Animal Sciences Commons^™

Understanding Recruitment Variation (Including The Collapse) Of Ballot’S Saucer Scallop Stocks In Western Australia And Assessing The Feasibility Of Assisted Recovery Measures For Improved Management In A Changing Environment. Frdc Project No. 2015/026, Arani Chandrapavan, Mervi Kangas, Nick Caputi

Fisheries Research Reports

This study examined possible contributing environmental factors to the recruitment variability of the Ballot’s saucer scallop Ylistrum balloti across the main stocks in Western Australia. The project was undertaken to explain the variation observed between years and between regions as well elucidating the potential cause of a major decline in scallop stocks following an extreme marine heatwave, with these findings intended to improve future management advice.

Blue Swimmer Crab ( Portunus Armatus ) And Sand Crab ( Ovalipes Australiensis ) Resource In The South Coast Bioregion Of Western Australia, D Johnston, David Harris, Daniel Yeoh

Fisheries Research Reports

The blue swimmer crab (Portunus armatus) is found along the entire coastline of Western Australia (WA) in a range of estuarine, inshore and continental shelf areas (<50 >m). In the South Coast Bioregion (SCB), blue swimmer crabs are retained as by-product in commercial nets of the 25 licences operating in the South Coast Estuarine Managed Fishery (SCEMF) and targeted by purpose-designed crab traps allocated to fishers in Princess Royal and Oyster Harbours in Albany.

Blue Swimmer Crab ( Portunus Armatus ) And Mud Crab Scylla Serrata And Scylla Olivacea ) Resources In The North Coast And Gascoyne Coast Bioregions, Western Australia, D Johnston, Daniel Yeoh, David Harris, E Fisher

Fisheries Research Reports

Blue swimmer crab (Portunus armatus) are found along the entire Western Australia (WA) coast, in a range of estuarine, inshore and continental shelf areas (<50 >m). In the North Coast Bioregion (NCB), commercial fishing primarily occurs as part of the Pilbara Crab Managed Fishery (PCMF) which spans the inshore waters from Onslow through to Port Hedland, with most fishing activity taking place around Nickol Bay.

Blue Swimmer Crab ( Portunus Armatus ) Resource In The West Coast Bioregion, Western Australia Part 2: Warnbro Sound, Comet Bay, Mandurah To Bunbury, Leschenault Estuary, Geographe Bay An D Hardy Inlet, D Johnston, David Harris, Daniel Yeoh

Fisheries Research Reports

Blue swimmer crabs (Portunus armatus) are found along the entire coastline of Western Australia in a range of estuarine, inshore and continental shelf environments (<50 >m).

Crab fisheries in the West Coast Bioregion are centred in the estuaries and coastal embayments from the Swan-Canning Estuary south to Geographe Bay. Major commercial and recreational fisheries in this Bioregion include the Cockburn Sound Crab Managed Fishery, the Swan-Canning Estuary Crab Fishery (Area 1 of the West Coast Estuarine Managed Fishery), and the Peel-Harvey Crab Fishery (Area 2 of the West Coast Estuarine Managed Fishery). Refer to Johnston et al. …

Blue Swimmer Crab ( Portunus Armatus ) Resource In The West Coast Bioregion, Western Australia Part 1: Peel Harvey Estuary, Cockburn Sound And Swan Canning Estuary, D Johnston, Daniel Yeoh, David Harris, E Fisher

Fisheries Research Reports

Blue swimmer crabs (Portunus armatus) are found along the entire coastline of Western Australia in a range of estuarine, inshore and continental shelf areas (<50 >m). In the West Coast Bioregion (WCB), crab fisheries are centred in estuaries and coastal embayments from Geographe Bay to the Swan River. Commercial fisheries include the Cockburn Sound Crab Managed Fishery (CSCMF), the Warnbro Sound Crab Managed Fishery, the Swan-Canning Estuary (SCE) Crab Fishery (Area 1 of the West Coast Estuarine Managed Fishery (WCEMF)), Peel-Harvey Crab Fishery (Area 2 of the WCEMF), Hardy Inlet (Area 3 of the WCEMF) and the Mandurah …

Bleaching Susceptibility Of Aquarium Corals Collected Across Northern Australia, Morgan S. Pratchett, Ciemon F. Caballes, Stephen J. Newman, Shaun Wilson, Vanessa Messmer, Deborah J. Pratchett

