Snapper Science Program: Theme 2 – Estimates Of Biomass
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$1,444,256.00
Summary
One of the highest research priorities for Snapper is the development of reliable fishery-independent indices to monitor population trends and inform stock status (Cartwright et al. 2021). This need is driven by the lack of information on stock status provided by fishery-dependent statistics, especially catch-per-unit effort, resulting from changes in management regulations and hyperstability associated with targeting aggregations. Furthermore, fishery-independent estimates of biomass are essent ....One of the highest research priorities for Snapper is the development of reliable fishery-independent indices to monitor population trends and inform stock status (Cartwright et al. 2021). This need is driven by the lack of information on stock status provided by fishery-dependent statistics, especially catch-per-unit effort, resulting from changes in management regulations and hyperstability associated with targeting aggregations. Furthermore, fishery-independent estimates of biomass are essential in the absence of fishery-dependent data resulting from fishery closures). Consequently, there is a need to develop methods for obtaining reliable fishery-independent estimates of biomass for Snapper that can inform stock status.
A variety of fishery-independent approaches have been used to estimate the biomass of exploited fish stocks. Several of these methods were developed and established for small pelagic fish species and have been adapted for demersal species such as Snapper, including the daily egg production method (DEPM) (Steer et al. 2017, Drew et al. 2022) and hydroacoustic techniques (Scoulding et al. 2023). There are also other recently developed, novel approaches to estimate abundance that could be considered for Snapper, such as close-kin mark-recapture (CKMR) (Bravington et al. 2016). This project will investigate and refine multiple fishery-independent approaches to estimate biomass for Snapper and provide recommendations based on feasibility, cost, and applicability to guide future assessments.
This research proposal has been developed to address four research priorities: • Review the existing methodology used to estimate spawning biomass for Snapper using the DEPM and investigate methodological and statistical approaches to reduce uncertainty associated with individual parameters and refine estimates of spawning biomass. • Evaluate the feasibility and suitability of alternative methods, such as hydroacoustics and CKMR, to generate a fishery-independent estimate of abundance and biomass for Snapper. • Compare estimates of spawning biomass of Snapper obtained using the DEPM and hydroacoustic techniques. • Review the existing Snapper stock assessment model (‘SnapEst’) and assess the suitability of new datasets to improve annual estimates of fishable biomass, exploitation rate, and recruitment. There is also the need to develop forecasting capability to predict how fishable biomass will respond under various recruitment scenarios. Such projections would assist the development of appropriate recovery and management strategies.
Consequently, Research Theme 2– Estimates of Biomass involves four projects: 2.1 Refinement of DEPM methodology for Snapper 2.2 Development and application of hydroacoustic techniques for Snapper in South Australia 2.3 Evaluation of close-kin mark-recapture (CKMR) for Snapper 2.4 Enhancement of the stock assessment model ‘SnapEst’
2.1 Refinement of DEPM methodology for Snapper The daily egg production method (DEPM) has been used to estimate the spawning biomass of Snapper in New Zealand (Zeldis and Francis 1998), South Australia (McGlennon 2003, Drew et al. 2022), and Western Australia (Jackson et al. 2012). The underlying principle of the DEPM is that spawning biomass can be determined from the mean number of pelagic fish eggs produced per day over the spawning area (i.e., total daily egg production) divided by the mean number of eggs produced per unit mass of adult fish (i.e., mean daily fecundity) (Parker 1980, Lasker 1985). Total daily egg production is the product of mean daily egg production (P0) and total spawning area (A), while mean daily fecundity is estimated from the adult parameters of spawning fraction (S), batch fecundity (F), female weight (W), and sex ratio (R) (Parker 1980, Lasker 1985).
Difficulties differentiating eggs of Snapper from other fishes based on their morphology had precluded the application of DEPM for Snapper, until this issue was addressed through the development of a molecular technique to validate the identity of Snapper eggs (Oxley et al. 2017, Steer et al. 2017). Thereafter, the DEPM has been used to provide fishery-independent estimates of spawning biomass that have become an integral input to the stock assessment for Snapper in SA (Fowler et al. 2019, 2020, Drew et al. 2022). Recent applications of the DEPM for Snapper have identified several potential areas for method development and experimentation to reduce uncertainty associated with individual parameters and refine estimates of spawning biomass (Drew et al. 2022).
