Title

Impact of changes in net fishery operations on dugong recovery

Objective

1. To evaluate the effectiveness of changed fishery practices as a tool for dugong recovery.
2. To establish what further changes may be required to eliminate adverse impacts on dugong populations.

Relevance

A plethora of measures to aid dugong recovery have been introduced by regulation and through industry codes of conduct. The effectiveness of these measures needs to be evaluated as a matter of urgency. There are concerns on the one hand that the measures are unnecessarily restrictive (commercial fishers) and on the other hand that they are not effective (conservation groups). The results of this evaluation will enable management action to be taken if necessary which will enhance the success of the dugong recovery plan.

Feasibility

Queensland Fishing & Boating Patrol (QB&FP) has special tasking responsibilities in the dugong recovery plan, including field assessment of the level of non-compliance. The Queensland Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries (QDPI&F) and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) are currently involved in a research investigation into the effects of net fishing on coastal biodiversity and bycatch. An observer program and bycatch recording logbook program are components of this joint study. The proposed project would integrate with QB&FP and QDPI/AIMS programs, and would extend the observer program in particular, to deliver cost-effective monitoring of fisher operations in both DPAs and elsewhere. It must be emphasised that for the project to succeed the goodwill and full cooperation of commercial fishers are essential. Therefore the fishing industry must be involved at all stages and must have a real ownership of the outcomes. (Note: This proposal has been vetted by the Queensland Commercial Fishing Organisation and has received their support).

Methodology

1. Evaluation of effects of changes to netting practices.

Year 1

• Bycatch log issued to fishers
• Observer program for catch verification
• Enforcement monitoring to determine compliance levels
• Historical dugong catch data obtained to establish baseline prior to the introduction of DPAs.

Year 2

Interactions with netting operations can give a good indication of the effectiveness of

the DPAs and gear changes required in the dugong recovery plan. This can be assessed

from the logbook and observer records and validated where possible using physical counts of dugongs in selected areas where netting is carried out.

1. Identification of continuing at-risk practices.

Year 1

Incidence of dugong capture and interactions with netting operations would be identified by

habitat, location and net type. Detailed case by case analysis undertaken to identify

problems and possible solutions to incidental capture.

Year 2

Improved practices will be assessed and further modification recommended if required.

Cost

$110 000

2 x Salary for fishery observers.

Travel, allowances and operating for observers.

Note: Costs associated with QB&FP monitoring program are not included.

Time

Two years