Partnering To Deliver National Research, Development And Extension For Australia’s Recreational Fishing Sector: Management Project 2022-2024
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$426,082.00
Summary
There is an opportunity to create a new partnership with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) to aggregate information from a regional and jurisdictional level to a national forum with the view to provide advise the FRDC in prioritising strategic and tactical investments in RD&E to deliver positive outcomes for the Australian recreational sector. An ARFF – FRDC partnership could be extend beyond simply prioritisation, to include establishing opportunities for effective and t ....There is an opportunity to create a new partnership with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) to aggregate information from a regional and jurisdictional level to a national forum with the view to provide advise the FRDC in prioritising strategic and tactical investments in RD&E to deliver positive outcomes for the Australian recreational sector. An ARFF – FRDC partnership could be extend beyond simply prioritisation, to include establishing opportunities for effective and targeted extension and adoption of R&D outputs to effect cultural and behavioural changes within recreational sector beneficiaries. A properly resourced and coordinated collaboration may also identify opportunities for co-investment with traditional and non-traditional sources, particularly those linked to the ARFF network. This proposal looks to formalise a partnership between the recreational fishing sector and the FRDC and outlines the structure, function, resourcing and phases of that partnership model. The effective delivery of this partnership model will in turn derive benefits to the recreational sector, its supporters, the broader Australian community, and the FRDC through the delivery of the R&D Plan 2020-2025. Objectives: 1. Proactively work with the recreational fishing community and key partners to identify and coordinate national and regional RD&E priorities, and assist to develop scopes to address those priorities 2. Inform FRDC and stakeholders of the shifting landscape and capability, and emerging needs of the Australian (and international) recreational sector relevant to the FRDC's R&D Plan 2022-2025 3. Ensure quality and relevance of R&D investments undertaken by the FRDC to the recreational sector through technical and extension advice and support for FRDC management and project teams 4. Support extension and adoption of R&D in those areas relevant to the Australian recreational sector, and aligning to FRDC’s R&D Plan 2020-25, with an aspiration to enhance behaviour change, as well as capacity and capability in the sector 5. Support management of external national and international partnerships delivering recreational R&D across FRDC 6. Facilitate co-investment in RD&E which benefits the recreational fishing community nationally, and aligns to the FRDC’s R&D Plan 2020-25, to assist in its delivery Read moreRead less
During the initial conceptual steering committee meeting of the Tuna Champions program it was identified, and supported by marketing specialists, to focus on a single species, in this case the SBT. If this was done well, it would minimise dilution of the messaging and improve the uptake and momentum of increased stewardship in that particular fishery. It was noted however that the messages would likely ‘spill over’ into other species, particularly other tuna species as the practices being promot ....During the initial conceptual steering committee meeting of the Tuna Champions program it was identified, and supported by marketing specialists, to focus on a single species, in this case the SBT. If this was done well, it would minimise dilution of the messaging and improve the uptake and momentum of increased stewardship in that particular fishery. It was noted however that the messages would likely ‘spill over’ into other species, particularly other tuna species as the practices being promoted were applicable to them. Then further, that the messaging and recognition of the value of stewardship as it relates to recreational fishing practices would spill over more broadly to other species. This effect has now been realised with fishers that target other tuna species already organically sharing and promoting the message of tuna champions and more broadly, several other recreational stewardship programs have been developed or are currently in the funding or conceptual phases including Shark Mates, Snapper Stewards and a program in Tasmania promoting stewardship in the recreational fishery targeting Sand Flathead.
The recent recognition by the Federal Government of the success of the Tuna Champions program was highlighted in the commitment to fund an extension of the program announced with the launch of the 2021 Federal budget.
This funding will facilitate the need to broaden the program to the next level by increasing the scope of the project to now focus on more key tuna species in Australia, including Yellowfin Tuna and Longtail Tuna. The geographic distribution of these species and the recreational fisheries that target them will increase the breadth of the program across Australia with both these species commonly caught on the east and west coasts and Longtail Tuna caught along the top-end of Australia, including the Northern Territory.