This experimental study involves two components that relate to refining the estimates of (1) total daily egg production and (2) mean daily fecundity. The first component related to total daily egg production includes a comparison of field techniques used to sample Snapper eggs, assessment of the spatial design of plankton surveys, and a temporal comparison of total daily egg production within a spawning season. Three field sampling techniques for plankton (i.e., vertical, oblique, and horizontal tows) will be compared to determine the most appropriate methodology to sample Snapper eggs for the DEPM. Concurrently, the spatial design of plankton surveys will be explored by conducting stratified plankton sampling at multiple intensities (i.e., 4 × 2 nm2, 2 × 2 nm2, and 1.4 × 1.4 nm2) to identify the most appropriate spatial scale to sample Snapper eggs from aggregations of spawning fish. The experimental field study will be repeated twice in a single spawning period (i.e., December 2023 and January 2024) over the same survey area to evaluate within-season variation in total daily egg production. The data collected from the field study will be explored using various traditional and geostatistical approaches to estimate total daily egg production (i.e., P0 × A). In doing so, the study will improve the understanding of how P0 and A spawning area are estimated for an aggregating demersal species.
The second component relates to mean daily fecundity and will examine how methods to estimate adult parameters (i.e., S, F, W, and R) can be refined. Representative samples of adult Snapper will be collected throughout the survey area concurrent with plankton surveys and processed for biological information. Initially, the aforementioned adult parameters will be calculated using current methods established for Snapper and compared to previous applications of the DEPM to Snapper in SA (e.g., Drew et al. 2022). Then, approaches developed in applications of the DEPM to other species will be used to estimate adult parameters and their variance, including the estimation of relative fecundity (F’) which is calculated by dividing batch fecundity (F) by female weight (W) to estimate the number of eggs produced per gram of total female weight (Ward et al. 2021). For each parameter, field, laboratory, and analytical methods will be evaluated to develop recommendations for future applications of DEPM for Snapper.
2.2 Development and application of hydroacoustic techniques for Snapper in South Australia Hydroacoustic surveys have been used extensively around the world to survey pelagic fish species that form monospecific schools. They exploit the long-range propagation of underwater sound to survey large areas relatively quickly at high resolution. This technique relies on the proportional relationship of acoustic backscatter to abundance when the scattering properties of the target species are known. Individual species can be identified based on acoustic characteristics of the aggregations. However, additional optic methods can be incorporated to provide additional evidence on species composition, fish size, and orientation. Researchers from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (WA DPIRD) have developed a conceptual method to quantify abundance and estimate the biomass of Snapper that incorporates traditional acoustic surveys with underwater video techniques (Scoulding et al. 2023). The optical component enables the species composition of the school to be quantified and the approximate size of the fish to be determined, which contributes to improved estimates of biomass. Several limitations were identified in the recent study which prevented the estimates of biomass from being recommended for incorporation into formal stock assessment (Scoulding et al. 2023). However, it is likely that some of these limitations are not relevant to Snapper in SA’s gulfs (e.g., aggregations of mixed species, presence of other large teleosts), and others could be addressed through further method development (e.g., measurements of target strength for other species, benthic habitat maps).
This study will apply the methodology developed by Scoulding et al. (2023) to a targeted survey area in Gulf St Vincent in December 2023 and January 2024 to evaluate the applicability of hydroacoustic methods to quantify the abundance and biomass of spawning aggregations of Snapper. Furthermore, the hydroacoustic study will be completed over the same survey area and at the same time as the DEPM refinement study, therefore enabling direct comparison of biomass estimates between methods.
2.3 Evaluation of close-kin mark-recapture (CKMR) for Snapper CKMR is a form of mark-recapture experiment in which the size of a spawning population (and fecundity at age, and survival) can be estimated based on the number of closely related individuals in a sample (i.e., parent-offspring pairs and half-sibling pairs). Intuitively, given a sample of individuals from a population, a greater number of closely related pairs are expected to be observed in a smaller population, whilst fewer related pairs are expected from a larger population. Close-kin mark-recapture can be used to estimate abundance, natural mortality (if catches are known), and fecundity with high precision (given sufficient sampling) and is independent of the fishery. Close-kin mark-recapture is a relatively new fisheries assessment tool that is increasing in popularity and has been successfully applied to two large-scale and economically important commercial fish and shark species (e.g., Southern Bluefin Tuna – Davies et al. 2020, School Shark – Thomson et al. 2020) and several species of conservation importance (e.g., Speartooth Shark – Patterson et al. 2022, Grey Nurse Shark, Bradford et al 2018, White Shark, Hillary et al ). This scoping study will provide the expected precision for estimates of abundance of Snapper stocks in South Australia from a CKMR study (given a range of samples sizes) provided the true stock abundance is as estimated by the base case stock assessment model. If the stock is in fact smaller, then the precision from a CKMR model will be greater than forecast, and if bigger, then precision will be lower but catches will likely be sustainable. The information on population demographics, stock structure, and biological parameters will be drawn from the base case stock assessment for SA snapper.
