The marine heat waves (MHW) of 2010/11, 2011/12 and 2012/13 provide a benchmark with which to investigate changes in habitat composition and potential flow on effects to the fishery.

A 2018 independent review of the science used for stock assessment of the fishery recommended that studies should be undertaken to

a) investigate the impacts of the previous MHW on juvenile recruitment to the fishery and,

b) to better understand the role of habitat composition in recruitment

To understand the impact of habitat change on the fishery, either through warming events or changes in coastal processes, we need an increased understanding of the role of habitat on the survivorship and growth of puerulus, post-puerulus, juvenile and adult life stages of lobster.

In the 40 year time-series of puerulus settlement index a very strong relationship has persisted between puerulus abundance and commercial lobster catches 3 - 4 years larter (de lestang et al., 2010). An undersize catch rate index, based on historical (1985 - present) catch-rate records, evidenced the existence of a strong correlation between puerulus and undersize catch rate (de Lestang pers. com.). However, two-four years after the MHW of 2010/11, this relationship degraded, with the observed catch rate of lobsters being far less than expected at northern locations of the fishery. Although the relationship has now started to return to its historical form, the severity and longevity of its departure are cause for concern and highlight the marked impact future MHW or changes in coastal processes could have on the fishery.

Change in the extent and configurations of coastal habitats is already occurring in response to natural physical forcing (coastal processes) and accelerated by climate change related stressors. It is crucial to have a detailed knowledge of how habitat change affects survival and recruitment key life-stages of the western rock lobster, so these can be taken into consideration for management practices that ensure the sustainability of the fishery. Such information is currently lacking.

Following decades of habitat degradation, significant progress has recently been made in the science underpinning fishery habitat repair. Recent legislation has highlighted the importance of ecological restoration via key initiatives (e.g. NSW Marine Estate Management Act, Coastal Management Act and Biodiversity Offset reforms). This has resulted in funds for works becoming more readily available [e.g. recreational fishing grants; natural infrastructure grants]. There is an immediate need to maximise return on available investment while it is a Government priority – to ensure that repair works are cost-effective, achieve their objectives, and maximise benefits to all the community, recreational and commercial fisheries and biodiversity.

NESP II research in the Clarence River estuary has demonstrated the substantial economic returns to prawn catches from repairing intertidal habitats. Increases to School Prawn productivity associated with a scenario reinstating tidal connectivity with 27 ha of saltmarsh channels may contribute to AUD141,100 in economic benefits per year (Taylor and Creighton 2018). This foundational research demonstrated the benefits to prawns as an indicator of all ecological benefits including other target species.

An integrated whole-of-estuary case study which prioritises repair on net benefit to the estuary to ensure high ecological and economic cost-benefit for all commercial species has not been completed. This project is the first phase of such a study and is located in the Clarence, the largest NSW estuary with the largest commercial inshore fishery. Lake Wooloweyah is an ideal location due to the high community interest, the multiple opportunities for enhancing productivity and with multiple benefit streams across biodiversity, flood management, agriculture, fisheries and overall community benefit. The results from this study will have relevance to all of Australia's developed coastal assets, especially SW Western Australia, the Lower Murray, the major waterways and lakes of Victoria, the NSW coastline and the Qld coast.

The Tasmanian salmon farming industry has undergone exceptional production and profitability gains in its short history and has ambitious targets for the future. A report commissioned in 2015 indicated an annual Industry gross output of $1.12 billion and the direct employment of almost 2800 full time positions. Projecting forward, the Industry is confident of turning over $2 billion by 2030, with clear implications for continued jobs growth and economic impacts within Tasmania. To achieve this, and to strengthen linkages with Government, the Tasmanian community and myriad stakeholders, ongoing proactive and reactive research is vital. This point is particularly salient given the present need to diversify the research portfolio to address potential constraints to industry growth. For example, spatial limitations on the expansion of grow-out operations in sheltered waters have resulted in new research and development approaches to investigate and trial offshore farming operations. Expanding the scope of the research and development program in such a manner is replete with complexities requiring significant input and coordination by the TSGA.

The portfolio of research funded between the FRDC and TSGA is significant, with around $4m of combined funding available each year – an amount steadily growing as Industry GVP grows. There is a need for both the FRDC and TSGA to have the capacity to actively manage this research portfolio, understand the current and future opportunities requiring research, development and extension (RD&E), and to communicate outputs to all stakeholders. Previously, these tasks were largely undertaken by the former TSGA CEO and, at times consultants were hired on an ad hoc basis. Given industry expansion however, there is a pressing need for a permanent role dedicated to addressing and coordinating the management needs of a RD&E portfolio that is growing in size, scope and complexity.