Objectives: 1. Deliver an education program and communication strategy focusing on responsible fishing practices within the recreational sector and educating grass-roots fishers on best practices around all aspects of their interactions with key tuna species in Australia. 2. Develop a research hub to facilitate ongoing recreational fisher engagement in studies pertaining to key tuna species in Australia. 3. Develop a self-funding model to ensure the long-term sustainability of Tuna Champions independent of Commonwealth government funding. Read moreRead less
Exploring Wellbeing Outcomes in the Aquatic and Recreation Industry. This project aims to investigate the impact on individual wellbeing through use of public aquatic and recreation centres in Australia. Through the use of mixed methods across multiple locations, the project expects to generate new knowledge on the effect on users of different management and service models for the provision of aquatic and recreational infrastructure. Expected outcomes include a quantifiable measure of social and ....Exploring Wellbeing Outcomes in the Aquatic and Recreation Industry. This project aims to investigate the impact on individual wellbeing through use of public aquatic and recreation centres in Australia. Through the use of mixed methods across multiple locations, the project expects to generate new knowledge on the effect on users of different management and service models for the provision of aquatic and recreational infrastructure. Expected outcomes include a quantifiable measure of social and emotional wellbeing that can be utilised by centre management and government. This will help assessment of best practice for maximising community wellbeing, and can guide investment decisions by state and local government.Read moreRead less
Measuring The Economic Value Of Recreational Fishing At A National Level
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$65,000.00
Summary
Recreational fisheries have no reliable and acceptable methodology or mechanisms to measure their economic value (direct and indirect) to Australians. More broadly, the sector has no clear understanding of end-user requirements for its economic data, and the most appropriate means of obtaining the required data. The impacts of this problem are direct, substantial, local and national. Measurement enables monitoring of performance, which enables management of the resource to consistent ....Recreational fisheries have no reliable and acceptable methodology or mechanisms to measure their economic value (direct and indirect) to Australians. More broadly, the sector has no clear understanding of end-user requirements for its economic data, and the most appropriate means of obtaining the required data. The impacts of this problem are direct, substantial, local and national. Measurement enables monitoring of performance, which enables management of the resource to consistently achieve best outcomes. Lack of measurement means the sector cannot: 1. quantify the operational or economic size of the national fishery on a reliable and repeatable basis, and therefore can not measure or manage economic performance changes over time 2. demonstrate with acceptable accuracy the economic contribution to regional and national economies, at any time, 3. justify and motivate investment by communities, investors and agencies in recreational fishing, 4. clearly and unambiguously demonstrate that it is a relevant sector or contributor to regional and national economies.
The RFAC's 2011 Strategy identifies at least 2 goals (as follows) that demand some type of economic measure to demontrate that they have been achieved. - Recreational fishing is acknowledged as an important activity that contributes to the health and well-being of Australian society. - Recreational fishers have access to a fair and reasonable share of Australia’s fish resources.
Objectives: 1. Identify end-users of Recreational Fishing data, their economic data needs, and appropriate data collection methods 2. Identify and short-list appropriate economic indicators and the preferred "GVP Equivalent" cross-jurisdictional approach 3. Establish a project Steering Group to work with the consultant, raise stakeholder awareness, and carry the project forward 4. Estimate and document the initial "GVP Equivalent" for the Recreational Fishing Sector by key jurisdiction and for the nation 5. Establish an Action Plan (resources, responsibilities, timing, etc) for measuring the economic contribution of the Recreational Fishing Sector or a repeatable annual basis 6. Establish a GVP Equivalent value of Recreational and Indigenous Fisheries as a permanent component of DAFF's determination of the Australian Fishing Industry Read moreRead less
World Recreational Fishing Conference 10 Melbourne 19-23rd February 2023
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$210,000.00
Summary
Hosting the WRFC in Melbourne will provide a unique opportunity to build capacity and leadership in the Australian recreational fisher, scientific and management communities, and develop skills in modern technology and methods. It will increase participation in recreational fishing by showcasing Victoria’s and Australia’s fishing and tourism experiences to leading and influential recreational fishing stakeholders from across the world. The event is expected to attract hundreds of internati ....Hosting the WRFC in Melbourne will provide a unique opportunity to build capacity and leadership in the Australian recreational fisher, scientific and management communities, and develop skills in modern technology and methods. It will increase participation in recreational fishing by showcasing Victoria’s and Australia’s fishing and tourism experiences to leading and influential recreational fishing stakeholders from across the world. The event is expected to attract hundreds of international visitors from at least 20 countries, as well as thousands of recreational fishers and fishing experts from across Victoria and Australia. Hosting this major event requires support from key recreational fishing stakeholder groups. We would like to seek FRDC’s financial support to assist with operating costs including venue hire (Melbourne Convention Centre), guest speakers, advertising and promotion, and other logistics expenses for the WRFC.
Objectives: 1. To deliver a successful World Recreational Fisheries Conference 10 which explores the challenges of recreational fishing in a changing world; shares the latest science, managment and stakeholder knoweldge; promotes inclusion and cooperation amongst diverse stakeholders and fosters best practice to maintain recover andprotect the worlds recerational fisheries. Read moreRead less
Growing Future Leaders In Recreational Fishing 2016 And Beyond: Vic, Tas, NSW And SA
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$9,491.50
Summary
The recreational fishing sector is facing a national shortage of people to take on roles in leadership, administration, management, advocacy and representation. There is an urgent need to build capability to address real and practical issues that are impacting on the sectors development. This shortage of new people is hindering the advancement of the needs, goals and aspirations of the recreational fishing community.
The recreational fishing sector has passionate and committed individu ....The recreational fishing sector is facing a national shortage of people to take on roles in leadership, administration, management, advocacy and representation. There is an urgent need to build capability to address real and practical issues that are impacting on the sectors development. This shortage of new people is hindering the advancement of the needs, goals and aspirations of the recreational fishing community.
