An Evaluation Of The Beeton Review On Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$26,000.00
Summary
This research is necessary to address many priorities under FRDC strategic RD&E themes. The project will: “provide information to the community to demonstrate improvements in the fishing industry’s environmental performance” (Theme 2. Habitat and ecosystem protection) and “incorporate understandings of the cumulative impacts of fishing into fisheries management plans” (Theme 4. Ecologically sustainable development) via detailed and careful evaluation of the potential and real threats of fishing ....This research is necessary to address many priorities under FRDC strategic RD&E themes. The project will: “provide information to the community to demonstrate improvements in the fishing industry’s environmental performance” (Theme 2. Habitat and ecosystem protection) and “incorporate understandings of the cumulative impacts of fishing into fisheries management plans” (Theme 4. Ecologically sustainable development) via detailed and careful evaluation of the potential and real threats of fishing to the marine environment. In addition, ’user-friendly’ versions of the publications will “better inform the community’s perceptions of the industry and to increase support for the industry”. The possibilities for better presenting Australia’s credentials as responsible fisheries managers will be enhanced.
One of the goals of AFMA as outlined in their Corporate Plan 2010-2014 is to improve the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of fisheries administration (this concept is echoed in all Australian states and territories but the actual wording differs). The research proposed here will provide an evaluation of the degree to which fishing does actually represent a threat to marine biodiversity and the cost-effectiveness of traditional fisheries management for ameliorating that threat(s) compared as far as possible with the threats to biodiversity and fisheries from other sources. This will be vital to clarifying the current confusion between fisheries management and biodiversity conservation. These assessments are critical to improving fisheries management strategies and making them more cost-effective and proportionate to environmental problems (a requirement of the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment). In light of national commitments to establish a comprehensive system of representative marine protected areas by 2012, peer-reviewed publications will prove an invaluable and urgently needed tool to defend the credentials of the Australian fishing industry and to more appropriately position fishing interests in the decision making process.
Ref: AFMA (2010). Corporate Plan 2010-2014. Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Canberra Objectives: 1. Investigate cases of real threats from fishing to fish stocks and/or biodiversity more generally in Australian waters, and alternative management strategies for sustainable fishing and the recovery of populations and areas that have been previously overfished. 2. Assess and discuss the threats to marine biodiversity from non-fishing related activities and the management strategies (or lack thereof) to combat these. This will include consideration of the principles of cost and effectiveness of potential amelioration strategies for fishing and non-fishing related activities (note, it will not be within the scope of this project to carry out cost-benefit analyses for individual strategies or fisheries). 3. Align the accepted benefits of ‘reserves’ where all fishing is excluded (such as for scientific reference points) with realistic expectations for ‘off-reserve’ benefits and the degree to which area management is an appropriate ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management for individual fisheries across the whole area of selected fisheries. Read moreRead less
A Coordinated Commercial Fishing Industry Approach To The Use Of Marine Protected Areas
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$4,285.00
Summary
The numerous government initiatives related to resource access, mentioned in the Background to this application have, in the main, been prepared by groups of professionals working for months or years with the support of considerable government infrastructure. This is appropriate for issues of such significance. What is not appropriate is that draft policies are headed for finalisation without due input from the group most effected, the fishing industry.
The industry will of course res ....The numerous government initiatives related to resource access, mentioned in the Background to this application have, in the main, been prepared by groups of professionals working for months or years with the support of considerable government infrastructure. This is appropriate for issues of such significance. What is not appropriate is that draft policies are headed for finalisation without due input from the group most effected, the fishing industry.
The industry will of course respond most positively to proposals for conservation and management of resources which lead to greater certainty for healthy and prosperous fisheries resources and ecosystems which support them. But, to do so, all levels of industry need to understand the principles of these proposals and be convinced of the merit of the logic which underpins them. For issues as fundamental as access to fishing grounds extensive and intensive consultation and debate must be anticipated. For peak bodies to coordinate the compliance and support necessary for the cost-effective implementation of new management strategies the great majority of fishers must back the initiatives. For a new national initiative such as NRSMPA industry must be coordinated nationally.
Support from the majority of fishers will be dependent upon clear and unambiguous answers to questions which currently cloud understanding of the efficacy of using MPA’s as resource conservation and allocation tools.
Questions which researchers, and many resource managers would like answered include:
How do we accommodate series of isolated, closed areas within the broader context of the total ecosystem management (Total Catchment Management) necessary for efficient and cost effective resource conservation, utilisation and allocation?
Is the restriction of access by groups primarily a resource allocation (fisheries management by AFMA or State agencies) issue or biodiversity conservation (Environment Australia)?
What are the implications for further utilisation of the multiple-use model of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) for which Australia has received international acclaim?
