Net advantage: securing our fisheries management

This report argues that Australian commercial fisheries can gain a global competitive edge by embracing the benefits of marine reserves. Introduction The world’s oceans are at risk of collapse, with significant implications for fishing industries, food security and marine biodiversity. Historically, overfishing has been the main threat to global fish stocks. This is now being exacerbated by the risks of climate change, pollution and pests. Yet with risk comes opportunity. Countries with well-managed fish stocks, supported by healthy marine ecosystems, will be better placed to tap rapidly growing markets for sustainably certified seafood. In the long‑term, they should also benefit from stronger commercial fishing industries. This report finds that Australia can gain a global competitive edge by embracing the benefits of marine reserves. The United Nations and Global Ocean Commission have recommended 10 to 30 per cent of the world’s oceans be placed in marine protected areas (MPAs). Implementation of the Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network (CMRN) of MPAs would establish Australia as a world leader in marine protection. This policy has bipartisan support, but implementation has been suspended pending a review by the current Commonwealth Government. This report analyses the effects of marine reserves on the economic sustainability of Australia’s commercial fishing industry. For the purpose of this report, ‘marine reserves’ refer to those areas within MPAs such as the Marine National Park Zones within the CMRN (see Figure 1 below). These are ‘no-take’ zones: highly protected areas where no fishing is allowed at all. The focus of this report is primarily on the relationship of these marine reserves to commercial fisheries in Commonwealth waters. Examples are also drawn from overseas and State waters. This is not to diminish marine reserves’ ecological and biological importance. CPD notes the 1998 policy guidelines specified biodiversity conservation as the primary purpose of MPAs.[i] There are also broader issues of intergenerational equity to consider. However, this report focuses on points where the economic and ecological arguments intersect: fisheries are central to that debate.    Findings Marine reserves deliver economic, reputational and ecosystem benefits that can provide a competitive advantage for Australia\u27s commercial fisheries. This includes a potential marketing edge, and insurance against vulnerability to rising fuel costs and unpredictable prices. Rapid growth in sustainably certified seafood should provide an opportunity to improve the margins of Australian commercial fisheries. Given the variety and quality of Australian seafood, sustainably certified products are an increasingly feasible sector of the market for commercial fisheries to target. Sustainably certified seafood is a growing global market. Worldwide, the number of fisheries certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) jumped more than four-fold over the four years to 2012. Last year there was a 35 per cent increase in MSC labelled products globally. Leading Australian seafood businesses are supporting sustainable certification. The World Wildlife Fund has partnered with Blackmores, Coles, John West and Tassal to help them shift to responsibly sourced seafood and fish oil products. Australian retailers including Woolworths, Coles and Aldi have made the MSC certification central to their sustainable seafood sourcing policy, with Woolworths aiming to have all of their wild-catch seafood MSC certified. Marine reserves can make it easier for commercial fisheries to gain and maintain sustainability certification. MSC performance indicators assess how appropriate fisheries management and its outcomes are for ensuring the long-term sustainability of fisheries and the ecosystems that support them. Benefits generated by MPAs can assist in improving scores, and may make it easier to retain certification even if standards rise over time. Marine reserves provide key information to help commercial fisheries get their management strategies right, and demonstrate this to the MSC. Marine reserves provide a buffer that may help ecosystems recover from shocks and fisheries to maintain scores against MSC performance indicators. This is important because even the best fisheries management settings can be inadequate in the face of unforseen risks. Marine reserves can increase fish stock populations in surrounding areas, improving the economics of commercial fisheries. Spill-overs occur when fish leave marine reserves. This increases fish stock populations in surrounding areas. Spill-overs can benefit commercial fishers by increasing the amount caught for the same level of effort, and by enabling harvests of larger and more highly valued fish. Global comparison shows that in some cases the catch per unit of effort can increase by up to 66 per cent near ‘no-take’ zones within MPAs, within five years of protection. Global examples show fisher income can be as much as 135 per cent higher near ‘no-take’ zones within MPAs in some cases, compared to open access areas. Marine reserves provide long-term insurance against population crashes. The increased diversity and density of marine species improves the overall health and resilience of marine ecosystems. This allows ecosystems to support larger and more stable populations of commercial fish stocks, insuring against risks – such as climate change, pollution and pests – that are hard to address with fisheries management tools. Based on cross-country reviews, on average ‘no-take’ zones see an increase in the number of species by 21 per cent, size of organisms by 28 per cent, organism density by 166 per cent and biomass by 446 per cent – when compared to nearby unprotected areas, or the same areas before protection. International evidence shows that under proper management, ‘no-take’ zones within MPAs have twice as many large fish species, five times more large fish biomass, and 14 times more shark biomass on average than fished areas. Recommendations This report recommends the current review of the CMRN be used to establish marine reserves that will deliver benefits for the long-term. 1.Ensure the design of marine reserves is informed by the latest science. MPAs are a conservative investment in Australia’s key marine assets. Adequately sized and appropriately located ‘no-take’ zones will enable increasing dividends to flow from MPAs in the future. This review should start by accepting that scientific consensus on the benefits of MPAs dates back to 2001. It should also focus on the latest scientific evidence for designing effective ‘no-take’ zones, and consider the possibility that ecological risks will increase over time. 2.Find common ground between stakeholders by focusing on MPA benefits. Well-planned marine protection generates a range of economic benefits, in addition to ecological benefits. To increase community acceptance of final decisions on zoning, the Bioregional Advisory Panels should seek to find common ground between stakeholders. Attention should be directed to the long-term benefits of well-designed MPAs to all stakeholders, rather than on short-term costs. 3.Set aside sufficient funding for structural adjustment and ongoing management. Australia has learned from previous adjustment packages, and now has a more rational policy and rigorous assessment process for determining and targeting adjustment funding. However, there may be opportunities to achieve a double dividend from adjustment funding by identifying opportunities to buy out excess commercial fishing fleet capacity. To ensure MPAs are effective, 15 years of funding sufficient for ongoing management should be placed in a trust. Getting this right is an opportunity we do not want to miss. Chopping and changing policy on marine protection will short-change all Australians, and deny future generations the chance to enjoy the same benefits from marine assets as their parents and grandparents. [i] Australian and New Zealand Environmental and Conservation Council Taskforce, “Guidelines for Establishing the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas”, Environment Australia, Canberra, December 1998, available at http://www.scew.gov.au/system/files/resources/378b7018-8f2a-8174-3928-2056b44bf9b0/files/anzecc-gl-guidelines-establishing-national-representative-system-marine-protected-areas-199812.pd

