Aquaculture and Fisheries Commons^™

Are Western Australian Waters The Least Productive Waters For Finfish Across Two Oceans? A Review With A Focus On Finfish Resources In The Kimberley Region And North Coast Bioregion, B. W. Molony, S. J. Newman, L. Loll, R C J Lenanton, B. Wise

Fisheries Research Articles

The marine ecosystems of Western Australia, including those in the Kimberley, are classified as being of moderate to low productivity. This is primarily a consequence of the influence of the Leeuwin Current, the eastern boundary current that flows poleward delivering warm, low nutrient waters, and only sporadic short-term upwelling events to shelf habitats off the Western Australian coast. This, coupled with little riverine inflow from old weathered terrestrial systems, results in low levels of primary and secondary production in habitats along most of the coast. The consequence is that finfish fisheries in the Kimberley and throughout the State typically land …

Recreational Fishing In Western Australia: Southern Fish Identification Guide, Western Australia. Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries Occasional Publications

This recreational fishing guide has been developed to help you identify the more common species you may encounter within the West Coast and South Coast bioregions. The purpose of this guide is to greatly enhance consistent and accurate species identification.

Recreational Fishing In Western Australia: Northern Fish Identification Guide, Western Australia. Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries Occasional Publications

This recreational fishing guide has been developed to help you identify the more common species you may encounter within the Gascoyne and North Coast bioregions. The purpose of this guide is to greatly enhance consistent and accurate species identification.

Developing Mechanisms For The Transfer And/Or Adjustment Of Rock Lobster Shares Between Sectors In Western Australia And South Australia Frdc Project No. 2007/050, Chris Reid, Western Australian Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries Management Papers

The purpose of this report has been to investigate potential reallocation mechanisms for the transfer and/or adjustment of catch shares between sectors and the requirements to allow for their implementation, with particular reference to their application in the Western and South Australian rock lobster fisheries. While the report focuses on the commercial and recreational sectors of these fisheries, potentially all non-commercial fishing sectors could be included under a given mechanism in the same manner as that outlined for the recreational sector, subject to the appropriateness of allowing the sector’s allocation to be transferable.

Western Australia's Biosecurity, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia, Department Of Environment And Conservation, Western Australia, Department Of Fisheries, Western Australia, Forest Products Commission, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

Biosecurity is the protection of the economy, environment and human health from the negative impacts of pests, weeds and diseases, including the management of invasive species if they become established (definition adopted by AusBIOSEC).

This requires steps to prevent the entry of harmful organisms, as well as the timely and efficient management of them if they do enter.

Biosecurity threats range from catastrophic diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease, which causes rapid and widespread animal deaths, to more subtle and slower spreading problems such as invasive weeds, mussels that foul vessel hulls and fungus-induced dieback disease of trees. These …

State Of The Fisheries And Aquatic Resources Report 2010/11, W.J Fletcher, K. Santoro

Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

This is the second edition of the newly named State of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Report. Each year this report provides the public with an update on the status of all the fish and fisheries resources of Western Australia that are managed by the Department. The report outlines the current risk status for the ecological resources (assets) within each of WA‘s six Bioregions by taking a bioregional, Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) approach.

Marine Aquarium Fish Managed Fishery, K. A. Smith, Stephen J. Newman, G. M. Cliff

Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) series

Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) is the concept that seeks to integrate short and long-term economic, social and environmental effects in all decision-making. The Western Australian Government is committed to the concepts of ESD and these principles are implicitly contained in the objectives of the Fisheries Resources Management Act 1994 (FRMA).

North Coast Fish Identification Guide, Ben M. Rome, Stephen J. Newman

Fisheries Occasional Publications

The intention of the North Coast Fish Identification Guide is to provide a simple, easy to use manual to assist commercial, recreational, charter and customary fishers to identify the most commonly caught marine finfish species in the North Coast Bioregion, Western Australia. This guide is not intended to be a comprehensive taxonomic fish ID guide for all species. It is anticipated that this guide will assist fishers in providing a more comprehensive species level description of their catch and hence assist scientists and managers in understanding any variation in the species composition of catches over both spatial and temporal scales.

Integrated Fisheries Management Report. West Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource., Department Of Fisheries Western Australia.

Fisheries Management Papers

This report on the West Coast Demersal Scalefish fishery is the third in a series of Integrated Fisheries Management (IFM) resource reports required under the Government policy on IFM. Under this policy, the Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Fisheries is required to approve a sustainability report for each fishery, which includes a clear statement on the recommended harvest level.

