Omega 3 Centre – Episode 1: Southwest Rocks
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We all know fresh seafood is good for you, and eating fish regularly is
now being hailed as the secret to a longer life. The key is the Omega
3s. This “superfood” helps with everything from our brain development to
the inflammation in our joints and it drastically reduces our chances
of a heart attack. ET meets Andrea Mortensen from the Omega 3 Centre, to
find out how we can all boost our Omega 3s.
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Barra Lifecycle – Episode 2: Barra Classic
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Barramundi are one of Australia’s iconic fish species. And scientists
are securing the future of these magnificent fish, by monitoring their
life cycle. Barra spawn in saltwater at the mouths of creeks and rivers,
but the tiny fingerlings soon move upriver into freshwater lagoons.
These nurseries are crucial to their survival. And researchers have
discovered a big rainfall helps more baby barramundi reach these
protected nurseries. This means bigger barra in the estuaries in seasons
to come.
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Climate Change – Episode 3: Gold Coast Estuary
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Climate change is a hot topic for fishermen. Rising sea temperatures and
sea levels, changing currents and acidity levels all have a huge impact
on our ocean’s inhabitants. But scientists in Tasmania have discovered
it’s not all bad news for our fisheries. Some fish species will actually
thrive, while others will move further south. Giovanna Fasanelli
investigates. For more on Climate Change.
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Ocean Technology – Episode 4: Groote Reef Fishing
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One of the best ways to monitor climate change is to find out exactly
what’s happening down below in our oceans. But how do we possibly keep
track of what’s going on in millions of square kilometres of ocean?
Aussie scientists have employed some high-tech helpers to tackle this
enormous task. Giovanna checks out all the incredible gadgets that help
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation study the seas.
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Great Shark Watch – Episode 5: Port Hinchinbook Classic
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Giovanna is travelling from the town of Tully to Port Hinchinbrook in
the Toyota Rav 4. Then she heads offshore to cruise the reefs on the
hunt for sharks. Not to catch them – but to count them, as part of the
FRDC funded program, the Great Shark Watch. Giovanna comes face to face
with 18 different sharks – luckily, all of them are harmless! It’s part
of a project to encourage fishos, divers or anyone who spends time on
the water to report the sharks they see. The data is used to help
understand more about the movement and behaviour of each species.
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Coral Trout Monitoring – Episode 6: Port Hinchinbrook Coral Trout
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Common coral trout are apex predators on the reef, and they’re a prime
catch for commercial and recreational fishos. But earlier this year,
Cyclone Hamish cut a swathe of destruction right through their home.
Since then, coral trout catches on the southern reef have dropped
dramatically. So Dr Andrew Tobin is heading a Fisheries Research and
Development Corporation study to find out why.
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Blue Swimmer Crabs – Episode 7: Gold Coast Estuary
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Seafood fans all over the world are clamouring for Australian blue
swimmer crab. And the best blue swimmer comes from the world heritage
listed waters of Shark Bay in WA. So how do you sustain such a delicate
fishery? The fishos are catching fewer crabs, and using more of the ones
they do catch. Giovanna Fasanelli checks out this pioneering research.
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By-Catch Reduction Devices – Episode 8: Groote Reef Fishing
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Commercial fisheries like prawn trawling and lobster trapping are a
crucial part of our seafood market. But what about all the other fish
life that’s hauled up in the trawler nets or traps? That by-catch is
costly for the fishing industry and our marine ecosystem. So with the
help of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, scientists
have come up with ingenious ways to stop the wrong species getting
caught.
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Mussel Aquaculture – Episode 9: Gold Coast Estuary
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Which shellfish has the highest level of valuable Omega-3s? Would you
believe it’s the humble mussel? These guys are the forgotten cousins of
the oyster, but mussels pack a real punch when it comes to nutrition.
And farmers in Tasmania are ensuring the future of this delectable
delight. Spring Bay Seafoods are growing their own, from scratch.
Giovanna Fasanelli witnesses the spawning of these amazing creatures.
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Western Rock Lobster – Episode 10: Groote Reef Fishing
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In the waters off Western Australia, researchers are trying to solve a
mystery. While breeding Western rock lobsters are thriving, there’s no
sign of a baby boom. Juvenile rock lobster numbers have dropped to a 40
year low, and scientists are trying to find out why. Giovanna Fasanelli
follows the lobsters’ trail.
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Abalone Virus – Episode 11: Gladstone Boyne Tannum Show
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Abalone are a delicacy in seafood markets around the world. Just one of
these amazing molluscs is worth about $50. But the entire abalone
population in Victoria was almost wiped out by a deadly virus. Until the
divers themselves decided to tackle the disease head-on. Giovanna
Fasanelli heads underwater to tour the frontline in this battle.
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Fish Tagging – Episode 12: Groote Reef Fishing
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Like most gamefish comps, the Groote tournament is all about tag and
release. But tagging is not just for big billfish. You can tag all sorts
of species from barramundi to the humble flathead. ET takes a look at
the history and science behind tagging fish in Australia, thanks to the
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.
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Acoustic Tagging – Episode 13: Victorian Sharks
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Pink snapper are one of the important commercial and recreational
catches in Australia, but their popularity could threaten their future.
So Giovanna’s heading out on a special fishing expedition off Perth –
not to take fish, but to tag them. The tag is an acoustic tag that will
track the movements of snapper for the next three years. It’s all part
of a research project to save this iconic species.
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Fisheries Minister – Episode 14: Hamilton Island
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ET has invited Federal Fisheries minister Tony Burke to cast a line with
him. The VIP crew head out from the Hawkesbury River to troll for
kingfish offshore from the river mouth. The minister lands a few fish,
and also gives ET an intriguing insight into the future of Australia’s
fisheries.
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Huon Salmon – Episode 15: Tasmania
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Salmon farming is now Australia’s biggest aquaculture industry. ET drops
into Huon Aquaculture headquarters in southern Tasmania, to find out
how they’re using amazing high-tech innovations to produce the best
quality salmon on the planet. ET and Guesty also get special permission
to cast a line into Huon’s huge offshore seapens, which are swarming
with big salmon. It’s a fisho’s dream come true as the big fish go into a
feeding frenzy!
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