An investigative analysis of Queensland’s statewide recreational fishing surveys : Identifying bias in self reported catch and effort data

Accurate recreational fishing information is essential to sustainable and effective management strategies. Several statewide recreational fishing surveys have been conducted in Queensland, yet their results have varied widely depending on whether the ‘RFish’ diary program or the interview-based ‘NRIFS’ approach was employed. The validity of RFish survey data has since been called into question, with concerns of possible nonresponse and recall biases. Estimates of catch and effort were compared between the two survey methodologies to search for evidence of bias in the RFish data and to explore the possibility of adjusting for any identified biases. Within each RFish survey, the high rate of dropout, gradual sample loss of particular demographics and steady decline in fisher avidity strongly indicates the presence of an attrition-derived avidity bias. The RFish surveys also exhibited an overall inflation of fisher avidity and catch success in addition to varying degrees of catch or effort overestimation for 11 of the 12 investigated taxa. Previous fisheries research would suggest that the likeliest explanation for these results is a recall bias arising from the RFish surveys’ considerably longer recall period. However, the true source of these errors is ultimately unknown and other possible explanations include prestige bias, deliberate misreporting, terminal digit preference, species misidentification and nonresponse bias. Regardless of whether the biases in the RFish data can be correctly identified, the significant variation in reporting error between taxa is largely unpredictable and may preclude any reliable adjustments. Re-expanding the raw RFish data to the statewide level using current statistical techniques will prove fruitless unless such adjustments can be made. Although adjustment may not be a viable option, the RFish data may be utilised to assess trends in relative rather than absolute terms. If other options are exhausted, the omission of RFish survey results may be the only way to ensure an accurate time series of statewide catch and effort in Queensland’s recreational fisheries

East Coast Inshore Large Mesh Net Fishery Level 2 Ecological Risk Assessment [Species of Conservation Concern]

The Queensland Ecological Risk Assessment Guideline (the Guideline) was released in March 2018 as part of the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027. This Guideline provides an overview of strategy being employed to develop Ecological Risk Assessments (ERAs) for Queensland’s fisheries. The Guideline describes a four-stage framework consisting of a Scoping Study; a Level 1, whole of fishery qualitative assessment; a Level 2, species-specific semi-quantitative or low-data quantitative assessment and; a Level 3 quantitative assessment (if applicable). A Scoping Study and Level 1 ERA for the East Coast Inshore Fishery was released in May 2019 (Jacobsen et al. 2019). The Level 1 assessment identified ecological components at higher risk from net fishing activities, and these were progressed to a Level 2 assessment. Level 2 ERAs are focused at the species level with risk evaluations based on a Productivity & Susceptibility Analysis (PSA). The PSA evaluates risk for each species through an assessment of seven biological attributes and four fisheries-specific attributes. Based on the outputs of the Level 1 ERA and following a species prioritisation process, the Large Mesh Net Fishery Level 2 ERA assessed risk for 32 Species of Conservation Concern (SOCC), including six marine turtles, seven dolphins, dugongs, five sharks and 13 batoids. All species were found to be at medium to high risk from tunnel net fishing activities. The risk profiles for SOCC were heavily influenced by the biological attributes (productivity); particularly those relating to their longevity and reproductive outputs. The Level 2 ERA made a list of recommendations to assist in the management and mitigation of risk in the Large Mesh Net Fishery. A number of these measures are already being discussed and considered as part of the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027 and will be progressed through the East Coast Inshore Fishery Working Group

