Reef Area Estimation And Habitat Typing By Aerial Photography (Project Cancelled)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Examine the feasibility of aerial photographic techniques for estimation of area and type of underwater rocky bottoms, 2. identification and mapping of abalone and associated macro-algal communities.
The Biology And Ecology Of Blue Grenadier With Particular Reference To Stock Recruitment, Stock Identity And Its Role In A Multispecies Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Investigating recruitment patterns to stocks using larval & adult fish; no of separate stocks in Tas waters using biochemical genetic techniques 2. relationship between adult blue grenadier & other species, especially mortality from predation & 3. ; influence of food supply on the populations
Linking Fishery-dependent And Fishery-independent Assessments Of Abalone Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$412,571.00
Summary
Abalone stocks are vulnerable to localized depletion, followed by fishery collapse. In Australia, assessments of abalone fisheries have been written in all abalone-producing states. However, except in NSW (Worthington, 1998), the basis for those stock assessments is generally an anecdotal interpretation of un-standardized commercial catch-effort data and, sometimes, information on the size-composition of the catch. This information is often combined, in an informal way, with research data to giv ....Abalone stocks are vulnerable to localized depletion, followed by fishery collapse. In Australia, assessments of abalone fisheries have been written in all abalone-producing states. However, except in NSW (Worthington, 1998), the basis for those stock assessments is generally an anecdotal interpretation of un-standardized commercial catch-effort data and, sometimes, information on the size-composition of the catch. This information is often combined, in an informal way, with research data to give an impression of the status of the stocks. Performance indicators used do not tend to be biologically based. Most importantly, the sustainability of current catch levels is not known with any confidence. Meeting the guidelines from Environment Australia with regard to sustainability of fisheries will require a more formal assessment for such an important fishery.
The development of FRDC project 1999/116, to develop a National Abalone Model, is an attempt to answer the obvious need for a valid model. Currently, New South Wales is the only state where a stock assessment model is being used as the basis for fishery management decisions in an abalone fishery. In Tasmania, The inputs currently available to the model being developed include fishery-dependent catch-effort data, fishery-dependent length-frequency data, research length-frequency data, and estimates of biological parameters. The crucial data, missing from the inputs to the model, is a fishery-independent index of relative abundance. The survey techniques used in NSW and in Victoria have been found incapable of producing estimates with sufficient precision under Tasmanian conditions. There is thus a need to develop an optimum combination of fishery independent indices of abundance that will have application in the full range of Tasmanian abalone habitats. In addition, Tasmania's raw catch-effort data must be standardized prior to its use in a formal assessment model because of the high variability in catch rates between divers, areas, season, and other factors.
Specifically this project will: (1) better determine the relationship between catch-rate and abundance. This is needed for realistic standardisation of catch and effort statistics; (2) improve our understanding of the differences between commercial size-composition data and the actual size composition of the legal size abalone left after fishing (selectivity v availability). Such data are a key ingredient of stock assessment models; (3) assess the accuracy of diver logbook data. This will help ensure that the data requested via industry logbooks focuses on the most appropriate questions and will assist with appropriate standardisation.
The information gained will underpin the development of credible, realistic fisheries models for abalone, which will consequently improve the confidence with which abalone fisheries are managed. Increased confidence in fisheries management decisions will have measurable economic benefits. Objectives: 1. Establish the most appropriate fishery independent, index of relative abundance for a range of abalone habitats in Tasmania. 2. Develop methods of standardizing abalone catch-rate data that best relate catch-rates to abundance. 3. Establish the optimum means for obtaining validated fishery-dependent data. 4. Synthesize all results so they can be included in the abalone stock assessment model currently under development. Read moreRead less
Implementation Of Fishery Independent Surveys For The Southern And Eastern Scalefish And Shark Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$3,349,385.50
Summary
Catch and effort data obtained from commercial logbooks is the primary source of information used as an index of abundance for most SESSF species. The assumption underlying this is that commercial catch rates change in a linear fashion with abundance. This assumption, however, has little independent support for many SEF species and is frequently criticised by industry and scientists alike. One of the most significant problems with commercial CPUE data in the SEF is that fishers modify their fish ....Catch and effort data obtained from commercial logbooks is the primary source of information used as an index of abundance for most SESSF species. The assumption underlying this is that commercial catch rates change in a linear fashion with abundance. This assumption, however, has little independent support for many SEF species and is frequently criticised by industry and scientists alike. One of the most significant problems with commercial CPUE data in the SEF is that fishers modify their fishing practices to suit quota availability and market demands. Also, many fishermen only put the retained catch in logbook data, not the total catch. Furthermore, the influence of environmental conditions on fish availability also reduces the effectiveness of CPUE as an index of abundance. Low or bycatch TACs also prevent catch rate data being used as an index of abundance.