Fisheries Research Articles

There are a wide range of Scleractinian corals that are collected for the global reef aquarium market, often from non-reefal environments. The sustainability of coral harvesting is potentially threatened by increasing anthropogenic disturbances and climate change, though it is unknown to what extent many commonly harvested corals are susceptible to environmental change, or actually bleach during marine heatwaves. In this study, we experimentally tested the temperature sensitivity and bleaching susceptibility of six coral species (Homophyllia australis, Micromussa lordhowensis, Catalaphyllia jardinei, Trachyphyllia geoffroyi, Duncanopsammia axifuga, and Euphyllia glabrescens), which are important components of the …

Mitigation Measures To Reduce Entanglements Of Migrating Whales With Commercial Fishing Gear, Jason How, D Coughran, M Double, K Rushworth, B Hebiton, J Smith, J Harrison, M Taylor, D Paton, G Mcpherson, C Mcpherson, A Recalde Salas, C Salgado-Kent, Simon De Lestang

Fisheries Research Reports

The West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery (WCRLMF) transitioned to a quota based fishery, and year-round fishing, which corresponded with a spike in whale entanglements in 2013. This presented industry with a challenging social issue, to reduce entanglements without impacting on the financial benefits that the shift to year-round quota fishing had afforded.

Ecological Risk Assessment Of The Shark Bay Invertebrate Fisheries, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development

WA Marine Stewardship Council report series

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD, Department) in Western Australia (WA) uses an Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) approach that considers all relevant ecological as well as social, economic and governance issues to deliver community outcomes (Fletcher et al. 2010; 2012). Ecological risk assessments (ERAs) are undertaken periodically to assess the impacts of fisheries on all the different components of the aquatic environments in which they operate.

Ecological Risk Assessment Of The Exmouth Gulf Prawn Managed Fishery, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development

WA Marine Stewardship Council report series

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD, Department) in Western Australia (WA) uses an Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) approach that considers all relevant ecological as well as social, economic and governance issues to deliver community outcomes (Fletcher et al. 2010; 2012). Ecological risk assessments (ERAs) are undertaken periodically to assess the impacts of fisheries on all the different components of the aquatic environments in which they operate.

Ecological Risk Assessment Of The Abrolhos Islands And Mid-West Trawl Managed Fishery, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development

WA Marine Stewardship Council report series

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD, Department) in Western Australia (WA) uses an Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) approach that considers all relevant ecological as well as social, economic and governance issues to deliver community outcomes (Fletcher et al. 2010; 2012). Ecological risk assessments (ERAs) are undertaken periodically to assess the impacts of fisheries on all the different components of the aquatic environments in which they operate.

Status Reports Of The Fisheries And Aquatic Resources Of Western Australia 2018/19. State Of The Fisheries, Daniel J. Gaughan, K. Santoro

Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

The Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of Western Australia (SRFAR) provide an annual update on the state of the fish stocks and other aquatic resources of Western Australia (WA). These reports outline the most recent assessments of the cumulative risk status for each of the aquatic resources (assets) within WA’s six Bioregions using an Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) approach.

Review Of Recreational Fishing Surveys In Western Australia, Alissa Tate, K. L. Ryan, Claire B. Smallwood, Cameron J. Desfosses, S.M Taylor, E.K. Lai, Stuart Blight

Fisheries Research Reports

Recreational fishing has been a popular activity in Western Australia for many years, with an estimated 25% of the population participating in this activity in 2017/18. Recreational fishing surveys have been implemented by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (formally Department of Fisheries) since 1976.

Statewide Survey Of Boat-Based Recreational Fishing In Western Australia 2017/18, K. L. Ryan, N.G. Hall, E.K. Lai, Claire B. Smallwood, Alissa Tate, S.M Taylor, Brent S. Wise

Fisheries Research Reports

The statewide survey of boat-based recreational fishing includes three components: (i) off-site Phone Surveys (encompassing an initial Screening Survey, a longitudinal Phone-Diary Survey, and Post-Enumeration Surveys); (ii) on-site Boat Ramp Surveys; and (iii) Remote Camera Surveys. The main data collection period was the 12-months from September 2017 to August 2018 inclusive, with the Post-Enumeration Surveys occurring from September to December 2018.

