Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia
Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA): Research LibraryNot a member yet
10920 research outputs found
Sort by
Workshop on recreational fisheries in stock assessments (WKRFSA)
No full textICES Technical Report Contributors (Editors)
Martina Scanu; Zachary Radford
Contributors (Authors)
David Curtis; Didzis Ustups; Eneko Bachiller; Estanis Mugerza; Gwladys Lambert; Hans Jakob Olesen; Ioannis Thasitis; Ivo Sics; Jonnathan White; Karina Ryan; Kieran Hyder; Kjell Nedreaas; Lennert van de Pol; Lucia Zarauz; Manos Koutrakis; Marie Storr-Paulsen; Martina Scanu; Matthew Farthing; Nicola Walker; Paul Bouch; Pia Schuchert; Sean Tracy; Simon Weltersbach; Sophy Phillips; Zachary Radford.
Executive summary
The Workshop on Recreational Fisheries in Stock Assessments (WKRFSA) aimed to establish a process for integrating recreational fisheries (RF) data into stock assessments. The workshop addressed three questions: identifying obstacles to RF inclusion, creating a decision tree for RF data inclusion and reconstruction, and establishing criteria based on data quality and catch quantity. It had three sections: assessing where RF data fits in the assessment cycle, schematizing RF data reconstruction, and discussing blockers to RF inclusion. To prioritize stocks for RF data inclusion, a productivity-susceptibility analysis (PSA) by the WGRFS is ongoing. This PSA will provide a list of species within each ecoregion where RF could impact stock sustainability levels. When a risk is identified for a stock, RF data should be included in the data-call process for consideration in the benchmark. Key blockers to RF inclusion were categorized into data issues, communication challenges, and resourcing problems. Data issues focused on quality, quantity, and consistency of the RF data. A need for better communication about RF data availability was outlined. Resourcing challenges included knowledge gaps within ICES stock roles, communication of RF-specific advice, and capacity needs for improved inclusion methods. A flowchart-based framework for integrating RF data into the stock assessment process was developed, addressing survey errors, different catch levels, and reconstructing commonly missing RF data under different scenarios. Acknowledging data limitations, the framework proposed capturing RF exploitation levels in the assessment model or as a statement in the advice only. The workshop addressed several of the blockers to inclusion of RF data into the assessment/advice cycle through identifying avenues for improved RF communication, devising methods within the framework for handling data quality, quantity, and consistency issues. However, the workshop was not able to resolve all the issues identified. Five key tasks for future development to resolve further blockers emerged: ICES supporting both stock assessment and RF communities to enhance capacity, considering a dedicated RF data coordinator role for each stock, improving communication between WGRFS and assessment WGs, compiling a priority list of species through PSA analysis, and ACOM providing standardized guidance for RF-specific advice
Augusta-Margaret River, Shire of - BEN sign map - 1 of 1
No full textBeach Emergency Number (BEN) Signage Installation Map – Shire of Augusta-Margaret Riverhttps://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/gis_bens/1021/thumbnail.jp
Gingin, Shire of - North BEN sign map – 1 of 2
No full textBeach Emergency Number (BEN) Signage Installation Map – Shire of Gingin - Northhttps://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/gis_bens/1030/thumbnail.jp
Accounting for post-release mortality in data-limited, length-based assessments for four demersal fish species with varying life histories
No full textReleased (or discarded) fish from recreational and commercial line fisheries can experience significant levels of post-release mortality (PRM), affecting sustainability. Although PRM effects are often considered in data-rich (integrated model) assessments, this is uncommon in data-limited assessments. This study investigates impacts of PRM when applying data-limited, length-based assessment methods for four reef-dwelling demersal fish species in temperate Western Australia (Glaucosoma hebraicum, Chrysophrys auratus, Choerodon rubescens and Epinephelides armatus). These species differ considerably in their biology and susceptibility to PRM. For each species simulations were undertaken to (1) evaluate the reliability of a length-based catch curve (LBCC) method for estimating fishing mortality (F) and selectivity parameters, and (2) predict the impacts of different PRM levels on values of relative biomass, i.e. ratios of fished to unfished equilibrium spawning biomass (Brel), estimated using a length-based equilibrium analysis (LBEA). LBEA extends length-based per-recruit analysis to incorporate a stock-recruitment relationship as well as allow for PRM. On average, estimates of F and selectivity parameters from LBCC for each species were unbiased when applied to simulated data. Precision decreased, however, when LBCC was fitted to data simulated with recruitment variation. For a given F, increased PRM levels reduced Brel for all species, with the extent of impacts varying depending on species biology. LBCC was then applied to two actual datasets, firstly to lengths for all fish that had either been retained or released during historical recreational fishing trips (to estimate gear selectivity), and secondly to length data for retained fish from recent charter fishing (to estimate F and selectivity of landings). The resultant estimates were then used in LBEA to estimate Brel with and without accounting for PRM. Relative impacts of PRM varied among species depending on their biology and size limits. While PRM was predicted to have limited impact on Brel for C. rubescens (as fish are not fully selected by the gear until they attain a relatively large size), accounting for PRM resulted in estimates of Brel (at their current estimated F levels) being reduced by 31 % for G. hebraicum, 36 % for C. auratus and 23 % for E. armatus. It is recommended that, where evidence of PRM exists for a species, this be accounted for in data-limited assessments
