37 results
Industry
PROJECT NUMBER • 2016-213
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Building economics into fisheries management decision making - to utilise a suite of SA case studies

The aim of this project was to develop a set of economic analysis guidelines for use at an individual fishery level to aid harvest strategy and other fisheries management decisions. The project sought to demonstrate how economics can be incorporated in fisheries management frameworks in lower value...
ORGANISATION:
Econsearch Pty Ltd

Golden fish: evaluating and optimising the biological, social and economic returns of small-scale fisheries

Project number: 2016-034
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $378,994.00
Principal Investigator: James Tweedley
Organisation: Murdoch University
Project start/end date: 30 Sep 2016 - 29 Sep 2019
Contact:
FRDC

Need

Fish and crustacean stocks are under pressure from a range of sources, such as a growing population, increased fishing pressure and anthropogenic changes. These pressures, and the small-scale nature of many fisheries in terms of their economic return, highlight the need to develop cost-effective tools for assessing and valuing these fisheries. Such tools should be able to estimate the social and economic contribution of commercial and recreational fisheries to communities (FRDC 2014/008). However, FRDC 2012/214 has highlighted that ‘poor quality data’ on the economic value of recreational and indigenous fishing limits the development of optimal policies for these fisheries. Advances in aquaculture provide ‘new’ options for managers and the ability to restore or enhance target populations by releasing cultured individuals. Increasing interest from recreational fishers in enhancing fishing experiences and the development of government policies for release programs in WA, NSW and Victoria, combined with the creation of Recreational Fishing Initiatives Funds (RFIF), have focussed attention on restocking/stock enhancement as a potential management option. To maximise the likelihood for success, tools are needed to evaluate the potential effectiveness of any release program in increasing target populations. Combining the results of release program bioeconomic models with social and economic data, such as the increased catch (revenue) generation for commercial fishers and the economic returns and social values of recreational fishing, provides managers with improved decision making abilities based on an understanding of the social and economic implications of those decisions. The ability to assess the social values and economic contributions of fisheries to communities also provides much needed information, particularly on the catch, effort and motivations of recreational fishers, which are currently lacking in WA and can be used in the harvest strategy component of the Marine Stewardship Council certification process and to develop social and economic performance indicators for fisheries (FRDC 2014/008). Recfishwest has committed $100,000 from the WA RFIF to this proposal in recognition of the need for this research.

Objectives

1. Determine the motivations for using a fishery and the beliefs, attitudes and perceived benefits of release programs and other management options.
2. Determine the total economic value of the recreational and commercial sectors of each selected fishery.
3. Investigate the benefits of release programs in contributing to the optimisation of biological, social and economic objectives for those fisheries
4. Training for the next generation of fisheries and social scientists and fishery economists (Honours, PhD students and early-career researchers) and community engagement and education.

Final report

ISBN: 978-0-646-87654-2
Authors: James Tweedley Clara Obregón Michael Hughes Neil Loneragan Alan Cottingham Denis Abagna Malcolm Tull Sarah Beukes and Anne Garnett
Final Report • 12.73 MB
2016-034-DLD.pdf

Summary

This project investigates recreational and commercial fisher motivations for using a fishery and the beliefs, attitudes and perceived benefits of aquaculture-based enhancement programs and other management options. It also determines the total economic value for recreational fishing for Blue Swimmer Crabs (Portunus armatus) and Black Bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) in a range of estuaries in south-western Australia and investigates the benefits of release programs in contributing to the optimisation of biological, social and economic objectives for those fisheries. Finally, it provides training for the next generation of fisheries and social scientists and fishery economists and project members engaged in community engagement and education.
Work was focused on two iconic small-scale estuarine fisheries in south-western Australia, i.e. those for Blue Swimmer Crabs and Black Bream. A two-phase approach to elicit common recreational fisher beliefs using semi-structured interviews (phase 1) and then sample a broader pool of respondents using closed-question online surveys (phase 2). Analyses demonstrated that motivations for recreational fishing were markedly different for the two fisheries, even when operating in the same system. Aquaculture-based enhancement was universally supported by the recreational sector as a fishery management approach as they believed it would enhance stocks and catches, and, although it may cause negative impacts, they were considered unlikely. Commercial fishers were less supportive of this management intervention. Enhancement of stocks was estimated to increase the economic value of recreational fishing through increased visitation. Biological modelling highlights that stocking could provide substantial benefits to the biomass of the target stocks, particularly Black Bream, but the parameters of any future stocking the need to carefully considered to ensure maximum benefits and the mitigation of density-dependent effects on wild stocks. Advice on the numbers and size-at-release for Blue Swimmer Crabs in the Peel-Harvey and Black Bream in the Blackwood River Estuary are provided to optimise the biological, social and economic dimensions of these fisheries.

eSAMarine – phase 1: the first step towards an operational now-cast/forecast ocean prediction system for Southern Australia

Project number: 2016-005
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $86,379.00
Principal Investigator: John Middleton
Organisation: SARDI Food Safety and Innovation
Project start/end date: 30 Jun 2016 - 14 Aug 2017
Contact:
FRDC

Need

Commercial in confidence. To know more about this project please contact FRDC.

