What’s Happening with the Crabs? A Conversation with the Peel-Harvey Estuary Commercial Fishing Industry and Science Community

Following on from our very successful first forum in 2023, we held a follow up Industry Forum for the Mandurah Licensed Fishermen’s Association in October 2024. We heard from scientists who have a theory or two about blue swimmer crabs.

We held the first Industry Forum at the request of the fishing industry, who were concerned about the state of the estuary. Fishing industry operators are out there on the water nearly every day, and they’ve been working the same patches sustainably for decades so they have hands-on knowledge. The first forum was a great success, bringing together the licensed fishing operators including Damien Bell from Bell Buoy seafoods, and the Watts family who operate Wattsie’s Place in Herron, with scientists from the WA Government and universities as well as local government representatives. Great discussion was had and all participants agreed this should be an annual event. So we did it again this year!

We heard updates from scientists at the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), and Murdoch University as well as the City of Mandurah. Presenters told us about dredging and sand bypassing, water quality monitoring, field research planned for seagrass and sediments, and the current state of finfish and crab stocks.

We talked about the Marine Stewardship Certification for the Peel-Harvey Estuary. Did you know that it is the only fishery in the world that is certified sustainable for both the commercial and recreational sector? More about the MSC process here: http://peel-harvey-crab-stories.msc.org/

We heard about interesting new research into the mineral composition of blue swimmer crab carapace (shell) – this helps to identify whether there are genetic connections between populations of crabs, eg between the Swan-Canning, Cockburn Sound, and Peel-Harvey systems.

We also heard about new research being done by PhD candidate Ben Roots at Murdoch University. At our 2023 forum, fishing industry operators shared their real life experiences with the crab harvest in the Harvey Estuary: they were seeing small crabs, with thin and cracking shells, and poor body condition. They were catching the same crabs over and over, and the crabs were not growing. The fishers also told us that in summer, they had to cook the crabs in fresh water because if they added salt to the cooking water like they have done for years, the crabs were inedible.

Dr James Tweedley developed a hypothesis:

Decreased rainfall, river flow and infilling of parts of the Harvey estuary with sediment have reduced freshwater input and reduced tidal exchange with the ocean. Both of these cause salinity to rise.
Crabs living in the Harvey Estuary will drink seawater but have to excrete the salt. The higher the salinity the more energy the crabs need to use to remove salt.
This increased energy means the crabs need to eat more. However, at the same time, their food source is also using more energy to survive too and so has less nutrients/energy.

Once again, feedback from all participants was positive so we’ll do it again next year.

This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by PHCC, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

K4	IDENTIFY AND CAPITALISE ON MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
The Peel-Harvey has competitive advantages that should enable market opportunities to be capitalized on, including its close proximity to an international airport, emerging support facilities, comparatively affordable land as metropolitan areas become more urbanized, and its natural capital including a very productive area of the Wheatbelt. Capitalising on these opportunities will assist in employment and the social issues being experienced as a result of high unemployment. The Peel-Harvey is well placed to capitalize on market opportunities and land managers need support to identify and match production to markets, promoting the Region’s clean, green production by implementing sustainable practices that protect and restore the Region’s natural capital.
K4.1	Undertake Analysis of competitive markets for sustainable production
K4.1.1	Support grower groups and similar to identify competitive advantages and provide support to match land managers to markets
K4.1.2	Prepare and communicate an analysis of strengths, assets and potential new markets
K4.1.3	Identify and facilitate network opportunities to improve local knowledge and opportunities
K4.1.4	Identify constraints and areas for development and advocate to remove identified barriers
K4.2	Provide community access to, and awareness of new technologies and information
K4.2.1	Share new technologies and information, including local successes and peer to peer learning
K4.2.2	Support next generation farming, including education and career development

