Marine Biology Commons^™

Fisheries Research Report No. 177 - A 12-Month Survey Of Recreational Boat-Based Fishing Between Augusta And Kalbarri On The West Coast Of Western Australia During 2005-06, N. R. Sumner, P C. Williamson, Stuart J. Blight, Daniel J. Gaughan

Fisheries Research Reports

A 12-month survey of boat-based recreational fishing in the West Coast Bioregion (Augusta to Kalbarri) of Western Australia was conducted at boat ramps between 1st July 2005 and 30th June 2006. During the survey a total of 15,999 boat crews were interviewed, of which 13,185 (82%) had been undertaking some form of fishing activity and, of these, 10,382 (or 79%) of fishing boat crews had been ocean line fishing. The total annual recreational boat based fishing effort for the West Coast Bioregion was estimated to be 1,557,000 fisher hours (95%CI: 1,495,000 – 1,620,000), which is a 15.5% increase in nominal …

Fisheries Research Report No.172 - Identifying Obstacles To Profitably Growing Out Western Rock Lobsters, Roy Melville-Smith, Danielle Johnston, B. Johnston, N. J. Thomson

Fisheries Research Reports

A Report Prepared for the Aquaculture Development Council.

The cost of growing out western rock lobsters from pueruli to marketable-sized lobsters has been modeled from available information. The model uses different scenarios of survival rates, marketing weights, market prices, feed costs, puerulus prices, labour costs, puerulus compensation costs, discount rates and capital costs. The sensitivity of estimated profitability to various input costs and rock lobster prices was assessed by estimating the impact of changes on the estimates of net present value (NPV) internal rate of return (IRR) and benefit:cost ratio. Importantly, the aim of the study was to identify key …

Historical Datasets Of Dugong (Dugong Dugon) Observations In The Kimberley Region Of Western Australia - Data Report - Report No. 2008-03, David K. Holley, R. I.T. Prince

Research outputs pre 2011

Research Need and Objective :

Many sections of the northern WA coastline have become heavily industrialised in the last three decades particularly throughout the Pilbara region where offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration and processing facilities are abundant. There have been recent moves to develop similar industry along the Kimberley coast to access the Browse Basin, a 140,000 Km2 offshore gas field approximately 300km off the Kimberley Coast. This has resulted in extensive debate and the need to define the natural values of this region, which is considered to be one of the world’s most ecologically diverse (WWF 2008). …

Fisheries Research Report No. 166 - Stock Enhancement Of Haliotis Laevigata In Western Australia - A Preliminary Assessment, Anthony M. Hart, Frank Fabris, Sabine Daume

Fisheries Research Reports

A preliminary assessment of stock enhancement of Haliotis laevigata (Greenlip abalone) in Western Australia was undertaken with the release of 6,000 abalone near Augusta in 2004. The objective of the project was to obtain quantitative data on the likelihood of enhancement, as an additional management tool to TACs and size-limits, being successful in natural habitats in Western Australia. Baseline surveys coupled with an assessment of growth and survival of released 1+ and 2 + animals were undertaken at 12 sites within Flinders Bay, Augusta. Overall survival was 19% for 1+ age abalone and 27% for 2+ animals after 9 months. …

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

Fisheries Management Papers

In recent times, the Department of Fisheries has received representations from both sectors about the ongoing interaction of the fisheries and their respective management settings. As a result, a decision was made to comprehensively review the fisheries, taking into account matters of fishery sustainability and gear interactions, together with industry economics and market considerations. The review has also addressed research requirements to ensure an appropriate scientific basis for decision-making into the future.

Fisheries Research Contract Report No. 18 - Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Current And Future Needs For Aquatic Animal Health Training And For Systems For Merit-Based Accreditation And Competency Assessments (Frdc Project No. 2005/641) Final Report, Matt Landos, Navneet Dhand, Brian Jones, Richard Whittington

Fisheries Research Contract Reports

To scope and clearly define current and future needs for aquatic animal health training and for systems for merit-based accreditation and competency assessments.