Questions to which industry must have answers in order to deliver orderly harvest of our seafood resources include:
Is concern over access to protected areas (resource access) being confused by industry and Government with security of long-term access to maximum sustainable yields (resource security)?
Is the principle of (maximum) economic efficiency (AFMA) compromised by restriction of access to areas (MPA) closed for reasons other than efficient yield management?
Questions which industry itself must address if it is to fully understand the principles and then provide full support to the design, implementation, monitoring and adaptive management of a national system of MPA’s include:
What contribution can industry make to the selection of areas which justify categorisation as representative, or which may need some form of protection for other purposes? Can an area which is unique (such as the one spawning or nesting area) be “representative”? If not is there also a need for a series of “unique protected areas”?
What protection is required for each of these areas and what impact will such measures have on current and future seafood supplies and on activities of the fishing industry?
Will industry be required to meet totally, or contribute to, enforcement or other management costs associated with protected areas?
What data and/or other assistance can industry provide to help assess the effectiveness of protection, and the impact of protection on the ecosystem?
What measures are necessary within the industry to ensure understanding by all of the role of MPA’s, and to engender full cooperation and support for the appropriate use of MPA’s?
The numerous state and national peak bodies do not all have permanent staff with training and expertise to respond immediately and appropriately to the numerous Government initiatives which affect resource security and allocation. When shifts in Government policy are likely industry is compelled to employ consultants or submit project proposals to potential funding sources, such as FRDC. The latter process normally results in more considered and more professional outputs and therefore better quality advice to industry, but unfortunately requires several months lead time for submission of applications and often years to complete the task. Therefore with an issue as fundamental as the principles of access to areas of resource distribution, it is essential to take a national approach and to be given time to prepare a considered and positive response which has the support of at least the majority of fishers.
Access to the resource is of fundamental concern to both commercial and recreational users of this resource; the principles of restricted access to areas as a conservation or management tool are relevant to both groups. The common interest is acknowledged, however this project has arisen directly from state and national peak commercial industry bodies and has been designed to specifically assess policy impacts on commercial industries. It is proposed that the project proceed with commercial industry focus until at least the end of first year, at which time a major milestone report is envisaged. This would allow FRDC to consult with recreational fishing interests and then, if appropriate, negotiate including additional recreational perspectives with the Steering Committee. Objectives: 1. To assist national and State fishing industry bodies with the development of a positive response to Government initiatives to increase the use of marine protected areas (MPA) for conservation and management. 2. To compare the objectives and implementation strategies of the numerous Government policies on marine resource use and conservation and prepare an assessment of their collective impacts on fishing industries. 3. To provide a concise and easily understood summary of the advantages and disadvantages to commercial fishers of present and proposed policies on MPA’s. 4. To facilitate the development of a strategy to promote sustainable resource use as an objective of future use of MPA’s. 5. To assist with the development of a nationwide fishing industry strategy to identify areas which could be included in future resource management by the use of MPA’s. 6. To develop guidelines for industry involvement in monitoring the effectiveness of MPA’s. Read moreRead less
A Coordinated Commercial Fishing Industry Approach To The Use Of Marine Protected Areas
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$4,285.00
Summary
The numerous government initiatives related to resource access, mentioned in the Background to this application have, in the main, been prepared by groups of professionals working for months or years with the support of considerable government infrastructure. This is appropriate for issues of such significance. What is not appropriate is that draft policies are headed for finalisation without due input from the group most effected, the fishing industry.
The industry will of course res ....The numerous government initiatives related to resource access, mentioned in the Background to this application have, in the main, been prepared by groups of professionals working for months or years with the support of considerable government infrastructure. This is appropriate for issues of such significance. What is not appropriate is that draft policies are headed for finalisation without due input from the group most effected, the fishing industry.
The industry will of course respond most positively to proposals for conservation and management of resources which lead to greater certainty for healthy and prosperous fisheries resources and ecosystems which support them. But, to do so, all levels of industry need to understand the principles of these proposals and be convinced of the merit of the logic which underpins them. For issues as fundamental as access to fishing grounds extensive and intensive consultation and debate must be anticipated. For peak bodies to coordinate the compliance and support necessary for the cost-effective implementation of new management strategies the great majority of fishers must back the initiatives. For a new national initiative such as NRSMPA industry must be coordinated nationally.
Support from the majority of fishers will be dependent upon clear and unambiguous answers to questions which currently cloud understanding of the efficacy of using MPA’s as resource conservation and allocation tools.
Questions which researchers, and many resource managers would like answered include:
How do we accommodate series of isolated, closed areas within the broader context of the total ecosystem management (Total Catchment Management) necessary for efficient and cost effective resource conservation, utilisation and allocation?
Is the restriction of access by groups primarily a resource allocation (fisheries management by AFMA or State agencies) issue or biodiversity conservation (Environment Australia)?
