Assessing The Effectiveness Of Artificial Reefs And FADs In Creating Recreational Opportunities For Tasmania’s Recreational Fishers
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$369,000.00
Summary
The 2018 Tasmanian state Election Commitment ‘Taking Recreational Fishing and Boating to the Next Level’ has provided $1.0M over the next two years to install artificial reefs in Tasmania. There is also an addition $450K for the installation and management of Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs). Both projects aim to provide new fishing opportunities for recreational and sport fishers (total $1.45M) and are aligned with the current development of the Tasmanian Recreational Sea Fishing Strategy – a 10 ....The 2018 Tasmanian state Election Commitment ‘Taking Recreational Fishing and Boating to the Next Level’ has provided $1.0M over the next two years to install artificial reefs in Tasmania. There is also an addition $450K for the installation and management of Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs). Both projects aim to provide new fishing opportunities for recreational and sport fishers (total $1.45M) and are aligned with the current development of the Tasmanian Recreational Sea Fishing Strategy – a 10 year strategic plan to address longstanding issues and maximise new opportunities. In Outcome 3 of the Strategy 'Making it easier for people to go fishing’, infrastructure projects to enhance fishing opportunities such as artificial reefs and FADs are identified as a priority.
Marine and Safety Authority Tasmania (MAST) has been tasked with implementing these Election Commitments on behalf of the Government, and Marine Solutions has completed feasibility assessments, including site selection, for the installation of both the artificial reefs and FAD: www.mast.tas.gov.au/artificial-reefs-and-fish-aggregation-devices-fads-in-tasmania. Marine Solutions is currently seeking government permits for two artificial reefs and five FADs in Tasmania, and installation will likely be open for tender in mid-2021. It is expected that installation at all sites will be completed towards the end of 2021. Upon completion, all equipment ownership and ongoing management will be transferred to Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE).
Currently, there is no pathway to determine the direct and in-direct benefits these resources may have for the recreational fishery and other multi-sector users. This includes the role these resources play for Tasmania's unique fish fauna, and their specific habitat and nursery requirements. It is vital that we invest into measuring these contributions to, ultimately, determine value and potential "success". Information can be used for ongoing management to ensure long-term benefits are maximised. This project is endorsed by RecFAC & will be carried out in collaboration with the recreational fishery (TARFish), MAST and DPIPWE. Objectives: 1. Measure the contribution of artificial reefs to recruitment of target species, especially scalefish. 2. Quantify the potential contribution of FADs to recreational fishing opportunity for Tasmanian species in terms of catch contribution and numbers of fishers able to benefit. 3. Refine artificial reefs and FADs deployment design with regard to the unique suite of species present in Tasmania and their specific nursery and habitat requirements. 4. Determine feasibility and value for further deployments using a cost-benefit framework. Read moreRead less
-Judging panel - Social Media Kit (Images and supporting texts for pre and post event) - Verbal acknowledgement as sponsors on the night - Short speech about FRDC and award presentation - Logo & acknowledgement in article in Tasmanian Seafood Industry News - Banner and marketing material at the awards - Website listing & link - Tickets to awards - Social media recognition - Advertisment opportunity in Tasmanian Seafood Industry News - Inclusion in media .... -Judging panel - Social Media Kit (Images and supporting texts for pre and post event) - Verbal acknowledgement as sponsors on the night - Short speech about FRDC and award presentation - Logo & acknowledgement in article in Tasmanian Seafood Industry News - Banner and marketing material at the awards - Website listing & link - Tickets to awards - Social media recognition - Advertisment opportunity in Tasmanian Seafood Industry News - Inclusion in media releaseRead moreRead less
Wider Investigation Of The Use Of Video Survey Techniques To Determine Commercial Scallop Abundance In Inshore And Offshore Waters, Closed Areas And Juvenile Beds
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$355,509.00
Summary
Commercial scallop is fished by dredging in 3 jurisdictions, with Tasmania (TSF) and Victoria currently classified as depleted. The 3rd jurisdiction, the BSCZSF, closes some scallop beds to fishing while the rest of the fishery remains open for harvesting. The closed beds and the TAC are informed by an annual dredge survey. These surveys also give an indication of recruitment within the fishery. However, the size selectivity of the dredges is not considered in this process, which may result in a ....Commercial scallop is fished by dredging in 3 jurisdictions, with Tasmania (TSF) and Victoria currently classified as depleted. The 3rd jurisdiction, the BSCZSF, closes some scallop beds to fishing while the rest of the fishery remains open for harvesting. The closed beds and the TAC are informed by an annual dredge survey. These surveys also give an indication of recruitment within the fishery. However, the size selectivity of the dredges is not considered in this process, which may result in an under-estimation of recruitment. The need to minimise disturbance to juvenile beds to reduce mortality of small scallops through survey activities is also a consideration. Currently the only options for known juvenile scallop beds are to not survey them or to conduct a minimal number of dredge shots, noting that commercial dredges do not effectively sample juveniles. The TSF only opens a small area of the fishery following annual dredge surveys, with the remainder closed. However, the issue of the estimation of recruitment and sensitivity of juveniles to dredging during surveys and fishing is still relevant, as only those beds with > 80% legal sized scallops are opened. Comparison of TSF 2020 video survey results with dredge survey results demonstrated much greater size selectivity by scallop dredges for legal-sized scallops than was previously thought, such that relying on dredge surveys alone to inform management decisions may be jeopardising the sustainability of the fishery. Along with the need to define the size distribution of scallop beds more accurately within the fishing zones, both Tasmania and the Commonwealth have areas closed to scallop fishing that contain an unknown scallop biomass that may contribute to recruitment. AFMA and Tasmanian DPIPWE resource managers and industry members are committed to further investigating and optimising the use of towed video surveys to provide a survey method for both inshore and offshore waters to estimate both legal and sub-legal scallop density/biomass in fishery zones, as well as areas closed to dredging and known juvenile beds, which will in turn inform management decisions, such as area closures and setting of TACs, and contribute to more sustainable fisheries. Objectives: 1. Undertake a Commercial Scallop Fisheries review and a targeted desktop study examining current approaches used for video survey of scallop stocks 2. Determine the best video survey approaches for the scale of the Commercial Scallop Fisheries and build and test multiple prototype video survey platforms 3. Undertake scallop video surveys in shallow inshore waters using the prototype video survey platforms and ground truth with diver and dredge surveys 4. Undertake data analysis trials, with the aim of developing partial machine learning solutions for data analysis 5. Apply learnings from inshore surveys and undertake an offshore video survey using the final video survey platform design and ground truth with a dredge survey 6. Synthesise results, compare dredge and video survey methods, propose an optimal design of a video survey platform and data analysis regime for commercial scallops in both inshore and offshore waters, and develop pathways to adoption 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
An Investigation Of Recreational Fishing Peak Bodies In Western Australia, Victoria And Northern Territory To Identify Insights Into Models Of Success
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$39,988.63
Summary
The Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing Inc. (TARFish) has identified that its current form and mode of operation is uncertain and not sustainable in the long term and, most importantly, is not sufficiently meeting the needs of recreational fishers in Tasmania.
TARFish proposes to undertake an investigation into current successful recreational fishing peak body models that identifies; the success factors, benefits and risks, together with how it was achieved, over what time ....The Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing Inc. (TARFish) has identified that its current form and mode of operation is uncertain and not sustainable in the long term and, most importantly, is not sufficiently meeting the needs of recreational fishers in Tasmania.
TARFish proposes to undertake an investigation into current successful recreational fishing peak body models that identifies; the success factors, benefits and risks, together with how it was achieved, over what time frame and potential future growth or evolution pathways planned by each organisation.
Specifically, the investigation proposes to examine RecFish West (Western Australia), VR Fish (Victoria) and AFANT (Northern Territory). Each organisation is distinct in terms of the combination of; 1. Organisational structure, governance and length of operation (maturity) 2. Advocacy and lobbying approach and outcomes 3. Program and service delivery, including partnerships 4. Membership value, types and quantum 5. Funding source, security and quantum, 6. Relationships with key stakeholders and State Government 7. Community perception of organisation 8. Consideration of how each body determines the priorities and research and development needs of recreational fishers The investigation will distil relevant insights for each jurisdiction and provide recommendations on preferred model(s) to work towards in the context of TARFish’s current state and future aspirations.
The project is of interest to the Tasmanian Government and they will provide some financial support to the project.
It is expected that there will be strong interest in this investigation from other jurisdictions who are in a similar position to TARFish including but not limited to – South Australia, Queensland and News South Wales as well as the national peak body ARFF.
Further, the research is likely to assist governments to understand potential alternative arrangements (SLA’s, funding, program delivery etc) with peak bodies that lead to improved outcomes for recreational fishers.
Objectives: 1. Identify the combination of organisational and external/other factors that lead to the success of the specific model under investigation (x3 models to be investigated) 2. Identify organisational and external risks that may act as a barrier to successful models of operation, where possible, identify methods used to overcome barrier or reduce risks 3. Identify pathway (milestones) and critical success factors when moving from one model of operation to another including length of time and cost to implement 4. Understanding the role that funding source, quantum and security has on model selection/evolution and what came first (funding or model) 5. Consider how each body determines the strategic needs and research and development priorities for recreational fishers Read moreRead less
Development Of A Temperature Monitoring Framework For Tasmania's Seafood Industry During Marine Heatwaves
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$48,585.67
Summary
MHWs can have a devastating impact on marine ecosystems, with a strong El Nino event currently underway in Australia. Forecasts by CSIRO indicate sustained increases in water temperatures down the east coast of Tasmania for this summer, with potential to significantly impact on fisheries, aquaculture, and marine habitat. Improved forecasting by CSIRO has provided industry and government with the opportunity to be better prepared, with the monitoring of ambient temperature is a key component of t ....MHWs can have a devastating impact on marine ecosystems, with a strong El Nino event currently underway in Australia. Forecasts by CSIRO indicate sustained increases in water temperatures down the east coast of Tasmania for this summer, with potential to significantly impact on fisheries, aquaculture, and marine habitat. Improved forecasting by CSIRO has provided industry and government with the opportunity to be better prepared, with the monitoring of ambient temperature is a key component of this. While sea surface temperature (SST) models from BOM and NOAA can provide information regarding broadscale patterns, missing is fine-scale, near-coastal and below surface information that is highly relevant to fisheries, aquaculture and marine coastal environments. While some industries monitor temperature as part of operations (e.g. salmon, oyster aquaculture), other industries are missing any fine scale information that may be of relevance to their operations. This project has two main components: 1. To support and integrate existing infrastructure that collects temperature data across the summer along the east-coast of Tasmania. This includes data collected by IMAS research projects, both long and short-term, where QAQC on data is high and there is confidence the data is robust both spatially and temporally. This data will be used to understand broadscale trends at depth across a predicted MHW event. 2. To implement a pilot industry deployment of temperature loggers across the seafood supply chain. The two industries targeted for pilot deployments will be the octopus fishery and the rock lobster fishery, with loggers mounted on pots and in holding wells of boats. This pilot program will aim to develop industry-relevant temperature monitoring methods for industry for future MHW events. Data from objective one will be used to ground-truth results and validate methods used in the pilot program. Overall, the data will be used by government and industry to aid in the fisheries management in MHW conditions into the future.
Objectives: 1. To develop a framework for collection of robust temperature data from depth along the east coast of Tasmania 2. To validate the approach of rapid industry deployment of loggers to monitor temperature in MHW conditions for providing fine-scale variation in temperature. 3. Use the combined data to better understand how temperature data can inform fisheries management for future MHW events Read moreRead less
Governance Capacity Uplift For The Tasmanian Seafood Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$65,000.00
Summary
With about 50 participants nominated by 8 of Tasmania’s 11 seafood bodies, SIT will facilitate up to four one-to-two day governance courses in the 12-month period after funds are secured. Participants will mostly be directors of Tasmania’s seafood bodies; other relevant roles (e.g. executive officers, project managers, etc.) are also invited. Courses will be delivered by accredited governance experts. The course will be tailored for non-profit organisation, with a focus on the seafood indu ....With about 50 participants nominated by 8 of Tasmania’s 11 seafood bodies, SIT will facilitate up to four one-to-two day governance courses in the 12-month period after funds are secured. Participants will mostly be directors of Tasmania’s seafood bodies; other relevant roles (e.g. executive officers, project managers, etc.) are also invited. Courses will be delivered by accredited governance experts. The course will be tailored for non-profit organisation, with a focus on the seafood industry. SIT will work with participants and the training provider to ensure, wherever possible, cross-sectional representation of seafood bodies in each class. There may be an opportunity to deliver training at different venues around the state. Participants have an opportunity to gain competency certification at the end of the course. There is an immediate benefit for boards as participants gain knowledge and a level of competency around corporate governance. Governance of Tasmania’s seafood bodies will improve as directors understand their roles more fully. Governance training enables and enhances organisational succession planning and supports capacity building within the seafood industry. Creating a pool of trained individuals help to future proof leadership in the seafood industry. The vision is to run a full course every two years, providing opportunities for new entrants to gain knowledge and competency.Read moreRead less