K3	LAND MANAGERS TO USE BEST KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNOLOGY
Land managers use a wealth of knowledge and experience to inform the way they manage their paddock, patch or park. They may need support to access new information that has become available through research and field trials. Strategies to achieve this goal aim at information sharing between landholders, through field days, extension support, and field-based research trials.
K3.1	Relevant information/knowledge is provided to land managers
K3.1.1	Develop targeted land management extension programs responding to community needs
K3.1.2	Support and assist land managers to access relevant and contemporary information
K3.1.3	Develop, promote and support implementation of best practice management for NRM
K3.2	Use science to inform land manager programs
K3.2.1	Implement targeted extension programs to support NRM for productive environments
K3.2.2	Support relevant research trials and promote findings to land managers
K3.2.3	Demonstrate economics benefits of productivity improvements, to influence greater uptake

K2	INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
NRM practices must continue to evolve and adapt to the best available information. To enable this adaptive management and continuous improvement to occur, information must be collected for monitoring and evaluation purposes, science should be used to address knowledge gaps and innovation must be encouraged. The strategies to address this goal cover each of these aspects as well as incorporating the knowledge of Aboriginal people to improve the effectiveness of NRM activities.
K2.1	Maintain effective information collection, storage and analysis processes
K2.1.1	Establish and maintain an effective information collection and storage process
K2.2	Use scientific methods to develop, inform and improve natural resource management programs
K2.2.1	Assist in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of NRM activities
K2.2.2	Help educate and support land holders to improve decision making
K2.3	Incorporate Aboriginal knowledge to improve natural resource management
K2.3.1	Collaboratively document and use Aboriginal knowledge/practice in NRM programs
K2.4	Encourage Innovation in natural resource management programs
K2.4.1	Identify, assess and facilitate sharing of new techniques, particularly for agriculture and restoration
K2.4.2	Communicate and support innovation in NRM and agricultural programs and Practices

K1	INFLUENCE DECISION MAKING FOR BETTER NRM
Decision makers in government and the private sector need access to the best available research findings and information to ensure that land is managed wisely. New development and land uses should not create new NRM challenges for the future but provide for new opportunities for good stewards of the environment. A number of landmark strategies and activities will achieve this goal including the preparation of regular State of the Region reports, implementation of the Science Strategy for the Estuary (and pending Strategy for the Catchment) and establishing the first stages of a Peel Waterways Institute.
K1.1	Science is undertaken to address current and emerging environmental, economic and production issues
K1.1.1	Establish and implement a Science Program for the Peel-Harvey
K1.1.2	Prepare and implement contemporary Science Strategy’s for the Peel-Harvey
K1.1.3	Collaborate with stakeholders to target and enable priority research
K1.2	Communicate State of the Catchment and relevant science to decision makers/community
K1.2.1	Prepare and communicate a State of the Catchment Report Card/s (every 2 years)
K1.2.2	Communicate science and knowledge relevant to health of the catchment
K1.3	Establish a Peel Waterways Institute / Waterways Centre of Excellence
K1.3.1	Establish first stages of a Peel Waterways Institute to support collaborative research
K1.3.2	Advocate for a National Centre for Waterways Excellence in the Peel-Harvey

