WA and SA share trawl experiences through FRDC knowledge exchange trip
WAFIC teamed up with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) to help support three key Shark Bay fisheries including prawn, scallop, and blue crab. The program saw two Industry representatives from the Spencer Gulf Prawn Trawl Fishery visit Perth to share their knowledge, expertise, and experiences with the Shark Bay licence holders.
The knowledge exchange trip included presentations with Shark Bay licence holders and fisheries managers, and detailed conversations on flexible management, real-time reporting and mitigation plans for the algal bloom in the Spencer Gulf.
Commercial fishers and DPIRD Fisheries managers attended the review workshop to better understand new ways to:
- Simplify management arrangements,
- Increase flexibility and reduce governance,
- Improve environmental outcomes,
- Improve science and data,
- Standardise regulations of trawl and trap gear, and
- Maximising the value of the resource
The collaboration was a fantastic opportunity for the Spencer Gulf Fishery to present information on the methods and management changes that have transitioned them to be a flexible, science-based, co-managed prawn fishery at the forefront of fisheries management in Australia.
The Spencer Gulf Prawn Fishery is a leading example in Australia when it comes to co-management and innovation. This insight should hopefully encourage Shark Bay licence holders to explore all options to reshape and improve their dynamic multi-species fishery.
The meetings have been recognised as a success with additional activities confirmed to follow, along with reciprocal visits, ongoing engagement and knowledge sharing.
WAFIC’s senior Fisheries Policy and Strategy officer, Felix Ameye said the exchange was a great example of why sharing knowledge to support and improve other fisheries around Australia is so important.
“I hope this serves as a template for future engagements with other fisheries,” he said.