Opportunities and impacts of range extending scalefish species: understanding population dynamics, ecosystem impacts and management needs
Species-level responses to ocean warming is a priority research area as they underpin the structure and function of marine ecosystems and the productivity of fisheries that operate within them.
There are a number of range extending species that have become increasingly abundant in Tasmanian waters, providing new fishing opportunities for recreational and, to a lesser extent, commercial fishers. Species in this group include Pink Snapper, King George Whiting and Yellowtail Kingfish. While King George Whiting are known to spawn off the north coast it is unclear as to whether the other species have or are likely to become established as self-sustaining populations in Tasmanian waters or simply persist as spill-over from populations that are centered off mainland Australia. If the former is the case, it will be especially important to consider population attributes such as growth, mortality and reproductive dynamics relevant to the Tasmanian populations when developing and refining management arrangements to maximise the opportunities these 'new' species bring.
In addition, the broader ecosystem impacts of such range extending species, including competition with resident species at similar trophic levels, are unknown but could have consequences for other recreationally and commercially important species. Understanding these relationships will have benefits for the assessment and management of the Tasmanian recreational fishery more generally.
Final report
This work set out to quantify the biology and diet of three key range-shifting species in Tasmania with both recreational and commercial fishery value. The project was heavily reliant on engagement from the recreational fishing community and multiple citizen science initiatives, as well as historical data.
The information collected was used in modelling to predict how suitable habitats for each species may shift under future climate change projections. The work also indicated the potential changes to the ecosystem (such as food web) if these species’ ranges were to move.
Establishment of a Professional Association of Australian Fisheries Managers
The Commonwealth and States have shared responsibility for the management of Australia’s fisheries resources under a Federal system of Government. This can create a number of challenges, foremost of which is incompatible management arrangements applying to the same fish stock across jurisdictions. Other issues include the lack of awareness, engagement and communication between fisheries managers working on common fisheries problems across jurisdictions and reductions in government funding for fisheries management and research.
There is a recognised need to increase cross-institutional engagement so line managers (as in those staff engaged in the development and implementation of fisheries management and policy) are made more cognisant of the work being undertaken across jurisdictions, thereby increasing their knowledge, skills and understanding of fisheries issues and solutions, with the aim of achieving management efficiencies. Due to budgetary cuts and increased workloads, Australian fisheries managers have very little time or opportunity to communicate and network with their associates within other institutions. The establishment of a professional association of Australian fisheries managers would facilitate collaboration and engagement by providing a forum for discussion/debate as well as acting as a repository for information and coordinator for future workshops and meetings on key focus areas. Qualified and experienced fisheries managers, despite their pivotal role in sustainable fisheries, are largely unrecognised as inter-disciplinary professionals in their own right. This is in contrast to fisheries biologists and economists. The formation of the association could lead to increased recognition of fisheries management as a profession. There would also be a value to industry through synergizing management approaches across jurisdictions, increasing efficiency and thereby reducing possible costs of management.
Final report
Amongst Australian fisheries managers, a persistent challenge exists to facilitate regular and coordinated professional engagement and exchange between Commonwealth, Territory and State level fisheries managers working on common fisheries problems. There is also an absence of professional recognition of fisheries managers and acknowledgment of the quality work they produce, both from key fishery stakeholders and the wider community. The opportunities for fisheries management to be advanced in Australia and for staff development could be greatly enhanced by regular and coordinated professional exchange between fishery managers in State, Territory and Commonwealth fisheries organisations.
Feedback from Australian fishery managers provided support for the formation of the professional association of Australian fisheries managers, a strong willingness to pay for membership and keen interest in the association organising and facilitating future workshops and meetings on key focus areas. This was also strongly supported by members of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF).