Toolbox For The Estimation Of Fish Population Abundance
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$175,000.00
Summary
Abundance estimates are used both directly and indirectly in stock assessment processes to support fishery management. Australia’s fisheries research agencies all estimate fish population abundance in some way. These include genetic and conventional tagging, acoustics (active and passive), trawl and egg surveys, as well as using proxies of abundance such as catch. Each of these methods have benefits, biases and caveats linked to the method and to the fish species being assessed. For example, dif ....Abundance estimates are used both directly and indirectly in stock assessment processes to support fishery management. Australia’s fisheries research agencies all estimate fish population abundance in some way. These include genetic and conventional tagging, acoustics (active and passive), trawl and egg surveys, as well as using proxies of abundance such as catch. Each of these methods have benefits, biases and caveats linked to the method and to the fish species being assessed. For example, differences between life history and habitat can make an abundance estimation method that has worked for one species unsuitable for another. As the application of each method of estimating abundance is potentially species/scenario specific, potential use by researchers and managers can be fraught.
In developing or proposing an abundance estimate for use in fisheries assessment, researchers must have a clear understanding of the assessment framework in order to make sure that an abundance estimate can be used. Claims such as “this time series can then be used in stock assessment” must be verified by funding agencies (particularly beyond FRDC) and defensible. Proliferation of abundance estimation methods without links to the assessment process will not yield an expected benefit beyond knowledge accumulation.
A project is needed to capture the range of methods of estimating abundance for management purposes, and specify the conditions of use, limitations and readiness level for operational use. A decision tree and methods ‘toolbox’ that describes the techniques, their relative strengths and weaknesses will help researchers and managers identify the best suited abundance estimate approach, and guide research effort to overcome known weaknesses.
The development of a ‘toolbox’ of techniques would be used to inform: 1. techniques available to estimate abundance 2. suitability of them to different conditions such as life history, and data availability 3. requirements of the technique such as methods used, prerequisite expertise, data and cost; and 4. circumstances under which the technique can be used. This project would also identify potential new approaches and technologies that might complement or replace current ones. Objectives: 1. To document the various methods available to fisheries managers for estimating abundance. 2. To document a cost / benefit / needs and requirements basis for the various methods available to fisheries managers for estimating abundance. 3. Develop a ‘toolbox’ to disseminate details of fit-for-purpose methods of estimating abundance to fisheries managers and management agencies, that will informi. the techniques that are available to estimate abundanceii.the suitability of the technique to different scenarios such as life history parameters of species, data availability (or absence), assumed low population sizeiii.the requirements of the technique such as methods used, pre-requisite expertise, data and costiv.under what circumstances can the technique be used and the underlying assumptions. 4. To identify potential new (and non-lethal) approaches and emerging technologies that may offer an opportunity for capturing fishery dependent data that can be used to estimate abundance Read moreRead less
A Review Of Fisheries Enhancement Methods To Promote Profitability And Sustainability In Australian Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$44,069.00
Summary
Whilst a range of fisheries enhancement approaches have been applied in Australia, quantitative comparison between the outcomes achieved is lacking. The decision to use fisheries enhancement techniques can be heavily influenced by politics, especially in the recreational fishing sector. Despite the general results from past fishery enhancement activities appearing positive, not all approaches may deliver the best return on investment. Quantitative comparison of techniques is needed to enable dec ....Whilst a range of fisheries enhancement approaches have been applied in Australia, quantitative comparison between the outcomes achieved is lacking. The decision to use fisheries enhancement techniques can be heavily influenced by politics, especially in the recreational fishing sector. Despite the general results from past fishery enhancement activities appearing positive, not all approaches may deliver the best return on investment. Quantitative comparison of techniques is needed to enable decisions to be made with greater certainty and deliver the best value.
Broad uptake and application of some fisheries enhancement techniques by fisheries managers in Australia has been limited. A major constraint for fisheries managers has been the absence of clear comparative data on the costs and benefits for each approach and how they can be most effectively applied in different scenarios. Fisheries enhancement is widely practised around the world and quantitative assessments of the benefits of some techniques exist. Cost benefit analyses have also been conducted for some projects in Australia, but the results have yet to be consolidated and considered in the context of how they can be applied more broadly by fisheries managers.
Consolidating the knowledge base on fisheries enhancement methods will enable robust comparison of the return on investment of different approaches for various fisheries and assessment of their long-term viability and impacts on fishery sustainability. Such information will enable managers to more clearly identify the most appropriate techniques and potential benefits for their specific fisheries, leading to increased uptake and implementation. To assist uptake by fishery managers, a decision support tool is needed to enable managers to readily incorporate these approaches with other fishery management considerations.
Objectives: 1. To conduct a literature review of fisheries enhancement/intervention methods 2. To conduct a cost-benefit analysis to identify efficient fisheries enhancement techniques 3. Develop a decision support tool to assist fishery managers determine the most suitable enhancement approach 4. Extend the results of the review and decision support tool to fisheries managers across Australia Read moreRead less
National Seafood Industry Leadership Program 2018 - 2021
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$933,988.00
Summary
FRDC has developed the 2015-2020 Strategic Plan. The plan details the areas of investment for the industry and provides direction regarding the leadership requirements for the Australia seafood industry. Relevant sections of that document state the following:- “All sectors of Australian fishing and aquaculture need strong, effective, connected leadership to respond well to the challenges and opportunities before them...Having strong leadership capacity will generate strong fishing and aquacu ....FRDC has developed the 2015-2020 Strategic Plan. The plan details the areas of investment for the industry and provides direction regarding the leadership requirements for the Australia seafood industry. Relevant sections of that document state the following:- “All sectors of Australian fishing and aquaculture need strong, effective, connected leadership to respond well to the challenges and opportunities before them...Having strong leadership capacity will generate strong fishing and aquaculture communities that are productive, profitable and resilient to change, therefore people development remains an important focus for RD&E...projects include the National Seafood Industry Leadership Program"
The above indicates the ongoing need and support for the NSILP 2018-2020. Additionally, although the NSILP 2015-2017 project is yet to be fully evaluated, there is data indicating a significant increase industry need for the NSILP. This data includes 70 unsuccessful applicants over the course of the project time frame; applicant nominators requesting the reason for unsuccessful application responses and; extremely high caliber applicants who should be accepted into the NSILP being ‘rejected’ over two consecutive years. However, the greatest need remains the ongoing succession of the industry and the need for ongoing opportunity to skill-up and build the knowledge of the individuals who will step into leadership roles.
The NSILP 2018-2020 will address the needs discussed above through providing skill development in key leadership areas such as inter-personal communication, team building and strategy planning. The NSILP will also build industry sector understanding through ensuring an annual diverse participant cohort and seek guests and program speakers who reflect industry breadth and deliver addresses that reflect the range of the industry. The NSILP will raise the positive profile of the industry through building professionalism amongst the participants and through the delivery of a number of participant addresses to the industry.
Objectives: 1. To update the current NSILP through a review and desktop research process 2. To provide NSILP learning materials reflecting the above updated program 3. To facilitate a NSILP application and selection process that results in a diverse cohort of program participants 4. To provide a professionally facilitated nine-day industry leadership program for the seafood community 5. To manage the support and development of (a minimum) fifteen (15) NSILP participants/graduates 6. To create strong networks and succession opportunities between the seafood community and NSILP participants/graduates 7. To create strong networks and succession opportunities between the seafood community and NSILP participants/graduates Read moreRead less
Animal Welfare – What We Do Know And Where To From Here?
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$75,000.00
Summary
The topic of animal welfare in fisheries remains highly contentious and contested and there is a need to find both common ground and to understand and respect the diversity of views. Failure to do so represents a financial risk to wildcatch fisheries and aquaculture and some recreational fishing activities. Animal welfare issues continue be a community focus, and more focus is being placed on the welfare of fish and selected marine invertebrates (e.g. crustaceans and cephalopods). Active campaig ....The topic of animal welfare in fisheries remains highly contentious and contested and there is a need to find both common ground and to understand and respect the diversity of views. Failure to do so represents a financial risk to wildcatch fisheries and aquaculture and some recreational fishing activities. Animal welfare issues continue be a community focus, and more focus is being placed on the welfare of fish and selected marine invertebrates (e.g. crustaceans and cephalopods). Active campaigns of various types and levels of organisation that oppose fishing activities are not uncommon and garner attention. This project aims to consolidate our knowledge of animal welfare issues of direct relevance to FRDC and its stakeholders and provide a way forward for future research investment that is tailored to FRDC's legislative remit and the needs of its stakeholders.
There has been a considerable number of publications globally that have tackled the topic and provided a diversity of perspectives on the issue. A single workshop and report are not going to unify thinking around the question. The workshop will have a starting point that the question “do fish feel pain” is an issue that there is a diversity of views on the topic, and the focus is on currently accepted best practices and continual improvement in those practices. The workshop will have a session that focuses on community perceptions and highlighting the legitimacy of considering the community perceptions. Objectives: 1. Undertake a review of key findings of previous relevant research on animal welfare in Australia, and a review of contemporary peer reviewed material on aquatic animal welfare issues, and prepare this review to inform a stakeholder workshop. 2. List key contemporary issues and developments that are relevant animal welfare in Australia since 2020. 3. Undertake a stakeholder workshop that identifies information needs and identifies and prioritises research gaps. 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
Assessment Of The Inflamark Method As A Sensitive And Cost-effective Measure Of Oxidative Stress In Cultured Fish
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$156,177.11
Summary
An indicator of oxidative/metabolic stress in fish has long been sought after as a means of providing a simple measure of health and as a tool for assessing the outcomes of research trials including those on diet formulations. The FRDC have invested heavily in health & nutrition research, yet a simple, sensitive and cost effective method of assessing health following such trials is still lacking. Most analytical methods such as haematology, blood biochemistry, flow cytometry, histology and bacte ....An indicator of oxidative/metabolic stress in fish has long been sought after as a means of providing a simple measure of health and as a tool for assessing the outcomes of research trials including those on diet formulations. The FRDC have invested heavily in health & nutrition research, yet a simple, sensitive and cost effective method of assessing health following such trials is still lacking. Most analytical methods such as haematology, blood biochemistry, flow cytometry, histology and bacterial challenges all have limitations in terms of sensitivity, repeatability, cost and simplicity.
Inflamark has potential to be developed into a rapid, point-of-care device that could be used on-farm as well as in research trials. There is a need to validate its usefulness as a diagnostic tool in commercially relevant farmed fish species prior to its development as a routine diagnostic tool.
Objectives: 1. Optimise field methods to ensure blood is collected and preserved appropriately for shipment and analysis 2. Determine the range of baseline oxidative stress values for healthy and moribund fish from four species across the full range of sizes and culture temperatures under commercial growout conditions. 3. Obtain data from fish in various FRDC and industry funded research projects investigating health and nutrition. 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
Maintaining and enhancing market access for Australian seafood is critical for future industry growth. SafeFish makes a significant contribution to this by carrying out three types of projects: 1. Food safety incident responses. The SafeFish partners come together during each incident to provide industry and government with immediate technical information required to respond to the incident. Subsequently, technical input is provided to update policies for prevention of similar incidents and ....Maintaining and enhancing market access for Australian seafood is critical for future industry growth. SafeFish makes a significant contribution to this by carrying out three types of projects: 1. Food safety incident responses. The SafeFish partners come together during each incident to provide industry and government with immediate technical information required to respond to the incident. Subsequently, technical input is provided to update policies for prevention of similar incidents and respond to them should they recur. Appropriate technical responses reduce the impact of food safety incidents and ensure better outcomes for future management. 2. Technical input to inter-government consultations on food regulations and market access. It is essential for the Australian seafood industry to participate in consultations such as Codex to ensure that proposed new, or modified, regulations are pragmatic and cost-effective for the Australian seafood industry. It is far easier to influence standards under development than after they have been finalised. Similarly, it is essential for the seafood industry to stay in close contact with Food Safety Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) when domestic food safety regulations are reviewed. 3. Proactive research, risk analyses and training. The safety of Australian seafood is not negotiable in domestic and international markets. Over recent years SafeFish has conducted many activities to assist the industry anticipate and minimize food safety risks. The objective of the activities has always been to identify and mitigate risks before they cause a problem, or to grow knowledge to enable us to improve our risk management in a cost effective manner.
Objectives: 1. To deliver robust food safety research and advice to industry and regulators that underpins Australia's reputation as a producer of safe seafood. 2. To maintain and enhance the capabilities in Australia to provide that research and advice in a cost effective, efficient and timely manner. 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