended platform to educated recreational fishers on the relevance of Government measures to recreational fishing, ensuring those that should not be fishing don’t and those that can know under what conditions they can.
3. To extend FRDC information through the new platform including advertising of the current national social and economic survey and extending of results and information relevant as they become available. Extend other relevant project information in this time such as Tuna Champions, fish handling practices, habitat rehabilitation, safety etc.

Final report

ISBN: 978-0-6484281-1-4
Authors: Adam Martin Stefan Sawynok and Bill Sawynok
Final Report • 1.79 MB
2019-213-DLD.pdf

Summary

This project examined the impact of Covid-19 on recreational fishing using a citizen science approach. The Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) teamed up with Infofish Australia Pty Ltd to use recaptures of tagged fish in Queensland and fishing competitions around Australia in novel ways to assess the impact by comparing data from 2020 with 2019.
Environment
People

National Recreational Fishing Conference bursary 2019

Project number: 2019-146
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $31,796.17
Principal Investigator: Owen Li
Organisation: Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC)
Project start/end date: 20 Oct 2019 - 19 Dec 2019
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Recreational Fishing
Education
Conference
Community

Need

This bursary will deliver against one of Recreational Fishing Research’s RD&E priorities this year: “Upskilling current and emerging leaders within the recreational fishing community”. The bursary will also deliver against the FRDC nominated RD&E priority of “People development”. The National Conference is an excellent opportunity to bring young leaders together to learn about and discuss topical issues and the applications of citizen science to the future of recreational fishing.

Engagements with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation, and representatives from several state peak bodies have indicated there is a real need to create more learning and development opportunities for current and emerging leaders in the community. This proposal will outline how state peak bodies and the recreational fishing community will be engaged with the aim of sending 2 representatives from each state to the National Conference. This project will give bursary recipients a forum to share their goals and visions for recreational fishing with other leaders before the conference, mentorship during the conference itself, and a platform to share their learning and intentions after the conference.

Objectives

1. Proactively work with the state peak bodies and recreational fishing community to identify current and emerging leaders worthy of receiving the bursary
2. Provide a platform for bursary recipients to share experiences, vision, and learnings
3. Provide bursary recipients opportunities to form collaborative relationships with leaders from other states

Final report

Author: Recfishing Research
Final Report

Summary

Introduction
Over the 10th and 11th of December 2019, the Australian Recreational Fishing Federation held their biannual National recreational Fishing Conference in Hobart, Tasmania. The theme of this conference was “Our Fishing. Our Research. Our Recreational Future”.

In response to the ARFF’s request, the FRDC commissioned a bursary program for 16 individuals from around the country (2 from NT, QLD, TAS, VIC and WA, 3 from NSW, 1 from SA, and 2 Indigenous representatives). 5 leaders from the Victorian Fishing Authority’s Women in Recreational Fishing (WIRF) network were also invited to join activities organised for the bursary winner, and 2 members of Recfish West, whose expenses were paid by Recfish West were also allowed to join the activities.

Program participants attended a half-day introductory workshop the day before the conference, had full access to all conference activities for the 10th -11th of December including the gala dinner, and attended a half-day consolidation workshop on the 12th when feedback was gathered before returning home.

Bursary recipients
Upon application, the bursary winners provided answers to the following:
  • Why do you wish to attend this specific conference?
  • What do you intend to do for the recreational fishing community upon your return from the conference?
The following are the bursary recipients and their affiliations:
  • Howard Jones (TAS) - Executive member of Anglers Alliance Tasmania.
  • Gary France (TAS) - Anglers Alliance Tasmania.
  • Mitchell McMaster (VIC) - Geelong and Bellarine Facilitator for Fishcare.
  • Tom Clayson (VIC) - Member of Fishcare.
  • Laura Schroder (SA) - Marine Scientist
  • Melita McKinnon (NT) - Amateur Fishermen’s Association Northern Territory, Darwin Game Fishing Club
  • Kurt Davis (QLD) - Marine Scientist
  • Robbie Porter (QLD) - Central Moreton Bay Chapter for OzFish Unlimited
  • Adam Martin (NSW) - Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation
  • Eric Burns (NSW) - Jindabyne Branch of the Monaro Acclimatization Society
  • David Harris (NSW) - Team leader Inland Waterways OsFish Unlimited
  • Alanna Hubbard (WA) - Recfishwests
  • Steph Watts (WA) - Recfishwest, 
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