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Steven Rust

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Steven Rust

Marine Resource Economist

Room 302 , IMAS Taroona

03 6226 8254 (phone)

Steven.Rust@utas.edu.au

Dr Steven Rust is a Marine Resource Economist with the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. His research is focused on applied resource economics, particularly in relation to the management of wild-catch fisheries and mariculture.

Biography

Steven currently works as a marine resource economist with the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania. He completed his PhD at the University of Tasmania in 2015, then worked with the Queensland Government as a resource economist for projects aimed at reducing the impacts from agricultural activities on the marine environment. His thesis is in fisheries economics and applies bio-economic modelling and data envelopment analysis to understand the link between excess capacity and competitive harvesting in commercial fisheries.

Career summary

Qualifications

  • PhD - University of Tasmania: Excess capacity and the race to fish: the role of capital malleability, environmental variation and quota management (Awarded in 2016)
  • B.Ec (First Class Hons) - University of Tasmania: A Contingent Valuation of Recreational Fishing in Tasmania (Awarded 2009)

Memberships

Professional practice

Economics Society of Australia

Teaching

Marine Resource Economics; Bio-economic modelling, Cost-benefit analysis

Teaching expertise

  • JFA213/KSM607 Marine Resource Economics (Lecturer)
  • BEA200 Intermediate Microeconomics (Casual Tutor)
  • BEA674 Data and Business Decision Making (Casual Tutor)
  • BEA140 Quantitative Methods (Casual Tutor)
  • BEA111 Principles of Economics (Casual Tutor)

Teaching responsibility

View more on Dr Steven Rust in WARP

Expertise

  • Regional economic modelling
  • Bio-economic modelling
  • Analysis of production systems
  • ITQ systems
  • Cost-benefit analysis
  • Applied non-market valuation
  • Econometrics

Research Themes

Steven’s research aligns to the University’s research theme of Marine, Antarctic and Maritime. His research includes the contribution of fishing industries in regional economies, the economics of ITQ systems, and the understanding of fishing behaviours.

Fields of Research

  • Fisheries management (300505)
  • Environment and resource economics (380105)
  • Aquaculture (300501)
  • Agricultural economics (380101)
  • Human impacts of climate change and human adaptation (410103)
  • Fisheries sciences (300599)
  • Ecological impacts of climate change and ecological adaptation (410102)
  • Environmental sociology (441002)
  • Knowledge representation and reasoning (460206)
  • Public policy (440709)
  • Behavioural economics (380102)
  • Econometrics (380299)
  • Animal reproduction and breeding (300305)
  • Population ecology (310307)
  • Applied economics (380199)

Research Objectives

  • Other environmental management (189999)
  • Assessment and management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems (180201)
  • Fisheries - recreational marine (100302)
  • Aquaculture fin fish (excl. tuna) (100202)
  • Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in marine environments (180503)
  • Wild caught rock lobster (100307)
  • Aquaculture oysters (100204)
  • Wild caught fin fish (excl. tuna) (100305)
  • Wild caught edible molluscs (100304)
  • Assessment and management of terrestrial ecosystems (180601)
  • Fisheries - wild caught (100399)
  • Environmental protection frameworks (incl. economic incentives) (190205)
  • Fisheries - recreational freshwater (100301)
  • Microeconomics (150599)
  • Artificial intelligence (220403)
  • Rights to environmental and natural resources (excl. water allocation) (190208)
  • Fresh, ground and surface water systems and management (180399)
  • Coastal and estuarine systems and management (180299)
  • Wild caught crustaceans (excl. rock lobster and prawns) (100303)
  • Aquaculture molluscs (excl. oysters) (100203)

Publications

Rust, S, Silberberg, B, Turner, E, Sharp, B 2020. “Investigating the value of keeping options open for water infrastructure in the Lower Hunter, New South Wales,” Utilities Policy, Vol. 62, p.100980

Rust, S, Star, M 2017. “The cost effectiveness of remediating erosion gullies: a case study in the Fitzroy,” Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, Vol. 25, No. 2, pp. 233-247, doi: 10.1080/14486563.2017.1393465.

Rust, S, Yamazaki, S, Jennings, S, Emery, T, Gardner, C 2017. “Excess Capacity and Efficiency in the Quota Managed Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishery,” Marine Policy, Vol. 76, pp. 55‑62.

Rust, S, Law, A, Star, M 2017. “Variable rate nutrient application on sugarcane farms in the Mackay Whitsunday region,” Australian Journal of Farm Business Management, Vol. 14, Paper 1.

Rust, S, Jennings, S, Yamazaki, S 2015. “Excess capacity and capital malleability in the fishery with myopic expectations,” Marine Resource Economics, Vol. 31, pp. 63‑81.