K1	INFLUENCE DECISION MAKING FOR BETTER NRM
Decision makers in government and the private sector need access to the best available research findings and information to ensure that land is managed wisely. New development and land uses should not create new NRM challenges for the future but provide for new opportunities for good stewards of the environment. A number of landmark strategies and activities will achieve this goal including the preparation of regular State of the Region reports, implementation of the Science Strategy for the Estuary (and pending Strategy for the Catchment) and establishing the first stages of a Peel Waterways Institute.
K1.1	Science is undertaken to address current and emerging environmental, economic and production issues
K1.1.1	Establish and implement a Science Program for the Peel-Harvey
K1.1.2	Prepare and implement contemporary Science Strategy’s for the Peel-Harvey
K1.1.3	Collaborate with stakeholders to target and enable priority research
K1.2	Communicate State of the Catchment and relevant science to decision makers/community
K1.2.1	Prepare and communicate a State of the Catchment Report Card/s (every 2 years)
K1.2.2	Communicate science and knowledge relevant to health of the catchment
K1.3	Establish a Peel Waterways Institute / Waterways Centre of Excellence
K1.3.1	Establish first stages of a Peel Waterways Institute to support collaborative research
K1.3.2	Advocate for a National Centre for Waterways Excellence in the Peel-Harvey
K2	INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
NRM practices must continue to evolve and adapt to the best available information. To enable this adaptive management and continuous improvement to occur, information must be collected for monitoring and evaluation purposes, science should be used to address knowledge gaps and innovation must be encouraged. The strategies to address this goal cover each of these aspects as well as incorporating the knowledge of Aboriginal people to improve the effectiveness of NRM activities.
K2.1	Maintain effective information collection, storage and analysis processes
K2.1.1	Establish and maintain an effective information collection and storage process
K2.2	Use scientific methods to develop, inform and improve natural resource management programs
K2.2.1	Assist in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of NRM activities
K2.2.2	Help educate and support land holders to improve decision making
K2.3	Incorporate Aboriginal knowledge to improve natural resource management
K2.3.1	Collaboratively document and use Aboriginal knowledge/practice in NRM programs
K2.4	Encourage Innovation in natural resource management programs
K2.4.1	Identify, assess and facilitate sharing of new techniques, particularly for agriculture and restoration
K2.4.2	Communicate and support innovation in NRM and agricultural programs and Practices
K3	LAND MANAGERS TO USE BEST KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNOLOGY
Land managers use a wealth of knowledge and experience to inform the way they manage their paddock, patch or park. They may need support to access new information that has become available through research and field trials. Strategies to achieve this goal aim at information sharing between landholders, through field days, extension support, and field-based research trials.
K3.1	Relevant information/knowledge is provided to land managers
K3.1.1	Develop targeted land management extension programs responding to community needs
K3.1.2	Support and assist land managers to access relevant and contemporary information
K3.1.3	Develop, promote and support implementation of best practice management for NRM
K3.2	Use science to inform land manager programs
K3.2.1	Implement targeted extension programs to support NRM for productive environments
K3.2.2	Support relevant research trials and promote findings to land managers
K3.2.3	Demonstrate economics benefits of productivity improvements, to influence greater uptake
K4	IDENTIFY AND CAPITALISE ON MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
The Peel-Harvey has competitive advantages that should enable market opportunities to be capitalized on, including its close proximity to an international airport, emerging support facilities, comparatively affordable land as metropolitan areas become more urbanized, and its natural capital including a very productive area of the Wheatbelt. Capitalising on these opportunities will assist in employment and the social issues being experienced as a result of high unemployment. The Peel-Harvey is well placed to capitalize on market opportunities and land managers need support to identify and match production to markets, promoting the Region’s clean, green production by implementing sustainable practices that protect and restore the Region’s natural capital.
K4.1	Undertake Analysis of competitive markets for sustainable production
K4.1.1	Support grower groups and similar to identify competitive advantages and provide support to match land managers to markets
K4.1.2	Prepare and communicate an analysis of strengths, assets and potential new markets
K4.1.3	Identify and facilitate network opportunities to improve local knowledge and opportunities
K4.1.4	Identify constraints and areas for development and advocate to remove identified barriers
K4.2	Provide community access to, and awareness of new technologies and information
K4.2.1	Share new technologies and information, including local successes and peer to peer learning
K4.2.2	Support next generation farming, including education and career development

B5	WATER RESOURCES ARE MANAGED AND USED WISELY
Water resources are essential to life. They shape our wetlands, waterways and biodiversity and influence the type and location of agricultural production. Water resources include both surface waters and groundwater, and the aquifer systems that link them both. Most of the forested areas of the Forest and Scarp Subsystem are proclaimed water supply catchments (Land Assessment, 2005). Water resources are managed under a regime which recognises both public and private use values as well as environmental water requirements. The strategies to achieve this goal support water allocation planning and other activities to ensure the wise use of resources for protection of ecosystems in the long term. These strategies complement the Department of Water’s role in water allocation planning.
B5.1	Support water allocation planning and management for wise use
B5.1.1	Undertake a water audit across the catchment to assist in water management in the long term
B5.1.2	Encourage adequate environment water allocations in and for all priority systems
B5.1.3	Support measuring and assessment of water supply systems, for environment and agriculture
B5.1.4	Support the development of water storage facilities for fire management
B5.2	Support land managers to manage water resources—for multiple benefits
B5.2.1	Support resource and land managers to assess and implement water capture, harvesting and storage facilities
B5.2.2	Support resource users to implement water efficiencies
B5.2.3	Support adaptive management systems to respond to reduced rainfall