What are the implications for further utilisation of the multiple-use model of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) for which Australia has received international acclaim?
Questions to which industry must have answers in order to deliver orderly harvest of our seafood resources include:
Is concern over access to protected areas (resource access) being confused by industry and Government with security of long-term access to maximum sustainable yields (resource security)?
Is the principle of (maximum) economic efficiency (AFMA) compromised by restriction of access to areas (MPA) closed for reasons other than efficient yield management?
Questions which industry itself must address if it is to fully understand the principles and then provide full support to the design, implementation, monitoring and adaptive management of a national system of MPA’s include:
What contribution can industry make to the selection of areas which justify categorisation as representative, or which may need some form of protection for other purposes? Can an area which is unique (such as the one spawning or nesting area) be “representative”? If not is there also a need for a series of “unique protected areas”?
What protection is required for each of these areas and what impact will such measures have on current and future seafood supplies and on activities of the fishing industry?
Will industry be required to meet totally, or contribute to, enforcement or other management costs associated with protected areas?
What data and/or other assistance can industry provide to help assess the effectiveness of protection, and the impact of protection on the ecosystem?
What measures are necessary within the industry to ensure understanding by all of the role of MPA’s, and to engender full cooperation and support for the appropriate use of MPA’s?
The numerous state and national peak bodies do not all have permanent staff with training and expertise to respond immediately and appropriately to the numerous Government initiatives which affect resource security and allocation. When shifts in Government policy are likely industry is compelled to employ consultants or submit project proposals to potential funding sources, such as FRDC. The latter process normally results in more considered and more professional outputs and therefore better quality advice to industry, but unfortunately requires several months lead time for submission of applications and often years to complete the task. Therefore with an issue as fundamental as the principles of access to areas of resource distribution, it is essential to take a national approach and to be given time to prepare a considered and positive response which has the support of at least the majority of fishers.
Access to the resource is of fundamental concern to both commercial and recreational users of this resource; the principles of restricted access to areas as a conservation or management tool are relevant to both groups. The common interest is acknowledged, however this project has arisen directly from state and national peak commercial industry bodies and has been designed to specifically assess policy impacts on commercial industries. It is proposed that the project proceed with commercial industry focus until at least the end of first year, at which time a major milestone report is envisaged. This would allow FRDC to consult with recreational fishing interests and then, if appropriate, negotiate including additional recreational perspectives with the Steering Committee. Objectives: 1. To assist national and State fishing industry bodies with the development of a positive response to Government initiatives to increase the use of marine protected areas (MPA) for conservation and management. 2. To compare the objectives and implementation strategies of the numerous Government policies on marine resource use and conservation and prepare an assessment of their collective impacts on fishing industries. 3. To provide a concise and easily understood summary of the advantages and disadvantages to commercial fishers of present and proposed policies on MPA’s. 4. To facilitate the development of a strategy to promote sustainable resource use as an objective of future use of MPA’s. 5. To assist with the development of a nationwide fishing industry strategy to identify areas which could be included in future resource management by the use of MPA’s. 6. To develop guidelines for industry involvement in monitoring the effectiveness of MPA’s. Read moreRead less
Australia's ocean microbiome: how the diversity and functionality of microbes influence key oceanographic provinces. Every millilitre of seawater contains millions of microbes that maintain the health of our planet, but their identity and function in Australian waters is undefined. This project will identify the microbes inhabiting Australian marine systems, elucidate the services they provide, and predict how they will be affected by future environmental changes
Dynamic assessment of threats to marine megafauna in face of global change. This project aims to develop a global approach to synthesise global tracking datasets and deliver near real-time diagnostics on risks for marine megafauna at a global scale pushing forward a new frontier in dynamic marine spatial management to improve conservation. This project expects to increase our understanding of how marine megafauna movements vary with environmental changes and how much they overlap with threatenin ....Dynamic assessment of threats to marine megafauna in face of global change. This project aims to develop a global approach to synthesise global tracking datasets and deliver near real-time diagnostics on risks for marine megafauna at a global scale pushing forward a new frontier in dynamic marine spatial management to improve conservation. This project expects to increase our understanding of how marine megafauna movements vary with environmental changes and how much they overlap with threatening global human activities. Expected outcomes will demonstrate how big data in marine telemetry can be synthesised and translated into ecologically significant behaviours. This should provide significant benefits to address global scientific and societal problems highlighted in the Australian science and research priorities.Read moreRead less
Assessing The Impact Of Proposed Marine Protected Areas On South Australian Rock Lobster Catches
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$15,000.00
Summary
