4 results
Adoption
PROJECT NUMBER • 2017-106
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Communicating the research, management and performance of Tasmanian marine resource industries by video

This project involved the production of videos that summarised the research and industry activities for fisheries and aquaculture in Tasmania. The six sector fisheries and aquaculture groups represented in the videos are rock lobster fisheries, abalone fisheries, recreational fisheries, small scale...
ORGANISATION:
University of Tasmania

Opportunities and impacts of range extending scalefish species: understanding population dynamics, ecosystem impacts and management needs

Project number: 2018-070
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $249,587.00
Principal Investigator: Sean Tracey
Organisation: University of Tasmania
Project start/end date: 31 May 2019 - 30 Nov 2020
Contact:
FRDC

Need

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.

Objectives

1. Develop a program for ongoing collection of biological samples and data of key range-shifting fish species using citizen science initiatives engaging with the recreational fishing community.
2. Develop geographically discrete life-history parameters for key range-shifting fish species in Tasmania to inform management decisions.
3. Determine the diet composition of key range-shifting fish species to refine parameterisation of an ecosystem model.
4. Utilise the Atlantis ecosystem model framework to predict ecological impacts of increasing abundance of key range-shifting fish species in Tasmania.
5. Develop species distribution models that utilise oceanographic climate change projections to predict the future presence and persistence of the key target species in Tasmania.

Final report

ISBN: 978-1-922708-28-1
Author: Alexia Graba-Landry
Final Report • 2022-05-12 • 13.57 MB
2018-070-DLD.pdf

Summary

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

Project number: 2015-405
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $49,961.47
Principal Investigator: Bradley Moore
Organisation: University of Tasmania
Project start/end date: 30 Jun 2016 - 29 Jun 2018
Contact:
FRDC

Need

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.

Objectives

1. Establishment of Professional Association of Australian Fisheries Managers
2. Improved accessibility and transparency of jurisdictional fisheries management information (technical papers, policy and legislation) through hosting of a central website
3. Increased recognition of the profession of fisheries management within Australia and the current work undertaken by managers to ensure fisheries remain sustainable
4. Exposure of fisheries managers to innovations and developments in fisheries ecological, economic, social and political fields in Australia and overseas
5. Improved consistency and transparency in management approaches between jurisdictions through greater information-sharing and liaison
6. Establishment of linkages between fisheries managers for future interactions and collaborative engagement
7. Improved public confidence in Australian fisheries management through greater stakeholder outreach and communication
8. Ensuring the Association has appropriate support (financial and logistical) to operate beyond the completion of the two year project

Final report

ISBN: 978-1-925646-67-2
Authors: Moore B.R. Cartwright I. Emery T. McDonald Rowling K. Sloan S.
Final Report • 2019-05-16 • 928.29 KB
2015-405-DLD.pdf

Summary

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).

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