Publication Date

3-2002

Series Number

134

Publisher

Department of Fisheries

City

Perth, Western Australia

ISBN

0 7309 8469 9

ISSN

1035 - 4549

Abstract

These proceedings form the second of two public documents resulting from the project “Towards an assessment of the natural and human use impacts on the marine environment” funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (project no. 2000/166). Volume 1, a summary of existing information and assessment of current levels of human use, was presented at a Public Forum in Geraldton on July 11, 2001.

A two-day workshop was held immediately after the forum and was attended by invited representatives from professional fishing and recreational groups together with research and management experts. The issues identified in Volume 1, and those additional issues raised during the Public Forum, were addressed. The purpose of this report is twofold; firstly to document the proceedings to the workshop and, secondly, to present a strategic research and development plan to ensure a sound basis for the management of sustainable multiple use of the Abrolhos Islands resources.

A summary of the relevant legislation influencing the management of the Abrolhos Islands was presented to provide a context for the ensuing discussion. This was followed by a consideration of the natural impacts affecting the Abrolhos system. The third session dealt with human use impacts on the Abrolhos habitats. Strengths and weaknesses of the data contained in Volume 1 of this report were identified and the major issues, as they related to individual anthropogenic uses, were prioritised. The final session allowed for a summary of previous deliberations and the formulation of the strategic research and development plan.

The strategic plan lists research projects focussing on three main areas: Ecosystem Structure, Ecosystem Processes and Measurement and Monitoring of Impacts and Uses. A fourth area, Environmental Impact Assessments, was listed, but it was noted that projects under this heading were to be developed on an “as required” basis. Participants at the workshop indicated a need for the various projects to be undertaken based upon the issues raised. The time frame for these needs was agreed as immediate (within 1-2 years), intermediate (from 2-4 years) or distant (greater than 4 years).

The key priority identified during the workshop was the need to gain a greater understanding of the natural variability of the Abrolhos system, so that anthropogenic impacts can be understood properly. Baseline monitoring information from areas listed as sites for tourism development also was considered important.

Number of Pages

31

Keywords

Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development, Panulirus Cygnus, Western rock lobster, wetline fishing, Abrolhos Islands Management Advisory Committee

Disciplines

Aquaculture and Fisheries | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Marine Biology | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Sustainability

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