A Bycatch Action Plan For The Pilbara Fish Trawl Interim Managed Fishery., Department Of Fisheries Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

The effect of commercial fishing on bycatch species and the marine ecosystem generally, has emerged as a significant national and international issue. Environmental issues associated with bycatch – including impacts on the ecology of non-target species of fish and wildlife – are important issues to address in reducing the impacts, or potential impacts, of commercial fisheries.

In 1998, the National Standing Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture developed a national policy on fisheries bycatch. In 1999, the (then) State Minister for Fisheries adopted the national policy as his position on bycatch for Western Australia. The main objective of the policy is …

Future Management Of The Metropolitan Recreational Roe's Abalone Fishery., Metropolitan Roe's Abalone Recreational Fishery Working Group.

Fisheries Management Papers

Following the setting of a 40 tonne Total Allowable Recreational Catch (TARC) for the Perth recreational abalone fishery, a working group was formed to examine future management options.

The Metropolitan Roe’s Abalone Recreational Fishery Working Group (“the Working Group”) examined historical management, key principles, amenity of fishing, bag limits, license numbers, season length and timing of the season to assist its deliberations. A questionnaire was also sent out to 1,000 abalone recreational licence holders, with 20 per cent of licensees providing a detailed response.

Abalone Aquaculture In Western Australia. Aquaculture Policy., Department Of Fisheries Western Australia.

Fisheries Management Papers

The Department of Fisheries (“Department”) is committed to the development of a sustainable abalone aquaculture industry in Western Australia. As part of its commitment, the Department has developed this new Abalone Aquaculture Policy (“Policy”) to outline new arrangements for the management of the abalone aquaculture industry in the State.

The first policy on abalone aquaculture was released 10 years ago and in November 2009, the Department convened a stakeholder meeting with the abalone industry (the wild capture and aquaculture sectors) to discuss policy changes that would support the abalone aquaculture industry in Western Australia. Relevant issues included compliance, monitoring, biosecurity, …

Draft Management Plan For The Gascoyne Demersal Scalefish Managed Fishery, Department Of Fisheries Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

As part of the Outcomes of the Wetline Review released in 2007 (Fisheries Management Paper 224) the then Minister for Fisheries approved the drafting of the Gascoyne Demersal Scalefish Fishery Management Plan (the Plan). The Hon Norman Moore MLC, Minister for Fisheries re-approved those decisions in 2009. The draft Plan will supersede the Shark Bay Snapper Management Plan 1994.

The Department intends to introduce the first phase of the Plan by 1 September 2010, at which time the Shark Bay Snapper Management Plan 1994 would be revoked and replaced by the new Plan. The (non pink snapper) demersal scalefish effort …

Shark Bay Prawn And Scallop Fisheries: Final Review Report, Western Australia. Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries Management Papers

The Shark Bay Prawn Fishery and Shark Bay Scallop Fishery operate in the same general areas of Shark Bay (although there are some differences in their areas of operation). The interrelationship between trawling activities for the two target species (prawns and scallops) has raised both management challenges and industry conflicts over time. Harvest level settings for each fishery (in the form of effort levels and the timing and/or location of fishing) are independently set, on the basis of recruitment and abundance surveys of each target species. However, each industry sector strongly believes that the interactions between the fisheries arise because …

Western Rock Lobster Fishery Harvest Strategy And Decision Rules Framework Proposals. A Discussion Paper., Department Of Fisheries Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

This paper outlines proposals designed to be used in an updated and improved Harvest Strategy and Decision Rules Framework (referred to as the ‘Decision Rules’) that has been developed to meet the short and long term sustainability and economic needs of the West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery. This approach represents international ‘best practice’ for fisheries management and is consistent with the Commonwealth Government’s Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy1 .

Potential Reallocation Mechanisms For The Transfer/And Or Adjustment Of Catch Shares Of Sectors With Application To The Western And South Australian Rock Lobster Fisheries. A Discussion Paper., Chris Reid

Fisheries Management Papers

To allow for a greater understanding of potential allocation adjustment mechanisms and requirements for their implementation, Western Australia’s Department of Fisheries is exploring potential mechanisms with reference to their application in the Western and South Australian rock lobster fisheries. This work is being conducted as part of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) project 2007/050 Developing Mechanisms for the Transfer and/or Adjustment of Rock Lobster Shares Between Sectors in Western Australia and South Australia. This report documents the Department of Fisheries’ initial exploration and findings in relation to potential inter-sectoral reallocation mechanisms.