Implementation of a fishery independent survey is the most cost-effective and feasible means to get an independent index of abundance for the suite of SESSF species.
Recognising this, the SESS Fishery Assessment Group (SESSFAG) has placed highest priority on the need to implement fishery-independent methods for surveying relative abundance of SESSF fish stocks. Objectives: 1. Review the current fishery independent surveys that are operating in the SESSF and determine their efficacy and potential for use in a multi-species survey. Determine which survey methods are most suitable for the main species in the SESSF. 2. Design a suite of cost-efficient fishery independent surveys that will meet the needs of the fishery in providing indices of abundance for most major species in the SESSF. Determine the most practical way of undertaking the surveys and gain broad stakeholder acceptance of the survey design. 3. Determine the cost structure for the surveys and how funding and research quota will be allocated. 4. Undertake a full one-year trial of the survey design. Review the results of the survey with respect to cost-efficiency, practicality and provision of high quality (precise) indices of abundance and modify the design accordingly. 5. Implement a long-term (5-10 year) survey program that can be progressively funded by industry under standard CRIS Policy Read moreRead less
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
The resilience of marine ecosystems and fisheries to climate change: exploring adaptation strategies. This project will underpin Australia's commitment to maintaining environmental biodiversity and sustainability in the face of climate change. The Fellowship investigates the consequences of climate change on marine plants and animals, harvested resources and ecosystem functioning by identifying vulnerable species and habitats. It will provide management advice on balancing biodiversity and econo ....The resilience of marine ecosystems and fisheries to climate change: exploring adaptation strategies. This project will underpin Australia's commitment to maintaining environmental biodiversity and sustainability in the face of climate change. The Fellowship investigates the consequences of climate change on marine plants and animals, harvested resources and ecosystem functioning by identifying vulnerable species and habitats. It will provide management advice on balancing biodiversity and economic output under climate change. This information is of immediate use to a range of stakeholders including national, state and local government agencies. With its focus on ecological, economic and social impacts, this project will put Australian scientists at the forefront of research on the adaptation of marine ecosystems to climate change.Read moreRead less
Review And Update Harvest Strategy Settings For The Commonwealth Small Pelagic Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$122,741.00
Summary
The SPF has been the focus of considerable stakeholder scrutiny in 2012. Part of this focus has been on the harvest strategy, which has been in place since 2009. Two questions have arisen about the current harvest strategy: 1) What reference points for exploitation rates are appropriate for the species exploited in this fishery, taking into account their ecological role in the food chain? 2) Is the maximum exploitation rate specified in the strategy appropriate for all the target species, given ....The SPF has been the focus of considerable stakeholder scrutiny in 2012. Part of this focus has been on the harvest strategy, which has been in place since 2009. Two questions have arisen about the current harvest strategy: 1) What reference points for exploitation rates are appropriate for the species exploited in this fishery, taking into account their ecological role in the food chain? 2) Is the maximum exploitation rate specified in the strategy appropriate for all the target species, given their different productivities, life histories and trophic importance? Questions have also been raised about the possibility and impacts of localised depletion in this fishery, but these will not be dealt with in this proposal.
There is an urgent need to review and if necessary update the harvest strategy settings for the SPF. Specifically, there is a need to answer the two questions outlined above, both of which involve settings in the current harvest strategy. One concerns appropriate choice of target (and limit) reference points, while the other concerns selecting individual harvest rates for each of the target species in the fishery, appropriate to its life history and productivity.
