Tactical Research Fund: Effectiveness of larger mesh size in reducing the capture of juvenile target species in select NSW ocean beach seine operations
This application is an industry initiative aimed at reducing the incidental bycatch of juvenile target species encountered in ocean deployed beach seines. This project will not only empower industry members with instilled confidence in their gear, but also assist in addressing the potential conflict between the two user groups.
There is genuine concern regarding the capture of significant proportions of juveniles whilst targeting migratory schools of bream, tarwhine and luderick predominantly; when using currently legislated beach seine net specifications.
A beach seine net can be divided into three 3 main sections: anterior wings, posterior wings and the bunt/codend. Current legislation prescribes a maximum mesh size of 86, 65 and 65mm respectively for these sections.
Recently, (Wooden, unpublished) investigated the use of alternate net configurations and the use of morphological data in ocean and estuary deployed beach seines. In brief the study indicated:
(i) Current configurations of NSW beach seines are inappropriate for maximizing size selectivity for nearly
all retained species,
(ii) Morphological data can be used to predict and trial appropriate mesh sizes to reduce
bycatch and
(iii) No significant physical or physiological damages resulted from juvenile bream escaping from a
modified beach seine with a mesh size of 102mm (in simulated laboratory experiments).
Anecdotal information from numerous sources on landings of juveniles in conventional beach seine gears, identifies the need for further research on certain gear components of the ocean beach seine fishery. Proposed investigations (beach seine net constructed entirely of 102mm mesh) aim to further improve size selectivity and eliminate the unwanted capture of juvenile target species.
The research proposed in this application clearly relates to the vision of the fishery and directly addresses many objectives listed under Goal 1 & Goal 2 of the FMS and addresses FRDC’s high priorities responding to strategic challenge 1.
Final report
Tactical Research Fund: Seafood Industry Partnerships in Schools - Program Pilot, Tasmania
School teachers report a difficulty accessing relevant and accurate information about the marine
environment, current sustainable commercial fishing and marine farm practices. This, coupled with a
recognised paucity of young people embarking on a career in the seafood industry indicates a need for
greater interaction between the seafood industry and the educational sector.
A general lack of knowledge about commercial fishing practices in the public arena has contributed to
poor public perception of the seafood industry, and in fact public attitudes to commercial fisheries are
often negative and ill informed.
Final report
Hoppers in action: a handbook for fishers on the use of hoppers in Australian prawn trawl fisheries
Adoption of an environmental management systems by NSW commercial estuary fishers and oyster farmers
Developing environmental management standards for the Australian seafood industry
The seafood industry is acutely aware that the community has become increasingly sceptical about assurances from industry and government regarding the state of the environment generally and in particular the environmental performance of industries which interact with the natural environment.
Development of nationally and internationally recognised environmental management standards using the SeaQual Australia process will assist to:
. achieve significant cultural change within the fishing and associated industries;
. focus the industry clearly on continuous improvement of its environmental performance; and
. gain international and domestic recognition that the industry is operating within environmental standards appropriate for the marine environment.
This project is an opportunity for governments and industry to lead the way internationally with the development and implementation of fisheries environmental standards which will engender public confidence in the way fisheries and the marine environment generally are being managed and that fisheries resources are being used sustainably.
To achieve this there is an urgent need to develop an environmental management system framework which provides realistic and achievable options for environmental accreditation/certification for each of the diverse range of fisheries in Australia. Such a framework needs to be also supported by access to tools and expertise to assist each fishery to determine appropriate environmental management systems for that fishery and to help the fishery to commence the journey of continued improvement in environmental performance (See Attachment 1).
This project will build on initiatives such as Greening Australia's Fisheries, SeaNet and SeaQual Australia to ensure that research outcomes relating to environmental performance are adopted by industry within an appropriate context.
Working together, SeaQual Australia, operating as part of Seafood Services Australia, will provide resources and guidance in the development of a "green chooser" and other products (including environmental management standards development) while SeaNet will provide the all important face-to-face assistance with using such products and with ensuring that their development is soundly based on industry needs.
Building on the work being undertaken by SCFA in relation to Fisheries ESD indicators, this project will commence the development of environmental management standards which can be assessed by independent 3rd party auditors.
While this project has been identified under the industry development program of FRDC it is extremely relevant to the other two FRDC programs eg achieving resource sustainability through fisheries management improvement. Continued improvement of the industry's environmental performance will be key outcomes of the project. This project is also targeted to address State priorities identified by the State FRABs. In all cases improving environmental performance is a high priority. The priorities identified by the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture will also be addressed.
This project provides a unique opportunity to ensure that research results and outcomes are adopted and implemented to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. By working closely with the SCFA ESD reference group, the development of ESD indicators (SCFA project) and the tools required to assist industry stakeholders to meet them (this project) can occur in a systematic pragmatic way and assist in achievement of the desired outcomes.
Report
The purpose of this report is to illustrate the value of EMS as a management tool for seafood businesses to achieve their environmental, economic and social goals and in achieving broader natural resources management goals associated with fishing and aquaculture as well as demonstrating to the community the seafood industry’s environmental credentials.
The report targets existing and potential industry leaders, facilitators and training providers and government officials who have a desire to be involved in the continued development of the seafood industry through EMS.