Yamazaki, S,Rust, S, Jennings, S, Lyle, J, Frijlink, S 2013. “Valuing recreational fishing in Tasmania and assessment of response bias in contingent valuation,” The Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Vol. 57, pp. 193-213.

Total publications

9

Journal Article

(5 outputs)
YearCitationAltmetrics
2021Schrobback P, Rolfe J, Rust S, Ugalde S, 'Challenges and opportunities of aquaculture supply chains: case study of oysters in Australia', Ocean and Coastal Management, 215 Article 105966. ISSN 0964-5691 (2021) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105966 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 1

Co-authors: Ugalde S

Tweet

2020Rust S, Silberberg B, Turner E, Sharp B, 'Investigating the value of keeping options open for water infrastructure in the Lower Hunter, New South Wales', Utilities Policy, 62 Article 100980. ISSN 0957-1787 (2020) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2019.100980 [eCite] [Details]

Tweet

2017Rust SA, Yamazaki S, Jennings S, Emery T, Gardner C, 'Excess capacity and efficiency in the quota managed Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishery', Marine Policy, 76 pp. 55-62. ISSN 0308-597X (2017) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2016.11.020 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 10Web of Science - 9

Co-authors: Yamazaki S; Jennings S; Emery T; Gardner C

Tweet

2016Rust S, Jennings S, Yamazaki S, 'Excess Capacity and Capital Malleability in a Fishery with Myopic Expectations', Marine Resource Economics, 31, (1) pp. 63-81. ISSN 0738-1360 (2016) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1086/684079 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 7Web of Science - 7

Co-authors: Jennings S; Yamazaki S

Tweet

2013Yamazaki S, Rust S, Jennings SM, Lyle JM, Frijlink SD, 'Valuing recreational fishing in Tasmania and assessment of response bias in contingent valuation', Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 57, (2) pp. 193-213. ISSN 1467-8489 (2013) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8489.2012.00614.x [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 8Web of Science - 5

Co-authors: Yamazaki S; Jennings SM; Lyle JM; Frijlink SD

Tweet

Contract Report, Consultant's Report

(1 outputs)
YearCitationAltmetrics
2011Yamazaki S, Rust SA, Jennings SM, Lyle JM, Frijlink S, 'A contingent valuation of recreational fishing in Tasmania', DPIPWE Fishwise Fund, Hobart, Tasmania, IMAS Report (2011) [Contract Report]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Yamazaki S; Jennings SM; Lyle JM

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Other Public Output

(3 outputs)
YearCitationAltmetrics
2021Gardner C, Ogier EM, Rust SA, Hartmann K, Leon RI, 'IMAS Submission to the Senate Inquiry on ITQs', Australian Senate, Hobart, Tasmania, 11 March (2021) [Report Other]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Gardner C; Ogier EM; Hartmann K; Leon RI

2020Ogier E, Sen S, Jennings SM, Magnusson A, Smith DC, et al., 'Impacts of COVID-19 on the Australian Seafood Industry', Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra, January-June 2020, FRDC 2016-128 (2020) [Government or Industry Research]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Ogier E; Jennings SM; Smith DC

2020Tinch DR, Rust SA, Spanou E, Nichols RL, Grover I, et al., 'Report: Economics of under-exploited fisheries in the Southern Ocean and their potential contribution to global food security', University of Tasmania; CSIRO, Hobart, Tasmania, 21 August (2020) [Report of Restricted Access]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Tinch DR; Spanou E; Nichols RL; Grover I; Pecl GT; Ogier EM; Van Putten IE; Yamazaki S