Objectives

Commercial in confidence
Communities
PROJECT NUMBER • 2015-220
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Isolating social and economic objectives within multiple stakeholder fisheries – a case study: the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery

The South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery (MSF) has sustained extensive management change over time, influencing its demographics. Now fishers in the MSF community are dispersed both physically and in perspective. These factors have made it harder for the MSF to connect with and...
ORGANISATION:
University of Adelaide

Refining a Nordmøre grid to minimise the incidental catch of cuttlefish and crabs in the Spencer Gulf Prawn Fishery

Project number: 2015-019
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $225,200.00
Principal Investigator: Craig J. Noell
Organisation: SARDI Food Safety and Innovation
Project start/end date: 31 Jan 2015 - 30 Aug 2016
Contact:
FRDC

Need

The giant cuttlefish Sepia apama, which annually migrate to northern Spencer Gulf, South Australia, has recently undergone substantial declines in abundance and attracted significant media and public attention. Whilst it is accepted that the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-accredited SGPF, which has been operating and reducing its effort for almost 50 years, has not been the cause of the decline, several consecutive years of diminishing numbers and a particularly low population estimate in 2013 requires all efforts to be made to minimise the incidental catch of this species. The SGPF has been pro-active in taking steps to minimise interactions during this species’ annual migration. One such measure is the commitment to investigate the development of a bycatch reduction device (BRD). During its development, it would be prudent to also ensure that the BRD also reduces the bycatch of blue swimmer crabs Portunus armatus, because these require additional handling and, owing to their exoskeletons, physically damage the soft-bodied prawns and cuttlefish.

A recent pilot study (2013/052) identified the parameters within which a successful BRD should exist. This work involved testing two Nordmøre-grids over a few deployments, yet yielded promising results (i.e. both designs reduced the numbers and weights of cuttlefish, crabs and total bycatch, and one of the designs maintained prawn catches). Through rigorous testing of refined versions of these Nordmøre-grids across larger spatial and temporal scales, the proposed study aims to produce an optimal design for potential implementation in the fishery.

Objectives

1. Assess alternative bar spacing and angles of the grid to determine the optimal design of the large Nordmøre grid BRD that minimises the incidental catch of cuttlefish and crabs, while maintaining conventional catches of prawns.
2. Assess alternative materials for the guiding panel to minimise clogging in the Nordmøre-grid.
3. Test the general applicability of the alternative Nordmøre-grid designs and modifications across months and regions of the fishery.
4. Recommend the optimal Nordmøre-grid design with respect to objectives 1 to 3.

Final report

ISBN: 978-1-876007-01-0
Authors: Craig J. Noell Matt K. Broadhurst and Steven J. Kennelly
Final Report • 2017-10-01 • 2.18 MB
2015-019-DLD.pdf

Summary

This report presents the findings of bycatch reduction device (BRD) trials undertaken for the Spencer Gulf Prawn Fishery (SGPF) in South Australia using a ‘Nordmøre-grid’—a type of BRD that mechanically separates organisms based on size and/or morphological differences. Combined with previous work by the Co-Investigators, who identified the parameters required for the successful implementation of a Nordmøre-grid in this fishery, this report highlights an incremental approach to refining the grid over a series of experiments (in April and November 2015 and April 2016) to maximise the reductions in total bycatch and selected bycatch species of interest without affecting the targeted catch. This work represents a collaborative effort between the Spencer Gulf and West Coast Prawn Fishermen’s Association, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and IC Independent Consulting. While the project was undertaken to address bycatch issues specific to the SGPF, the incremental approach used to develop an optimal grid design has potential application among other prawn-trawl fisheries.
 
Background
Relative to other fishing methods, prawn trawling is considered to be poorly selective, and can result in large quantities of bycatch being discarded, which sometimes includes charismatic species. Attempts at reducing bycatch or mitigating trawl impacts to the discarded bycatch have involved three broad techniques: (1) avoidance by spatial and/or temporal closures; (2) on-board handling procedures that minimise the mortality of discarded bycatch; and (3) retrospectively fitting BRDs into trawls. The latter approach can be particularly effective, with some BRDs reducing bycatches by up to 90%.
 
