Social Sciences Research Coordination Program - Advisory And Technical Group Expenses
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$13,031.07
Summary
The need for the program 2008/041 Fisheries Social Sciences Research Coordination Program is to coordinate the percieved social issues in the fishery industry and align these with the research plan for project funding. The need for this 'sub project' is to efficiently manage the governance expenditure associate with managing the program. Objectives: 1. Provide governance support for the establishment and maintenance of a social research coordination program to facilitate the leve ....The need for the program 2008/041 Fisheries Social Sciences Research Coordination Program is to coordinate the percieved social issues in the fishery industry and align these with the research plan for project funding. The need for this 'sub project' is to efficiently manage the governance expenditure associate with managing the program. Objectives: 1. Provide governance support for the establishment and maintenance of a social research coordination program to facilitate the leverage of effort between projects; assess the synergy of project proposals and optimise beneficial resource allocation and opportunities for all fishery activities. Read moreRead less
Empowering Industry R,D&E: An Analysis Of Water, Sediment And Biological Samples From The Clarence River To Identify Potential Causes For Poor Growth Of School Prawn During 2009/10
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$25,000.00
Summary
On 14 December the Clarence River estuary prawn trawl fishermen made a ‘gut wrenching’ decision – they closed the River and Lake Wooloweyah to prawn trawling until January 4. This at a time when harvest rates should be peaking to meet the demand for the school prawns over the Xmas and New Year period. The reason for the decision was based on the small size of the school prawn in the lake and river. It appears that they are not growing despite what seems to be ideal conditions. Following the majo ....On 14 December the Clarence River estuary prawn trawl fishermen made a ‘gut wrenching’ decision – they closed the River and Lake Wooloweyah to prawn trawling until January 4. This at a time when harvest rates should be peaking to meet the demand for the school prawns over the Xmas and New Year period. The reason for the decision was based on the small size of the school prawn in the lake and river. It appears that they are not growing despite what seems to be ideal conditions. Following the major flood in May and a minor fresh in October it was expected that the up coming river trawl season would be a bumper.
For months there has been a problem with the size of the prawns in the river system. Although the reason is unknown, many theories are being proffered:
• high water temp (29 – 30 degrees) and maybe that is not conducive (too high) to the micro food the prawns eat; • something left as a residue after the floods because the prawns are travelling when thy should not be (small ones going to sea); • bream dying in crab traps; • prawns are not separating into different class sizes as they usually do; • flood mud on the banks from May that still has no grass growing on it in some places; • pocket nets catching small travelling prawns when they normally catch a better grade of prawn; • fish kill up the Coldstream River about mid November; • eels dead in traps (South Arm) and look like they have been boiled;
Unless possible causes are eliminated and the likely problem identified then there could be ongoing impacts and a possibility that the prawn trawl season for the next few years affected. Objectives: 1. Identify 18 key sites in the lower Clarence river for sediment and water sample testing 2. Engage a certified testing labarotory to sample and test these sites for a range of possible contanimants 3. Report on these test and results and determine a course in conjunction with relevant authorities of action if test results determine this Read moreRead less
Socio-economic Study Of The Rock Lobster Industry In The South-east Of South Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Determine likely success of effort reduction program introduction in SE rock lobster fishery. 2. Identify types & numbers of fishermen likely to sell to buy-back authority; assess prospects for boat owners & crew. 3. Estimate cost of buying out to ensure viability; effects on communities
Flow Impacts On Estuarine Finfish Fisheries Of The Gulf Of Carpentaria
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$294,032.00
Summary
The estuaries of Australia’s tropical rivers support commercial fisheries for finfish and shellfish valued at over $220 million per annum. There are also significant tourism-related and local recreational and indigenous fisheries for icon species such as barramundi. Development of water resources in Australia’s Tropical Rivers region is being considered for the Flinders, Mitchell, McArthur, Roper, Daly and Victoria catchments. Greater knowledge of the freshwater requirements of tropical aquatic ....The estuaries of Australia’s tropical rivers support commercial fisheries for finfish and shellfish valued at over $220 million per annum. There are also significant tourism-related and local recreational and indigenous fisheries for icon species such as barramundi. Development of water resources in Australia’s Tropical Rivers region is being considered for the Flinders, Mitchell, McArthur, Roper, Daly and Victoria catchments. Greater knowledge of the freshwater requirements of tropical aquatic ecosystems, including estuaries is crucial, so that the communities of catchments where water resource development occurs can be assured that the downstream effects of such development are considered and managed based on the best available knowledge. Most research into the role of freshwater flows in aquatic ecosystems that support fish and fisheries has occurred in freshwater reaches of southern Australian rivers, except for that in the Fitzroy River Queensland, (a large dry tropical river). Conceptual models of the role of freshwater in estuaries of the Gulf of Carpentaria (GoC) and the effects on estuarine-dependent fisheries (i.e., LWA project QP155) is based on available knowledge gained from research in the Fitzroy River. However, these conceptual models lack confirmation of the underlying mechanisms, mostly as a consequence of a lack of process understanding as it occurs in GoC estuaries.