Grants & Funding

Funding Summary

Number of grants

12

Total funding

$1,088,726

Projects

Endorsements review (2023)$51,011
Description
IMAS will provide a summary of existing information to support a review of non-transferable endorsements in the Scalefish Fishery. This will include information on recreational fishing activity, commercial fishing activity (endorsed activity and general scalefish activity), economic contributions, gear types and their impacts, stock status of target species, marine environment, and social, cultural, and economic values.
Funding
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania ($51,011)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Marshell AL; Krueck N; Rust SA; Spanou E; Lacharite M; Stark KE
Year
2023
Understanding flathead fishers to develop acceptable management options and maximise the effectiveness of stewardship initiatives (2022 - 2023)$67,734
Description
This project's purpose is to meet the knowledge gaps identified in relation to progressing the Recreational Fishing Strategy2021-2030. NR&E are requesting the research activities outlined in Schedule 2 of this agreement to support meeting the following actions in theRecreational Fishing Strategy 2021-2030: Flathead for the Future program - develop a sand flathead recovery plan and promote stewardship among fishers [Tasmanian Gov Status -Commenced: The Tasmanian Government has committed $250,000. Project planning is underway]. Improve the process for providing public fisheries management advice [Tas Gov Status - ongoing].Undertaking this work will build capacity for developing recreational fishing management strategies which are effective at harnessing fisher behaviourto meet both sustainability needs while optimising potential social and economic benefits.This project will involve the development of a fisher survey. To design the survey the project will review existing literature and available data on fisherpreferences and behaviour, including observations of fisher responses to changed availability of recreational opportunities.The project approach enables the future selection and design of effective social marketing approaches (e.g., from nudges through to full behaviourchange campaigns), along with the appropriate communication strategies for each segment to support the fisher actions identified to implementsustainable fisheries management.
Funding
Department of Natural Resources & Environment Tasmania ($67,734)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Rust SA; Tracey S; Stark KE; Spanou E; Graba-Landry AC
Period
2022 - 2023
Social-economic analysis of the Tasmanian Commercial Dive Fishery (2022 - 2023)$83,178
Description
The project will developing a comprehensive understanding of the contribution of the commercial dive industry to the Tasmanian economy, both at the State-wide and regional levels. This data will be important for industry and policy makers to target measures that enhance regional employment, and the viability of small business within Tasmania. This study will be conducted in collaboration with TCDA, and the relevant fisheries managers at NRE Tasmania.
Funding
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania ($83,178)
Scheme
Abalone Industry Reinvestment Fund
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Rust SA; Keane JP
Period
2022 - 2023
Developing the tools and articulating the value proposition for genomic selection in Pacific oyster selective breeding (2022 - 2023)$370,969
Description
Genomic selection is a new applied breeding technology that is being used in commercial animal and plant breeding programwith significant, and times large, economic benefits. However, there are no commercial applications in oyster breeding. Genomic selection requiressignificant increase in costs due to the need to genotyping large numbers of individuals, and there are technical and logistical challenges in applying thitechnology to oyster breeding. This project is a preliminary step intended to demonstrate an economic cost benefit, evaluate genotyping toolsmethodology development, proof of conceptfor phenotyping, thereby providing information to assist a decision aboutmoving thisto operational breeding
Funding
Fisheries Research & Development Corporation ($370,969)
Scheme
Grant
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Trotter AJ; Smith GG; Rust SA; Amin M; Maiti A; Kang BH; Garcia Lafuente JA
Period
2022 - 2023
Economic analysis for DST testing regimes (2021)$8,997
Description
Preparation of economic analysis for Diarrhetic Shellfish Toxin (DST) testing regimes to identify what contexts are likely to maximise the economic benefits of the proposed testing practices. This will involve:1.One to three scenarios using Tasmanian data, but which may be generalised to possible testing regimes for DST in other jurisdictions2.Each scenario will compares benefit (measured as avoided costs) to establishment costs and on-going costs for the potential testing regime (e.g. type of test, location of test, new testing infrastructure or equipment that is required for the regime/scenario)Non-market benefits, such as improved public health outcomes, will most likely be outside the scope of this work. As such, even if a testing regime does not satisfy our net benefit test under this analysis, it may still be desired from a societal perspective (i.e. if it's net costs are seen as worth it by the relevant policy makers for the avoidance of e.g. poisonings). Some text will be included in the report to communicate this.
Funding
University of Technology Sydney ($8,997)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Rust SA
Year
2021
Tasmanian salmonid farming socio-economic assessment (2021)$50,000
Description
IMAS has completed work on the socio-economics of the aquaculture industry in Tasmania,however, this work does not look at the salmon sector in isolation. The Economic and Social Assessment of TasmanianFisheries 2016/17 provides insight to economic factors relevant to wild fisheries and this approach can be extendedto aquaculture. This project is to provide a confidential advice note in relation to Tasmania's salmonid industry,specifically relating to: Macro scale socio-economics of the industry in Tasmania; Presence and extent of any economic rent; Discussion on model/s to collect a return to the community; Macro level effects of changes to fees or charges on the industry.Further details are listed in Schedule 2.