Skeleton Weed Program 2023-24: Annual report to Grain Growers
No full textSkeleton weed is a major pest of grain crops and can significantly reduce grain crop yields by competing for moisture and nutrients (mainly nitrogen), due to its deep perennial root system. Skeleton weed is a declared plant in WA under section 22 of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act (2007) and is assigned to control category 2 (Eradication) for the whole of the State, except in the Narembeen and Yilgarn Shires, where it is category 3 (Management)
Evaluation of the impact of heat stress at flowering on spikelet fertility and grain quality in barley
No full textAgainst the backdrop of a warming climate, heat stress has become one of the most limiting factors to crop productivity and food security worldwide. The flowering stage is susceptible to high temperatures in cereal crops, leading to severe grain yield losses by decreasing fertility and seed-setting rate. Our objective was to (1) assess a global panel of 572 barley varieties with contrasting genetic backgrounds for various agronomic traits related to spikelet fertility and grain quality, (2) identify barley germplasm with superior spikelet fertility and seed set under extreme heat conditions, and (3) understand the relationship between spikelet fertility and grain quality traits under heat stress at flowering time. Delayed sowing in target field environments as well as combined birdcage and heat chamber experiments were conducted in Western Australia for two consecutive years. Twenty-one agronomic traits, including spikelet fertility, grain plumpness, thousand-kernel weight, and screenings, were assessed when heat stress occurred during the crucial flowering period. Our study showed that varieties that flowered during heat stress periods recorded an average of 5–20 % lower spikelet fertility than those flowered outside the stress windows. Varieties with high or reduced spikelet fertility under heat stress were identified in the barley panel and showed significant differences of more than 80 % in Australian varieties. Based on decreased spikelet fertility, several research lines, but only a few cultivars, maintain spikelet fertility after heat stress compared to control conditions, providing evidence of adaptation to high temperatures in some genotypes. Our study shows that spikelet fertility at high temperatures is a valuable screening tool for heat tolerance during the reproductive phase. Information on heat-tolerant and susceptible varieties can improve the spikelet fertility of the next generation of barley cultivars and enhance adaptation to a changing climate
Exmouth, Shire of - BEN sign map – 1 of 1
No full textBeach Emergency Number (BEN) Signage Installation Map - Shire of Exmouthhttps://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/gis_bens/1057/thumbnail.jp
Subsoil testing required to detect the rundown of soil potassium to deficient levels for wheat production on loam-textured soils
No full textContext
Long-term negative potassium (K) balances in crop production have depleted soil K levels in Western Australia (WA). Previous research has focussed on sand-textured soils, but recently, monitoring of crops grown on loam-textured soils has shown deficient or marginal shoot K concentrations where Colwell K 0–10 cm is above current critical levels.
Aims
The aims were to examine whether grain yield responses to fertiliser K can be detected on loam-textured soils and if soil test calibration curves can be identified for these soils.
Methods
Eight field trials were conducted with wheat on loam-textured soils. The same experimental design was used at all sites; six levels of K applied at sowing, from 0 to 200 kg K ha−1 with one treatment including a split application. Soil and plant test calibration curves were modelled using measurements from the trials.
Key results
Grain yield responses of 0.69 to 1.37 t ha−1 to fertiliser K (P \u3c 0.05) occurred in 4 of 8 trials. Relative yield was closely related to soil exchangeable K and the goodness of fit of the soil test calibration curves increased as the depth of sampling increased. The best soil test calibration curve was for sampling 0–40 cm.
Conclusions
This research confirms that on some loam-textured soils, yield loss is occurring to K deficiency if no K fertiliser is applied. Implications. As soil K reserves are run down, soil sampling at 0–40 cm on loam-textured soils will provide the most accurate monitoring of soil K deficiency for wheat production
Sclerotinia management for narrowleaf lupin crops in Western Australian farming systems DAW2104-002RTX: Project results summary for 2021-2023 research results
No full textExtensive research has been conducted in 2021-2023 to expand our understanding of the distribution of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum incidence in lupin in WA, the infection process, yield and grain quality impacts, and management strategies. The research was conducted via commercial crop surveys, and experiments in the field, lab, controlled environment and glass houses by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and collaborators Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM), Mingenew Irwin Group (MIG), and lupin growers
Water lettuce and its control
No full textWater lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) is a declared pest in Western Australia (WA). This factsheet describes the nature of the plant with links to requirements landowners/occupiers must adhere to and pest control methods