All boom, no benefit?

This paper responds to the draft Queensland Plan, asking where economic growth will come from to lift incomes above the rest of Australia. All boom, no benefit?  from the Centre for Policy Development argues Queensland must chart a new course toward reliable, sustainable and equitably distributed growth – or face a future of fewer jobs and economic disruption. Queensland is at a fork in the road. The days of easy coal mining revenue are running out, and Queensland’s incomes are yet to match the rest of Australia. In fact, average Queensland household incomes are 5 per cent below the national average. Experience from previous mining booms suggests incomes may fall further behind as the investment phase of the latest mining boom cools. A new era of global growth will challenge the performance of commodity exporting economies. Focusing on economic diversity is now more important because the structure of the global economy is changing rapidly. The transformation underway is unlikely to be smooth. Slowing demand for coal, a new economic growth model in China, and high commodity price volatility are likely to be permanent features of the next phase of global growth. Key findings from the report include: Coal prices have dropped at least 30 per cent from their 2008 highs, and the rest of Asia is unlikely to replace falling Chinese demand. China’s new growth model will reshape Queensland’s economy, since it represents Queensland’s largest export market. Exports to China were Queensland’s largest growth point over the past decade, increasing from $1 billion to over$9 billion. A tripling in commodity price volatility will challenge Queensland’s less competitive mines and impact government budgets. Agribusiness, tourism, education, health and wealth management are industries forecast to grow rapidly over coming decades, while mining is forecast to grow slower than global GDP. Only 26 per cent of jobs from new mines and related infrastructure are long-term. The draft Queensland Plan shows Queenslanders understand these risks and want to develop a much more diverse economy to prepare for them. The Queensland Plan represents a step in the right direction toward governing for the future – if it has staying power through multiple election cycles and no gaps in its measures of progress. If Queensland misses this opportunity to chart a new path, it is likely to be forced through a rapid economic transit ion as underperforming industries and their assets become stranded. The report recommends Queensland adopt a new economic strategy that focuses less on attracting capital investment, and more on promoting economic diversity. To capitalise on its natural competitive advantages, Queensland should level the playing field for non-mining industries, establish an endowment fund to manage natural resources, and convene a State Summit to identify growth opportunities. Download the All boom, no benefit? report by Laura Eadie and Michael Hayman Read more about the Too Many Ports report showing the under-utilisation in Queensland’s existing ports and questioning the need for port growth

Israel and the Palestinian Dilemma: Strengthening the Palestinian Authority or Containing Hamas