Notwithstanding that the vessel which caused the high level of scrutiny on the fishery has departed Australian waters, answering the two questions remains fundamental to proper implementation of the Commonwealth Harvest Strategy Policy for this fishery. The need for a review of the harvest strategy settings had been flagged by SPF RAG ahead of the contorversy with the "super trawler". Objectives: 1. Provide advice on best practice reference points for the four main target species in the SPF 2. Provide advice on suitable exploitation rates to achieve management targets for the four main target species in the SPF Read moreRead less
A Trophic Model For Gulf St Vincent: Balancing Exploitation Of Three Fisheries In An Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management Framework
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$138,407.00
Summary
The apparent biomass of snapper in northern Gulf St Vincent (GSV) has increased considerably over the last three years above historic levels. This observation has coincided with a marked decline in catches by GSV Prawn and Blue Crab fishers to the extent that it has required a considerable reduction in fishing effort to promote stock recovery. As snapper are known to predate upon blue crabs and prawns, there is concern and uncertainty among fishers and managers that the downturn in these crusta ....The apparent biomass of snapper in northern Gulf St Vincent (GSV) has increased considerably over the last three years above historic levels. This observation has coincided with a marked decline in catches by GSV Prawn and Blue Crab fishers to the extent that it has required a considerable reduction in fishing effort to promote stock recovery. As snapper are known to predate upon blue crabs and prawns, there is concern and uncertainty among fishers and managers that the downturn in these crustacean fisheries has occurred in part due to predatory ‘top-down’ regulation by snapper within GSV. The potential interaction between these three high value fisheries and their respective management has consequently generated a need to better understand the trophic interactions that underpin production of these fisheries in GSV, how exploitation rates within each fishery may impact on production in the others and what balanced exploitation scenarios would optimise production and value across fisheries, while minimising ecosystem impacts.
A GSV Ecosystem model is needed to assess the linkages between increased snapper abundance and reduced production in crustacean fisheries. Sensitivity analyses and scenario testing will identify the ecological factors important to production across the three fisheries, assessing the ecological and production implications of greater selectivity of fishing methods in king prawn fisheries and mutli-species optimisation scenarios. It will provide a decision support tool as a basis for multi-species fisheries management in GSV, and a step toward fully integrated (EBFM) whole of system management.
Objectives: 1. Understand the impact of changes in the abundance of snapper on the GSV ecosystem, with particular emphasis on other high value commercial fisheries, i.e. prawns and blue crabs 2. Assess temporal change, the effects of fishing and improved fishing selectivity on the GSV ecosystem over the last 20 years 3. Develop a GSV Ecosystem model to assess and optimise future ecological and economic performance of multi-species fisheries in an EBFM framework Read moreRead less
BCA: Research To Develop And Manage The Sea Urchin Fisheries Of NSW And Eastern Victoria
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$6,050.00
Summary
With the decline in several other sea urchin fisheries around the world, there now exists a good opportunity to develop a large and valuable fishery for purple and red sea urchins in NSW. In addition, there is also interest in the further development of the purple urchin fishery near Mallacoota in eastern Victoria, and the white urchin fishery in Port Phillip Bay. This interest is evidenced in both NSW and Victoria by substantial capital investment in factories to process sea urchins and their ....With the decline in several other sea urchin fisheries around the world, there now exists a good opportunity to develop a large and valuable fishery for purple and red sea urchins in NSW. In addition, there is also interest in the further development of the purple urchin fishery near Mallacoota in eastern Victoria, and the white urchin fishery in Port Phillip Bay. This interest is evidenced in both NSW and Victoria by substantial capital investment in factories to process sea urchins and their roe. If these urchin fisheries could be further developed within an appropriate management framework, it could also lead to significant benefits for the abalone fishery, particularly in NSW, because of the interaction between the two species.
Because of the limited development of this fishery to date, it provides an ideal opportunity to assess stocks of sea urchins prior to any major depletion by fishing. Sampling techniques have already been developed for sea urchins in barren habitats, and could easily be transferred to habitats where commercial fishing will be concentrated. Such assessments may be particularly important considering the evidence from other urchin fisheries, where large virgin stocks have been rapidly depleted with only low rates of recovery from the recruitment of juveniles.
Preliminary information from NSW suggests a large proportion of the sea urchin population does not contain high quality roe. Unless high quality roe can be reliably collected, the costs of processing sea urchins may restrict development of the fishery. Two main techniques have been used in other fisheries to improve the supply of food to sea urchins on reefs, and hence the quality of roe that can be harvested. If these techniques could be adapted for sea urchins in NSW, significant improvements in yield and value would be possible. Further, as the simple, large scale removals are already being used in the industry, there is also a need to detect their impacts on other species. Objectives: 1. Develop and complete a process for stock assessment of sea urchins in NSW and eastern Victoria 2. Investigate techniques to enable the reliable harvesting of quality roe from coastal reefs, and determine their impact on associated species Read moreRead less