Greater knowledge of the role of freshwater flow in estuarine-dependent fisheries production in the GoC will allow for informed sustainable development of tropical water resources, with minimal impacts on fisheries resources.
Objectives: 1. Analyse available datasets relevant to conceptual models (developed in LWA Project No QP155), linking freshwater flow and estuarine-dependent finfish fisheries for key catchments in the Gulf of Carpentaria 2. Conduct targeted research, as identified by LWA Project No QP155, that will contribute to determining the role of freshwater in supporting estuarine-dependent finfish fisheries in the Gulf of Carpentaria. 3. Provide refined conceptual models and supporting information of the role of freshwater flow in supporting estuarine-dependent finfish fisheries production to the integration project. 4. Provide recommendations to water and fisheries managers on appropriate methods of assessing the effects of flows on estuarine finfish production Read moreRead less
Social Science And Economics Research Coordination Program (SSERCP) – Economic Consultant Services
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$67,000.00
Summary
Request from Emily Ogier to sub contract Sarah Jennings for the economic component of the parent project 2015-300 Objectives: 1. To provide economic consultancy to the Social Science and Economics Research Coordination Program (SSERCP).
WRL Communication, Education And Engagement Program
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$750,000.00
Summary
The Western Rock Lobster Council’s (WRLC) Strategic Plan defines the organisation’s purpose as providing the community with the economic and social benefits of a sustainable western rock lobster industry supplying its iconic product to local and overseas markets.
It outlines a vision for industry to have the full confidence of government, the community, and members as a well-resourced, self-funded peak body engaged in advocacy and co-management for improved resource security.
O ....The Western Rock Lobster Council’s (WRLC) Strategic Plan defines the organisation’s purpose as providing the community with the economic and social benefits of a sustainable western rock lobster industry supplying its iconic product to local and overseas markets.
It outlines a vision for industry to have the full confidence of government, the community, and members as a well-resourced, self-funded peak body engaged in advocacy and co-management for improved resource security.
One of the key actions outlined in the Strategic Plan under the fourth key objective ‘Ensure the social licence to operate is supported by government, community and industry’ is to develop and implement a revised communications strategy for members, stakeholders, and the community.
While the indications for achieving social licence for the western rock lobster industry are currently positive, consolidating and increasing that support depends on the evolving social and political landscape. Building on the on innovation and lessons learnt during the execution of the previous Communication Program 2020-058, and through the development and application of more mature initiatives drawn out from its updated Communication and Engagement Strategy, the industry will strengthen its connection to the community, continue to increase support from key stakeholders and the general public, and consolidate its Social Licence to operate. This Program application delivers on that commitment. Objectives: 1. Strengthen industry members' engagement: Increase the full participation by internal stakeholders in Council activities, to best enable the Council to represent the industry to government and other stakeholders. This includes industry engagement and communication of WRL IPA activities and R&D outputs. 2. Broaden and deepen relationships with external stakeholders from government and other industries to make the Council and the industry more resilient. 3. Build awareness of the significant contribution the industry continues to make to coastal communities, and the state. 4. Increase community awareness of the availability and accessibility of western rock lobster. 5. Ensure the industry is getting maximum social license benefits from its Marine Stewardship Council certification as a sustainable fishery. Read moreRead less
Mapping The Economic And Social Contributions Of The NT Seafood Industry – Part 2
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$295,760.00
Summary
The Northern Territory Seafood Council (NTSC) and the Northern Territory Government (NTG) recognise the vital need to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the economic impact of the NT seafood industry. This gap severely impedes effective advocacy for industry growth and development by the NTSC and hampers evidence decision-making. Without a comprehensive understanding of the industry's economic footprint throughout the supply chain of each major fishery/sector, it is challenging to address critic ....The Northern Territory Seafood Council (NTSC) and the Northern Territory Government (NTG) recognise the vital need to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the economic impact of the NT seafood industry. This gap severely impedes effective advocacy for industry growth and development by the NTSC and hampers evidence decision-making. Without a comprehensive understanding of the industry's economic footprint throughout the supply chain of each major fishery/sector, it is challenging to address critical issues and identify vulnerable points within the sector.