In the reality of the zero-sum game between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA), a strong Hamas and a strong PA cannot coexist. The weakness of the PA alongside a strengthened Hamas, compounded by the erosion of deterrence against Hezbollah and Iran and the increased likelihood of a multi-front conflict, poses a strategic dilemma for Israel. Israel must define its strategic goal vis-à-vis the Palestinian arena, and consider whether there is any value to a formative military move against Hamas that is not part of a broader political plan. Weakened military capabilities would significantly reduce the challenge Hamas poses to the PA that accelerates its weakening, and remove an obstacle to effective moves to strengthen the PA. A weakened Hamas would also loosen the Gordian knot between the various arenas that Hamas seeks to tighten, and presumably also strengthen Israeli deterrence in the region. Under the existing political conditions, the current Israeli government is unlikely to agree on the need to strengthen the PA, or at least stop weakening it. Therefore, the government does not face a strategic dilemma on taking proactive steps to strengthen the PA, even though the PA's weakness harms Israeli interests: a move of this magnitude can only be led by a national unity government with broad public backing. At the same time, the status of the Palestinian Authority is so shaky and problematic that it is doubtful it can be restored under the existing conditions

Objective measurement of cough frequency during COPD exacerbation convalescence

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cough and sputum production are associated with adverse outcomes in COPD and are common during COPD exacerbation (AE-COPD). This study of objective cough monitoring using the Hull Automated Cough Counter and Leicester Cough Monitor software confirms that this system has the ability to detect a significant decrease in cough frequency during AE-COPD convalescence. The ability to detect clinically meaningful change indicates a potential role in home monitoring of COPD patients

Continuous cough monitoring using ambient sound recording during convalescence from a COPD exacerbation

Purpose Cough is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with frequent exacerbations and increased mortality. Cough increases during acute exacerbations (AE-COPD), representing a possible metric of clinical deterioration. Conventional cough monitors accurately report cough counts over short time periods. We describe a novel monitoring system which we used to record cough continuously for up to 45 days during AE-COPD convalescence. Methods This is a longitudinal, observational study of cough monitoring in AE-COPD patients discharged from a single teaching-hospital. Ambient sound was recorded from two sites in the domestic environment and analysed using novel cough classifier software. For comparison, the validated hybrid HACC/LCM cough monitoring system was used on days 1, 5, 20 and 45. Patients were asked to record symptoms daily using diaries. Results Cough monitoring data were available for 16 subjects with a total of 568 monitored days. Daily cough count fell significantly from mean±SEM 272.7±54.5 on day 1 to 110.9±26.3 on day 9 (p<0.01) before plateauing. The absolute cough count detected by the continuous monitoring system was significantly lower than detected by the hybrid HACC/LCM system but normalised counts strongly correlated (r=0.88, p<0.01) demonstrating an ability to detect trends. Objective cough count and subjective cough scores modestly correlated (r=0.46). Conclusions Cough frequency declines significantly following AE-COPD and the reducing trend can be detected using continuous ambient sound recording and novel cough classifier software. Objective measurement of cough frequency has the potential to enhance our ability to monitor the clinical state in patients with COPD

Out-of-Pocket Health-Care Expenditures among Older Americans with Cancer

Objective:  There is currently limited information regarding the out-of-pocket expenditures (OOPE) for medical care made by elderly individuals with cancer. We sought to quantify OOPE for community-dwelling individuals age 70 or older with: 1) no cancer (No CA), 2) a history of cancer, not undergoing current treatment (CA/No Tx), and 3) a history of cancer, undergoing current treatment (CA/Tx). Methods:  We used data from the 1995 Asset and Health Dynamics Study, a nationally representative survey of community-dwelling elderly individuals. Respondents identified their cancer status and reported OOPE for the prior 2 years for: 1) hospital and nursing home stays, 2) outpatient services, 3) home care, and 4) prescription medications. Using a multivariable two-part regression model to control for differences in sociodemographics, living situation, functional limitations, comorbid chronic conditions, and insurance coverage, the additional cancer-related OOPE were estimated. Results:  Of the 6370 respondents, 5382 (84%) reported No CA, 812 (13%) reported CA/No Tx, and 176 (3%) reported CA/Tx. The adjusted mean annual OOPE for the No CA, CA/No Tx, and CA/Tx groups were $1210,$1450, and $1880, respectively ( P  < .01). Prescription medications ($1120 per year) and home care services ($250) accounted for most of the additional OOPE associated with cancer treatment. Low-income individuals undergoing cancer treatment spent about 27% of their yearly income on OOPE compared to only 5% of yearly income for high-income individuals with no cancer history ( P  < .01). Conclusions:  Cancer treatment in older individuals results in significant OOPE, mainly for prescription medications and home care services. Economic evaluations and public policies aimed at cancer prevention and treatment should take note of the significant OOPE made by older Americans with cancer.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/73612/1/j.1524-4733.2004.72334.x.pd