B4	BIODIVERSITY IS CONSERVED
Biodiversity is the term used to describe the natural diversity of life. This diversity exists at the ecosystem, species and genetic levels. The Region is recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot because of its mega-diverse and unique biodiversity and the level of threat this biodiversity is under. Biodiversity is most effectively and efficiently conserved by protecting natural areas, these being areas of bushland, forest, woodland, waterway, wetland, dune, rock outcrop, foreshore and any other area in a near-nature state. The Region is home to many globally significant natural areas, notable examples being Dryandra Woodland, our Northern Jarrah forest, and the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar System. The strategies to achieve this goal are focused on protecting priority natural areas, managing and reducing threats to biodiversity assets, and restoring ecological linkages between significant natural areas. Assisting local governments to implement local biodiversity strategies will be one of a number of ways of achieving this goal.
B4.1	Protect priority terrestrial and aquatic natural areas
B4.1.1	Influence land-use planning to afford protection to priority natural areas
B4.1.2	Undertake assessments of biodiversity status
B4.1.3	Assist land managers to protect priority terrestrial natural areas
B4.1.4	Assist land managers to protect priority aquatic natural areas
B4.1.5	Assist land managers to improve biodiversity through regenerative agricultural practices
B4.1.6	Incorporate knowledge of impacts of changing weather patterns into biodiversity programs
B4.2	Manage and reduce threats
B4.2.1	Identify, monitor and communicate threats and threatening processes
B4.2.2	Implement and support threat reduction activities in priority areas, including managing feral animals, weeds and disease, fire, extreme events and drought
B4.2.3	Implement and support management and response planning for extreme natural events
B4.3	Restore ecological linkages
B4.3.1	Facilitate and/or support collaborative landscape scale restoration for multiple benefits
B4.3.2	Encourage restoration processes being identified and embedded into the land-use planning system

B3	COASTAL AND NEARSHORE AREAS AND PROCESSES ARE RESILIENT AND VALUED
Coastal foreshores, beaches and near-shore areas have significant social, ecological and economic values. They support commercial and recreational fisheries, protect coastal residential areas and provide a diversity of habitat for flora and fauna. A key aspect of coastal management in the Region is the network of community groups, local governments and state agencies that manage coastal foreshores and maintain public access to beaches and nearshore waterways. Strategies to achieve this goal are aimed at supporting the groups and organisations who are undertaking coastal area and near-shore management.
B3.1	Protect foreshores for their ecological and recreational values
B3.1.1	Encourage/support foreshore management that enables natural process and resilience to a changing climate
B3.1.2	Support the community to value and manage coastal areas
B3.1.3	Support recreational uses consistent with environmental protection
B3.2	Protect near-shore habitats for productivity and biodiversity
B3.2.1	Support actions/activities to protect near-shore habitats for ecological, recreational and commercial productivity