To provide quantitative measures of the impact of proposed Marine Protected Areas in South Australia on commercial landings of rock lobster, and to provide tools for the negotiation of specific MPA boundaries, so as to minimise the impact on rock lobster production, while still allowing protection of marine biodiversity. Objectives: 1. To provide a GIS tool that will show specific areas of rock lobster harvest, and allow computation of historical mean total catches from each MPA a ....To provide quantitative measures of the impact of proposed Marine Protected Areas in South Australia on commercial landings of rock lobster, and to provide tools for the negotiation of specific MPA boundaries, so as to minimise the impact on rock lobster production, while still allowing protection of marine biodiversity. Objectives: 1. To provide a GIS tool that will show specific areas of rock lobster harvest, and allow computation of historical mean total catches from each MPA area proposed in SA. 2. To develop a model for estimating mean net losses of production of rock lobster as an impact of six proposed MPA's in SA. 3. To transfer modelling methodologies for assessing MPA impact from the Tasmanian FRDC project to South Australia. Read moreRead less
Long-term changes in Mackay Whitsunday water quality and connectivity between coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems. Declining water quality is implicated in the degradation of near-shore Great Barrier Reef (GBR) ecosystems. The goal of this project is to provide a definitive answer to the question of how GBR water quality has changed since European arrival (pre-1860). Using novel geochemical proxies in long-lived coral cores and innovative remote sensing techniques, we will develop quantitative h ....Long-term changes in Mackay Whitsunday water quality and connectivity between coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems. Declining water quality is implicated in the degradation of near-shore Great Barrier Reef (GBR) ecosystems. The goal of this project is to provide a definitive answer to the question of how GBR water quality has changed since European arrival (pre-1860). Using novel geochemical proxies in long-lived coral cores and innovative remote sensing techniques, we will develop quantitative histories of water quality and mangrove distribution change. This project will deliver the first integrated assessment of how coastal water quality and associated ecosystems have varied historically, which will be immediately applicable for long-term management of coastal ecosystems lining the GBR.Read moreRead less
Review And Assessment Of The Impacts Of The Proposed Broad Areas Of Interest (BAOI) For MPA Development In The SE Region
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$52,900.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To quantify the commercial fisheries catch for key species within the proposed MPAs for the SE region 2. To quantify the commercial fisheries economic value associated with the catch within the proposed MPAs for the SE region 3. To quantify the socio-economic impact of the proposed MPAs on the commercial fishing industry 4. To quantify in terms of 1,2 &3 alternative approaches that meet industry needs without compromising biodiversity objectives of DEH. < ....Objectives: 1. To quantify the commercial fisheries catch for key species within the proposed MPAs for the SE region 2. To quantify the commercial fisheries economic value associated with the catch within the proposed MPAs for the SE region 3. To quantify the socio-economic impact of the proposed MPAs on the commercial fishing industry 4. To quantify in terms of 1,2 &3 alternative approaches that meet industry needs without compromising biodiversity objectives of DEH. Read moreRead less
ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrated Coral Reef Studies. The overarching aim of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrated Coral Reef Studies is to provide the scientific knowledge necessary for sustaining ecosystem goods and services of the worlds coral reefs, which support the livelihoods and food security of millions of people in the tropics. The Centre will enhance Australia's global leadership in coral reef science through three ambitious research programs addressing the future of coral ....ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrated Coral Reef Studies. The overarching aim of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrated Coral Reef Studies is to provide the scientific knowledge necessary for sustaining ecosystem goods and services of the worlds coral reefs, which support the livelihoods and food security of millions of people in the tropics. The Centre will enhance Australia's global leadership in coral reef science through three ambitious research programs addressing the future of coral reefs and their ability to adapt to change. A key outcome of the research will be providing tangible benefits to all Australians by building bridges between the natural and social sciences, strengthening capacity, and informing and supporting transformative changes in coral reef governance and management.Read moreRead less
Tipping points and early warning signals in complex ecosystems. This project aims to create a theory of early warning that uses spatial data available on system state, connectivity and environmental stress, and to create tools to infer the risk of ecosystem collapse. Many ecosystems have irreversible tipping points. Since their locations are often unknown, metrics may provide an early warning of collapse but are difficult to apply because they need long time series which are usually lacking. Thi ....Tipping points and early warning signals in complex ecosystems. This project aims to create a theory of early warning that uses spatial data available on system state, connectivity and environmental stress, and to create tools to infer the risk of ecosystem collapse. Many ecosystems have irreversible tipping points. Since their locations are often unknown, metrics may provide an early warning of collapse but are difficult to apply because they need long time series which are usually lacking. This project will use the Great Barrier Reef as a testbed because it has both long time series (standard approach) and rich spatial data (new approach), and exhibits early warning signs. We will use these tools to gauge whether symptoms on the Great Barrier Reef predict local collapse and to develop intervention plans.Read moreRead less