Ocean Watch Australia Limited

In seeking to achieve our vision of an Australian marine environment that is healthy, productive, valued and used in a responsible way, OceanWatch Australia's activities FY 2032024 were focused on two themes: Community and Industry. The following are examples of our FY 20232024 achievements, and include 10 new projects, 8 continuing projects, and 3 completed projects, which restored and protected from degradation the coastal and marine ecosystem on which the Australian seafood harvest depends. Industry: In FY 20232024 OceanWatch: Engaged with an estimated 2,879 seafood professionals (fishermen/farmers/processors). Assisted 1,272 fishing and farming entities through 161 meetings and workshops, presentations, and partnerships. Conducted 52 industry workshops and 35 industry marine cleanups. 51 training events to improve awareness and demonstration of responsible fishing/farming practices Community: In FY 20232024, OceanWatch: Attended 63 community meetings Presented at 23 conference/seminars. Participated in 65 field day activities Hosted 283 planning events. Through the 63 community meetings and 161 industry events and the 283 planning meetings attended, along with the use of social media platforms, and during the creation of the Marine NRM Plan, OceanWatch engaged with over 1,000,000+ coastal community members in FY 20232024. These community members were based throughout coastal Australia, and reached in person and via social media, and regional and national media networks demonstrating community support for the restoration and protection from degradation of the ecosystems on which the Australia seafood harvest depends. Advancements and Innovation in 20232024 include: In creation of the Glebe foreshore wetland, loose rock retaining wall was created without plastic based geotextile, but with natural fibres to contain a bench of saltmarsh. Use of wire fencing to exclude predators and reduce wave energy impacting on planted and naturally regenerating mangrove seedlings post bushfire in mangroves on the NSW South Coast. DA applied for and approved for a public good oyster reef on the NSW Hastings River. NSW Abalone Code of Practice created along with a training and promotion video. Queensland Master Fisherman Training Program created for the Inshore Net fishery. A back of boat ID guide for the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery created and distributed. Sub Sea Sonics ropeoncommand gear adapted for Tasmania Southern Rock Lobster pots. Trialling of two novel ropeon command/ropeless fishing systems. Identified th5ree novel gear technologies to adapt/trial for Australian setgear fisheries. Continued support from funders for OceanWatch programs were displayed through $1,072,157 of grant funding in FY20232024, which contributed to the protection and restored the ecosystems on which the seafood harvest depend and providing continued access to sustainable seafood harvest for Australian communities.