Considerations For The Implementation Of Western Rock Lobster Sectoral Allocations., Integrated Fisheries Allocation Advisory Committee

Fisheries Management Papers

This paper discusses the Western rock lobster allocation process.

The Minister for Fisheries has determined that the allocation for sectors in the western rock lobster fishery after reserving one tonne for the customary sector shall be 95 per cent commercial and five per cent recreational.

The notional Sustainable Harvest Level (SHL) for rock lobster is expressed as a range, depending on the status of the stock rather than a specific quantitative limit.

State Of The Fisheries And Aquatic Resources Report 2009/10, W.J Fletcher, K. Santoro

Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

As outlined in the CEO’s overview, this year’s renamed State of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Report 2009/10 reflects that the Department of Fisheries has now fully adopted an Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) framework as the basis for management of Western Australia’s aquatic resources (Fletcher, et al., 20101). Consequently, the format for this document has been updated so that it is consistent with this risk-based approach to resource management.

Fisheries Research Report No. 195 - Compliance Program Evaluation And Optimisation In Commercial And Recreational Western Australian Fisheries, Timothy J. Green, John P. Mckinlay

Fisheries Research Reports

Final FRDC Report – Project Number 2001/069

Objectives:

1. To undertake data collection in order to measure the level of compliance and enforcement across the range of input and output managed fisheries in Western Australia, with a view to optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall compliance program.

2. In conjunction with representatives from national fisheries compliance groups, to develop national standards for the collection and reporting of fishery-specific enforcement activity levels and compliance rates.

3. To determine how levels of enforcement and compliance vary spatially and temporally, including an examination of how the level and type of enforcement …

Fisheries Research Report No.196 - Management Of Bioeroding Sponges In Wild Stocks Of Pinctada Maxima In Western Australia, Sabine Daume, Jane Fromont, Anthony M. Hart

Fisheries Research Reports

Final FRDC Report – Project 2005/074

The Western Australian fishery is the only remaining significant fishery for pearl oysters in the world and comprises most of the exported pearl product of Australia, currently worth around $125 million annually. The majority of pearl shells used to culture pearls come from the pearling beds in the inshore waters near Broome. The fishery for pearl oysters preferentially targets smaller ‘culture’ shell (4-5 years age class, 120mm - 160mm shell length) that are more suitable for growing pearls, leaving larger MOP oysters (6+ age class, 175mm+) on the fishing grounds.

Silver-lipped pearl oysters (Pinctada …

Five Year Management Strategy For The Recreational Trout Fishery. Discussion Paper For Public Comment On Future Management., The Rfac’S Recreational Freshwater Fisheries Stakeholder Sub-Committee

Fisheries Management Papers

The Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) was concerned over the delay in time in progressing this issue and recommended that the issue of trout stocking for recreational purposes be progressed in isolation. This matter was referred to the Recreational Freshwater Fisheries Stakeholder Sub-Committee (RFFSS) to progress the recreational aspects of stocking trout within State public waters. This strategy represents a significant step in ensuring the appropriate level of management is provided for the translocation of trout into and within Western Australia for recreational purposes. It is also hoped that this policy will serve as a guide for the management and …

Fisheries Management Paper No.245 - Aquaculture Of Coral, Live Rocks And Associated Products. Aquaculture Policy, Department Of Fisheries, Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

Aquarium enthusiasts use corals, live rock and associated products (e.g. live sand) for display and to maintain healthy water quality conditions in their marine aquariums. There is a large and growing market for these products. While the wild harvest fisheries for aquarium products in Western Australia are sustainably managed, output is capped, so increased product is needed to meet the market demand. With a trend towards the capping of wild harvest and additional pressures, such as the introduction of Marine Parks and other marine protected areas, the aquaculture of these products is set for industry development and expansion.

The large …

Fisheries Occasional Publication 74: Report Of The Funding Working Group July 2009, Bruno Mezzatesta, Anna Cronin, Brett Mccallum, Ian Taylor, Kane Moyle, Melanie Barbaro, Ben Fraser

Fisheries Occasional Publications

In recent years the profitability of the fishing industry in Western Australia has been severely impacted by a combination of the high cost and scarcity of labour, high fuel prices, a poor exchange rate and the recent global financial crisis. The prices for some locally caught fish species have been impacted by the significant growth in overseas aquaculture production.

