Marine Biology Commons^™

Fisheries Research Report No. 158 - An Assessment Of The Blue Swimmer Crab Fishery In Geographe Bay, Lynda M. Bellchambers, K. D. Smith, D. Harris

Fisheries Research Reports

The study was undertaken to provide detailed information on blue swimmer crabs in Geographe Bay so that the recreational and commercial fishery issues could be addressed using more accurate data than was previously available. A ministerial decision that banned commercial fishing for blue swimmer crabs in Geographe Bay was made in January 2005 while this study was underway. The intention of this report was to provide a summary of information on crab stocks in the region, not to alter the current management arrangements. This report describes experimental sampling, commercial catch statistics, commercial catch monitoring and surveys of recreational fishers to …

Fisheries Research Report No. 155 - Identification Of Western Australian Grey Nurse Shark Aggregation Sites., J. Chidlow, Daniel J. Gaughan, Rory Mcauley

Fisheries Research Reports

Final report to the Australian Government, Department of the Environment and Heritage

The first phase of this project involved a desktop study to broadly identify areas where Western Australian Grey Nurse Sharks potentially aggregate for further investigation with field surveys. These areas were identified from information obtained from commercial shark fishers, previously unpublished research data, as well as anecdotal reports of sightings or captures from recreational divers and fishers, professional dive stores, dive clubs and charter boat operators. A total of 25 survey areas were identified during the desktop study, 16 of which were in depths less than 30m and …

Fisheries Occasional Publication No. 35 - Rock Lobster Processor Licensing Arrangements (Discussion Paper), Department Of Fisheries Western Australia

Fisheries Occasional Publications

On 28 March 2002, the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Hon Kim Chance MLC, announced the Government's position on National Competition Policy (NCP) insofar as this policy related to licensing of western rock lobster processors (hitherto referred to as 'rock lobster processors' or simply as 'processors'), as governed by the provisions of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 (FRMA).

In making the announcement, the Minister also undertook to further "review the potential costs and risks of deregulation" ..."in 2006", when they "are better understood by both Government and industry itself'.

This document is the first stage of the review …

Aquaculture Of Live Rocks, Live Sand, Coral And Associated Products. A Discussion And Draft Policy Paper., Department Of Fisheries.

Fisheries Management Papers

The Department of Fisheries has prepared this discussion paper to outline the position and needs of the emerging industry and the proposed management arrangements and policies in place. Therefore, the key objectives of this document are to outline and develop: The key information about live rock, sand and coral aquaculture that is relevant to the development of an industry in WA; and A draft policy for the management of live rock, sand and coral aquaculture, on both onshore and offshore licence sites.

Fisheries Research Report No. 153 - A 12-Month Survey Of Recreational Fishing In The Pilbara Region Of Western Australia During 1999-2000, P C. Williamson, Neil R. Sumner, B E. Malseed

Fisheries Research Reports

A 12-month creel survey of recreational boat-based and shore-based fishing in the Pilbara region (Onslow to Broome inclusive) of Western Australia was conducted between December 1999 and November 2000. During the survey 3,085 boat crews were interviewed at public boat ramps when they returned from their fishing trips. Patrols conducted along the coastline interviewed 73 groups of boat-based fishers and 569 groups of shore-based fishers at fishing locations and camp sites.

The total annual recreational fishing effort for the Pilbara region was estimated to be 201,000 fisher days (95%CI: 193,000 – 210,000). This comprised 109,000 fisher days by boats launched …

Fisheries Research Report No 154 - The Development Of A Rigorous Sampling Methodology For A Long-Term Annual Index Of Recruitment For Finfish Species From South-Western Australia., Daniel J. Gaughan, Suzanne G. Ayvazian, G Nowara, M Craine

Fisheries Research Reports

Final FRDC Report - 1999/153.

This study has determined the optimal strategies to achieve statistically robust indices of recruitment of five key finfish species in south-western Australia. For another two species such indices could not be established. The sampling strategies developed will initially focus on the most appropriate location, month, and lunar phase, after which fine tuning of the sampling activity will be undertaken with respect to time of day, tide height, weather conditions etc. A significant outcome from the project is that five finfish species have a sampling strategy for recruits that can be utilized as a monitoring program …

Recommended Management Arrangements For The West Coast Commercial 'Wetline' Fishery. A Report To The Minister For Fisheries., West Coast And Gascoyne Management Planning Panel.

Fisheries Management Papers

No abstract provided.

Recommended Access And Allocation Criteria For The West Coast And Gascoyne Commercial 'Wetline' Fisheries. A Report To The Ministry Of Fisheries., The Commercial Access Panel.