Reef Line Fishery Level 2 Ecological Risk Assessment

A Scoping Study and Level 1 Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) for the Reef Line Fishery was released in July 2019 (Jacobsen et al. 2019). The Level 1 assessment identified ecological components at higher risk from line fishing activities, and these were progressed to a Level 2 assessment. Level 2 ERAs are focused at the species level with risk evaluations based on a Productivity & Susceptibility Analysis (PSA). The PSA evaluates risk for each species through an assessment of seven biological attributes and up to seven fisheries-specific attributes. This Level 2 ERA examined the risk posed to 35 target & byproduct species (Other Species quota management unit), and four protected teleosts. Collectively, 17 species were found to be at high risk from line fishing activities, and the remaining 22 species were assessed as a medium risk. Risk profiles were influenced by data deficiencies, an underdeveloped management regime, and cumulative fishing pressures. For a portion of these species, final risk ratings were precautionary and are more representative of the potential risk. Management of precautionary risks beyond what is already being undertaken as part of the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027 is not considered a priority. The Level 2 ERA made a list of recommendations to assist in the management and mitigation of risk in the Reef Line Fishery. A number of these measures are already being discussed or addressed through the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027 and the Reef Line Fishery Harvest Strategy. As the Level 2 ERA commenced prior to the implementation of the harvest strategy, the results are based on the previous management regime. The harvest strategy will be taken into consideration is subsequent ERAs

Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fishery Level 2 Ecological Risk Assessment [Species of Conservation Concern]

The Queensland Ecological Risk Assessment Guideline (the Guideline) was released in March 2018 as part of the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027. This Guideline provides an overview of strategy being employed to develop Ecological Risk Assessments (ERAs) for Queensland’s fisheries. The Guideline describes a four-stage framework consisting of a Scoping Study; a Level 1, whole of fishery qualitative assessment; a Level 2, species-specific semi-quantitative or low-data quantitative assessment and; a Level 3 quantitative assessment (if applicable). A Scoping Study and Level 1 ERA for the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fishery was released in December 2019 (Jacobsen et al. 2019). The Level 1 assessment identified ecological components at higher risk from net fishing activities, and these were progressed to a Level 2 assessment. Level 2 ERAs are focused at the species level with risk evaluations based on a Productivity & Susceptibility Analysis (PSA). The PSA evaluates risk for each species through an assessment of seven biological attributes and four fisheries-specific attributes. Based on the outputs of the Level 1 ERA and following a species prioritisation process, the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fishery Level 2 ERA assessed risk for 27 Species of Conservation Concern (SOCC), including six marine turtles, six dolphins, dugongs, four sharks and ten batoids. All species were found to be at high risk from inshore net fishing activities. The risk profiles for SOCC were heavily influenced by the biological attributes (productivity); particularly those relating to their longevity and reproductive outputs. The Level 2 ERA made a list of recommendations to assist in the management and mitigation of risk in the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fishery. A number of these measures are already being discussed and considered as part of the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027 and will be progressed through the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fishery Working Group

Stakeholder Perceptions of Health Needs in Refugee Populations in the Greater Richmond Area

Stakeholder Perceptions of Health Needs in Refugee Populations in the Greater Richmond Area Ashley Koo, Depts. of Medical Anthropology and Chemistry, Matt Tessama, and Tatiana Brown, with Dr. Dina Garcia, Dept. of Health Behavior and Policy A refugee is a person outside of the country of his or her nationality who is unable or unwilling to return to that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on her race, religion, nationality, or membership in a certain social group. The United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees estimates that in 2018, approximately 22,500 refugees were resettled in the U.S. with 1,805 arrived in Virginia. Many of these refugees face multiple health challenges post-resettlement, particularly in oral health. Although these oral health needs are a recognized concern, there is very little information to support what the specific facilitators and barriers to dental care access is for this population. The long-term objective of this study is to identify the largest gaps in healthcare access for refugee populations, and plan an intervention to bridge these gaps through local clinics. The health and oral health needs of refugees post-resettlement can be determined through one-on-one semi-structured interviews with health liaisons. The participants will be recruited from a list of organizations involved in refugee resettlement and employment, including the Virginia Department of Health, Commonwealth Catholic Charities, ReEstablish Richmond and the International Rescue Committee. The interviews will allow stakeholders to share their experience serving the refugee community, their perspective on health needs that are present in this population and ideas on how to address these needs. The interviews will be audiotaped and then transcribed via research participants and stored in the password-protected MAXQDA software. There exists a link between dental/ oral health and overall health: untreated dental cavities can lead to cardiovascular issues and can be fatal. Intervention within the community is needed to increase healthcare access; analyzing stakeholder perspectives will allow greater understanding of what inequities exist for refugee populations in the Greater Richmond area.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/uresposters/1374/thumbnail.jp