2.4 Enhancement of the stock assessment model ‘SnapEst’ The SA Snapper fishery stock assessment model, ‘SnapEst’, was developed over two decades ago with FRDC support as a dynamic, spatial, age- and length-structured model (McGarvey and Feenstra 2004). The model integrates multiple data sources including biological information (i.e., length and age) and fishery-dependent data (i.e., catch and catch rate) to produce annual estimates of fishable biomass, exploitation rate, recruitment, and egg production. Significant modification and improvements have been applied to the model in recent years, which were necessitated by significant changes to management arrangements for the commercial sector from 2012 onwards and the updated understanding of population dynamics and stock structure for Snapper in SA (i.e., SG/WCS, GSVS, and the SE Region; Fowler et al. 2017). The most recent change to the stock assessment model was driven by the replacement of catch rate by DEPM biomass estimates as the fitted index of abundance for the SG/WCS and GSVS from 2013 onwards as a consequence of the extensive management changes and known catch rate hyperstability, which increased the need for a fishery-independent estimate of biomass.
The aim of this study is to evaluate, enhance and extend the stock assessment modelling capability for Snapper in SA. This will involve four main components. Firstly, the existing model (i.e., the version that was used in the most recent stock assessment; Drew et al. 2022) will be reviewed by a leading independent fishery modeller. It is anticipated that the external review will provide a series of recommendations and suggestions to improve confidence and transparency in model outputs. The second component involves integrating new data inputs into the model developed in the Snapper Science Program, such as an index of juvenile recruitment and improved estimates of biomass. The various data inputs will be assessed for their suitability for incorporation into the model.
The third component is the development of a recruitment forecasting sub-model that will use relative estimates of juvenile (i.e., age 0+) abundance to predict potential future trends in recruitment to fishable biomass 4 or 5 years later. The primary data source for the recruitment forecasting sub-model will be the time series of juvenile abundance for each stock that is being developed through a concurrent project (Snapper Science Program: Theme 1 – Biology and Ecology). The sub-model will relate the relative abundance of age 0+ juveniles in each year to the model-estimated recruitment of adults to the fishable stock.
The fourth component is to design, develop, code and implement a projection model, ‘SnapProj’. Once validated, the projection model will be a powerful tool to forecast population trends and inform management decision making.
Objectives: 1. Undertake field experiments to inform the design of future plankton surveys to estimate total daily egg production of Snapper in the DEPM. 2. Undertake sampling of adult Snapper at spawning aggregations to improve understanding and refine estimates of key reproductive parameters used to estimate mean daily fecundity in the DEPM. 3. Review and compare a range of statistical methods for estimating DEPM parameters using new and historical data and develop recommended approaches for future surveys. 4. Evaluate the use of active acoustic methods to quantify the abundance of Snapper in spawning aggregations and produce an estimate of biomass. 5. Undertake a scoping study to assess the number of samples required for a close-kin mark-recapture (CKMR) estimate of abundance for Snapper in SA. 6. Contract an independent expert to conduct an external review of the existing Snapper stock assessment model ‘SnapEst’ and use the recommendations from the review to inform future model development. 7. Evaluate the suitability of new and alternate fishery-independent estimates of biomass for integration into ‘SnapEst’. 8. Develop a sub-model that uses an index of age 0+ juvenile abundance to forecast trends in fishable biomass. 9. Convert ‘SnapEst’ into a projection tool, SnapProj, and formally evaluate its accuracy using the SE Region as a case study. 10. Use the results from the three fishery-independent methods considered (i.e., DEPM, hydroacoustic surveys, and CKMR) to inform the design of future surveys to estimate biomass for Snapper. Read moreRead less
Normalising Voluntary Catch Reporting On QLD Fishing 2.0 App
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$400,830.00
Summary
There is a need for accurate and timely recreational fishing catch data to support inputs to stock assessment and reduce uncertainty and increase trust in management advice for many Queensland fish stocks. Population based phone logbook surveys have been traditionally used to estimate recreational catch, but they are becoming increasingly costly and impractical. Cost-effective alternatives capable of engaging recreational fishers are needed. Voluntary self-reporting of catches by recreat ....There is a need for accurate and timely recreational fishing catch data to support inputs to stock assessment and reduce uncertainty and increase trust in management advice for many Queensland fish stocks. Population based phone logbook surveys have been traditionally used to estimate recreational catch, but they are becoming increasingly costly