Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia
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Resource Assessment Report No. 1: Mid-West Scallop Resource 2024 Assessment
No full textThe Mid-West Scallop Resource (Resource) is only accessed by the Abrolhos Islands Mid-West Trawl Managed Fishery (AIMWTMF). The AIMWTMF is the second largest scallop fishery in Western Australia. Access is limited to the 10 licences granted to access the Resource, which are managed through a range of, gear controls, catch rates and seasonal closures. They access saucer scallops, Ylistrum balloti (formerly Amusium balloti) using otter trawls fished over predominantly sand. The fishery was certified by the Marine Stewardship Council in 2021, with the fishery entering re-certification in 2026.
In 2024, 95.7 t meat weight (478.5 t whole weight) of saucer scallops was retained, with no retention of other species reported. This highly targeted nature of the fishery is consistent with historical fishing practices, with minimal other species retained. The Resource was valued at ~ $4.3 million and was accessed by four commercial vessels in 2024.
Saucer Scallops
There was a notable decline in fishery-independent indices in 2024, with both approaching their respective limit reference point. Volatility in stock abundance is not uncommon or unexpected for such a fecund, short-lived species. This is particularly the case for scallops which are susceptible to shifts in environmental conditions. The stock of saucer scallops in the Mid-West coast is classified as Sustainable-Adequate, as the index is above the limit reference point. However, based on the risk-matrix (C4 × L3) the risk to this stock is assessed as Severe.
Ecological Components
An updated ecological assessment of the Resource indicated that all components (retained catch, bycatch, ETPs, habitat and ecosystem effects) were low or negligible risk. The basis for most assignment of risk was from an Ecological Risk Assessment conducted in 2019 (Stoklosa 2019 in DPIRD 2020b), augmented with updated data
Sheep production, profitability and greenhouse gas emission of mixed farming systems in Western Australia\u27s Wheatbelt
No full textThe south-western agricultural area of Western Australia is a vital contributor to Australia\u27s agricultural output. It generates over 8 billion in export value over the same period. Mixed farming systems characterise the region, producing broadacre crops (primarily wheat, barley, and canola) and livestock. The region\u27s livestock industry is dominated by sheep production for meat and wool, and the state’s share of the national sheep flock in 2020–21 was at 18%.
This report provides a comprehensive review and industry analysis of sheep production in WA, its economic significance, and associated greenhouse gas emissions. It examines the unique characteristics of WA\u27s mixed farming systems, their key economic and environmental drivers, and the innovative practices that underpin the sector\u27s productivity and profitability in a changing climat
Wanneroo, City of - South BEN sign map - 2 of 2
No full textBeach Emergency Number (BEN) Signage Installation Map – City of Wanneroo (south)https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/gis_bens/1018/thumbnail.jp
An economic analysis of cell-fencing in semi-arid rangelands
No full textIn Australia, livestock predation by dingoes (Canis familiaris) has contributed to what some livestock producers consider a dire situation for rangeland pastoralism, driving demand for cooperative regional-scale exclusion (‘cell’) fencing (i.e. pest-proof fences that encompass one or more individual properties) and landscape-scale predator control. The present case study predicted the effect of four cell-fences in the state of Western Australia (WA) on the gross margin of sheep (for meat or meat and wool) and cattle pastoral enterprises. We modelled the potential effects of the following four key variables: (1) four levels of commodity prices, (2) five levels of livestock weaning rate (based on livestock records collected 1985–1995; weaning rate is defined as number of lambs or calves that are born and survive to weaning, expressed as percentage of total mated females), (3) three predicted levels of time required to remove dingoes from within the fenced area, and (4) five levels of macropod (mainly kangaroo) response as competitive grazers, with a total of 3600 scenarios representing all combinations of these factors. Each scenario was assessed for profitability (i.e. net present value (NPV) over 25 years) and benefit of fencing (i.e. NPV compared with an unfenced enterprise of the same livestock type, region, and commodity prices). Finally, the benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of investment in cell fencing was calculated for each fenced scenario. The majority (67%) of scenarios representing continuation of current management (i.e. no cell fencing) returned a negative NPV (i.e. livestock enterprises were projected to make a loss). However, only 37.4% of cell-fenced scenarios returned a positive NPV, meaning that even with a cell-fence and successful removal of dingoes, the enterprise was still unlikely to be profitable. Only 43.4% of cell-fenced scenarios returned a BCR of cell fencing greater than one. Weaning rate following dingo removal was the most important factor determining return on investment for cell-fencing. Survival and reproduction of small livestock, particularly wool sheep, benefit most from cell-fencing, whereas cell-fencing and dingo removal did not result in greater profits for cattle enterprises. Running sheep for wool and meat within cell fencing coupled with removal of dingoes would maximise the likelihood of achieving a positive return on investment in cell fencing (although the enterprise may remain unprofitable overall); otherwise, unfenced enterprises affected by dingoes should run cattle as this will be more profitable
Marine heatwave conditions in Western Australia marine waters - 20 February 2025
No full textMarine heatwave (MHW) conditions across all Bioregions of Western Australia have eased over the last two weeks. MHW status no longer applies to the majority of the North Coast and West Coast Bioregions. MHW conditions in the Gascoyne and South Coast Bioregion have eased to Category 1 - Moderate
West Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource recovery support package: 2023-24 report
No full textThe West Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource (WCDSR) includes over 100 species in inshore (20–250 m deep) and offshore ( \u3e 250 m) demersal habitats of the West Coast Bioregion. These species are caught by charter, commercial and recreational fishers.