Establishing a Community-Academic Partnership to Investigate the Sociopolitical Context of Oral Care Among Refugees Resettled in Richmond, Virginia

Establishing a Community-Academic Partnership to Investigate the Sociopolitical Context of Oral Care Among Refugees Resettled in Richmond, Virginia Tatiana Brown, Depts. of Anthropology, Medical Humanities, & Mathematics, with Dr. Dina Garcia, Dept. of Health Behavior and Policy This study has established a community-academic partnership between four organizations and VCU Health Behavior and Policy’s Kalpulli Research Team to investigate the sociopolitical context of oral health needs among refugees resettling in Richmond, Virginia. In the year 2018, 1,689 refugees resettled in the state of Virginia; 47.7 percent of this population reported oral health needs during their initial health assessment screening. Despite the oral health needs present within this population, little is known about the facilitators and barriers to dental care access for this population post-resettlement. Creating a partnership with two local resettlement agencies (e.g., the International Rescue Committee, Commonwealth Catholic Charities), the Department of Social Services (DSS), and VA Department of Health’s Newcomer (Refugee) Health Program, in addition to having a transdisciplinary research team, enable the development of a holistic representation within, and of, the refugee community. The use of semi-structured interviews is the strongest approach to build the research team’s understanding of community perceptions towards access to oral health care, refugee health workers’ identified barriers to equitable care, and providers’ attitudes towards treating the refugee and Medicaid population. Community partners are key in shaping study recruitment, determining which interview questions will be most salient, and creating an effective intervention from the results. This partnership plans to create two collaborative interventions: a process map to help refugees better navigate establishing care with local providers and “oral care cards” in the top three refugee languages (Arabic, Farsi/Dhari, and Swahili) to be distributed through dental providers in the area.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/uresposters/1356/thumbnail.jp

Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fishery Level 2 Ecological Risk Assessment [Target & Byproduct Species]

The Queensland Ecological Risk Assessment Guideline (the Guideline) was released in March 2018 as part of the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027. This Guideline provides an overview of strategy being employed to develop Ecological Risk Assessments (ERAs) for Queensland’s fisheries. The Guideline describes a four-stage framework consisting of a Scoping Study; a Level 1, whole of fishery qualitative assessment; a Level 2, species-specific semi-quantitative or low-data quantitative assessment and; a Level 3 quantitative assessment (if applicable). A Scoping Study and Level 1 ERA for the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fishery was released in December 2019 (Jacobsen et al., 2019). The Level 1 assessment identified ecological components at higher risk from net fishing activities, and these were progressed to a Level 2 assessment. Level 2 ERAs are focused at the species level with risk evaluations based on a Productivity & Susceptibility Analysis (PSA). The PSA evaluates risk for each species through an assessment of seven biological attributes and up to seven fisheries-specific attributes. Based on the outputs of the Level 1 ERA and following a species prioritisation process, the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fishery Level 2 ERA assessed risk for 15 target & byproduct species: eight teleosts and seven sharks. All target & byproduct species were found to be at medium to high risk from net fishing activities. The risk profiles for sharks were heavily influenced by the biological attributes (productivity); particularly those relating to their longevity and reproductive outputs. The Level 2 ERA made a list of recommendations to assist in the management and mitigation of risk in the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fishery. A number of these measures are already being discussed and considered as part of the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027 and will be progressed through the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fishery Working Group

Impacting Agriculture and Natural Resource Policy: County Commissioners’ Decision-Making Behaviors and Communication Preferences