and impractical. Cost-effective alternatives capable of engaging recreational fishers are needed. Voluntary self-reporting of catches by recreational fishers – e.g. via a smart phone-based application (app) – is one key alternative method that can reduce costs and potentially increase the accuracy, and hence stakeholder acceptance of recreational catch estimates that inform stock assessments. However, despite the number of smart phone apps targeting recreational fishers growing in abundance, this approach has its own inherent challenges, which have been well-documented. Further, there has been a lack of rigorous social science initiatives with the goal of understanding the underlying dynamics of mobile app usage in this context, and existing behaviour change programs fostering app usage by recreational fishers are rarely formally documented or evaluated. Having recreational fishers willing and supportive towards providing their fishing data through Fisheries Queensland’s phone app will improve the accuracy of estimates and the acceptance of the results. Encouragement of this support and willingness to voluntarily report is needed. Getting fishers to generate large volumes of quality data in a government owned app is the key challenge. Developing and implementing a behaviour change campaign involving a range of behavioural science informed interventions that promote facilitating factors while overcoming barriers deterring people from self-reporting (e.g. mistrust in the use of the data) and promoting factors that foster self-reporting (e.g., contributing to citizen science, protecting fish species for subsequent generations while not engaging in strategic bias) can be used to meet the need for effective and widespread self-reporting. One of the high-priority species is Australian east coast Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson). A 2020 stock assessment measured the biomass of the species at ~17% of 1910 levels. During public consultation on proposed management changes, most survey respondents across all sectors expressed a desire for better recreational catch data for Spanish mackerel. These findings suggest options to improve recreational catch reporting should accompany any proposed management action to rebuild the east coast Spanish mackerel stock. Most survey respondents preferred a voluntary reporting arrangement for recreationally caught Spanish mackerel over mandatory reporting. Most respondents also preferred the use of a smartphone app for any recreational catch reporting of Spanish mackerel. Improved monitoring and research is a foundational reform of the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy (SFS) 2017–2027 that includes several actions relating to improved data collection, additional monitoring of key biological stocks and the use of novel technologies such as apps.
Our revised application has been streamlined into three phases with an investment of $400,830 (excl. GST) in line with the budgetary guidance. This covers the research, design, delivery and evaluation of a pilot behaviour change program covering one fish species at two sites along the Queensland coast. A review of challenges and adjustments will follow each phase, as required.
Objectives: 1. To confirm the drivers and barriers affecting Queensland recreational fishers’ willingness to voluntarily provide high-quality catch information via a smart phone-based app 2. To co-design interventions and strategies which target facilitators and barriers to enhance the quality and quantity of data provided 3. To identify cost-effective strategies and activities to increase self-reporting of recreational fishing catches Read moreRead less
Identifying Biological Stocks Of Silver Trevally And Ocean Jackets For Assessment And Management
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$458,203.00
Summary
This application is required primarily to address the needs of FRDC and the SAFS advisory group to resolve stock uncertainty for two priority species across their national distributions, being Silver Trevally and Ocean Jackets. The results will inform future SAFS assessments that will ideally be done at the biological stock level. In addition, understanding appropriate scales for assessment and management will benefit future collaborative research, stock assessments and management arrange ....This application is required primarily to address the needs of FRDC and the SAFS advisory group to resolve stock uncertainty for two priority species across their national distributions, being Silver Trevally and Ocean Jackets. The results will inform future SAFS assessments that will ideally be done at the biological stock level. In addition, understanding appropriate scales for assessment and management will benefit future collaborative research, stock assessments and management arrangements. In particular, Silver Trevally in eastern Australia is recognized as being Depleted in NSW waters, yet if there is a single biological stock also being fished by neighbouring jurisdictions (for example the Commonwealth fisheries) there will need to be improved collaboration in terms of stock assessment and management to recover the stock. All relevant jurisdictions have identified the need to resolve stock structure of Silver Trevally and Ocean Jackets as they are important to commercial and recreational fisheries across their distributions.