These pressures have led to more serious scrutiny of fishing methods and the cost of business inputs. One of the business input costs that has been the subject of concern from industry is the fees paid by fishers to Government under …

Fisheries Occasional Publication 73: Report Of The Consultation Working Group July 2009, Greg Paust, Anna Cronin, Guy Leyland, Graham Short, Doug Bathgate, Frank Prokop, Ben Fraser

Fisheries Occasional Publications

This report outlines recommendations of a Working Group established by the CEO of the Department of Fisheries to advise on a proposed new model for fisheries consultation in Western Australia.

The proposed model provided to the Working Group for advice was developed based on the following objectives

1. Enhanced efficiency, cost effectiveness and flexibility.

2. Clarification between:

• fishing sector representation
• expertise based advice to the Department of Fisheries; and
• Department of Fisheries as the primary source of management advice to the Minister for Fisheries.

3. Enhancement of Department of Fisheries engagement with industry, stakeholders and the public.

State Of The Fisheries Report 2008/2009 Summary, W J. Fletcher, Karen Santoro

Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

The complete State ofthe Fisheries Report 2008/09 is published annually to provide a detailed level of reporting on the management of fisheries resources and their environment undertaken by the Department of Fisheries. The State ofthe Fisheries Report summarises the outcomes of many departmental activities undertaken during 2008/09 including management changes, compliance work and research to assess stock levels, monitor breeding stocks and undertake environmental assessments. It therefore provides a valuable reference point for the status of Western Australian fisheries of major importance to the commercial and recreational sectors, the aquaculture industry and for those interested in aquatic management. This annual …

Integrated Fisheries Management. Allocation Report Roe's Abalone Resource Perth Metropolitan Region., Integrated Fisheries Allocation Advisory Committee

Fisheries Management Papers

The introduction of Integrated Fisheries Management (IFM) is a recent development in the management of fisheries in Western Australia. IFM is an initiative aimed at addressing the issue of how fish resources in Western Australia can be best shared between competing users within the broad context of “Ecologically Sustainable Development”, or ESD.

Fisheries Research Report No. 187 - Management And Monitoring Of Fish Spawning Aggregations Within The West Coast Bioregion Of Western Australia, Michael C. Mackie

Fisheries Research Reports

Final FRDC Report – Project Number 2004/051

Objectives

1. To identify species that aggregate to spawn within the WCB and to describe (e.g. location, size, timing, nature) the aggregations of key demersal species such as pink snapper and dhufish.

2. To investigate the biology, ecology and fishery for Samson fish with emphasis on the sports fishery targeting deep water spawning aggregations west of Rottnest Island.

3. To establish methods and protocols for monitoring fish aggregations within the WCB.

4. To review relevant information and provide advice on the impact of aggregation fishing and the management of aggregating fish species in …

Fisheries Research Contract Report No. 20 - Risk Assessment Of The Record Brook Inter-Basin Water Transfer Scheme To The Aquatic Fauna Of The Donnelly And Warren Rivers, M. De Graaf, D. L. Morgan, S. J. Beatty, C. W. Hugh

Fisheries Research Contract Reports

Report to the Water Corporation of Western Australia

This report describes the fishes and freshwater crayfishes of the Donnelly and Warren River catchments and provides a risk assessment to these fauna of the proposed extraction of water from Record Brook (tributary of the Donnelly River) and subsequent transfer to Scabby Gully Dam (Warren River catchment). The proposed location of the structure in Record Brook is at the gauging station ~1 km upstream from the confluence with the Donnelly River. The project aims to divert peak flows in the winter and spring flow period, transferring around 500 ML each year. The …

Prawn Aquaculture In Western Australia. Final Esd Risk Assessment Report For Prawn Aquaculture., Department Of Fisheries Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

The Western Australian Department of Fisheries is responsible for the management of aquaculture in WA and is committed to implementing ESD. These principles are contained within the objectives of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 and the Department is keen to demonstrate both to the Government and the broader community that these principles are being achieved. The Department developed a policy statement in 2002 - Policy for the Implementation of Ecologically Sustainable Development for Fisheries and Aquaculture within Western Australia - (Fletcher 2002) that described its direction to the Department on incorporating ESD within fisheries and aquaculture management.

Using the …

State Of The Fisheries Report 2008/09, W.J Fletcher, K. Santoro

Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

The State of the Fisheries Report summarises the outcomes of many departmental activities undertaken during 2008/09 including management changes, compliance work and research to assess stock levels, monitor breeding stocks and undertake environmental assessments. This document provides a valuable reference point for the status of Western Australian fisheries of major importance to the commercial and recreational sectors, the aquaculture industry and for those interested in aquatic management.