Risk Profile For Paralytic Shellfish Toxins In Tasmanian Periwinkles
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$180,504.00
Summary
Recurrent harmful algal blooms in Tasmanian waters (Gymnodinium in the South and Alexandrium on the East Coast) have impacted Oyster, Mussel, Abalone and Rock Lobster industries, necessitating the implementation of biotoxin monitoring programs and harvest closures during high risk periods. It is currently unknown whether Periwinkles can accumulate paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) from Tasmanian microalgal blooms and a conservative risk management approach has been taken thus far to protect both ....Recurrent harmful algal blooms in Tasmanian waters (Gymnodinium in the South and Alexandrium on the East Coast) have impacted Oyster, Mussel, Abalone and Rock Lobster industries, necessitating the implementation of biotoxin monitoring programs and harvest closures during high risk periods. It is currently unknown whether Periwinkles can accumulate paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) from Tasmanian microalgal blooms and a conservative risk management approach has been taken thus far to protect both public health and market access.
Unlike bivalve shellfish, Abalone and Rock Lobster, there is currently no clearly defined biotoxin management plan for Periwinkles in Tasmania. As grazers, Periwinkles are loosely grouped with Urchins and Abalone, the latter of which are a proven PST risk. This Abalone biotoxin sampling plan is triggered when Tasmanian Shellfish Market Access Program (ShellMAP) closes bivalve harvest areas due to PST risk. In a conservative approach, the current recommendation is PST analysis of 20 pooled Periwinkles per Abalone block on at least a monthly basis to maintain market access. This presents a considerable cost burden to the small dive fishery and interrupts harvest operations, as PST sampling of Periwinkles is required if elevated PST are detected in Abalone, which are known to hold onto PST for longer time periods in between blooms (years).
To date, the vast majority of Periwinkle samples that have been analysed for PST were collected from weak or no bloom years or regions. Evidence from French tank trials exposing the common European Periwinkle (Littorina littorea) to Alexandrium minutum cysts containing PST showed significant toxin uptake (0.2 mg PST/kg) within six days of exposure (Neves et al, 2015). It remains unknown whether commercially harvested Tasmanian Periwinkles (Lunella undulata) are at risk of PST accumulation and if the current conservative monitoring approach is commensurate to risk. In such scenarios, risk managers will commonly outsource a preliminary risk assessment (known as a risk profile). Risk profiles are an important tool for risk managers and industry. They provide a summary of all information pertinent to food safety associated with the specific hazard/food combination. The purpose of a risk profile is to assist initial risk management activities, such as identifying future actions required (if any), and the options for food safety management programs. They also inform the level of resourcing required to control the hazard/food pairing.
This project will deliver an urgently required risk profile for PST in Periwinkles to inform future actions (if any) and provide options for cost-effective food safety management programs. This profile will: 1. Determine the risk of PST accumulation in Periwinkles in Tasmania as a result of harmful microalgal blooms during high risk exposures at peak algal bloom densities in the field and in tank trials. 2. Outline potential management options and knowledge gaps, should risk management be necessary. This includes an assessment of whether the bivalve PST regulatory limit is appropriate to use in Periwinkle risk management (currently based on shellfish serving size of 100-400g) and the spatial variability associated with sampling.
References Neves, Raquel AF, et al. "Responses of the common periwinkle Littorina littorea to exposure to the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum." Journal of Molluscan Studies 81.2 (2015): 308-311.
Objectives: 1. Determine whether Tasmanian Periwinkles can bioaccumulate PST from Alexandrium and/or Gymnodinium microalgal blooms during both field and laboratory exposures. 2. Identify the most suitable size of biotoxin management zones for Periwinkles. 3. Assess whether the use of the bivalve PST regulatory limit is appropriate for Periwinkles by conducting a literature search and consumption survey. 4. Generate a risk profile for PST in Tasmanian wild caught Periwinkles and provide guidance for risk management. 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