Implementation Of Dynamic Reference Points And Harvest Strategies To Account For Environmentally-driven Changes In Productivity In Australian Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$552,027.00
Summary
Recently, the risks resulting from not accounting for variability in productivity have become translated into potential risks associated with environmentally driven trends in recruitment, particularly the risk created by ongoing declines in recruitment (and/or growth) driven by climate-change induced trends in water temperature, weather and current patterns.
A number of southeast Australia fish stocks have failed to 'recover' following substantial reductions in catch and effort, and a n ....Recently, the risks resulting from not accounting for variability in productivity have become translated into potential risks associated with environmentally driven trends in recruitment, particularly the risk created by ongoing declines in recruitment (and/or growth) driven by climate-change induced trends in water temperature, weather and current patterns.
A number of southeast Australia fish stocks have failed to 'recover' following substantial reductions in catch and effort, and a number of research projects have concluded that some of these have undergone an environmentally-driven reduction in productivity. A productivity shift has already been demonstrated for Eastern Jackass Morwong, with the stock-recruit relationship and reference points being adjusted to reflect this change. Ecosystem and climate-change modelling have predicted increasing likelihood of similar changes in productivity for a number of Australian fish stocks.
Current harvest strategies assume either equilibrium or some average B0, and associated target (B48) and limit (B20) reference points. Use of equilibrium B0-based reference points and harvest strategies do not correctly reflect the natural dynamics of stocks where productivity changes. This can lead to sub-optimal management, either over-utilising a reduced productivity stock or under-utilising an increased productivity stock. In contrast, reference points based on some proportion of naturally variable unfished biomass (Bunfished or dynamic B0) will fluctuate to follow environmentally-driven productivity changes. Dynamic reference points have been evaluated and adopted for a number of international fisheries.
The need to adapt stock assessment methods and harvest strategies to explicitly and justifiably account for shifts in productivity has been recognised by the AFMA Resource Assessment Group for the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF), not least as a result of clearly evident declines in biomass (Jackass Morwong, Redfish) or recruitment (Silver Warehou) that cannot be attributed to fishing under current productivity assumptions.
Objectives: 1. To review relevant international research and management approaches to account for environmentally-driven productivity change in stock assessments, reference points and harvest strategies for selected Australian fish stocks. 2. To identify and describe circumstances and fish stocks for which dynamic reference points should or should not be used in stock assessments and harvest strategies, and develop appropriate methodology for conducting assessments using dynamic reference points. 3. To identify selected candidate fish stocks showing likely environmentally-driven productivity change, conduct comparative assessments for these stocks using equilibrium and dynamic reference points, and prepare a candidate harvest strategy that includes dynamic reference points for testing in the FRDC Multi-Species Harvest Strategy project. 4. To make recommendations on future implementation of dynamic reference points and harvest strategies for Australian fish stocks. 5. To develop and improve methods for detecting and quantifying changes in productivity (growth and recruitment) in stock assessments, to relate these to environmental mechanisms causing productivity changes, and to evaluate data needs, including environmental indices, required to usefully detect and evaluate productivity change under various circumstances. 6. To consider and evaluate options for effective harvest control rules, incorporating dynamic reference points, that might appropriately respond to changes in fish stock productivity, including environmentally driven trends in productivity. 7. To identify environmental circumstances and fish stock characteristics under which it would be appropriate and advisable to move to using assessments and management approaches incorporating dynamic productivity and reference points, vs. stocks for which dynamic approaches offer no benefit compared to existing equilibrium approaches. 8. To make recommendations on future stock assessment approaches, data requirements, harvest control rules and management approaches incorporating environmental indicators, dynamic productivity and dynamic reference points for Australian fish stocks. Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE200100123
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,100,000.00
Summary
The Digitisation Centre of Western Australia (Phase 1). All five Western Australian Universities, the WA State Library and the WA Museum will collaborate to establish a world-class archival quality Digitisation Centre. There is no existing facility of this kind in WA. During this 12 month project all digitisation equipment will be acquired, installed and used to digitise a diverse range of cultural objects so as to ensure its ability to address the full spectrum of research needs. The Digitisati ....The Digitisation Centre of Western Australia (Phase 1). All five Western Australian Universities, the WA State Library and the WA Museum will collaborate to establish a world-class archival quality Digitisation Centre. There is no existing facility of this kind in WA. During this 12 month project all digitisation equipment will be acquired, installed and used to digitise a diverse range of cultural objects so as to ensure its ability to address the full spectrum of research needs. The Digitisation Centre will form a major piece of national research infrastructure with a prominent international profile and significance. The Centre will have the capacity to digitise all significant Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) research collections held by participating institutions within a decade.Read moreRead less
Improving neuronal cell function with cell permeable copper complexes. Metal-based drugs offer an exciting new approach to treatment of neurodegeneration. However, little is known about how cells metabolise these drugs and this information is critical for further drug development. This project will determine how metal-based drugs are metabolised by neuronal cells and how this may result in therapeutic benefit.