Objectives: 1. To clarify the stock structure of Silver Trevallies nationally across Queensland, New South Wales, the Commonwealth, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. 2. To clarify the stock structure of Ocean Jackets nationally across New South Wales, the Commonwealth, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. 3. Using information from objectives 1 and 2, make recommendations on stock delineation for each species and the appropriate scales for management. Read moreRead less
Determine The Risk That Southern Rock Lobster Fishing And Other Recreational And Commercial Fishing Activities Act As A Vector Of Transmission Of The Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$130,349.30
Summary
This project would utilise the combination of a systematic review of literature and industry consultation to provide a thorough risk assessment of AVG impacting other areas and industries. Risk analysis is a well-established scientific method and is commonly used by veterinary epidemiologists to allow objective assessment of the risks of animal production or harvest practices or trade in transmitting animal diseases. This project seeks to apply risk assessment to explore the risk that SRL fishe ....This project would utilise the combination of a systematic review of literature and industry consultation to provide a thorough risk assessment of AVG impacting other areas and industries. Risk analysis is a well-established scientific method and is commonly used by veterinary epidemiologists to allow objective assessment of the risks of animal production or harvest practices or trade in transmitting animal diseases. This project seeks to apply risk assessment to explore the risk that SRL fishers and other activities pose to transmission of AVG and what level of risk mitigation is required to manage that risk. It may be possible to relax fishing and movement restrictions if the risk can be mitigated, or wider consideration of more activities may lead to risk mitigation recommendations for various activities.
Objectives: 1. Assess the risk that Southern Rock Lobster fishing operations (the use of pots and fishing vessels) act as a vector of transmission of AVG. 2. Assess the risk that other commercial and non-commercial fishing activities act as a vector of transmission of AVG. This will include:• recreational fishing (including boating activities)• abalone fishing and associated activities such as cleaning abalone catch enroute to port• a representative net fishing industry.We note that the Victorian Government has completed a risk assessment on abalone diving and we will not repeat that, instead review their risk assessment and include that in our project to be efficient. Read moreRead less
External Review Of Independent Data Validation Options, Uses And Opportunities
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$308,754.00
Summary
Introduction Independent data validation in commercial fishing is becoming more commonplace in Australia. Fisheries in Australia provide a significant income to the country, and play an integral role in our food security, livelihoods, and social lives. Challenges such as overfishing, illegal and unreported fishing, bycatch and interactions with threatened, endangered, or protected species, provide hinderances to fully sustainable fishing. The increasing demands on the marine environment for ....Introduction Independent data validation in commercial fishing is becoming more commonplace in Australia. Fisheries in Australia provide a significant income to the country, and play an integral role in our food security, livelihoods, and social lives. Challenges such as overfishing, illegal and unreported fishing, bycatch and interactions with threatened, endangered, or protected species, provide hinderances to fully sustainable fishing. The increasing demands on the marine environment for energy production, marine protected areas, and recreational use are leading management of fisheries in Australia to be spatially based. Currently, some jurisdictions in Australia (e.g. Queensland, Tasmania, Australian Fisheries Management Authority), have already introduced independent data validation programs. The aim of these programs is, on the surface, to improve the quality, reliability, and transparency of fisheries data in Australia. However, there is considerable distrust from commercial fishers regarding a) data collection methods; b) the use of collected data; c) the legality of both collecting, and storing data; d) the cost of installing and running the systems – both financial and physical; e) ongoing maintenance of systems; f) the reliability of data from the systems, and g) whether the data are actually going to be used for their intended purpose. Recognising the need for greater transparency in fisheries data, and the general distrust of these systems, this project aims to provide an external review of data validation options, uses, and opportunities within Australia. Objective The primary objective of this project is to address industry stakeholders’ concerns regarding the reliability and transparency around the collection, use, and storage of independent fisheries data validation methods. This will be achieved by conducting a comprehensive, and systematic review of independent data validation (IDV) processes both within Australia, and globally. The review will then allow us to evaluate IDV mechanisms, legal implications around IDV, and economic considerations of various IDV methods, including whether any value-add opportunities exist. The project will provide outputs that will allow for efficient choice of relevant data validation options for particular fisheries in Australia, while outlining the pros and cons for relevant methods. The results will enhance confidence for commercial fishers, and fishery managers around choosing the best data validation options for their fishery.