Provision of high quality aquatic animal health (AAH) services is a complex multidisciplinary activity. Hence, training programs must address all discipline areas to achieve the desired outcome of robust service delivery to meet all stakeholder group needs. The current and future needs for AAH training have been identified across many sectors through survey work and direct interviews with key stakeholders. There is a shortfall in both total capacity and more prominently, in the availability of high skill …

Retrospective Analysis Of Epiphyte Assemblages In Relation To Seagrass Loss In A Eutrophic Coastal Embayment, Ml Cambridge, Jr How, Paul Lavery, Ma Vanderklift

Research outputs pre 2011

This is a retrospective study of shifts in species composition of epiphytic macroalgae that occurred during a period of seagrass loss in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia. Detailed analysis of data on relative abundances of 108 epiphytic taxa collected over 2 yr from 27 widely dispersed sites around Cockburn Sound showed differences in epiphyte composition between sites with loss of seagrasses (Loss sites) and those with no loss in the the long-term (No Loss sites). Future seagrass losses, however, were not predicted by shifts in species composition. Most species were rare and varied with season of sampling. Hence, varying assemblages of …

Morphological, Growth And Meadow Characteristics Of The Seagrass Posidonia Sinuosa Along A Depth-Related Gradient Of Light Availability, Cj Collier, Paul Lavery, Rj Masini, Pj Ralph

Research outputs pre 2011

Morphological and growth characteristics of the meadow-forming seagrass Posidonia sinuosa (Cambridge et Kuo), were measured along a depth-related gradient of light to infer its response to long-term differences in light availability. Morphometric measurements were carried out at 6 depths between 1.6 and 9.0 m in summer and winter at Cockburn Sound and summer only at Warnbro Sound in south-western Australia. The minimum light requirement for P. sinuosa of 8.5% sub-surface light was among the lower range reported for seagrasses. Its slow growth rate (0.5–1.5 mgdry shoot–1 d–1), relative to similarly sized species, may contribute to the low light requirements of …

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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. 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 …

Fisheries Occasional Publication No.15 - A Unit Register For Commercial Fisheries: An Issues Paper, Western Rock Lobster Council, Department Of Fisheries Western Australia

Fisheries Occasional Publications

This paper is designed to encourage stakeholder involvement in a review of the existing Department of Fisheries' Register, and development of a concept for a new Unit 1 Register, under the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 (FRMA). It is not a fisheries management proposal but a proposal dealing with the facilitation of the fishing licence business. Comments are sought from all stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, banks, accountants, lawyers, third party investors and brokers.

The comments gathered through the responses to this 'issues paper' will form the basis for the Unit Register Working Group to develop the concept of …

Access And Allocation Arrangements For The Commercial 'Wetline' Fisheries. Proposals For Discussion., Commercial Access Panel

Fisheries Management Papers

The Minister for Fisheries established this review of open access (wetline) commercial fishery arrangements to provide a more effective management framework for wetline fishing and to complement the recreational initiatives. This must involve the removal of excess fishing capacity, including latent effort, from the fishery and the establishment of a dedicated commercial fishery with clear entry criteria and an appropriate limit on catch in each bioregion. However it must be made clear that the ‘wetline review’ is not a sectoral resource sharing exercise. Following the implementation of new management arrangements for the ‘wetline’ fisheries, the appropriateness of the existing levels …

Proposed Management Arrangements For The West Coast Commercial 'Wetline' Fishery. A Discussion Paper., West Coast And Gascoyne Management Planning Panel

Fisheries Management Papers

The ‘Wetline Review’ was established to implement an effective management framework for the commercial sector to complement the recreational initiatives. It must be stressed at the outset that this review is focussed on the take of scalefish by the commercial sector. The levels of use between the various user groups in the West Coast region will be examined under the new integrated fisheries initiative following the implementation of new management arrangements for scalefish taken by the commercial sector.

Management Of The Proposed South West Beach Seine Fishery. Management Discussion Paper., Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries Management Papers

This Management Discussion Paper for the proposed South West Beach Seine Fishery is designed to inform the fishing community and general public about the issues and management proposals relating to the South West Beach Seine Fishery (the fishery). The Department of Fisheries (the Department) encourages comment about the issues raised and the proposed management recommendations in this report.