Analysis Of The Value Of A Ewe In The Wa Sheep Industry, John Young, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock published reports

The WA flock is at a historically low level, however, sheep profitability is at record highs so rebuilding the state flock is an industry priority. Minimising ewe losses is a necessary component of the flock rebuilding. As a result of the feed shortage and possible grain shortage with high prices likely due to demand for grain from the east coast, local farmers may be tempted to underfeed their ewes during the summer/autumn period. Awareness and good information regarding the cost of mis-managing ewe nutrition will help minimize this temptation.

Invertebrate And Reef Health Research And Monitoring At Cocos (Keeling) Islands – 2019 Update, N Konzewitsch, S. N. Evans

Fisheries Research Reports

The five long term reef monitoring sites implemented by DPIRD in 2010, and surveyed annually until 2014, were resurveyed in April 2016 and February 2017. In 2016, a sixth monitoring site (site 6) was established in the marine protected area of the Pulu Keeling National Park (PKNP).

Integrated Survey Of Boat-Based Recreational Fishing In Inner Shark Bay 2018/19, S.M Taylor, Claire B. Smallwood, Cameron J. Desfosses, K. L. Ryan, Gary Jackson

Fisheries Research Reports

Inner Shark Bay is a popular recreational fishing destination. As recreational fishing occurs in a World Heritage Area and Marine Park, there is a need for ongoing reliable information on catches. Many boat-based recreational fishers in inner Shark Bay target Pink Snapper (Chrysophrys auratus).

Recovering A Collapsed Abalone Stock Through Translocation. Seafood Crc Project No. 2011/762, Lachlan W.S. Strain, Jamin M. Brown, Anthony M. Hart

Fisheries Research Reports

A Roe’s Abalone (Haliotis roei) fishery in Western Australia (Area 8) suffered catastrophic mortality (99.9%) due to an anomalous environmental event in the summer of 2011. During this extreme marine heatwave there was a sustained period of elevated sea surface temperatures that rose to lethal levels for this species and effectively wiped out an entire stock at its northern distribution. Natural recovery within the foreseeable future was considered unlikely, thus providing a unique opportunity to test fishery restoration strategies for abalone. Over the course of this assisted recovery program (5.5 years) no natural recovery was observed in the region most …

Tracking The Wa Sheep Flock, Kate Pritchett, Mandy Curnow

Animal production and livestock research reports

The Western Australian (WA) sheep industry experienced a year of uncertainty in 2018 due to the disruptions experienced in the live export trade and the reported poor lambing season. This paper discusses the possible effect of these factors on the size and composition of the WA flock in 2019.

Western Australian Sheep Producer Survey 2018, Mandy Curnow, Janet Conte

Animal production and livestock published reports

This survey was commissioned in 2018 by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), following earlier surveys in 2011 and 2014 conducted as part of national producer surveys for the Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Innovation (Sheep CRC). This report is therefore able to analyse respondents’ flock management over time.

The surveys were conducted by telephone with producers who had more than 500 sheep and were located in the Medium Rainfall Zone (MRZ) or Cereal Sheep Zone (CSZ). The sample sizes for the 2011, 2014 and 2018 surveys were 369, 368 and 389 respectively.

Implications Of Management Decisions On The Wa Sheep Flock In Response To Changing Markets, Kate Pritchett

Animal production and livestock research reports

The Western Australian (WA) sheep industry is profitable and productive and includes more than 4000 individual producers, processors and exporters as well as countless associated businesses and industries.

The industry makes a significant contribution to both the state’s agricultural production and the WA economy. In 2016/17 the gross value of agricultural production (GVAP) from the WA sheep industry totalled $1.4 billion. There is continuing demand for both wool and meat in export markets, giving strong incentives for increasing production of both wool and sheepmeat. This affords producers an opportunity to increase the productivity of their ewe flock and to grow …

Summary Of The West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery Science And Modelling Review, Simon De Lestang, Jason R. How, Nick Caputi, Emma-Jade Tuffley, Mark Rossbach

Fisheries Research Reports

An independent peer review of the science and modelling associated with the West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery was undertaken in May/June 2018. The impetus behind this review was two-fold, i) to address industry concerns that stock assessment modelling was not reflecting what was being experienced by fishers on-water, and ii) to increase stakeholders understanding of, and confidence in, the stock assessment process while ensuring that the process was commensurate with contemporary scientific practices.