Fisheries Management Papers

The CAP’s primary responsibility was to develop criteria for access and allocation within the context of the management framework developed by the MPP. It is therefore important that this management paper is read in conjunction with the papers prepared by the MPP that outline the recommended management arrangements for the Gascoyne (Fisheries Management Paper No. 205) and the West Coast (Fisheries Management Paper No. 206) regions.

Assessment Of Western Rock Lobster Strategic Management Options. A Bio-Economic Evaluation Of Management Options For The West Coast Rock Lobster Fishery. Vol. 2, Economic Research Associates Pty Ltd

Fisheries Management Papers

Economic Research Associates (ERA) was commissioned to evaluate the relative ‘socio-economic’ benefits of alternative management Scenarios for the Western Rock Lobster Managed Fishery. This study is intended as input into industry’s consideration of the future management policy direction for the fishery.

Proceedings Of The Western Australian Dhufish Workshop 2004, Mark Pagano, Terry Fuller

Fisheries Occasional Publications

The Western Australian Dhufish Workshop 2004 was a joint project between Recfishwest and the Western Australian Department of Fisheries.

The workshop incorporated presentations from the Department of Fisheries, Recfishwest, the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council, Murdoch University and Challenger TAFE to showcase current knowledge relating to the iconic dhufish in Western Australia. The perspectives of a recreational fisher, a commercial wetline operator and a metropolitan charter boat operator were also presented.

Through information sharing and discussion the workshop provided a platform to better understand the fundamental issues that underpin current and future management arrangements for this valuable resource. Both commercial …

Fisheries Occasional Publication No. 33 - Department Of Fisheries Community Survey 2005, Tara Baharthah

Fisheries Occasional Publications

A telephone survey of the Western Australian public was conducted to assess the level of success of programs implemented by the Department of Fisheries. The sample comprised of 700 interviews, 422 in the metropolitan area and 278 in regional areas throughout the State.

This community survey was used to determine the level of recall and awareness of the Department of Fisheries, the understanding and support of the community for the Department of Fisheries' management strategies and to examine key aspects of community participation in recreational fishing.

It is estimated that the overall participation rate for recreational fishing in Western Australia …

Fisheries Research Report No. 152 - Development Of A Dna Database For Compliance And Management Of Western Australian Sharks., Rory Mcauley, K. Ho, R. Thomas

Fisheries Research Reports

Final FRDC Report - Project 2003/067

The capability to identify individual shark species from processed body parts is necessary for the WA Department of Fisheries to ensure the compliance of all WA fisheries with both existing protected species regulations and proposed new management measures for commercially important shark species. This project established a reference database of genetic profiles or ‘fingerprints’ for nine of Western Australia’s protected and commercially important shark species. Fingerprints from a 10th species, the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) could not be obtained due to probable primer sequence mismatching. The database, in conjunction with an associated inspection and …

Fisheries Research Report No. 151 - Biology And Stock Assessment Of The Thickskin (Sandbar) Shark, Carcharhinus Plumbeus, In Western Australia And Further Refinement Of The Dusky Shark, Carcharhinus Obscurus, Stock Assessment., Rory Mcauley, R Lenanton, J. Chidlow, R. Allison, E. Heist

Fisheries Research Reports

Final FRDC Report - Project 2000/134

The purpose of this project was to collect the biological and fishery information necessary to conduct a stock assessment of the sandbar (known locally as ‘thickskin’) shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus and to improve and update the existing stock assessment for the dusky shark, Carcharhinus obscurus. Results from this project have already been used by the Western Australian Department of Fisheries to determine appropriate management arrangements for the State’s shark fisheries to ensure the sustainable exploitation of these species. Results have also assisted the WA target-shark fisheries in conducting Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) assessment in order …

Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Technical Guidelines For The Translocation Of Live Aquatic Animals - With Reference To Barramundi Nodavirus, Brian Jones

Fisheries Research Reports

FRDC Project No. 2005/640

A workshop was conducted involving input from most jurisdictions. Technical issues including hazard identification and risk management associated with the translocation of live finfish were documented.

A series of recommendations, which resulted from the workshop process, will be progressed through the National Aquatic Animal Health Technical Working group and the Aquatic Animal Health Committee.

Fisheries Occasional Publication No. 29 - Western Rock Lobster Fishery Effects Of Fishing On The Ecosystem - Scientific Reference Group (Chairman's Report No. 3, February 2005), Department Of Fisheries, Western Australia

Fisheries Occasional Publications

The Western Rock Lobster Effects of Fishing on the Ecosystem Scientific Reference Group (the SRG) was convened jointly by the Department of Fisheries and the WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC). The SRG met on Tuesday 1 February 2005 at the Fremantle Sailing Club, and this document is the official report from that meeting.

Integrated Fisheries Management. Draft Allocation Report. Western Rock Lobster Resource A Discussion Paper, Integrated Fisheries Allocation Advisory Committee

Fisheries Management Papers

In this report the Committee had given a number of draft recommendations regarding the allocations of the West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery. This paper allows for the public to view these allocations and put forward their submissions.

