Enhancing the understanding of the value provided to fisheries by man-made aquatic structures

Man-made aquatic structures support a range of demersal and pelagic fishes which are targeted by recreational and commercial fishers. However, many of these structures are part of other industry operations (e.g. oil and gas) and may be removed on decommissioning unless risks and impacts are minimised and there are clear environmental, social and economic benefits to their retention. This project will develop conceptual models describing the ecological, economic and social value of these man-made structures to recreational and commercial fishers and other stakeholders. In addition, it will develop a decision support framework for undertaking socio-economic evaluations which can be used throughout Australia and guide end users on how to develop models reflecting their information needs. It will use an analysis of four man-made aquatic structures in the marine environment as a means of comparing the costs and benefits of different models.