Methods 1) Systematic literature review to determine available independent data validation methods We will research and compile a comprehensive list of independent data validation methods (IDV) that are available currently, and in the future through a systematic literature review. The systematic literature review will cover peer-reviewed literature and relevant reports published globally in the last 10 years. The review will examine existing technologies, methodologies, and best practices in IDV used in relevant industries (not just limited to fisheries), and present a summary of current best practice, and likely additions in the future to IDV. The review will include information on the potential add-on possibilities associated with IDV methods – which will be expanded upon in (4). The review will equip industry stakeholders with the knowledge to fully understand the range of options in IDV, and those most suitable for their fishery. 2) Stakeholder consultation – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) Within the project we will conduct an extensive survey across a diversity of fishers across Australia (including those that have already implemented IDV, and those that have not), to gather insight into the perceptions of independent data validation (IDV). Through this SWOT analysis, we will identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with current IDV mechanisms from the perception of industry, and map this to the published literature in point (1). This will allow us to address concerns from industry and identify those concerns that are representative of IDV globally. This analysis will serve as a foundational understanding of the industry's readiness and receptiveness towards adopting IDV and provide industry with independent information relating to their concerns. 3) Review of legal implications for IDV implementation, including case studies Alongside the systematic literature review in (1), we will conduct a thorough review of Australian legislation relating to IDV. This will include both publicly available legal documents, and information regarding internal policy documents from governmental departments. The review will include fisheries legislation and policy, data ownership, data licencing, data storing, and Freedom of Information requests that have occurred within the context of fisheries data relating to IDV. Some of industry’s concerns regarding IDV relate to how the data will be used outside of a fisheries context, and we will ensure that our legislative review includes advice regarding data use. The review will provide information on Australian legislation relating to IDV, and data collection, storage and sharing. 4) Assessment of value-add opportunities Building upon the findings from (1-3), we will assess the value-add opportunities presented by adopting IDV. This assessment will include a financial model similar to the one in the report “Challenges, Opportunities, and Costs of Electronic Monitoring” that was published by The Environmental Defence Fund in 2016 [REF] that will provide industry with a tool to investigate the costs and benefits of adopting various IDV methods. Additionally, we will explore how IDV can contribute to improved market access, stakeholder relationships, and sustainability credentials for fisheries businesses, alongside the potential of improved data quality from fisheries. Our work will build on our planned literature and legal review of independent data validation (IDV) and provide potential ‘value-add’ opportunities for commercial fishers, based on the information in the review. Some potential benefits may include: • Increased or improved market access (where IDV can demonstrate aspects of sustainable fishing practices required by, for example, sustainability labels such as the Marine Stewardship Council Certification). • Potential for selling or distribution of data to researchers / third parties (depending on data owners.
We will include updated outcomes and outputs from the project as detailed below, and will look to refine these with the Professional Fishers Association of New South Wales, commercial fishers, and the Steering Committee.
5) Best Practice Guidelines We will provide industry and fisheries resource managers with a Best Practice Guideline relating to IDV as a formal result from the steps (1-4) above. 6) Engagement with Industry Stakeholders Throughout the project, we will actively engage with industry stakeholders through workshops, focus groups, and one-on-one consultations to discuss project findings. This engagement will provide a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment among stakeholders towards implementing IDV practices. We will facilitate target outreach efforts engaging with industry associations, peak bodies, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other interested parties on the project progress.