A whole of fishery and sector analysis, will provide essential insights for targeted advocacy and informed decision-making, fostering sustainable growth, enhancing resilience, and addressing critical issues within the Northern Territory's seafood industry.
Understanding the complete value of the NT seafood industry to the local community is crucial for making strategic decisions related to negotiations such as those concerning Blue Mud Bay and infrastructure investments. It will also contribute to ongoing investment in the industry.
The project aims to test economic protocols and processes identified in FRDC Project 2021-034 to establish cost-effective and valued systems beyond its duration. These systems will incorporate socio-economic information into decision-making processes and shift the culture from a government-driven collection process to one driven by the industry.
Without a plan to highlight the wider socio-economic value and benefits of the industry, the industry may face mounting pressure on its social license to operate, impacting access, industry structure, and fees. Moreover, the lack of understanding regarding the consequences of uncertainty surrounding secure access and potential loss of access for commercial fishers may have unintended effects on the NT seafood industry. Additionally, the limited availability of current financial and economic information for NT fisheries hampers economic analysis and the provision of advice to policymakers and decision-makers, hindering opportunities for growth and sustainability.
With that context in mind, NTSC experience to date identifies a number of known issues with existing data, including: - Limitations in the scope of data available which has historically excluded measurement of the contributions made by commercial charter fishing, processing of imported seafood, and activities downstream of immediate seafood processing (i.e. transport to retail markets, retail sector activity). - The poor quality of economic data (such as production, price and employment data) necessary to improve estimates of direct or initial effects from fishing, aquaculture production and processing in some fisheries and for some sub-sectors and seafood processing (where there is a need to further disaggregate ANZSIC categories or investigate alternative means of measurement for fisheries with too few licence holders for data to be reported). - Gaps in data regarding indirect contributions, including downstream production-induced and consumption-induced effects, where key data regarding employment, household-income and enterprise-level cost of production (i.e. expenditure on goods and services as inputs to fishing and aquaculture production) are unknown. - Gaps in data for a range of monetised and non-monetised social, environmental and cultural activities which contribute value to individuals and communities. While previous estimations have referred to the social contributions of fisheries and aquaculture to regional communities this has not involved any primary data collection or analysis of secondary data, requiring further work to select specific indicators and the basis of evidence.
In scoping and analysing the available data, the project will use third party providers to: - Ensure data collection methods are consistent and participant consent and privacy is achieved. The privacy of participants must be protected through adherence to the Australian Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), such that names of individuals are not recorded. Where the explicit informed consent of participants is required this may include a requirement to sign a consent form. Under circumstances where a vulnerable group is consulted, such as Indigenous Territorians, specific consent may be required from a Human Research Ethics Committee to ensure the data collection process causes no harm to participants. - Ensure data storage is secure and access is limited to the reasonable requirements of the project. All digital data (i.e. from an online survey) would be stored on a secure network with file access restricted to the nominated project team through use of file encryption and passwords. Any primary data collected cannot be used for any purpose other than that required to meet study objectives.
Objectives: 1. Understanding of the economic footprint of the NT seafood industry within the NT economy 2. Understanding of the economic footprint of the NT seafood industry within the Australian economy 3. Understanding the economic footprint of the main fishery sectors and their supply chains 4. Improved understanding and valuation of the NT seafood industry 5. Improved understanding of where the vulnerable points in the supply chain are Read moreRead less
Social Science Research Coordination Program (SSRCP) II
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$297,703.50
Summary
The initial project/phase of the SSRCP has been effective in creating recognition of the need for social science expertise. It has also identified need for a point of reference for FRABs and researchers and is relied upon by industry agencies as a point of co-ordination for fisheries social science research. The continuation of this coordination program is endorsed by the emerging understanding of the depth of social factors in fishing activities at the individual, business/group and sectoral le ....The initial project/phase of the SSRCP has been effective in creating recognition of the need for social science expertise. It has also identified need for a point of reference for FRABs and researchers and is relied upon by industry agencies as a point of co-ordination for fisheries social science research. The continuation of this coordination program is endorsed by the emerging understanding of the depth of social factors in fishing activities at the individual, business/group and sectoral levels, and the ways in which these activities interact with the broader community. Increasingly, external economic impacts such as market and competing industry influences; energy costs; distance to market; and potential new taxes, influence the shape of fishing and aquaculture industries, and are emerging as significant issues that remain unaddressed by biological or economic approaches alone.
