The South East Australian Marine Ecosystem Survey: untangling the effects of climate change and fisheries
The marine waters of Southeast (SE) Australia are one of a series of global ocean-warming hotspots. In this region, the East Australian Current is extending pole-wards, resulting in warming of ocean surface at a rate four times the global average. Many species have extended their distributions southward, with potential changes in local abundance. In addition, climatic extreme events, such as marine heatwaves, are leading to additional impacts in the region. Projections show that these changes, and the associated biological responses, are expected to continue in the next century.
In this hotspot lie important fisheries, providing the bulk of fresh fish to Melbourne and Sydney markets. The Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF) has a total catch of about 20,000t and a value above $80 million. Concerns about the ecological, economic and social sustainability of this fishery raised in the public, and by scientists, over the years, have prompted a series of management responses, initiatives and regulations. In the hotspot also lies an Australian Marine Reserve network established to protect and maintain marine biodiversity and ensure the long-term ecological viability of Australia's marine ecosystems.
Observations from the Australian commercial fisheries regulator, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) suggests that the abundance of some species have declined, while others have increased. Additionally, some species that have been historically over-fished do not seem to be recovering despite reduced fishing pressure. The South East Australian Marine Ecosystem Survey will seek to answer the questions:
1. Despite reduced fishing pressure, have fish abundances in the SESSF really declined in 25 years? And if so, why?
2. Are species shifting their ranges to places outside of where they have been historically found, including to the continental slope?
3. What are the prospects for the future?
Comprehensive bio-physical and ecosystem assessments of the shelf were last conducted 25 years ago. This project will repeat the surveys to document changes, and will establish a new baseline for the continental slope. Specifically, it will help answer the broad questions:
1. How and why have fish assemblages and species abundances changed in the southeast ecosystem, and can the causes be mitigated?
2. How does this affect the multiple-use management of the region for fisheries, conservation and biodiversity and the hive of activity from oil & gas, and renewable energy sectors?
Circular Economy Program 2022-2025
Extension and synthesis of key FRDC research areas
The FRDC have been looking at how best to undertake extension of research projects. A number of options and solutions have been identified. One considered and supported by attendees at the Annual FRDC Stakeholder Workshop. is to undertaken issue specific analysis – research synthesis.
Final report
Harvest strategies provide pre-planned actions ensuring sustainable fish populations while considering economic and social aspects. This report summarises an extension webinar where researchers, managers, and stakeholders discussed the development and implementation of these strategies. The FRDC has funded several past and current projects pertaining to Harvest Strategy development and implementation and continues to receive interest from a range of stakeholders around further research and development opportunities in this space. To promote discussion, extension, and adoption across current and recent related investments in harvest strategy R&D, the FRDC hosted an independently facilitated extension webinar. The webinar provided an opportunity for Project Investigators to socialise their research, extend the latest learning in this dynamic policy/research space, and promote a dialogue among research providers, fisheries managers, and harvest strategy practitioners.
FRDC also intended the webinar to inform the ongoing review of national guidelines for developing harvest strategies. This review aims to ensure these strategies align with best practices and address evolving challenges. The webinar identified three key themes: technical approaches, stakeholder engagement, and policy development. Future research needs include addressing multi-sector fisheries, spatial management, and climate impacts. The overall conclusion emphasizes a collaborative, data-driven approach that incorporates diverse stakeholder voices for effective fisheries management.
Project products
Capability and Capacity: Innovation bursaries and conference sponsorship
This project provides opportunities to be exposed to innovation, build and develop capability and capacity, connect with innovation networks and generate new contacts. These opportunities will demonstrate benefits of being in innovation space for new entrants from fishing and aquaculture through encourage and enabling participation. The project aims to stimulate collaboration and increase the visibility of "getting into innovation", potentially increasing ideas to feed into future investment lanes and possibly more adoption. This includes exposing fresh minds to spark novel ideas who are unaware of opportunities and/or may experience barriers to participate.
The skills and capabilities required to intervene in complex systems need to be developed to capitalise on new systems and processes. This includes mechanisms to engage stakeholders to focus, priorities and invest in capability and capacity development locally and nationally. EvokeAg is a flagship event, focused on showcasing and stimulating innovation through connecting people with each other and to knowledge, information and
$75,000 sponsorship (includes exhibition stand and furniture, printing and 5 x 2024 tickets (2025 & 2026 details tbc) over 3 years
$110,000 bursaries ($6k - conference and side event tickets, flights, accommodation, travel incidentals) - allows for 18 full bursaries over 3 years OR a mixed level of support (e.g. partial bursary, alternative innovation event)
Citizen science guidelines in recreational fishing
Many aspects of marine systems, including diverse species, habitats, and environmental issues, need expansive research to better understand and manage sustainability of the fishing and aquaculture industry. Unfortunately, data collection is one of the most resource-intensive aspects of science and can hinder the progression of commodity-specific research and development (R&D). This project will develop best practice guidelines for the creation, execution, evaluation, and evolution of citizen science projects that specifically address research data collection in the Australian aquaculture industry, which will contribute to research outcomes that facilitate long term productivity and sustainability of the industry. For more than 50 years, formal citizen science programs have proven to be an effective way for communities to contribute to R&D by collecting scientific data that drives decision making and creates innovative solutions.
This project involves a four-stage approach to enhancing R&D practices for recreational fishers, fisheries scientists, and fisheries managers by providing researchers with industry-specific information to design citizen science projects that actively engage recreational fishers. The approach provides flexibility and agility to ensure the project can achieve high quality deliverables, on time, and in budget:
1. Consultation with industry stakeholders to determine current barriers and opportunities to developing, implementing, evaluating, and evolving citizen science projects targeted at recreational fishers.
2. Desktop review and global “environmental scan” to best characterise citizen science programs, projects, and frameworks relevant to recreational fishing.
3. Development of researcher citizen science guidelines for recreational fishing that provides detailed information pertinent to industry challenges and opportunities. The guidelines will be led by the results of Stages 1 and 2, and will be intuitive, user-friendly and easily updated in the future.
4. Industry communication of the guidelines to ensure streamlined adoption by researchers and improved return on investment for this project.
Strategies to amplify collaborative and sustainable citizen science opportunities identified during this project will enhance FRDC R&D outcomes 3 (a culture that is inclusive and forward thinking) and 5 (community trust, respect, and value). The guidelines will help build an environment where researchers work directly with recreational fishers, which will promote inclusivity with stakeholders, harness the wealth of local ecological expertise and foster a solution-driven culture throughout the supply chain.