The spawning dynamics and early life history are largely unknown for BSC and GMC in NSW, as are spawning areas, sources and sinks, important juvenile nurseries, and the effect of environmental variability on both spawning and recruitment. While this has led to some limitations to management and uncertainty in the past, NSW have recently launched two major management initiatives for the species for which this information is essential: 1) management of commercial BSC and GMC harvest through share-linked catch quota; and 2) fisheries enhancement for BSC and GMC.

In 2017, the Commercial Fisheries Adjustment Program has seen the NSW Government subsidise the investments of many fishing businesses to access catch quota for BSC and GMC. Quota allocation depends on scientifically-based assessment of Total Allowable Catch (TAC). At present the only source of information on which to base TAC is historic catch and effort, but these are highly variable and the mechanistic factors underlying this variation are unclear. The recent NSW Marine Stocking Fishery Management Strategy outlines the development of release programs for both BSC and GMC. Effective implementation of this strategy relies on a thorough knowledge of the requirements of young crabs and the factors affecting their recruitment such that recruitment limitation can be identified and releases targeted to address it (see Taylor, 2017). Through a review of existing work on these species in other states, and consultation with managers and industry, we have identified targeted research questions that will directly enhance the capacity of NSW DPI-Fisheries to design and implement effective harvest management, fishery enhancement and restoration programs for BSC and GMC. The need for this information is especially evident in the attached letters of support from commercial and recreational stakeholders, and the contribution of $250K cash from the NSW Recreational Fishing Saltwater Trust.

The project has been commissioned by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA). It recognises the fundamental importance of fisheries related business development for the region to enhance employment and economic development for traditional inhabitants. The project is also consistent with other important legislative and policy objectives including:
• The Torres Strait Fisheries Act, Closing the Gap and Indigenous Advancement Strategies, and Regional Development Plans
• TSRA Fisheries & Economic Development Programs, including the recently developed Finfish Action Plan.

The Torres Strait is a fish rich region and mud crab, jewfish and barramundi are known to occur in the waters of the top western region. Some existing small scale operations are currently operating in the area. Recent community consultation for the TSRA’s Finfish Action Plan also identified local support for more targeted finfish related business development.

The need also extends to ensuring the development and operation of new fisheries is sustainable and appropriate from a biological, ecological, and social/cultural perspective.

Enabling the establishment of viable finfish businesses in this top western area may also balance actual and perceived support of finfish businesses across the broader region (e.g. previous investment has focussed on supporting the established fishery for coral trout and mackerel in the eastern region).

A well designed and executed top western fisheries scoping study can determine if harvests from local fin fish and crab populations, combined with available fishing and business skills and knowledge, infrastructure, supply chain and marketing pathways can combine to support fishing related economic growth for the region.

Variability’s and inconsistencies in the application of the thumb pressure grading technique and regional and seasonal anomalies have led to some discontent with the Australian Industry Live Mud Crab Grading Scheme (AILMCGS).
The AILMCGS provides a range of physical attributes, along with a subjective assessment of shell-hardness to provide consistency in live mud crab grading on a national scale. Consistent grading gives buyers and consumers a product that defines price paid. Concerns have been raised that incorrect application of the scheme can be used to manipulate price at various stages of the supply chain.
Due to variables of lifecycle, seasonality, regionality, habitat, individual grader and grading techniques, it can never be a 100% guarantee of meat content associated with the given grade.
It is implicit to the scheme to apply pressure in a precise and readily reproducible way to minimise variations and damage to and loss of product. There has long been a widespread call from industry, including from members that are both satisfied and disgruntled with the current scheme, to have an objective method to determine crab quality. This relies on clear and precise testing protocols. The realities of the operation of this industry are that the use of hand testing is the ‘tool’ of choice and practicality at this stage.
Developing a science-supported assessment technique will standardise grading and allow for any seasonal and/or regional anomalies to be addressed. Ultimately, there is a need for a cost effective, practical on-board objective tool to provide assured grading standards.