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Fisheries under the second phase of the Natural Heritage Trust
Fisheries under the second phase of the NHT (2002-07) is all about fish related projects listed below are funded and managed by the Fisheries and Forestry Environment Branch and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Branch of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry .
2002-03 to 2006-07 Australian Government NHT fish projects
The projects below have been funded from the National component of the NHT.
Overarching Project for Network of Fisheries Co-ordinators
Deliverer
Each State and Territory fisheries agency
NHT Grant
$200,000 (2002-03), comprising $35,000 (NSW), $26,000 (ACT), $24,000 (VIC), $25,000 (QLD), $15,000 (NT), $12,000 (WA), $32,850 (SA) and $30,150 (TAS).
Aims
- to implement and finalise the Fisheries Action Program in an effective and efficient manner
- to increase, from a fisheries viewpoint, the community’s involvement in the Australian Government Envirofund
- participate in the strategic regional planning processes and in the development of statewide fish related funding proposals.
Methods
- continue the existing role and functions of the FAP coordinator as appropriate
- ensure that all FAP projects are completed and their individual final reports are submitted to the Commonwealth by December 2002 or by their agreed extended deadlines
- undertake evaluations and financial acquittals of each FAP project and of the program before June 2003
- facilitate and coordinate community access to and ongoing involvement with the Australian Government Envirofund
- ensure due recognition is given to fisheries issues in regional strategic plans by proactive participation in the state/territory strategic regional planning processes, and
- assist in the development of priority state/territory wide fish related NHT funding proposals.
Intended outcomes
- finalisation of the FAP in each jurisdiction in an effective and efficient manner.
- relatively high levels of community participation in the Australian Government Envirofund.
- recognition of fisheries issues in regional strategic plans, investment strategies and project proposals.
Status
Funding was first received in early 2003 and the project is almost complete.
SeaNet Environmental Fisheries Extension Program
Deliverer
Ocean Watch Australia Ltd
NHT Grant
$470,000 (2002-03), $400,000 (2003-04)
Aims
To facilitate the practical development, implementation and adoption of government policies into tangible, on-ground solutions to improve the sustainability of Australia’s commercial fisheries. The primary objective of SeaNet is to work with the fishing industry to minimise the catch of non-target species and to encourage environmental best practice by industry in their day-to-day operations and activities.
Methods
SeaNet involves a network of Environmental Fisheries Extension Officers that work with industry, managers, researchers and other stakeholders.
SeaNet officers will continue to:
NSW fishers D. and B. Johnson with their small
boat hopper, a device used to increase the post-release
survival of bycatch in the prawn industry.
- facilitate the increased uptake of bycatch reduction devices (BRD’s) within the commercial fishing industry
- involve commercial fishers in the design and implementation of bycatch reduction innovations
- encourage fishing sectors to identify solutions to their own natural resource management issues and increase the transfer of this information between fisheries
- increase understanding by the fishing industry of sustainability in an environmental context
- improve the rate of transfer of research-generated knowledge about new fishing gear and practices
- develop feedback mechanisms to ensure for stronger links between researchers, managers and fishers
- educate to reduce levels of marine pollution/debris from the commercial fishing industry
- improve the environmental sustainability of commercial fishing practices and methods;
- improve networks between commercial fishers and other stakeholders, and
- develop and facilitate the adoption of Environmental Management Plans and Codes of Conduct.
The recently implemented Industry Codes of Practice
for Responsible Fishing in the western and eastern tuna
and billfish fisheries will help ensure
yellow-fin tuna remains a viable resource.
Intended outcomes
Reduced environmental impact of commercial fishing activities for the ecological sustainability of Australia’s estuarine and marine fisheries:
- improved conservation of the biodiversity of aquatic systems,
- increased awareness, understanding and support among the fishing industry of the need for sustainable aquatic biodiversity conservation, and
- increased development and uptake of industry best practice and adoption of Environmental Management Systems within the commercial sector.
Status
This is an ongoing project that was also funded under the first phase of the NHT. For more information visit: Ocean Watch
Discard chutes reduce the post-release
mortality of bycatch due to predation
by scavenging seabirds.
National System for Preventing and Managing Introduced Marine Pests
Deliverer
CSIRO, Bureau of Rural Sciences and consultants
NHT Grant
$700,000 (2002-03), $700,000 (2003-04)
Aims
The project aims to provide the understanding, information and capacity to underpin the Australian Government’s role in the development and implementation of a National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions.
Methods
Australia is in the process of developing a comprehensive, risk management based system for the on-ground prevention and management of marine pest incursions. The National System is being developed by the Australian, State and the Northern Territory Governments and key industry and conservation stakeholders.
This project will provide components necessary to underpin the development of the National System, including:
- development of Standards, Best Practice management and Codes of Practice
- development of tools and the data and information infrastructure for the management of marine pests
- assessment and analysis of the impact of potential marine pest incursions on industry, the environment and the community, and
- management and control of established introduced marine pests.
Ballast water being discharged.
Ballast water is a potential source of invasive
marine species introduction to Australian waters.
Photo: CSIRO Marine Research.
This project is jointly managed by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Australian Government Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
Intended outcomes
A single national marine pest management system.
Status
This is an ongoing project that was also funded under the first phase of the NHT. For more information, see Marine Pests.
Toxic dinoflagellates have been introduced into Australian
waters, most likely by ballast water. They
can affect human health eg Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning.
Establishing Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management
Asian mussel Musculista senhousia. Both ballast water and hull
fouling are likely introduction vectors. A pest because
of its capacity to dominate bottom communities and
potentially exclude similar native species.
Photo: CSIRO Marine Research.
Deliverer
Australian Fisheries Management Authority
NHT Grant
$300,000 (2003-04)
Aims
- improved knowledge of the interactions between fishing and the marine environment
- increased industry understanding of the emerging issues of ecosystem based fisheries management
- development and implementation of appropriate actions to manage the impacts of fishing on the marine environment
- achievement of a quantum leap forward in managing fisheries on the basis of their impact on the marine ecosystem.
Methods
The project will have benefits for the marine environment and help to underpin the long term sustainability and productivity of Commonwealth and Torres Strait fisheries. These benefits will come through:
- improved data collection and knowledge about the impacts of fishing and will involve the use and application of ecological indicators
- design of a program to assess the value of spatial management in reducing fishing impacts and the potential for productivity increases through area closures and Marine Protected Areas, and
- raised stakeholder understanding and acceptance of marine ecosystem issues.
This is a three year project. Year one focus will provide ecological risk assessments for fishery impacts on species, habitats and communities, as a basis for quantitative assessment modelling for selected high-risk species and other ecological components; and enhanced data collection and implementation of appropriate ecological indicators for ongoing monitoring of fishery ecosystems.
Intended outcomes
Management of Commonwealth fisheries on the basis of their impacts on the marine ecosystem.
Status
This new project has commenced.