Objectives: 1. Deliver a systematic literature review of global independent data validation methods, and the costs and benefits associated with implementing these in commercial fisheries. 2. Deliver a report on industry opinions and concerns based on stakeholder consultation 3. Deliver a review of legislation and policy that is relevant. and relating to independent data validation methods in Australia 4. Provide opportunities for stakeholder engagement in the project, and in discussions regarding the outcomes. Read moreRead less
Trans Tasman Rock Lobster Industry Congress - Locking In The Future: 2023-2031
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
Australian and New Zealand Rock Lobster is a high value product that has strong recognition in their local and export markets. There is significant capital investment across the combined jurisdictions of the Trans-Tasman lobster fisheries. As with most other wild caught fisheries and seafood sectors Trans-Tasman lobster fisheries face similar challenges in regards to, sustainability, threats to / competition for the resource and resource access, product quality and food safety, implications fr ....Australian and New Zealand Rock Lobster is a high value product that has strong recognition in their local and export markets. There is significant capital investment across the combined jurisdictions of the Trans-Tasman lobster fisheries. As with most other wild caught fisheries and seafood sectors Trans-Tasman lobster fisheries face similar challenges in regards to, sustainability, threats to / competition for the resource and resource access, product quality and food safety, implications from aquaculture production and applying and taking advantage of new and emerging technologies. In addition to these common industry issues, lobster fisheries produce a product that is predominantly for live export which adds further challenges such as barriers to trade and trade agreements, complex supply chains and understanding the ‘what and where’ of new market opportunities.
Well organised and educational forums such as Trans-Tasman Rock Lobster Congresses enable a sharing of information and a collaborative approach to addressing challenges and sharing successes. Since first being held in 1999 the biennial Rock Lobster conferences have become the pre-eminent forum for the respective Trans-Tasman lobster industries to consider and address the many challenges across the supply chain. There is never a shortage of key issues and topics to address and bring together in a common theme to deliver a successful Trans-Tasman Industry Congress that has the support of all the key industry bodies and wider stakeholders.
The history of successful Trans-Tasman Industry Congresses, speaks for itself. Trans-Tasman Congresses have well established support of all the key industry bodies and wider stakeholder interests with all lobster producing jurisdictions having now hosted an event. This history combined with the experience, existing contacts, establishing themes, producing engaging programmes, having informative exhibitions, attracting quality keynote speakers - both local and international, continuing sponsorship from service providers and the ability to attract the general support of industry ensure there is a pool of support and knowledge to deliver successful congresses
Initial Contributions (2023): • Total combined initial contributions will be to a maximum of $30,000.00. • Request a cash contribution from the NZRLIC. • Request a contribution from the Eastern Rock Lobster Industry. • Contribution from the SRL IPA. • Contribution from the WRL IPA.
Proposed Governance Arrangements: • The Managing Entity (ME) i.e. the industry body responsible for administering the congress in a particular year, will be responsible for holding and managing the ‘kitty’ of funds. • ‘Surplus’ funds will be used to fund the administration, hosting and attendance of any planning meetings conducted in the ‘interim year’, this process will be managed by the ME responsible for hosting the most recent (past) Trans Tasman Congress. • PI & Co-Investigators will discuss and confirm the amount required for future initial contributions. Read moreRead less
Resolving The Biological Stock Structure Of Southern Ocean Crab Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$398,737.00
Summary
The ability of fisheries managers to control for sustainable harvest and reduce risks of fisheries overexploitation depends largely on an understanding of biological stock structure and recruitment dynamics. This information is critical for understanding the resilience of individual fishing stocks to fishing pressure and environmental disturbance, and the potential for stock replenishment through natural recruitment processes. At present this information is lacking for Australian giant crab (P. ....The ability of fisheries managers to control for sustainable harvest and reduce risks of fisheries overexploitation depends largely on an understanding of biological stock structure and recruitment dynamics. This information is critical for understanding the resilience of individual fishing stocks to fishing pressure and environmental disturbance, and the potential for stock replenishment through natural recruitment processes. At present this information is lacking for Australian giant crab (P. gigas) and giant spider crab (L. gaimardii) fisheries.
New opportunities have emerged that greatly enhance our ability to characterise patterns of biological stock structure in fine detail. Modern genomic technologies now allow for rapid and cost-effective assessments of genome wide variation within and between natural populations, allowing for spatial patterns of genetic structure to be characterised with unprecedented sensitivity. Additionally, advances in modelling capabilities are now allowing the unique integration of biological and physical oceanographic data to develop high-resolution models of larval dispersal in complex marine environments. Combining these new tools with traditional methods, such as stable isotopes and acoustic telemetry, provides a unique opportunity to undertake better assessments of biological stock structure and dynamics by accounting for both adult and juvenile dispersal stages.
