Fisheries bycatch reduction and utilisation
This project was aimed at realising economic returns from reducing discards waste in the Great Australian Bight Trawl Sector (GABTS) of the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF). Fisheries bycatch reduction and utilisation is an important topic in the western world in both policy and research developments. At an international level, the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries directs management agencies and fisheries to reduce discards through development and implementation of technologies and operational methods, including reducing post-harvest losses and waste and improving the use of by-catch to the extent that this is consistent with responsible fisheries management practices.
This project examined the causes and possible solutions to the bycatch problem through an economic analysis of fish species caught and discarded by fishers who operate in the Great Australian Bight Trawl Sector.
Based on logbook and observer data different potential catch scenarios for target species and bycatch species catches were determined. Interviews with the industry helped establish the supply chain (logistics) and fishery specific implications (costs) of landing bycatch species. Modelling showed that with modest price increases for discarded species, there can be considerable economic and environmental benefits from fully using these edible fish that are now discarded. If all of the edible fish caught was kept and sold, the profitability of fishing would improve and the reduction in discards would benefit sustainability. Consumers would also benefit from being able to purchase other edible fish species and change from always eating the same fish in the same ways.
Schematic of the difference in gross and net profit for the Great Australian Bight Trawl Sector if bycatch species were retained (from van Putten et al., 2019)
Outcomes
This study helped to highlight the issue of bycatch to policy makers. It developed a bio-economic model together with new knowledge on options for bycatch.
Key success factors
- Purposeful communication with stakeholders about complex concepts
- Flexibility and adaptability of the research methodology
- Productive collaboration within the project team
Key contacts
More information
van Putten, I., M. Koopman, A. Fleming, A. J. Hobday, I. Knuckey and S. Zhou (2019). Fresh eyes on an old issue: Demand-side barriers to a discard problem. Fisheries Research 209: 14-23.