Tactical Research Fund: Establishing Regional Indicators Of Social Sustainability In The Tasmanian Aquaculture Industry - A Pilot Study
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$55,000.00
Summary
Tasmanian government, communities and industry recognise that a key to increasing aquaculture’s positive impact on regional communities in Tasmania is continued access to shared coastal and marine resources.
The existing aquaculture planning system delivers social licence by including the community in the process that examines the pros and cons of development in their region. Despite this, future opportunities for linkages and collaborative partnerships between industry and the communi ....Tasmanian government, communities and industry recognise that a key to increasing aquaculture’s positive impact on regional communities in Tasmania is continued access to shared coastal and marine resources.
The existing aquaculture planning system delivers social licence by including the community in the process that examines the pros and cons of development in their region. Despite this, future opportunities for linkages and collaborative partnerships between industry and the community are less well understood.
Critical to building and maintaining a “social license to operate” are robust and collaborative partnerships between industry and the communities in which it operates. Such partnerships need to be structured to allow meaningful dialogue aimed at increasing the positive impacts of aquaculture development to the community as a whole, balanced against the potential costs.
Community perceptions of aquaculture vary widely. The challenge for planners and the industry is to understand regional perceptions in order to develop policies and approaches that respond to community concerns, improve community understandings and bolster the recognition and acceptance of this sector as a valuable community member.
Specifically, industry and policy makers need to understand the social and economic profiles of specific regions as well as community perceptions of the industry, as the foundation for designing a community engagement strategy that will: • establish a sound platform of social understandings and values from which the industry can develop its business case, and • maximise the benefit communities derive from sustainable aquaculture development.
This project has been designed as a pilot study to test methodology and to deliver outputs that will contribute to the needs mentioned above, thereby helping to increase public good outcomes from marine farming in Tasmania.
Objectives: 1. A recommendation of social return on investment (SRoI) metrics that can be incorporated into assessment of aquaculture development and activities 2. An understanding of community perceptions of aquaculture in 2 aquaculture regions in Tasmania (e.g. South East Tasmania, North West Tasmania) 3. An understanding of demographic and social infrastructure for each study region 4. An analysis of the impact of aquaculture development on relevant social indicators for each region 5. A community consultation and engagement strategy that could be adopted by industry for each aquaculture region 6. Recommendations for how similar projects could be delivered in other regions in Australia Read moreRead less
Clarifying The Relationship Between Salmon Farm Nutrient Loads And Changes In Macroalgal Community Structure/ Distribution (Existing Student Support)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$44,929.56
Summary
This project provides research support for 2 PhD students - enabling them to target their studies to issues relevant to the local salmon farming industry in particular the need for research on “Nutrient Production” identified in TSGA research priorities (2011). Growth of salmon farming in SE Tasmania is currently limited by a feed input cap. This has arisen as a result of concerns that increased nutrients associated with salmon farming may be affecting local water quality. In addition there ....This project provides research support for 2 PhD students - enabling them to target their studies to issues relevant to the local salmon farming industry in particular the need for research on “Nutrient Production” identified in TSGA research priorities (2011). Growth of salmon farming in SE Tasmania is currently limited by a feed input cap. This has arisen as a result of concerns that increased nutrients associated with salmon farming may be affecting local water quality. In addition there have been anecdotal reports that changes in macroalgal community structure, and in particular proliferation of nuisance algae species (i.e. Ulva), are related to the expansion of local salmon farming operations. These PhD projects in combination will specifically evaluate the response of macroalgal communities to changing nutrient and environmental conditions and the implications of this for local and system wide nutrient load management. Scott Hadley is looking to evaluate the potential to mitigate/ offset nutrient loads using target species deployment and will look at testing scenarios in a model environment to establish spatial and temporal optima for such mitigation strategies. Whilst Luis Henriquez aims to better define the effects of changing nutrient regimes on local macroalgal communities and to measure differences in nutrient assimilation capacity of key species under differing environmental conditions. The combined research of these students will provide a much better understanding of the driving factors behind potential "hotspots" in estuarine systems, the likely effects of these on macroalgal communities and the potential for natural and managed nutrient offsets. Objectives: 1. Clarify the effect of nutrient changes on key macroalgal species under a variety of different environmental conditions 2. Characterise macroalgal communities in potential "hotspots" and identify key species 3. Describe the influence of nutrients, natural and anthropogenic, in potential "hotspots" by synthesising the findings of the empirical and modelling studies. 4. Make recommendations as to cost effectiveness of alternate options for nutrient mitigation based on all available data. Read moreRead less
Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture Subprogram: Forecasting Ocean Temperatures For Salmon At The Farm Site
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$45,000.00