Our team will leverage existing partnerships with industry stakeholders to undertake a comprehensive assessment of biological stock structure in the P. gigas and L. gaimardii fisheries. We proposed to adopt a multidisciplinary research program that will help to define the geographic boundaries of biological populations and the recruitment potential of individual fishing stocks. Outputs from this project will provide managers with a resource for establishing sustainable management programs in these fisheries that account for patterns of stock connectivity and the sensitivities of individual stocks to environmental disturbance and fishing pressure. Objectives: 1. Produce a regional map showing giant crab and giant spider crab biological stock structure and population connectivity (i.e., dispersal pathways) 2. Identify key stocks of giant crab and giant spider crab across Southern Australia that are major larval sources and well connected, whose careful management can facilitate greater resilience in the fishery 3. Provide a set of management recommendations based on our research findings that will promote more informed and sustainable fishing practices Read moreRead less
Assessing The Potential Of Translocation To Increase Vongole Productivity And Fishery Catches
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$199,808.00
Summary
There are three commercial Vongole fisheries in South Australia: Port River (Section Bank), Coffin Bay, and the West Coast (Streaky, Smoky, and Venus Bays). Total catch is ~70 t per year, with a value of ~$2.5 M annually. The Port River fishery is closed due to very low stock abundance and recovery has not occurred despite a 10-year closure since 2011. Based on biomass surveys in 2020/21 the Coffin Bay fishery, which has fishing areas that have historically contained Vongole that grow quickly an ....There are three commercial Vongole fisheries in South Australia: Port River (Section Bank), Coffin Bay, and the West Coast (Streaky, Smoky, and Venus Bays). Total catch is ~70 t per year, with a value of ~$2.5 M annually. The Port River fishery is closed due to very low stock abundance and recovery has not occurred despite a 10-year closure since 2011. Based on biomass surveys in 2020/21 the Coffin Bay fishery, which has fishing areas that have historically contained Vongole that grow quickly and can be readily harvested, had a 20% quota reduction in 2021/22 in response to the low abundance of Vongole above the minimum legal length. Although, in 2021/22, this fishery has since recovered and is classified as sustainable.
In the Coffin Bay and West Coast fisheries, three Katelysia species are harvested: greys, yellows, and whites. In both fisheries, commercial fishers have reported areas with Vongole density so high that it might be supressing growth and productivity due to competition for space and resources. Vongole in these high-density areas seldom reach the legal minimum length of 30/35 mm and are rarely fished. The commercial Vongole fishery has therefore highlighted the need to understand factors influencing growth rates and to test whether translocation of sub-legal Vongole from these high-density areas can be used to increase Vongole growth and productivity within these areas, and improve less productive fishing grounds elsewhere, thereby raising overall fishery profitability.
Our study aims to 1) assess the viability of translocating sub-legal Vongole in Coffin Bay from areas with high densities of Vongole to areas with low/no densities of Vongole using two release and two tagging methods, and comparing predation, growth, and survival of relocated/translocated animals to provide fishers with the knowledge and tools underpinning translocations; 2) build on existing cost-benefit analysis knowledge and tools (i.e. FRDC 2005-217, FRDC 2008-076, FRDC 2016-213, FRDC 2020-116) to quantify the economic/productivity outcomes of Vongole translocation; and 3) build fisheries research capacity and capability through a 'supplemental’ student project. The aims of the ‘supplemental’ student component (PhD, Flinders University) are to assess the biological aspects of Vongole recruitment (e.g. size of maturity, egg production, viability of larvae) and evaluate environmental triggers that influence Vongole recruitment, metamorphosis of eggs to larval phase, and larval substrate settlement.
This project directly addresses the Vongole industry’s high-priority research needs and will showcase the potential for translocation to increase fishing yield, value, and profitability. The ‘supplemental’ student project will evaluate Vongole recruitment and will occur in parallel with, but independent from, the core project.
Objectives: 1. Assess the viability of translocating sub-legal Vongole in Coffin Bay from areas with high densities of Vongole to areas with low/no densities of Vongole using two release and two tagging methods, and comparing predation, growth, and survival of relocated/translocated animals to provide fishers with the knowledge and tools underpinning translocations 2. Build on existing cost-benefit analysis knowledge and tools (i.e. FRDC 2005-217, FRDC 2008-076, FRDC 2016-213, FRDC 2020-116) to quantify the economic/productivity outcomes of Vongole translocation 3. Build fisheries research capacity and capability through a 'supplemental’ student project Read moreRead less