Independent observations of catches and subsurface mitigation efficiencies of modified trawl nets for endangered, threatened and protected megafauna bycatch in the Pilbara Fish Trawl Fishery

Mitigation of endangered, threatened and protected (ETP) species is a challenge in many commercial fisheries globally and independent observer programs are often implemented to determine accurate estimates of interaction rates. However, interactions with ETP species may be extremely rare requiring very high and therefore costly levels of observer coverage to provide adequate statistical rigor for such programs

The social and economic dimensions of one of the world’s longest-operating shark fisheries

Context Social and economic information is limited for coastal commercial and recreational fisheries, particularly shark fisheries, which are perceived as unsustainable and as targeting sharks for fins. Aims To characterise the social and economic dimensions of one of the world’s few long-standing sustainable shark fisheries. Methods We reviewed historic data and surveyed stakeholders to understand the economic and social dimensions of the shark fishery currently operating in Western Australia. Key results Since the fishery’s historic peak, there has been a substantial reduction in the number of operating vessels and ports due to management intervention. For the vessels that have remained, catches and catch rates increased through time. Fishers sold only flesh and fins, whereas processors also sold cartilage. Revenue mostly originates from the domestic sale of flesh, not fins. This fishery provides additional social and economic returns through the employment of an average of 102 people per annum, the supply of local fresh seafood to communities and the expenditure of most of operational costs in local government areas. In addition, the average annual market value through the supply chain was A$32.6 × 106 (US$20.9 × 106). Conclusions Our study is the first step towards a more comprehensive valuation of the societal contribution of sustainable shark fisheries. Implications This novel information has a range of applications, from developing social and economic objectives in fisheries harvest strategies to empowering government agencies when making decisions on natural resource management

Long term sustainable use of demersal gillnet and demersal longline in Western Australia’s Temperate Shark Fisheries - Fisheries Research Report 340

The Temperate Demersal Gillnet and Demersal Longline Fisheries (TDGDLF) are one of the main commercial shark fisheries in Australia. Most fishers in the TDGDLF use demersal gillnets to target sharks with scalefish taken in smaller amounts. Demersal longlines are also permitted but are not widely used. Demersal gillnets are size selective, but they do not necessarily discriminate among species, catching target and non-target species. The Western Australian Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) received funding as part of the Australian Government’s Our Marine Parks Grants Program to undertake research on the TDGDLF. This project was administered under the direction of a steering group consisting of WAFIC, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), and the Southern Seafood Producers WA Association (SSPA). This project addressed key questions (Is electronic monitoring a viable option for monitoring this fishery? Is the transition from gillnets to manual longlines viable? What are the socio-economic characteristics of this fishery?) relating to the use of demersal gillnets and demersal longlines by TDGDLF fishers. There were three parts to this project, (i) a desktop study, (ii) a 55-day field study using onboard observers and cameras mounted on demersal gillnets and demersal longlines, and (iii) a socio-economic survey