B2	SOILS ARE HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE
Soils and landforms are the fundamental resources which shape wetlands and waterways, biodiversity and land use, especially agriculture. Agricultural production in the Catchment is worth $469.974 million per annum (source 2021 REMPLAN) and relies directly on the health and conservation of soil resources. Soils should be managed as a living resource with consideration to soil acidity, dryland salinity, prevention of erosion and discharge of sediment. Biosecurity is an issue of significant concern to the community and is included under this goal given its impact on soils, productivity and biodiversity. Issues such as water repellence and compaction of soils may also be having an impact on farm productivity levels, although the impact on productivity is not clearly understood. Healthy soils will reduce the loss of topsoil to waterways and the impact of sediment on rivers and the Estuary. Strategies under this goal aim to assist farmers and land managers to better understand their local soils, make informed decisions on soil management practices, and support biosecurity programs. Farmers own and manage over 50% of the Region, making their increased participation in NRM essential.
B2.1	Understand soil characteristics and risks
B2.1.1	Support land managers to undertake and understand risk/soil mapping at a local level
B2.1.2	Support and share research and information that improves our collective understanding of soil characteristics and their productive potential
B2.1.3	Support land managers to understand the consequences over use of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides
B2.2	Support land managers to match land uses and management practices to soil type and land capability
B2.2.1	Support adaptive land management practices in vulnerable areas
B2.2.2	Maintain priority areas for agricultural production (while protecting valuable environmental assets)
B2.3	Support land managers to implement sound soil management practices and use suitable land productively
B2.3.1	Encourage and support farming methods to enhance soil and soil resilience
B2.3.2	Encourage use of soil amendments for multiple benefits
B2.3.3	Support ‘whole of farm’ planning to better meet social, economic and environmental objectives
B2.4	Support biosecurity practices
B2.4.1	Support, preparation and implementation of biosecurity program/s for multiple benefits
B2.4.2	Raise awareness and educate community on local, priority biosecurity issues and provide support for management
B2.5	Influence legislation and policy
B2.1.1	Influence and support decision makers in developing policy and legislation for the protection of priority agricultural land
B2.1.2	Influence and support decision makers in developing policy and legislation for the protection of priority environmental assets
B2.1.3	Advocate for and support streamlining of planning regulation and licensing for sustainable agricultural practices

B1	WETLANDS AND WATERWAYS ARE HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE
Wetlands and waterways have a special place, with all major townsites and communities living in proximity to a local waterway or wetland. Major waterway assets include the Hotham, Williams, Murray, Serpentine, North and South Dandalup and Harvey rivers. Major wetland assets include the Peel-Harvey Estuarine System and the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar System. Key threats include poorly planned development, changing hydroperiods, reduced flow, eutrophication, ASS and MBO. Strategies to achieve this goal are designed to support coordinated management of the Estuary and Ramsar System, implement management actions to improve waterway and wetland condition, and protect groundwater quality and flows into wetlands and waterways.
B1.1	Support the establishment and operations of coordinated governance frameworks for the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar System
B1.1.1	Work with key stakeholders to establish and operate a coordinated framework for the Peel-Harvey Estuarine System
B1.1.2	Continue to work with key stakeholders to operate a coordinated framework for the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar System, including but not limited to the Ramsar and subsidiary TAG’s
B1.2	Improve the condition of wetlands and watercourses
B1.2.1	Prepare and implement action plans to restore the natural function of wetlands and watercourses
B1.2.2	Prepare and implement action plans to manage drains for multiple benefits, including water availability to assist with impacts of reduced rainfall and drying climate
B1.2.3	Manage issues such as erosion, sediment, nutrients and monosulphidic black ooze to improve/protect condition of wetlands and watercourses
B1.3	Protect wetlands and watercourses
B1.3.1	Influence land-use planning to afford protection to wetland and watercourse values
B1.3.2	Encourage implementation of management plans and ongoing maintenance in accordance with planning conditions and/or best management practice
B1.4	Protect groundwater quality and quantity as hydrological inputs to wetlands and watercourses
B1.4.1	Ensure environmental water provisions are adequate for maintenance or improvement of ecosystem health
B1.4.2	Ensure groundwater monitoring is sufficient to measure and assess environmental water provision adequacy and to influence regulatory change, where required