The recreational fishing sector has passionate and committed individuals who continue to strive for a better deal for the sector. However, these same people work largely in a voluntary capacity and struggle to cope with the constant deluge of administration and advocacy required. The sector needs targeted programs with additional resources to develop new leadership. It is hoped that through this project, 10 budding future leaders from Victoria, Tasmania, NSW and South Australia are identified and provided the opportunity to better understand leadership concepts and fisheries management. In doing so, it will help them take the first step on a development journey that will see them chart and steer the sector forward to reach its full potential.
This proposal will benefit recreational fishing by building the next generation of recreational fishing leaders that can effectively advocate for sustainable and responsible fishing practices, but also against future threats to the sector. The proposal is critical if we are to have a proper succession plan in place to nurture future advocates for recreational fishing in the South East. Failure to invest in this area will lead to a future gap in new and informed fishing advocates and continue a concerning trend that new leaders are hard to find for the many and varied consultation processes run by Government departments.
The importance of investing in people development programs has been endorsed by the Fisheries Research Development Corporation, State fishery managers and RecFish Research. This application aligns closely with the proposal by Jill Briggs to conduct a skills audit and develop a broader framework for leadership development in the recreational fishing sector nationally. Objectives: 1. Support delivery of the national framework for future leadership development in the recreational fishing at the regional level (South East). 2. Bring together the next generation of recreational fishing leaders in a South East regional forum where they will be educated and mentored by a group of experienced and recognised leaders in recreational fishing advocacy and management. 3. Implement the agreed pathway for further leadership development in the recreational fishing industry. Read moreRead less
Exploring Changes In Recreational Fishing Participation And Catch Due To COVID-19 – A WA Case Study
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Robust data is critical to ensure sustainability and demonstrate the social and economic benefits of recreational fisheries. Traditional data collection methods can be cost-prohibitive, especially for fisheries operating across large scales, or those requiring real time information. Challenges associated with data collection have been highlighted during COVID-19, where travel restrictions have changed the dynamics of regional tourism and associated recreational fishing. Increased domestic travel ....Robust data is critical to ensure sustainability and demonstrate the social and economic benefits of recreational fisheries. Traditional data collection methods can be cost-prohibitive, especially for fisheries operating across large scales, or those requiring real time information. Challenges associated with data collection have been highlighted during COVID-19, where travel restrictions have changed the dynamics of regional tourism and associated recreational fishing. Increased domestic travel is delivering economic benefits to many regional locations, however, there have been concerns about increased effort and the longer-term impact of increased catches on stock sustainability.
Federal and State Governments have implemented a range of policy responses during COVID-19, with support measures and stimulus packages for businesses, including tourism. Many jurisdictions have implemented measures to assist commercial and recreational fishing sectors, while few jurisdictions have implemented changes to recreational fishing regulations. In Western Australia, recreational fishing rules were revised to address sustainability concerns for valuable stocks of demersal finfish. This policy shift was supported by evidence from ongoing monitoring and stakeholder engagement. Further reviews will be conducted following the current state-wide survey (September 2020–August 2021), which will provide estimates of participation, effort, catch and expenditure in regional Western Australia attributed to local and non-local residents and to recreational fishing.
While intensive survey methods are repeated periodically, the adoption of indicators between these intervals can inform ongoing assessments. Social and economic indicators, such as those obtained from administrative data or record of sales, have the potential to provide rapid assessment of changes in participation, fisher demographics and catches. While benchmarking these data against traditional surveys may be required, there is a need to investigate a range of data sources that could measure change and inform rapid assessments.
Objectives: 1. Investigate community indicators that could inform sustainability and policy objectives and a performance assessment framework for recreational fisheries in Western Australia. 2. Assess attitudes among stakeholders regarding perceived confidence in social and economic indicators for recreational fisheries based on case study. 3. Assess the impacts on recreational fishing associated with COVID-19 using the agreed performance assessment framework (and case study). 4. Provide recommendations for future collection of social and economic indicators to inform sustainability and policy objectives for recreational fisheries in Western Australia. Read moreRead less
National Fisheries Technical Workshop Series: "Recreational Fishing: What's The Catch"
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$37,323.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To promote the opportunity during the Australian Society for Fish Biology annual conference for the national fisheries research expertise to focus on a technical area or subject of current or perceived national or regional fisheries significance. 2. To support where appropriate visiting fisheries scientists of acknowledged expertise in the workshop subject area to offer a national or international perspective 3. To assist in the publication of workshop proceedings ....Objectives: 1. To promote the opportunity during the Australian Society for Fish Biology annual conference for the national fisheries research expertise to focus on a technical area or subject of current or perceived national or regional fisheries significance. 2. To support where appropriate visiting fisheries scientists of acknowledged expertise in the workshop subject area to offer a national or international perspective 3. To assist in the publication of workshop proceedings as a benchmark document of current knowledge in the workshop subject area 4. As a result, to identify, and define research questions of national fisheries significance. 5. The proposed workshop - "Recreational Fishing: What's the Catch" - will focus on the standardisation of methods to allow for more ready comparison of recreational catch and effort data Read moreRead less