Elected officials at the local, state, and national levels play key roles in shaping the agriculture and natural resources (ANR) sectors through the development and implementation of ANR policies and regulations. As such, it has become necessary for members of the ANR community to understand the policy formation process and how to communicate effectively with elected officials about ANR policies and issues. However, little research has been conducted at the local level to examine how local elected officials (LEOs) interact with information specific to ANR policies to make decisions. This study was designed to assess the communication and information-seeking preferences and behaviors of LEOs that impact their decisions about ANR issues and policies. Of the sources of communication considered by LEOs when making ANR policy decisions, respondents in this study identified communication from farmers and ranchers as having the highest impact on their decision-making. This finding supports the use of farmers and ranchers as opinion leaders in impacting ANR policies. LEOs in this study also reported they would seek factual information from multiple sources to understand the positive or negative impact of the ANR policy before voting on the ANR issue

Temporal Trends in Cardiovascular Hospital Discharges Following a Mass Chlorine Exposure Event in Graniteville, South Carolina

Background: On January 6, 2005, a train derailed in Graniteville, South Carolina, releasing nearly 60,000 kg of toxic chlorine gas. The disaster left nine people dead and was responsible for hundreds of hospitalizations and outpatient visits in the subsequent weeks. While chlorine gas primarily affects the respiratory tract, a growing body of evidence suggests that acute exposure may also cause vascular injury and cardiac toxicity. Here, we describe the incidence of cardiovascular hospitalizations among residents of the zip codes most affected by the chlorine gas plume, and compare the incidence of cardiovascular discharges in the years leading up to the event (2000–2004) to the incidence in the years following the event (2005–2014). Methods: De-identified hospital discharge information was collected from the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office for individuals residing in the selected zip codes for the years 2000 to 2014. A quasi-experimental study design was utilized with a population-level interrupted time series model to examine hospital discharge rates for Graniteville-area residents for three cardiovascular diagnoses: hypertension (HTN), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and coronary heart disease (CHD). We used linear regression with autoregressive error correction to compare slopes for pre- and post-spill time periods. Data from the 2000 and 2010 censuses were used to calculate rates and to provide information on potential demographic shifts over the course of the study. Results: A significant increase in hypertension-related hospital discharge rates was observed for the years following the Graniteville chlorine spill (slope 8.2, p \u3c 0.001). Concurrent changes to CHD and AMI hospital discharge rates were in the opposite direction (slopes −3.2 and −0.3, p \u3c 0.01 and 0.14, respectively). Importantly, the observed trend cannot be attributed to an aging population. Conclusions: An unusual increase in hypertension-related hospital discharge rates in the area affected by the Graniteville chlorine spill contrasts with national and state-level trends. A number of factors related to the spill may be contributing the observation: disaster-induced hypertension, healthcare services access issues, and, possibly, chlorine-induced susceptibility to vascular pathologies. Due to the limitations of our data, we cannot determine whether the individuals who visited the hospital were the ones exposed to chlorine gas, however, the finding warrants additional research. Future studies are needed to determine the etiology of the increase and whether individuals exposed to chlorine are at a heightened risk for hypertensive heart disease

Statewide Recreational Fishing Survey 2013–14

This report summarises the key results from the 2013–14 Statewide Recreational Fishing Survey. It includes detailed information on how many Queenslanders fished recreationally and what they caught. Information on fishing participation rates, boat ownership and fishing and diving club membership is also presented. In the 12 months prior to September 2013, an estimated 642 000 Queenslanders went recreational fishing in Queensland, representing 15% of the Queensland population aged 5 years or more. This makes recreational fishing one of the most popular leisure activities in Queensland. Resident recreational fishers caught a diverse range of teleosts (bony fishes) and elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays). Yellowfin bream was the most commonly caught fish, with an estimated1 156 000 caught. Whiting were the next most commonly caught fish, with an estimated 1 090 000 sand whiting complex and 679 000 trumpeter whiting caught. Flathead also formed a considerable part of the total catch, with approximately 412 000 fish caught, of which 85% were dusky flathead (352 000 fish)