Funding
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania ($50,000)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Ogier EM; Rust SA
Year
2021
Impacts of COVID19 on the Australian Seafood Industry: Extending the assessment to prepare for uncertain futures (2021-042) (2021 - 2022)$159,564
Description
1 Complete assessment of impact of COVID-19 on Australia's commercial, recreational and charterfisheries and aquaculture sectors for the period July 2020 to June 20212 Determine what were effective responses and interventions using selected case studies to inform preparedness for future shocks3 Document all data streams and their source (organisation, private data, public domain data4 Develop guidelines for data production, governance and use when rapid situational assessments are required.5 Develop a framework for systematic risk assessment
Funding
Fisheries Research & Development Corporation ($159,564)
Scheme
Grant
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Ogier EM; Rust SA; Walsh PH
Period
2021 - 2022
Economics of under-exploited fisheries in the Southern Ocean and their potential contribution to global food security (2020)$77,146
Description
This project will develop a cost-benefit analysis framework for prospective or underexploited fisheries in the Southern Ocean in order to assess their potential contribution to global food security.
Funding
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources ($77,146)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Tinch DR; Ogier EM; Yamazaki S; Rust SA; Nichols RL; Spanou E; Pecl GT
Year
2020
(SMRCA Core) Economic assessment: Social and market dynamics of ITQ fisheries (2020)$1,000
Funding
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania ($1,000)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Rust SA
Year
2020
Economic analysis of proposed Deed of Agreement (2020 - 2021)$3,150
Description
Project to provide undertake an economic evaluation of a proposed deed of agreement for fishing quota in the TasmanianRock Lobster Fishery (TRLF). IMAS/UTAS involvement in this work will be to provide disaggregate cost profiles for the 2018/19 TRLF fishing fleet, basedon study information it maintains for all Tasmanian fisheries. The substantive modelling component to be undertaken by researchers from BDOAdvisory (SA) Pty Ltd, in accordance with their modelling expertise
Funding
BDO Advisory (SA) Pty Ltd ($3,150)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Rust SA
Period
2020 - 2021
Responding to unintended consequences - evaluating changes to fisheries under ITQ systems (2020 - 2021)$201,212
Description
Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs) and Individual Transferable Effort (ITE) have been introduced to a wide range of Australian fisheries (FRDC 2017-159). Since 1985, forty-six ITQ systems have been introduced for a range of species and can be found across all jurisdictions in Australia; six ITE systems have also been introduced and relate mostly to prawn trawl operations. Such systems allocate shares or portions of a total allowable catch (TAC), or total allowable effort (TAE), between fishers, vessels, communities or others with an interest in the fishery.Experience shows that ITQs as generally designed and implemented have not always fully delivered promised outcomes, have had outcomes that were unintended, and in some instances have resulted in outcomes that make it difficult for fisheries managers to deliver against other, in many cases non-economic objectives of fisheries management. In some instances these unintended consequences may also have been inappropriately attributed to the ITQ system, and may more be down to other drivers such as globalisation or changes in stock abundance.Building on industry and management's growing interest in improving ITQ-fishery outcomes (SRL Corporatisation Workshop, Melbourne Airport, October 2019) and on the findings of FRDC 2017-159: Retrospective assessment of ITQs, this work will aim to provide evidence-based advice to management and industry on options to address any performance gaps or unintended consequences, and the potential effects of any proposed interventions on the economic, social and environmental outcomes of the ITQ system as generally implemented in Australian fisheries. The scope of options will include industry-led private sector initiatives, as well as Government-led changes to management.Experience shows that ITQs as generally designed and implemented have not always fully delivered promised outcomes, have had outcomes that were unintended, and in some instances have resulted in outcomes that make it difficult for fisheries managers to deliver against other, in many cases non-economic objectives of fisheries management. In some instances these unintended consequences may also have been inappropriately attributed to the ITQ system, and may more be down to other drivers such as globalisation or changes in stock abundance.Building on industry and management's growing interest in improving ITQ-fishery outcomes (SRL Corporatisation Workshop, Melbourne Airport, October 2019) and on the findings of FRDC 2017-159: Retrospective assessment of ITQs, this work will aim to provide evidence-based advice to management and industry on options to address any performance gaps or unintended consequences, and the potential effects of any proposed interventions on the economic, social and environmental outcomes of the ITQ system as generally implemented in Australian fisheries. The scope of options will include industry-led private sector initiatives, as well as Government-led changes to management.
Funding
Fisheries Research & Development Corporation ($201,212)
Scheme
Grant-Annual Open Call Round
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Gardner C; Ogier EM; Hartmann K; Krueck N; Rust SA; Emery TJ; Kailis G; Sen S
Period
2020 - 2021
2011/13 The cost effectiveness of culling long-spined sea urchins off the East Coast of Tasmania (2011)$14,765
Funding
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania ($14,765)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Tisdell JG; Gardner C; Rust SA
Year
2011

Research Supervision

Current

2

Current

DegreeTitleCommenced
PhDCharacterising shell development of the Pacific oyster using the novel application of nuclear technologies2021
PhDTipping Points in Marine Ecosystems2023