The Grizzly, October 28, 2010

Junot Diaz Speaks to Ursinus Campus • Berman Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Open House • Active Minds Talks About Mental Illness • Ursinus Music Department Active on Campus • UC Homecoming 2010 • Senior Explores Middle East • Students Celebrate Writing • Internship Spotlight: Jason Ward • Finally, Ursinus Creates an Arena for Race Relations • Once Upon a Potty • Letter to the Editor • Hey UC, Give Me a [Fall] Break • Bears Travel in Packs During Cross Country Season • Women\u27s Rugby Takes on Scranton This Saturdayhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1822/thumbnail.jp

The Grizzly, November 4, 2010

Ursinus College Announces 13th President • Study Abroad Programs Give Students New Opportunities • Putting a Stop to the Climate Crisis One Meal at a Time • Berman Museum Continues Celebrating 20 Years • Wind Ensemble Performs in Lenfest • George Belaires: Looking for Fame in the Future • Tenure Candidate Dr. Joel Bish Feels at Home at Ursinus • UC Promotes Cancer Awareness • Internship Profile: Aimee Petronglo • Halloween Costume Inventory • Cover Up That Skin • Response to Annie Re\u27s Letter to the Editor • Students React to New UC President • UC Cheerleading Squad Rises to the Occasion • Women\u27s Basketball Looks to Run by Competitionhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1823/thumbnail.jp

Evaluation of an emergency safe supply drugs and managed alcohol program in COVID-19 isolation hotel shelters for people experiencing homelessness

BACKGROUND: During a COVID-19 outbreak in the congregate shelter system in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, a multidisciplinary health care team provided an emergency “safe supply” of pharmaceutical-grade medications and beverage-grade alcohol to facilitate isolation in COVID-19 hotel shelters for residents who are dependent on these substances. We aimed to evaluate (a) substances and dosages provided, and (b) effectiveness and safety of the program. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all COVID-19 isolation hotel shelter residents during May 2021. We extracted data on medication and alcohol dosages provided each day. The primary outcome was residents prematurely leaving isolation against public health orders. Adverse events included (a) overdose; (b) intoxication; and (c) diversion, selling, or sharing of medications or alcohol. RESULTS: Over 25 days, 77 isolation hotel residents were assessed (mean age 42 ± 14 years; 24% women). Sixty-two (81%) residents were provided medications, alcohol, or cigarettes. Seventeen residents (22%) received opioid agonist treatment medications (methadone, buprenorphine, or slow-release oral morphine) and 27 (35%) received hydromorphone tablets. Thirty-one (40%) residents received stimulant tablets with methylphenidate (27; 35%), dextroamphetamine (8; 10%), or lisdexamfetamine (2; 3%). Six residents (8%) received benzodiazepines. Forty-two (55%) residents received alcohol, including 41 (53%) with strong beer, three (3%) with wine, and one (1%) with hard liquor. Over 14 days in isolation, mean daily dosages increased of hydromorphone (45 ± 32 to 57 ± 42mg), methylphenidate (51 ± 28 to 77 ± 37mg), dextroamphetamine (33 ± 16 to 46 ± 13mg), and alcohol (12.3 ± 7.6 to 13.0 ± 6.9 standard drinks). Six residents (8%) left isolation prematurely, but four of those residents returned. Over 1,059 person-days in isolation, there were zero overdoses. Documented concerns regarding intoxication occurred six times (0.005 events/person-day) and medication diversion or sharing three times (0.003 events/person-day). CONCLUSIONS: An emergency safe supply and managed alcohol program, paired with housing, was associated with low rates of adverse events and high rates of successful completion of the 14-day isolation period in COVID-19 isolation hotel shelters. This supports the effectiveness and safety of emergency safe supply prescribing and managed alcohol in this setting

The Grizzly, December 9, 2010

UC Performing Arts to Come Together • Conflux Festival Allows for Innovative Technology • UCompost Continues to Help Create Change on Campus • Breakthroughs in Science Bring New Insight • UC Students Embrace Gaming and Some Late Night Fun • Clarifying the Calamity of Clamer Hall Renovations • Local Holiday Light Displays Worth Checking Out • Banning of Four Loko May Not Bring Change • Internship Profile: Inki Hong • Opinion: Korean War Could Cause International Problems; Review of the Diversity Monologues • Men\u27s Basketball Looks to Grow Throughout Season • Indoor Track and Field Begins Seasonhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1826/thumbnail.jp