Fisheries Occasional Publication No. 32 - Allocation Of The Western Australian Abalone Resource Between User Groups, Department Of Fisheries Western Australia

Fisheries Occasional Publications

In this submission to the Integrated Fisheries Allocation Advisory Committee (IFAAC), the Department will outline what it believes are the most practical and cost effective ways of managing a system for allocating the abalone resource between the commercial, customary and recreational sectors.

In preparing this submission, it has been noted that because of the limited data on recreational catch outside of the metropolitan area, the Sustainable Harvest Limit (SHL) set for the fishery relates only to the area that is equivalent to Area 7 of the commercial fishery. Further, it is acknowledged that the Minister has approved that proportional catch …

A Five Year Management Strategy For Recreational Fishing On The South Coast. The Minister For Fisheries' Decision In Response To The Final Report Of The South Coast Recreational Fishing Working Group., Jon Ford (Minister For Fisheries; The Kimberley, Pilbara And Gascoyne)

Fisheries Management Papers

After careful consideration of the South Coast Recreational Fishing Working Group’s recommendations and the wide range of issues raised in submissions, I have made my decisions in respect to the future management arrangements for recreational fishing in South Coast Region. I believe the new management arrangements which will be implemented in 1 January 2006 will go a long way to protecting recreational fishing quality and meeting the long term needs for the sustainable management of recreational fishing. I did note that some of the most pressing concerns raised during public meetings, and in submissions, related to the interaction between the …

Proposals For Community Discussion : A Quality Future For The Recreational Marron Fishery : A Five-Year Draft Strategy To Ensure The Long-Term Sustainability Of The Marron Fishery, Recreational Freshwater Fisheries Stakeholder Sub-Committee

Fisheries Management Papers

While some of the factors threatening the future of the marron fishery can be managed via traditional fisheries controls, many fall outside of the Department of Fisheries’ jurisdiction and require a ‘whole of Government’ approach to management. To help ensure a quality future for the recreational marron fishery, the Recreational Freshwater Fisheries Stakeholder Sub-committee (RFFSS) has now developed a set of draft management proposals designed to form the basis of a five-year management plan for the fishery.

Fisheries Occasional Publication No. 27 - Review Of Pearl Oyster Hatchery Policy - Phase Ii - Policy Direction, Department Of Fisheries, Western Australia

Fisheries Occasional Publications

The Australian pearling industry referred to in this document relates to the Pinctada maxima pearl oyster fishery, the overwhelming majority of which operates in Western Australia and Northern Territory.

The key policy focus was to achieve an alternative supply of shell upon which to conduct the pearl culture process and to develop grow-out competence within the Western Australian pearling industry from the use of hatchery bred pearl oyster spat. It was clearly recognised that it was not economically justifiable for all licensees to have their own hatchery operation but it was felt that all licensees should have the ability to …

The Development Of A Rigorous Sampling Methodology For A Long-Term Annual Index Of Recruitment For Finfish Species From South-Western Australia, Daniel J. Gaughan, Suzanne G. Ayvazian, G Nowara, M Craine

Fisheries Research Reports

This study has determined the optimal strategies to achieve statistically robust indices of recruitment of five key finfish species in south-western Australia. For another two species such indices could not be established. The sampling strategies developed will initially focus on the most appropriate location, month, and lunar phase, after which fine-tuning of the sampling activity will be undertaken with respect to time of day, tide height, weather conditions etc. A significant outcome from the project is that five finfish species have a sampling strategy for recruits that can be utilized as a monitoring program for the recreational and commercial fisheries …

A Five-Year Management Strategy For Recreational Fishing In The Pilbara/Kimberley. The Minister For Fisheries' Decisions In Response To The Final Report Of The Pilbara Kimberley Recreational Fishing Working Group, Jon Ford (Minister For Fisheries; The Kimberley, Pilbara And Gascoyne)

Fisheries Management Papers

The regional review for the Pilbara/Kimberley Region is now complete and I would like to thank all members of the review working group for their efforts in what has been a challenging task. I would also like to thank those members of the community who attended public meetings and made submissions on the draft discussion paper. After careful consideration of the Pilbara/Kimberley Recreational Fishing Working Group’s recommendations and the wide range of issues raised in submissions, I have made my decisions in respect to the future management arrangements for recreational fishing in Pilbara/Kimberley Region. I believe the new management arrangements, …

Management Of The Proposed South Coast Trawl Fishery. A Discussion Paper., Department Of Fisheries.