Summary
This proposal is in response to requests from salmon companies to provide short-term ocean forecasts for Tasmanian farm sites. With this information, they can plan operations in the upcoming months, in particular stocking rates, disease treatments, and staffing levels for cage maintenance. Objectives: 1. Generate site specific seasonal water temperature statistical forecasts for three nominated farm sites. 2. Generate and test the skill of dynamical regional ocean forecasts ....This proposal is in response to requests from salmon companies to provide short-term ocean forecasts for Tasmanian farm sites. With this information, they can plan operations in the upcoming months, in particular stocking rates, disease treatments, and staffing levels for cage maintenance. Objectives: 1. Generate site specific seasonal water temperature statistical forecasts for three nominated farm sites. 2. Generate and test the skill of dynamical regional ocean forecasts using the BOM seasonal prediction model (POAMA) 3. Undertake cost-benefit analysis of the value of these short-term predictions for the salmon industry Read moreRead less
Storm Bay Biogeochemical Modelling & Information System: Supporting Sustainable Aquaculture Expansion In Tasmania
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$1,680,761.25
Summary
For the Tasmanian Salmon Industry to expand into new coastal and offshore areas it needs to demonstrate responsible stewardship and sustainable use of natural resources to maintain the support of Government agencies and the Tasmanian community. For Government agencies to assess the environmental implications of the Salmon Industry they need to understand the environmental footprint of the industry, the capacity of the environment to assimilate waste loads, vulnerable locations where impacts mig ....For the Tasmanian Salmon Industry to expand into new coastal and offshore areas it needs to demonstrate responsible stewardship and sustainable use of natural resources to maintain the support of Government agencies and the Tasmanian community. For Government agencies to assess the environmental implications of the Salmon Industry they need to understand the environmental footprint of the industry, the capacity of the environment to assimilate waste loads, vulnerable locations where impacts might be foreseen, suitable locations and times to monitor change, possible future environmental trajectories under various management scenarios, and appropriate impact mitigation strategies. With this information the State Government and Industry can demonstrate best practice in the strategic and sustainable expansion of farm sites, minimise environmental impacts and keep the Tasmanian community well informed.
An information system is required that can report and compare current water quality conditions from models and observations, provide short-term forecasts, analysis of scenario projections of plausible future conditions for planning purposes and link to decision support tools to optimise management response and monitoring programs. The modelling and information system needs to have the capability for future deployment in multiple sub-regions of interest around Tasmania. This requires a downscaling approach where high-resolution local models can be rapidly deployed within a larger scale regional model encompassing the whole of Southeast Australia.
One region with an urgent need for such a modelling and information system is Storm Bay where knowledge gaps in hydrodynamic circulation, nutrient sources and transformations, the assimilative capacity of the environment and the footprint of proposed farms, currently limit responsible industry expansion and governance.
Objectives: 1. To evaluate the performance of the existing hydrodynamic model of Storm Bay 2. To characterise the primary sources of nutrients into Storm Bay from ocean currents, sediment resuspension, river inputs. 3. To deliver a validated model of water quality in Storm Bay suitable for assessing future salmon farm expansion. 4. To provide an information system comprising model results, observations and synthesis analyses, with links to parallel projects (e.g. monitoring program, decision support tools, seasonal predictions). Read moreRead less
INFORMD Stage 2: Risk-based Tools Supporting Consultation, Planning And Adaptive Management For Aquaculture And Other Multiple-uses Of The Coastal Waters Of Southern Tasmania
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$750,000.00
Summary
A range of human activities influence water quality and other marine environmental values in southern Tasmania. For example, cage based salmon farming is currently restricted to the Huon Estuary, D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Tasman Peninsula, with other activities in these waters having the potential to be affected by, or have an effect on, aquaculture (e.g. industrial processes, urban development, municipal services, fisheries, recreation, tourism). Given the multi-user nature of the marine envi ....A range of human activities influence water quality and other marine environmental values in southern Tasmania. For example, cage based salmon farming is currently restricted to the Huon Estuary, D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Tasman Peninsula, with other activities in these waters having the potential to be affected by, or have an effect on, aquaculture (e.g. industrial processes, urban development, municipal services, fisheries, recreation, tourism). Given the multi-user nature of the marine environment, it is important to recognise the diverse needs and expectations of the broader community when identifying values and evaluating trade-offs in the system as a whole. For example, water quality issues such as eutrophication and nuisance algae are important to both the aquaculture industry and the wider community, while issues such as public access, views and maintenance of recreational assets may be of particular concern to local communities. There is an urgent need to develop and apply innovative tools based on the best available scientific knowledge (e.g. INFORMD) to support consultation, planning and management of aquaculture and other uses of southern Tasmanian coastal waters. Objectives: 1. For the marine environment of southern Tasmania, characterise key environmental, social and economic values and aspirations from industry, government and community perspectives. 2. Relate these values to measurable indicators based on understanding of key biophysical and socio-economic processes. 3. Develop a framework to support spatial risk assessment for planning of future development within the system, with an initial focus on aquaculture leases. 4. Develop a framework for evaluating spatial risk management strategies, with an initial focus on managing aquaculture leases. 5. Integrate the planning framework (objective 3) and risk management framework (objective 4) into an online tool accessible to key stakeholders. Read moreRead less
