Peter Teakle Sustainable Fishing Research Grant

Now seeking expressions of interest for sustainable fishing research at Lizard Island in 2013.

A Black Marlin off the Great Barrier Reef
Julian Pepperell © Julian Pepperell

Background

The Peter Teakle Sustainable Fishing Research Grant is named in recognition of the funding provided by the Teakle Foundation. Peter Teakle is a businessman and recreational fisherman who is concerned about declining fisheries stocks and who wants to promote sustainable recreational fishing practices. The Teakle Foundation is also a major supporter of the Lizard Island Reef Research Foundation’s initiative to raise a capital fund for maintaining and operating the Lizard Island Research Station. Peter Teakle is the inaugural Life Member of the LIRRF in recognition of his generosity and support.

Research

Expressions of Interest are invited for research projects that will contribute to the sustainable recreational line fishing of tropical marine fish. Research topics might include but are not limited to the following:

Test current or develop new technologies to eliminate or minimize damage to fish stocks and the environment (e.g. improved hook technology, biodegradable fishing line).
Develop or evaluate new catch and release methodologies aimed at increasing the survival of fishes returned to the water.
Evaluate the effectiveness of methodologies for assessing the abundance of fisheries stocks or develop new techniques.
Improve our understanding of life history strategies for target species.
Evaluate likely population dynamics of target species under climate variability.

Note: Proposals investigating sustainable fishing practices or analysing existing tag data for black marlin (Makaira indica), are encouraged.

Eligibility

Applicants must demonstrate training and experience to undertake the proposed study to a standard that will lead to publication of the results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Value

Proposals for funding in the range of $5,000 to AU$30,000 will be considered.
10% GST will be added to the grant amount if the successful applicant can provide a compliant Australian tax invoice.
There might be scope for subsequent funding depending on the nature of the proposal and on progress made during the first year.

Conditions

If the successful applicant is employed at an institution that routinely manages research grants, the grant will be paid in a single instalment. If the successful applicant does not have such institutional backing, other arrangements for payment will be negotiated.
Field work must commence between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2014 and the initial grant amount must be fully spent before April 2015.
The grant is intended to contribute towards the costs involved in conducting field work at the Lizard Island Research Station. Salary, food and equipment (other than research consumables) are not covered.
Expenditure of the grant is restricted to: bench fees at Lizard Island Research Station for researchers and assistants at the current applicable rates; economy class travel between the recipient’s home institution and Lizard Island; additional research expenses incurred at Lizard Island which may include freight charges between Cairns to Lizard Island, communications, use of a larger boat for work at reefs away from the Lizard Island group, research consumables etc.
The successful researcher is required to make an oral presentation about the research during a field trip at Lizard Island and to provide at least one post for the Lizard Island blog.
A report outlining progress of the project in its first year must be submitted by 30 April 2014. The report must include details of grant expenditure. If the grant has not been fully spent in the first year, a final report must be submitted by 30 April 2015.
Publications arising from the research must provide appropriate recognition of the Peter Teakle Sustainable Fishing Research Grant and the facilities provided by the Australian Museum's Lizard Island Research Station.

Note: Additional in-kind support such as access to marlin fishing grounds, tagging equipment and assistance is potentially available to projects conducting research on black marlin. Projects needing in-kind support must clearly state the level of support required in the Expression of Interest.

Expressions of Interest

In no more than two pages (A4, Times Roman 12 point font):

Outline the proposed research
Indicate the level of involvement of the applicant(s), colleagues and students
Indicate any synergies with ongoing projects and any other funding that may be brought to the project
Name the institution that would administer the grant, if any

In no more that two additional pages:

List any references cited in the research proposal
Provide a budget that includes the estimated costs of travel and bench fees at Lizard Island Research Station (see web site for costs) as well as other items to arrive at the grant total being requested.

A CV of the applicant(s) must accompany the Expression of Interest.

Submit applications to lizard@austmus.gov.au

Relevant dates

5 November 2012	Closing date for Expressions of Interest
31 January 2013	Offer made to successful applicant
1 April 2013	Funds available

Late applications and those in which page allowances are exceeded will not be considered. Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by return e-mail. If you do not receive acknowledgement within three working days after sending your application, please contact the Research Station.

Contact

Dr Lyle Vail and Dr Anne Hoggett, Directors
Lizard Island Research Station
PMB 37 CAIRNS QLD 4871
AUSTRALIA
Phone: + 61 7 4060-3977