Quit In General Practice: A Cluster Randomised Trial Of Enhanced In-practice Support For Smoking Cessation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,117,241.00
Summary
Tobacco smoking remains the most common preventable cause of death and illness in Australia today. Smoking cessation programs are some of the most effective and cost effective strategies that can be undertaken in health care settings, including general practice. This project will test a new approach to supporting smoking cessation in general practice. This involves the practice nurse, GP and Quitline working in partnership to provide a flexible program of suport to meet the needs of smokers.
Sino-Australian neurogenetics initiative. This project will undertake large population studies to identify genes that are associated with motor neuron disease, schizophrenia and intracranial haemorrhage. The project will determine genetic markers, aid development of diagnostic tools and identify new therapeutic targets for these common heritable neurological diseases.
Australian art exhibitions 1968-2009: a generation of cultural transformation. The years 1968 to 2009 witnessed a transformation in the way Australians saw the art of their country. This project investigates the impact of increased funding (government and private) and new scholarship on the curating of art exhibitions, and traces the reconfiguration of Australia’s art history that took place in exhibitions during this period.
Understanding old age in Australian history as a foundation for improved social and economic policy. My history of old age in Australia since 1860 will provide the first book which maps our experiences of growing old in the past, as a foundation for improved social and economic policy. The national government's 'Inter-generational report' has started a process of review and planning at a time of dramatic demographic change. However, developing strategies for 'ageing well, ageing productively' d ....Understanding old age in Australian history as a foundation for improved social and economic policy. My history of old age in Australia since 1860 will provide the first book which maps our experiences of growing old in the past, as a foundation for improved social and economic policy. The national government's 'Inter-generational report' has started a process of review and planning at a time of dramatic demographic change. However, developing strategies for 'ageing well, ageing productively' depends on an informed understanding of previous and current expectations about and attitudes to ageing in Australia. The history of old age is a complex rather than simple story, and successful policy development will require a solid historical foundation.Read moreRead less
The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project: A Longitudinal Intervention Study To Reduce The Risk Of Ageing-related Cognitive Decline And Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,792.00
Summary
It has been proposed that engagement in purposeful complex mental stimulation provides protection against dementia. The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project (THBP) is a unique, large-scale prospective trial that examines whether university-level study in older adult population reduces ageing-related cognitive decline and risk of dementia. This project will also examine how an individual’s genetic profile may influence the potential benefits of complex mental stimulation as well as risk of dementia.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100006
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,000.00
Summary
An adaptable and dedicated linear accelerator for medical radiation research. Leading radiation scientists developing innovative methods and devices for treating cancer patients will collaborate in future research using this highly adaptable linear accelerator for medical radiation research. Innovations in tumour targeting, better patient safety, new medical devices and improved cancer outcomes are expected.
The invisible farmer: Securing Australian farm women's history. The invisible farmer: Securing Australian farm women's history. This project, believed to be the first national study of farm women in Australia, aims to address their historical and contemporary invisibility by creating an online, publicly accessible, multimedia documentary database that maps the role women play/played in Australian agriculture. Chief investigators in the fields of social work, women's history, cultural informatics ....The invisible farmer: Securing Australian farm women's history. The invisible farmer: Securing Australian farm women's history. This project, believed to be the first national study of farm women in Australia, aims to address their historical and contemporary invisibility by creating an online, publicly accessible, multimedia documentary database that maps the role women play/played in Australian agriculture. Chief investigators in the fields of social work, women's history, cultural informatics and archival practice will collaborate with community, government and cultural organisations to create digital tools for research, public access and community engagement. Reframing the narrative of rural Australia is expected to create greater understanding and awareness of the value of inclusion, reveal structures of gender inequality in rural communities, and enable significant outcomes in research, industry and public policy.Read moreRead less