3.2.3 Management Strategies for line fishing

Description

This project explored the effects of managing recreational fishing in the Ningaloo Marine Park. The project used simulation techniques known as Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) to explore the effectiveness of current management arrangements, and the consequences of a range of alternative management actions, and alternative future scenarios, on the management of a major recreational target species on Ningaloo Reef, spangled emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus). The results of the scenarios were examined against the objectives set out by management and other stakeholders in the park

Aims

• Investigate the applicability and benefits of implementing a management strategy evaluation approach to support performance assessment and adaptive management. The applicability and benefits of the management strategy approach were investigated, and the results of various management strategies were compared against management objectives developed with stakeholders.
• Assess the impact of existing management strategies on key target fish species and biodiversity

Methods

• Population dynamics modelling
• ELFSim

Outcomes

The results showed that current management arrangements perform adequately against the range of ecological and social objectives. However, for other management actions, the results showed the inherent trade-off that exists between the ecological objectives and the social objectives.

Reports

Boschetti F, de la Tour A, Fulton, E., Little LR. 2010. Interactive modelling for natural resource management. Environmental Modelling & Software 25, 1075-1085. doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2010.02.009

Little R, Thebaud O, Fulton B. 2014. Evaluation of management strategies in Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia. International Journal of Sustainable Society (IJSSOC), Vol. 6, No. 1/2, 2014 DOI:10.1504/IJSSOC.2014.057892