Development Of An Industry-Based Habitat Mapping/Monitoring System Frdc Project No 2011/021, Simon De Lestang, Matthew B. Pember, Dirk Slawinski

Fisheries Research Reports

Mapping / monitoring in the marine environment can be a very costly exercise. Scientists from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development; Fisheries Division (FD) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) have developed a small, low-cost automated camera system that, when fitted to commercial fishing gear, can achieve this at minimal cost. The POTBot (Pictures Of The Bottom) system is a cheap, small “smart” camera that can track its position globally and the date and time, and can record high-definition video and water temperature readings when it determines it has been deployed into the ocean.

Status Reports Of The Fisheries And Aquatic Resources Of Western Australia 2017/18. State Of The Fisheries, Daniel J. Gaughan, Brett Molony, K. Santoro

Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

The Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of Western Australia (SRFAR) provide an annual update on the state of the fish stocks and other aquatic resources of Western Australia (WA). These reports outline the most recent assessments of the cumulative risk status for each of the aquatic resources (assets) within WA’s six Bioregions using an Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) approach.

Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (Ebfm) Risk Assessment Of The Western Australian Sea Cucumber Fishery, F J. Webster, Anthony M. Hart

WA Marine Stewardship Council report series

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the commercial Western Australian Sea Cucumber Fishery (SCF) and the outcomes from the 2016 ecological risk assessment for this fishery. Two key species, sandfish (Holothuria scabra) and redfish (Actinopyga echinites), are targeted by the commercial SCF through hand collection by diving and wading primarily in shallow waters of northern WA.

Resource Assessment Report Temperate Demersal Elasmobranch Resource Of Western Australia, Matias Braccini, Nick Blay, S. A. Hesp, Brett Molony

Fisheries Research Reports

Whiskery (Furgaleus macki), gummy (Mustelus antarcticus), dusky (Carcharhinus obscurus) and sandbar (C. plumbeus) sharks are the main (~80% of the shark catch) shark species of the Temperate Demersal Elasmobranch Resource (TDER).

A Survey Of Boat-Based Recreational Fishing In Inner Shark Bay 2016/17, S.M Taylor, Aldo S. Steffe, E.K. Lai, K. L. Ryan, Gary Jackson

Fisheries Research Reports

Monitoring the temporal and spatial variability in recreational fishing provides necessary information for assessing resource sustainability, monitoring resource allocation and informing fisheries management. This is particularly important in inner Shark Bay because recreational fishing occurs in a World Heritage Area and Marine Park. The majority of boat-based recreational fishers in inner Shark Bay target Pink Snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) and three genetically distinct stocks of this species occur in the Denham Sound, Eastern Gulf and Freycinet Estuary Management Zones.

Weight-Length Summaries For Western Australian Fish Species Derived From Surveys Of Recreational Fishers At Boat Ramps, C.B. Smallwood, Alissa Tate, Karina L. Ryan

Fisheries Research Reports

Estimates of recreational catch from boat-based recreational fishers have been generated in Western Australia since 2011/12 using an integrated survey comprising off-site Phone-Diary Surveys, on-site Boat Ramp Surveys and Remote Camera Surveys. The primary purpose of the Boat Ramp Surveys is to determine an average weight for key species to convert estimates of recreational catch by numbers (determined from the Phone-Diary Survey) to harvest weight for comparison with catches from the commercial sector.

Decision Tree And Rapid Appraisal Methodology For New Fisheries, Anthony M. Hart

Fisheries Research Reports

The objective of this report is to provide a process (RAM – Rapid Appraisal Methodology) for assessing proposals for new fisheries. If adopted, the methodology could extend to a potential new initiative, referred to as WildCulture in this report. The RAM process is designed to be a modern, forward thinking, opportunity creating instrument for enhancing seafood production from renewable aquatic resources.

Joining The Dots On Ten Key Northern Beef Futures Informing Studies, Acil Allen Consulting

Animal production and livestock published reports

This report summarises findings from 10 completed first phase studies which were selected to:

• outline constraints and opportunities at specific points in the supply chain identified by NBF
• “joining the dots” in terms of what the NBF findings mean across the whole northern beef industry.

Risk Assessment Of The Potential Impacts Of Seismic Air Gun Surveys On Marine Finfish And Invertebrates In Western Australia, F J. Webster, Brent S. Wise, H Kemps, Warrick Fletcher

Fisheries Research Reports

Seismic surveys have the potential to affect marine life, including commercially and recreationally important finfish and invertebrate species and their prey. There is, however, considerable uncertainty around the degree of impact and relevant pressure-response pathways across the different taxonomic groups.