Maintaining productivity and access to Estuary Cockle across sectors through improved science-based decision making

The project "Maintaining productivity and access to Estuary Cockle across sectors through improved science-based decision making" brings several benefits to the management of the resource. By addressing the knowledge gap and improving understanding of fisheries biology, stock structure, population dynamics, and cross-sectoral harvest levels, the project enables more reliable stock assessments and recommended biological catches. This leads to improved management decisions, including the establishment of appropriate harvest levels and the development of effective management strategies. Additionally, the project takes into account environmental variability and species-habitat-fishery interactions, providing insights into their impact on stock dynamics and biomass. By integrating various data and information, the project facilitates an Ecological Risk Assessment framework, guiding future management priorities, compliance measures, and communication strategies. Overall, the project supports the sustainable and efficient exploitation of Estuary Cockle, while ensuring access across sectors and meeting market demands.