Predicting Marine Currents, Nutrients And Plankton In The Coastal Waters Of South Eastern Tasmania In Response To Changing Weather Patterns
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$339,224.47
Summary
The salmonid aquaculture industry is worth about $400 million to the Tasmanian economy and directly employs over 1200 people. This industry has plans to double production by 2030, which will require finding new localities for farms that are conducive to large scale production. Storm Bay has been identified as a potential growth area and baseline environmental data are essential to inform site selection and for future assessments of any effects of salmon production on the Storm Bay environment, i ....The salmonid aquaculture industry is worth about $400 million to the Tasmanian economy and directly employs over 1200 people. This industry has plans to double production by 2030, which will require finding new localities for farms that are conducive to large scale production. Storm Bay has been identified as a potential growth area and baseline environmental data are essential to inform site selection and for future assessments of any effects of salmon production on the Storm Bay environment, i.e. ensuring the industry is sustainable. Concomitant with this development is the need to establish social acceptability and to meet public expectations of a sustainable industry; this project will provide the baseline data necessary to support these requirements.
Information to be provided by this project on changing environmental conditions such as temperature, salinity and nutrients, and concentrations of planktonic organisms harmful to salmon production, such as HABs and jellyfish, which are related to changing weather patterns and current flows, are also very important to farm management, especially to risk assessments underpinning Decision Support Systems. Specifically, the project will ensure a thorough understanding of how major water masses interact in Storm Bay to influence nutrient flux, algal dynamics and responses of key plankton, including HABs and jellyfish.
Objectives: 1. Build on available data to establish baseline environmental conditions in southeastern Tasmanian coastal waters to support informed expansion of finfish farming in this region. 2. Enhance risk assessments underpinning Decision Support Systems for effects of changing weather and current patterns on water temperature, nutrients and plankton, especially in relation to HABs and gelatinous zooplankton. 3. Trial and establish a screening program for Neoparamoeba perurans, the causative agent of AGD. 4. Obtain measurements of primary productivity in Storm Bay and link to environmental drivers. Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Nutrient And Phytoplankton Data From Storm Bay To Support Sustainable Resource Planning
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$44,143.00
Summary
Knowledge of changing environmental conditions and productivity as a result of climate change is essential for adaptive management. In addition to direct applicability to fisheries and aquaculture in southern Tasmania, this information will have numerous important applications to other industries and stakeholders in the broader catchment.
CSIRO and TAFI have established a program (INFORMD- Inshore network for observation and regional management: Derwent-Huon) to guide multiple use coa ....Knowledge of changing environmental conditions and productivity as a result of climate change is essential for adaptive management. In addition to direct applicability to fisheries and aquaculture in southern Tasmania, this information will have numerous important applications to other industries and stakeholders in the broader catchment.
CSIRO and TAFI have established a program (INFORMD- Inshore network for observation and regional management: Derwent-Huon) to guide multiple use coastal zone development and management. Storm Bay is an integral component of the INFORMD region and a priority is to understand both the short term (climate variability) and long-term (climate change) drivers of productivity in the region and link these to production of fisheries and aquaculture. CSIRO have a project investigating novel observing technologies (NOTe) to characterize the Derwent to shelf environment and TAFI will fund a charter vessel to monthly sample water column environmental variables, and support the CSIRO observing system. Thus an opportunity exists to obtain nutrient and productivity data in the Storm Bay region in a very cost-effective manner by collaborating with the existing research program.
Important background information is that the East Australian Current is predicted to penetrate further south causing significant warming and decreased productivity. Previous work (Harris et al 1991) showed that the nutrient status of waters clearly indicated the influence of the EAC, and primary producers indicated the productivity of the region, demonstrating the potential for Storm Bay to act as an indicator of productivity for Southern and Eastern Tasmania. Such information is important to understanding changes in fisheries and aquaculture production and, as a consequence, to assist with developing climate change adaptive management strategies.
This project also provides an opportunity for FRDC to invest in a project that will have significant influence on multiple use management in Australia.
Objectives: 1. To provide information on the effects of a changing climate on water quality in Storm Bay and associated potential impacts on fisheries and aquaculture. 2. To collect nutrient and algal data from a targeted suite of sampling sites in Storm Bay to support sustainable development of the aquaculture industry. Read moreRead less