Genetic variation
The results we have obtained in the current project are encouraging for SALTAS, as they confirm the earlier allozyme results of little loss of genetic variation. However, the results are also suggestive of a potential long term trend in loss of genetic variation. A sample collected and analysed in January 1997 (1993 year-class parents) would provide evidence to substantiate this trend or indicate whether the current results were a sampling artifact. The analysis of a 1997 sample would be the second of a proposed regular 4 to 5 year assessment of the status of the Tasmanian stock, and would help to describe the nature and speed of any long term trends.

SALTAS, as the principal Atlantic salmon hatchery in Australia, has a long term requirement to maintain industry and investor confidence in their product, and the ability to confirm the reliability of its breeding practices is important for the sustainability of the industry.

Loss of genetic variation in a cultured population will provide an early indicator of potential inbreeding, which could have grave consequences as deleterious recessive genes are exposed and stocks lose vigour dependent on genetic variance. Any loss of genetic variation in Tasmanian Atlantic salmon could be difficult or impossible to recover due to the restrictions on importation of new broodstock.

Y-chromosome marker
A number of molecular genetic techniques for trait or marker screening have been developed since the original proposal was submitted. We propose to apply some of these new techniques to the screening of Atlantic salmon DNA for a potential Y-chromosome marker. These approaches will greatly increase our chances of finding such a marker.

The new techniques we propose include:
Representational Difference Analysis (RDA);
PCR-Select cDNA Subtraction Technique;
the application of other modified subtractive hybridization and differential display techniques
that have proved useful in other species;
AFLP (amplified fragment polymorphism) technique; and
the application of a number of commercial RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA)
primers.

We have also established contact, and will collaborate during the proposed project extension, with workers who have a Y-chromosome marker for brook trout and arctic char, and other workers in this field working with other teleosts.

We believe that a continuation of the current project (95/80) is the best approach to further tackle this Y-chromosome marker issue. It will allow us to best utilise the expertise and momentum we have established on this problem, rather than completed our current objectives and then revisit this issue in a year or two.

If we are successful in locating a Y-chromosome marker either during the remainder of the current schedule or early in the 1997 grant extension, resources will then be directed to isolate and further characterize that marker.

There is an increasing need to develop appropriate management in the Commonwealth Small Pelagic Fishery (SPF). Past spikes in the jack mackerel fishery, more recent increases in catches of redbait in Zone A of the SPF and predicted climate change impacts pose a significant threat to the ecosystem structure and function particularly in this region but more broadly throughout the whole SPF, emphasizing our need to understand the role of small pelagics in the southern Australian ecosystem.

The SPF Management Advisory Committee identified several priorities for research such as determination of stock structure and size, the role of the species in the system, harvest strategies in response to the Ministerial Direction 2005, and interactions with TEP species and bycatch. COMFRAB have called for research that will identify possible spatial management arrangements that best suit the spatial distribution of the species.

Our proposal addresses the issue of the role of small pelagics in the southern Australian ecosystem, and the potential impacts, under various types of ecosystem controls and environmental and management influences. We will also recommend an approach to developing purpose-built models to evaluate derived scenarios of management, fishery interactions and potential climate change impacts.

Sustainable fishing is typically used to imply sound use of a sustainable resource. Australian fisheries are recognized as world leading with regard to research and management, yet that message is still not being heard by many Australians, potentially eroding support for this industry. Recent events have shown that information about fishery performance with regard to target species is no longer sufficient for many Australians. Increasing attention in media and society-at-large is now given to a range of other fishery issues, including bycatch, economic performance, stock status and social/societal issues. Thus, for Australian fisheries, it is no longer just about catching fish - it is about a sustainable industry and management of a range of other issues. We lack a framework for transparently, independently and comprehensively reporting on these issues.
We will continue the development of a reporting framework for the status of Australian fisheries across a range of issues, as a companion to the ABARES-led stock status report (SAFS). This assessment template and the associated case studies will provide a holistic picture of the sustainability (biological, social and economic) of key Australian fish fisheries to inform the broader seafood sustainability debate. This will provide fisheries managers and other stakeholders with a clear view of successes, strengths, and challenges. We expect this template to form the basis for performance reporting on fisheries for use in other efforts such as State of Environment Reports. This work is needed to see Australian fisheries recognized more widely amongst the general public for the strong sustainability focus, and the strengths compared to other nations. This assessment will draw on a wide range of existing research and management outputs, be accessible, and through an inclusive development and consultative process, be trusted by the fishing sector and the Australian public.