One of the few remaining Australia prawn trawl fisheries that currently does not use any type of BRD is the SGPF. This fishery has been accredited by the Marine Stewardship Council in recognition of its effective management through a suite of controls within the first (fishing closures) and second (on-board handling) techniques above. Historically, these efforts have been sufficient to mitigate bycatch issues that have mostly involved Blue Swimmer Crabs (Portunus armatus), a key species targeted by other commercial and recreational trap fisheries in Spencer Gulf. Despite the potentially low impact of trawling on discarded Blue Swimmer Crabs, their exoskeleton and claws are known to cause considerable damage to Western King Prawns.
 
Another species interaction with Spencer Gulf trawlers is that of the Giant Cuttlefish (Sepia apama). Giant Cuttlefish are incidentally caught in relatively small quantities, but in recent years this species has attracted considerable attention when, in 2013, its annual spawning aggregation in northern Spencer Gulf (between May and July)—the largest known Sepia aggregation in the world—declined to record low levels. Several studies were undertaken on potential causes of the decline, but none provided any evidence that the SGPF had a detrimental impact. Nevertheless, due to the iconic status of Giant Cuttlefish and extent of the decline, all sources of potential mortality, including trawl bycatch, should be minimised.
 
Aims/objectives
The aim of this study was to test incremental technical refinements to a generic Nordmøre-grid  to identify an optimal design for the SGPF with respect to criteria of: (i) reducing total bycatch, with particular focus on maximising the escape of Blue Swimmer Crabs and Giant Cuttlefish; (ii) maintaining and improving the quality of Western King Prawn catches; and (iii) minimising technical handling issues in relation to the grid.
 
Methodology
A double‐rigged trawler from the SGPF fleet was chartered for three experiments in northern Spencer Gulf over 13 nights (four in each of April 2015 and 2016, and five in November 2015). Each experiment involved paired comparisons between two or three grid configurations and a conventional codend (the control). Primary data collected from each codend were catch weights of Blue Swimmer Crabs, Giant Cuttlefish and broad categories for remaining bycatch (i.e. elasmobranchs, porifera, seagrasses/algae and teleosts), and Western King Prawns (including a breakdown by industry size grades and condition). In total, six grid configurations were tested over the course of the study; these were differentiated by the grid bar spaces, location of the horizontal support bar, area of the escape exit, and length of the guiding panel.
 
Results/key findings
The effects of varying grid bar spaces, escape-exit areas and guiding-panel lengths were investigated. Compared to a control, the greatest reductions (by weight) in total bycatch (~80%), Blue Swimmer Crabs and Giant Cuttlefish (both ~90%), and elasmobranchs and porifera (almost 100%), were achieved with a large, low-angled Nordmøre-grid with 38-mm bar spaces, a support bar two thirds up the length, a 2.7-m guiding panel terminating ~0.6 m anterior to the grid base, and a large escape exit (≥0.8 m2). Importantly, this configuration did not negatively impact catches of prawns, but rather improved their quality and value (presumably owing to fewer crabs causing less damage).
 
Recommendations
While the bycatch reductions achieved in this study are impressive by world standards, an area of concern for industry relates to the dimensions (~2 × 1 m) and weight (~24 kg) of the grid and the operational difficulties and safety concerns they may pose to the crew, particularly under fishing conditions worse than those experienced during the study (e.g. winds >35 km h-1, swells >1.5 m). Acknowledging these concerns, an appropriate next step would be to test the preferred grid across broader spatio-temporal scales on a number of vessels in the fishery under various conditions. By including operational data with catch assessments, it should be possible to objectively assess any concerns fishers have with using the grid and perhaps modify deployment and on-board handling procedures so they are more acceptable/suitable to industry operations.

What data how? Empowering and engaging industry to ensure the needs of contemporary fisheries data are achieved

Project number: 2014-200
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $121,785.00
Principal Investigator: Andrew & Renae Tobin
Organisation: James Cook University (JCU)
Project start/end date: 4 Jun 2014 - 29 Jan 2016
Contact:
FRDC

Need

The proposed project responds to QFRAB Research Priority IV – Improve the relevance and quality of the data collected to underpin effective science based management of Queensland fisheries.

Traditionally fisheries data moved in a single direction, with fishers collecting data that are used by researchers and managers to manage fishers’ activities within sustainable long-term goals. Historically this was a sound system that informed the management of fisheries and enabled the development of suitable management objectives and tools (input and output controls).

A paradigm shift has occurred with contemporary fisheries data being utilised for multiple purposes other than QDAFF core business management and includes conservation objectives (EPBC Act), marine spatial planning, third party accreditation's, impact assessments and resource allocation. Not surprisingly, the quality and relevance of data collected is increasingly being questioned by all stakeholders. Given this notable shift in the interest and demands on fisheries data, it is timely that new and novel data and data collection methods are investigated, and existing systems are reviewed and improved to better meet contemporary needs. Further, increasing distrust of fisheries data by stakeholders is a significant hurdle in monitoring, assessing and managing fisheries. Concerns about the accuracy of commercial logbook data and catch estimates derived from recreational diary and phone surveys persist. Options for empowering all fishery stakeholders in the design of collection methods, data ownership and utility of data beyond core business requirements need to be explored to improve data quality and stewardship, and confidence in assessments/analyses that utilise these data.

