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The workshop aimed to unite the NT aquaculture sector and research organisations to develop a cohesive RD&E strategy. Specific objectives included discussing NT aquaculture priorities, challenges, and opportunities; facilitating knowledge sharing on current RD&E activities; strengthening...

ORGANISATION:

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (NT)

TAGS

SPECIES

Fish LIGHT - Low impact gears and innovative harvest technologies

Project number: 2023-154

Project Status:

Current

Budget expenditure: $9,050,000.00

Principal Investigator: Samuel M. Williams

Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (QLD)

Project start/end date: 10 Mar 2024 - 19 Jun 2030

Contact:

FRDC

TAGS

Threatened Endangered Protected Species

SPECIES

Need

This program of works supports the trial, implementation, and evaluation of innovative and alternative low-impact harvest technologies (fishing gears) within Queensland’s inshore fisheries (East Coast and Gulf of Carpentaria). The program will be developed in a way that supports an evidence-based approach to developing and trialling sustainable alternative commercial fishing gears, and be run in collaboration with relevant Government agencies and fisheries stakeholders.

Through the additional support of co-investment of $4.5 million by FRDC (in line with this application and the approved funds listed under project 2023-154), the program will be delivered in two stages across a six-year timeframe (up to a total investment of $9 million).

The fishing methods to be trialled as part of the first stage will range from exploring enhancements of existing low-impact gear types, through to trials of innovative harvest technologies. The alternative low-impact harvest technologies will first be trialled in order to demonstrate their triple bottom line credentials. After this, the second stage will support broader implementation and evaluation of commercial application over a three-year period.

The program of works will also explore additional opportunities to enhance the economic value and social profile of the fishery, to ensure that any new harvest technologies align with global best practice standards, product value adding to enhance profitability margins, and improvements in social acceptability.

Wild caught seafood also allows for a diverse mix of species that appeal to a range of consumers and seafood businesses. It is planned that this work will explore potential opportunities for market expansion.

Objectives

1. Undertake gear trials with clear monitoring and assessment of gear performance against economic, ecological (including SOCI interactions) and social indicators.

2. Evaluate different gear trial pathways to understand the cost benefit trade-offs, timeframes and identify principles for success

3. Identify attitudinal, behavioural, and contextual factors affecting the adoption and perception of the alternative gear, and design and implement interventions to alleviate this.

4. Support developmental fishery implementation and optimisation of gears and business models to ensure long-term sustainability.

5. Understand the market and consumer preferences associated with caught combination of new gears and undertake optimisation of post-harvest processes and business models to support profitability.

6. Develop forums and communication materials to support responsible innovation and knowledge transfer for and across Australian community, and with a focus on commercial fisheries and key rightsholders and stakeholders

PROJECT NUMBER • 2023-111

PROJECT STATUS:

CURRENT