Fisheries Management Papers

In late 1987, the Minister approved a development plan for the South Coast Inshore Trawl Fishery (Fisheries Management Paper No. 13) and made a number of notices regulating trawling activities in the Recherche Archipelago. Fishing Boat Licences were subsequently ‘endorsed’ by reference to those notices. The development plan was declared to be for a period ending 31 December 1989, subject to extension for a further year if necessary. Despite the considerable interest in the fishery during 1986 to 1989, fishing results demonstrated that the economic returns were marginal and a number of operators withdrew from participation in the fishery (at …

Proposed Implementation Of Sea Lion Exclusion Devices In The Western Rock Lobster Fishery. Public Consultation., Department Of Fisheries.

Fisheries Management Papers

This document ‘Proposed Implementation of Sea Lion Exclusion Devices in the Western Rock Lobster Fishery – public consultation document May 2005’, provides you, the stakeholder, with detailed information regarding the incidental mortality of Australian sea lion pups in rock lobster pots and the possible mitigation measures to be implemented to eliminate this occurrence.

A Five-Year Management Strategy For Recreational Fishing On The South Coast Of Western Australia. Final Report, South Coast Recreational Fishing Working Group.

Fisheries Management Papers

The development of this strategy represents a significant step in protecting recreational fishing quality in the South Coast Region and meeting the long-term needs for the sustainable management of recreational fishing. All recommendations contained in this report were made only after careful consideration of the submissions and issues which were raised at public meetings, along with the action needed to be taken to protect the long-term sustainability of our fish stocks.

A Five-Year Management Strategy For Recreational Fishing In The Pilbara/Kimberley Region Of Western Australia. Final Report., Pilbara/Kimberley Recreational Fishing Working Group

Fisheries Management Papers

The discussion paper (Fisheries Management Paper No. 181 'A quality future for recreational fishing in the Pilbara/Kimberley Region) attracted widespread comment, with around 200 people attending public meetings in the region. In addition, 152 written submissions were received from recreational fishers, angling clubs, and other stakeholders. The Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and the Pilbara/Kimberley Recreational Fishing Working Group would like to thank those people and organizations that took the time to provide this valuable feedback. All recommendations contained in this final report, along with the action that needs to be taken to protect the long-term sustainability of our fish …

Fisheries Occasional Publication No.21 - Allocation Of The Western Rock Lobster Resource Between User Groups, Department Of Fisheries Western Australia

Fisheries Occasional Publications

In this submission to IFAAC, the Department will outline what it believes are the most practical and cost effective ways of managing a system of allocation amongst the commercial, customary and recreational sectors. This recommendation recognises that cost efficiencies and outcomes will be greatly affected by the type of allocation model that is chosen. Consequently the Department recommends that the allocation system should be based on a single allocation to each sector that is available over the entire fishery.

The Department does not recommend having any finer scale zoning of the allocations, or the creation of exclusive recreational fishing areas. …

Fisheries Occasional Paper No. 19 - Management Of Western Rock Lobster Fishery - Proposed Resource Sustainability Management Package For The Northern Zones (A And B), Department Of Fisheries Western Australia

Fisheries Occasional Publications

The proposed effort reduction management package presented in this paper was developed in close co-operation with rock lobster industry to address the short-term sustainability concerns regarding the level of breeding stock in the northern region.

The management package does not address the serious long-term sustainability or socio-economic issues (e.g. cost pressures and related fleet capacity) facing the industry. If the fishery stays with input controls there will need to be regular reviews of the level of exploitation and its impact on the breeding stock. If exploitation increases and the breeding stock continues to decline additional fishing effort reductions in the …

Fisheries Occasional Paper No. 20 - Management Of Western Rock Lobster Fishery - Advice To Stakeholders - Assessment Of Southern Zone Resource Sustainability Options, Department Of Fisheries, Western Australia

Fisheries Occasional Publications

The management options presented in this paper have been developed in close cooperation with the rock lobster industry to address the short-term sustainability and economic concerns regarding the level of exploitation and its impact on the breeding stock in the southern region. The main focus in the short-term is to consider options that reduce fishing effort during periods that may be economically inefficient to fish and at the same time reduce the level of exploitation.

The management package does not address the serious long-term sustainability or socioeconomic issues (e.g. cost pressures and related fleet capacity) facing the industry. If the …

Fisheries Occasional Paper No. 16 - Report For The Sea Lion Scientific Reference Group, Richard Campbell Dr

Fisheries Occasional Publications

This interim report has been prepared for the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee and the SLSRG. The research reported has been undertaken to address issues of sea lion-rock lobster fishing interaction as identified in the Ecologically Risk Assessment (ERA) process for the western rock lobster fishery (WRLF). This assessment process was undertake as part of the accreditation of the WRLF by the Marine Stewardship Council and to satisfy the Commonwealth Government regulations for sustainable development of fisheries under the EPBC Act (1999) (DoFWA in press). The relevant points of this document are based on the resolutions agreed upon by the …