Objectives

1. Complete an expertise-based critique of historical fisheries data collection methods evaluating data robustness, identifying data gaps and improvement areas.
2. Identify contemporary and future data needs and develop novel candidate collection methods using the Queensland line and crab fisheries as case studies.
3. From Obj 2 highlight generic data improvements transferable to other fisheries.
4. Complete a cost-benefit review of data collection options.

Final report

ISBN: 978-0-9954470-2-8
Author: Andrew Tobin

RAC WA: Improving confidence in the management of the blue swimmer crab (Portunus armatus) in Shark Bay

Project number: 2012-015
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $675,281.70
Principal Investigator: Mervi Kangas
Organisation: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) WA
Project start/end date: 30 Jun 2012 - 29 Jun 2015
Contact:
FRDC

Need

There is a critical need to improve the management of the Shark Bay crab fishery, especially since its expansion to become the highest producing blue swimmer crab fishery in Australia. This rapid growth has caused scientific understanding of the stocks to lag behind, raising questions on the viability of current catch levels and a precautionary approach to management in the absence of adequate stock assessment. Recent declines in recruitment and catch rates have highlighted the need to address knowledge gaps on the factors influencing recruitment, biology and stock status of the Shark Bay crab fishery before a decision-rule framework can be developed to allow both sectors to fish this valuable resource to its sustainable level. A recent external scientific review confirmed this lack of knowledge is hindering the development of future effective management strategies and resource sharing arrangements. Determination of key fisheries and biological parameters and development of stock assessment models will empower scientists and managers to better understand the resource and make the best decisions for allocation between the trap, trawl and recreational sectors. A socio-economic analysis of individual fishers and collective industry business operations will identify the role, value and importance of blue swimmer crabs to the viability of the trap and trawl sectors. The social and economic role of the commercial and recreational crab fishery within the wider Gascoyne and Western Australian community will highlight direct and indirect benefits of this fishery, which are not fully understood at present.

Objectives

1. To examine key drivers of blue swimmer crab recruitment in Shark Bay, particularly environmental factors associated with low recruitment
2. Determine the socio-economic significance of the blue swimmer crabs to the commercial trap and trawl sectors in Shark Bay
3. Hosting the Third National Workshop on Blue Swimmer Crab in 2015

Seafood CRC: accelerated new product development: blue swimmer crab pilot

Project number: 2010-706
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $145,834.00
Principal Investigator: Janet Howieson
Organisation: Curtin University
Project start/end date: 30 Apr 2010 - 29 May 2011
Contact:
FRDC

Need

Commonly, the success of new product development for the seafood industry has been hindered by the
business needing to commit significant financial outlay for production despite uncertainties of the
marketability of the product The innovative product development and marketing methodology to be
developed and piloted in this project aims to decrease the risk in product development. The method involves all of the participants in the supply chain, from manufacturer to consumer, working together for a short, intense period of product "ideation" and development before developing the agreed product concept. The process will exploit the natural entrepreneurialism of staff at Abacus Fisheries, plus experts brought in to assist. If successful, the technique may potentially be transferred to other sectors, increasing the chance of success of developing economically viable value-added seafood products

Objectives

1. Develop at least two processed crab products ready for large scale production.
2. Pilot of an innovative new accelerated product development methodology

Final report

ISBN: 978-1-925983-39-5
Authors: Janet Howieson Kerri Choo Peter Jecks John Susman Diana Thompson Rodger Graf Hannah Williams.
Final Report • 2011-05-30 • 3.45 MB
2010-706-DLD.pdf

Summary

The aim of the project was to develop a new series of value added Abacus crab products that have been researched, developed, costed, branded and trialled in the marketplace prior to further large financial commitment to facilitate production. This new accelerated product development methodology, building the products from desk-top to cook-top, and improving the likelihood of market success prior to large scale production, represented an innovative approach to seafood product development in smaller businesses.

Using market expertise (focussed on food service market) and technical expertise there were a number of iterations which allowed the original number of 92 product concepts to be narrowed down to the final two commercially available and market acceptable products in less than 14 months. The multiple assessments both from a sensory and market acceptability perspective enabled renewed confidence in market attractiveness. The assessment also ensured that form, portion size and packaging were based on expert market opinion. Cost was also minimised by the four day ideation process. The process implemented also allowed for a comparison with currently available products early on in the development process.

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