P1	EFFECTIVE NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
This goal encompasses the full spectrum of strategies to achieve effective NRM in the Region. This includes operating an effective regional NRM organisation, maintaining and implementing an NRM Strategy, coordinating activities between organisations and across the Catchment, and monitoring and evaluating the condition of natural resources.
P1.1	Operate an effective regional body
P1.1.1	Establish a responsive business model that builds resilience for a sustainable future
P1.1.2	Develop and implement workforce plan/s to address the objectives of the NRM Strategy
P1.1.3	Ensure on-going skills development of the Board and staff
P1.1.4	Prepare, maintain and review an NRM Strategy for the Peel-Harvey
P1.1.5	Facilitate prioritisation, investment and capacity to implement the NRM Strategy for the Peel-Harvey
P1.1.6	Share knowledge with and between key stakeholders
P1.2	Communicate, educate, raise awareness and encourage participation in NRM
P1.2.1	Develop and implement communication, engagement and participation plans, embracing new technologies and responding to the diversity of community and sectors across the catchment
P1.2.2	Promote, celebrate and encourage participation in NRM
P2	RESOURCE MANAGERS ARE SUPPORTED TO IMPROVE NATURAL ASSETS AND PRODUCTIVITY
Direct and practical support is required by land managers to effectively implement sound land management practices. Experience has shown this is most effectively delivered through landcare centres and professional NRM staff, with collaborative support across all sectors.
P2.1	Establish appropriate support structures across the Region
P2.1.1	Support and extend existing NRM groups, providers, stakeholders and educators
P2.1.2	Support and facilitate establishment of additional community support structures (e.g. grower and community groups)
P2.1.3	Support land managers through targeted skills and training programs
P2.1.4	Support NRM education facilities and school development programs
P2.2	Provide mechanisms for adaptive management
P2.2.1	Assist in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of NRM activities
P2.2.2	Help educate and support land holders to improve decision making
P2.2.3	Support sustainable and productive business development
P2.2.4	Facilitate resource sharing across networks
P2.2.5	Promote and educate new technology and processes
P3	CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUES ARE EMBEDDED ACROSS NRM ACTIVITIES
Protection of our Aboriginal and European Heritage sites is crucial. Aboriginal people have both a cultural and intellectual connection to places which enhance NRM and enrich our community. Most major rivers and wetlands in the Region are of cultural significance to Aboriginal people, and are often also of social and recreational significance to the wider community. Various strategies to increase communication with, and involvement of, Aboriginal people in NRM are included under this goal.
P3.1	Foster communication and leadership with and between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal resource managers
P3.1.1	Implement protocols for communicating with Aboriginal groups and communities
P3.1.2	Promote information on traditional ecological values and land management practices
P3.1.3	Support partnerships with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities and groups to plan and actively participate in NRM
P3.2	Develop joint management opportunities for Aboriginal involvement
P3.2.1	Continue to work with Aboriginal people to determine their ongoing aspirations for involvement in NRM
P3.2.2	Explore and facilitate collaborative opportunities for training, employment and procurement across NRM activities
P3.3	Recognise and acknowledge European heritage and social links to natural resources
P3.3.1	Cultivate ties to sense of place
P4	OUR COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDS, VALUES AND RESPECTS THE REGION’S NATURAL RESOURCES
The natural environment maintains a sense of place for people and there is a strong desire to strengthen the connection between people and their local environment. Strategies under this goal aim to increase people’s connection with the natural environment, support sustainable recreational use of natural areas and support a skilled landcare and volunteer base.
P4.1	Increase awareness, knowledge and understanding of natural assets
P4.1.1	Support local, national and international communities to design and implement communication, participation and marketing plans highlighting the Regions natural assets
P4.1.2	Develop, implement and support education and participation programs
P4.2	Engage community in activities that raise the awareness of a connection with natural assets and values
P4.2.1	Promote volunteer opportunities
P4.3	Sustainable recreational use of natural resources
P4.3.1	Promote awareness of nature based recreational opportunities provided by a healthy environment
P4.3.3	Raise appreciation of need to protect the natural environment to enable recreational activities
P4.4	Foster a philanthropic culture in support on the natural environment
P4.4.1	Support mechanisms to attract philanthropic contributions towards NRM

What’s Happening with the Crabs? A Conversation with the Peel-Harvey Estuary Commercial Fishing Industry and Science Community

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