Factors affecting the toxicity of the dinoflagellate, Gambierdiscus toxicus, and the development of ciguatera outbreaks
Water abstraction impacts on flow dependent fisheries species of the Northern Territory, Australia - a synthesis of current knowledge and future research needs
The use of BRUVs as a tool for assessing marine fisheries and ecosystems: A review of the hurdles and potential
National reviews of Fisheries R&D needs (FRDC95/055) have identified the need for non-extractive, fishery-independent sampling and stock assessment techniques which are cost-effective, repeatable and robust across and range of habitats and depths. These methods are becoming increasingly important as Australian fisheries face the challenge of addressing ecosystem based fisheries management and climate change. A national workshop on the use of video for sensing the size and abundance of target and non-target fauna in Australian fisheries (FRDC2000/187) highlighted the potential for Baited Remote Underwater Video systems (BRUVs). After a decade, there has been wide adoption of this technique. However, differences in protocols for deployment, analysis and interpretation make spatial and temporal
comparisons of data difficult.
There is the need to develop a robust set of nationally agreed upon protocols to ensure that users are appropriately informed and trained through a comprehensive extension and capacity building program that also identifies key unresolved technical issues.
With the increased testing and use of BRUVs a number of independent developments have occurred. Future technological advances and more detailed statistical and modelling approaches will result in the BRUVs data being more useful for ecosystem assessment and management. Maximising the potential that these advances will provide to Australian fisheries will be achieved by a co-ordinated and
collaborative research strategy. We propose to host a two day workshop to critically evaluate the use of BRUVs as a data collection tool
for scalefishes and sharks. The workshop will identify the strengths, limitations and identify potential solutions.
Final report
Educating though Escape with ET
Communication and extension has been identified by the board as an activity on which more work should be undertaken.
In particular the last three AOP's for FRDC identified under Challenge 5: Community and consumer support two key priorities:
• Educate the community about fisheries and aquaculture management and its contribution to Australia.
• Communicate the benefits of government and industry investment in R&D.
To deliver key messages to the broader community, television is widely recogised as a powerful, albeit costly, tool. Escape with ET provides a cost effective vehicle to reach not only recreational fishers but those in the community that are interested in a wider range of activities and pursuits.
Over the course of Series 9 and 10, FRDC has helped produce over 35 individual stories on R&D ranging from release fish survival through to Australian Salmon and Southern Rocklobster which has been seen by a cumalitive audience of over 18,000,000.