Through a range of different techniques, social science research can address these issues and complement biological and economic research to support change in practice and community perceptions. The past three years of focus on social science research has encouraged and facilitated leveraging of previous research work, minimising the expense of duplication, and increasing the ability to identify solutions to resource use issues. Continuation of the program will support the efficient use of FRDC funds, and the pursuit of research project outcomes with greater reach than if implemented in isolation of previous research and other FRDC Program activities. Objectives: 1. Continue the social sciences program in the existing framework, subject to ongoing industry and research community feedback 2. Collaborate with the industry to identify emerging issues in wild harvest, aquacutlure, post harvest, recreational and indigenous fishery sectors, that could benefit from early integration of social science research for the identification of potential solutions. 3. Addresss research needs arising from FRDC's existing programs and ensure the quality and relevance of proposed social research projects 4. Co-ordinate and undertake the communication of key social research needs to the research community and SSRCP research outcomes to fishers and managment agencies. 5. Provide FRDC relevant program management for social projects including evaluation, commissioning of projects and milestone reviews. Read moreRead less
Alternative Management Strategies For The Western Rock Lobster
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Develop a mathematical model of the western rock lobster fishery that integrates the biological & socio-economic aspects. 2. Assess alternative management strategies for the fishery in Western Australia
Regrowth Of Pilchard (Sardinops Sagax) Stocks Off Southern WA Following The Mass Mortality Event Of 1998/1999
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$508,065.00
Summary
There is a need to assess the regrowth of pilchard stocks in southern Australia because of (1) the socioeconomic problems associated with fishery declines and the associated need to provide sufficiently detailed information so that management can proceed with the appropriate balance between sustaining the fishery and allowing recovery of the stocks, and (2) the potential for causes of wide ranging ecosystem affects to go unrecognized if there is no baseline data (i.e. abundance) for this key pel ....There is a need to assess the regrowth of pilchard stocks in southern Australia because of (1) the socioeconomic problems associated with fishery declines and the associated need to provide sufficiently detailed information so that management can proceed with the appropriate balance between sustaining the fishery and allowing recovery of the stocks, and (2) the potential for causes of wide ranging ecosystem affects to go unrecognized if there is no baseline data (i.e. abundance) for this key pelagic species.
In order to provide a time-series of the regrowth of S. sagax stocks in WA the biomass size of each adult assemblage needs to be assessed over the next few years. Because the ecosystem-based goal of this project is to provide a baseline of pilchard abundance which may relate to other species, the longer life spans, slower growth etc. typical of these higher trophic levels necessitates a long time series of surveys. Changes in biomass of the four pilchard assemblages should be assessed for a period of at least five years. Although this is a relatively short period of time over which to examine the recovery of a pelagic stock, such a routine will provide a solid basis for assessing the rebuild of pilchard abundance and thereby pro-actively collect data which could subsequently assist our understanding of other ecosystem affects of the Herpesvirus mortality event. This project will compliment the annual DEPM surveys intended for SA pilchard stock.
Collection of a continuous, albeit short-term, series of estimates of spawning biomass will permit the age structured simulation model being developed by Hall and Gaughan (in prep.) to be fitted to a likewise continuous series of these estimates. This should improve the fitting of the model, thereby making it more useful for predicting impacts of further mortality events involving S. sagax in southern Australia and facilitating the decision -making process in the ongoing management of pilchards in WA. Objectives: 1. Document changes in the biomass of the four exploited adult assemblages of S. sagax in WA during the six year period following the 1998/99 mass mortality event. 2. Integrate results of biomass surveys into the age structured model for each assemblage of pilchards. Further develop the age-structured simulation models for S. sagax and investigate ongoing behaviour of these under conditions of different levels of information 3. Determine if there is a measurable change in biological parameters of pilchards important to ongoing development of the simulation models, in particular growth rate, in response to the decrease in stock size. Read moreRead less