The WCDSR is in recovery and managed under a 20-year recovery plan (2010–2030). DPIRD tracks recovery progress through scientific stock assessments of the indicator species (snapper, WA dhufish, and baldchin groper) every 3 years.
The 2021 WCDSR stock assessment showed limited recovery and additional management action was required.
In December 2022, the Minister for Fisheries announced commercial and recreational (including charter) sector management packages and a $10 million recovery package to support recovery
Managing predators on livestock producing properties in South Africa and Western Australia – producer perspectives
No full textContext Predation impacts livestock farming enterprises worldwide. In South Africa and Western Australia, native and non-native predators negatively impact sheep and cattle farming enterprises. Aims We hoped to compare the perspectives on predator impacts of livestock producers in relation to livestock predation in South Africa and Western Australia. Methods Online and in-person surveys consisting of 26 questions were posed to farmers and pastoralists in both countries. The questions related to land ownership, property size, livestock management, predation impact (financial and livestock losses), control of predators, and other impacts on productivity. Key results Livestock production properties are of a similar size and stocking rate in both countries, but Western Australia has some very large stations. Predation impacts on livestock production are felt in both countries, with South Africa having a larger array of predators, resulting in higher financial impacts. Despite control tools being similar in both countries, deployment of the tools differed. Conclusions Losses to predators are higher in South Africa as their predator management is localised and reactive to predation, whereas Western Australia has a proactive landscape-scale approach to predator control through Recognised Biosecurity Groups. Implications Predators impact farming enterprises in both countries, but the number of predators and the use of available control methods influence the level of impact the predators have on the productivity of farms in both Western Australia and South Africa
Consultation summary for proposed Declared Pest Rates 2025/2026
No full textUnder the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) the State raises a Declared Pest Rate (DPR) from land or leaseholders (hereafter landholders) in prescribed areas (DPR Areas) and matches the funds raised from the rate dollar-for-dollar.
The combined funds are made available to Recognised Biosecurity Groups (RBGs) who provide support to landholders to fulfil their obligations under the BAM Act to manage widespread and established declared pests on their land. A community-led and coordinated approach is considered the most effective way to support landholders to manage these types of pests.
Each year, the Minister for Agriculture and Food consults with affected landholders on the proposed DPR, as required in the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (Declared Pest Account) Regulations 2020 (the DPA Regulations).
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) undertakes the consultation on the Minister’s behalf, and uses it to gauge landholder perception on the proposed DPR
Lethal and sublethal effects of cotton expressing single and pyramided proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
No full textThe susceptibility to proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can vary among lepidopteran pest species. While Bollgard 3 cotton (BG3) effectively controls the primary pest Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) in Australia, its effectiveness against other pests, such as Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) and Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is unknown. This laboratory study assessed the survival and development of H. armigera, S. litura, and S. frugiperda larvae when fed foliage from a non-transgenic cotton variety (CC) and 3 transgenic cotton varieties: Bollgard (BG1) expressing Cry1Ac, Bollgard II (BG2) expressing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab, and Bollgard 3 (BG3) expressing Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab, and Vip3A. Pyramided Bt cotton had greater negative effects on survival and development of all species compared with CC or BG1. The proportion of H. armigera that eclosed as adults was very low when larvae fed on BG2 or BG3 compared with BG1. Eclosion rates of S. litura and S. frugiperda on BG3 were much lower compared with BG2 and BG1. This study demonstrates that BG3 has greater efficacy against a wider lepidopteran pest complex compared with previous Bt cotton products. Despite efficacy in the laboratory, S. litura larvae are reported to be surviving in BG3 fields, suggesting other factors are influencing field efficacy. As BG3 production expands across tropical northern Australia, preserving the susceptibility of S. litura and S. frugiperda to BG3 proteins is crucial. This study identifies the need for further research on field survival and resistance management strategies for secondary pest species
Resource Assessment Report No. 5: West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean Resource 2024 assessment
No full textThe West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean resource consists of crystal crab (snow) (Chaceon albus), champagne crab (spiny) (Hypothalassia acerba) and giant crab (Pseudocarcinus gigas). The resource is mainly accessed by the commercial West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean Managed Fishery (WCDSCMF), which primarily targets crystal crabs. The West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery (WCRLMF) also retains a small amount of champagne crabs as byproduct of deep-water rock lobster fishing. The WCDSCMF is a pot-based fishery using baited pots operated in a long-line formation in shelf edge waters ( \u3e 150 m in depth) off the West Coast and Gascoyne Bioregions (see How et al. 2015). The fishery is primarily managed using a Total Allowable Catch (TAC). In 2016 and 2020, the WCDSCMF achieved Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, confirming the sustainable management of the fishery. In 2024, 121.9 t of crystal crab, 0.83 t of giant crab, and 0.94 t of champagne crab was landed form this resource, generating approximately $6.9 million in GVP.
This document provides the 2025 research advice (based on data up to and including the 2024 fishing season) on the stock status and risk to sustainability of the West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean Resource, as well as advice for the TAC settings of crystal crabs, champagne crabs, and giant crabs in the West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean Managed Fishery