Social assessment is an area of fisheries management that has received little attention and has been identified as a priority by the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture (SCFA). Assessing social impacts can inform the choice between management options that have similar resource and economic outcomes, but which may have significantly different social impacts. Additionally, understanding the social implications of fisheries management decisions or policy approaches may enable co-ordinated government approaches that eases transitions associated with any structural adjustment processes in the industry.

The project will produce a Handbook that will enable all Australian fisheries to finalise their SCFA assessment process using an approach to social assessment that is consistent with the issues and values articulated in Section 6 “Impacts of the Fishery on Community Wellbeing” and Section 7 “Impacts of the Fishery on National socio-economic benefits”. The Handbook will provide a social assessment framework and guidance on methods/approaches for each stage of a social assessment that will assist practitioners to develop skills and confidence to undertake or commission assessments. Use of the Handbook will also facilitate increased awareness of potential social impacts and improve the planning and management of social impacts, amongst fisheries managers. This project includes a case study to trial the Handbook and will provide an illustration of the application of social assessment principles and practices.

The Handbook will be useful to both fisheries managers, to facilitate resource use decisions, and to the industry through providing a further basis for discussion and negotiation around resource use and access.