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Completed Project Archives
Acoustic reef habitat mapping – 2004/020This project tested and extended mapping techniques previously
applied in Tasmania and South Australia to successfully map abalone
habitats in Victoria’s Western Zone. This demonstrated that a level of
consistency in marine and abalone habitat mapping can be achieved
between states and between regions with relatively similar marine
environments. A further outcome of the project was the participation of
the Fisheries Research Branch (FRB) in development of a draft,
nationally consistent, marine habitat classification system as part of
the Australian Coastal Vulnerability Project. This project demonstrated
the potential benefits to marine habitat mapping studies of working with
inexpensive sidescan sonars for agencies with limited budgets. FRB’s
positive experiences with this equipment resulted in two other marine
research agencies (in SA and the Northern Territory) acquiring the same
equipment to conduct marine-mapping programs. The project was able to
meet the planned outcome of mapping high-value reef areas in the Western
Zone. These data will be made accessible to Fisheries Victoria staff
through the Department of Primary Industries network. Effects of longline fishing in the ETBF – 2004/063This study examined the environment and ecosystem of the Eastern Tuna
and Billfish Fishery (ETBF) from direct observation and from
qualitative and quantitative models. The project described physical and
biological processes in three areas where the fishery operates and
provided details of primary productivity and prey biomass and species
composition in the region. The researchers have also described the main
food-web pathways leading to top predators from analyses of stomach
contents and from biochemistry. Spatial analysis of biological
oceanography of the region identified two main ecosystems separated by
the Tasman front. These observations and analyses were used to inform
and ground-truth qualitative and quantitative models of potential
scenarios of fishing impacts and climate change on the target and
bycatch species of the fishery. The resulting models showed that fishing
pressure on individual predator species is unlikely to spread widely
through the fishery as other predators fill the gaps left by those
affected. The climate change scenarios modelled indicated that a warming
ocean was likely to lead to more favourable conditions for a number of
top predators in the region through increases in prey, particularly
squid. These outcomes provide an empirical and model-based framework for
the design and implementation of focused studies to better inform
predictions of impacts of climate change and fisheries on the ETBF and
the pelagic ecosystems off eastern Australia. SA seafood food plan – 2007/401The vision of the South Australian Seafood Food Plan is to increase
the value of the SA seafood industry to $2 billion by 2015. The strategy
to achieve this is to increase the per unit value of SA seafood by
identifying and meeting premium market standards, positioning product
through strategic marketing, restructuring supply chains and moving away
from commodity trading to niche supplies. This project aims to deliver
according to the objectives of the Seafood Food Plan by developing a
managed supply model to achieve an increase in the value of SA seafood
based on a guaranteed offer of quality and supply. The project has
highlighted that a cultural and operational shift in approach away from
the current price-driven, daily spot market approach to supplying
customers in a managed fashion is fundamental to success. The Lakes and
Coorong, blue crabs, rocklobster and oyster sectors are committed to
working together to implement the plan under a fisher-direct trade
facilitation supply chain model. Monitoring options for SBT ranch sector – 2008/044Outcomes of this project are:
Patagonian toothfish stock assessments – 2008/046The main outcome of this project was the successful development of statistical methods for the sensitivity testing of the Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) integrated assessment model for the inclusion of length-at-age estimates from more than 5500 individual toothfish, in the form of gear and season-specific age-length keys. The results of this project provide a firm basis for stock assessments and for scientists, fishers and resource managers to evaluate the costs and benefits of including season and gear specific age-length keys in future HIMI toothfish assessment, increased confidence in the current stock-assessment approach, as well as statistical tools that can be readily applied in other fisheries where age-length keys and/or integrated assessments are used.More information: Dirk Welsford, 03 6232 3608 Environmental issues of salmonid farms – 2004/074The project has established a detailed set of data that provides a
clear picture of the environmental conditions in the Huon Estuary and
D’Entrecasteaux Channel, where two-thirds of Tasmania’s salmonid
industry is located. Environmental conditions are generally good, with
occasional periods of high phytoplankton abundance and low dissolved
oxygen. The data have been used to calibrate and validate sophisticated
three-dimensional hydrodynamic and biogeochemical models of the region
that capture the main physical and biological processes. A major success
of the project was the development of a 3D hydrodynamic, sediment and
bio-geochemical model to evaluate the environmental impact of salmonid
fish farms in the Huon Estuary and D’Entrecasteaux Channel. A long-term
monitoring strategy for the industry in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and
Huon Estuary has been developed to ensure the sustainability of the
salmonid industry. The proposed monitoring program is designed to
provide knowledge of how well the ecosystem is functioning with an
increased nutrient load and to detect any significant trends in
ecological indicators. Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery modelling – 2001/020This project simulates the targeting behaviour, vessel dynamics and
effort distribution in the Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery CRF. Results
showed that reducing fishing effort is the most effective way of
maximising conservation and stock objectives for both Coral Trout and
Red Throat Emperor. The management strategy that best maximised the
harvest objective depended on the species. Reducing the minimum legal
size limit (MLS ), combined with increasing fishing effort and the
amount of area open to fishing achieved the highest harvest of Coral
Trout; while for Red Throat Emperor, reducing the selectivity of the
gear combined with changing the MLS led to the largest harvests. The
highest catch per unit effort (CPUE) of Coral Trout was obtained by
reducing fishing effort and the highest catch rates of Red Throat
Emperor were obtained by reducing the selectivity of the gear combined
with changing the MLS . The best strategies for the recreational fishers
who wished to catch a big fish each trip also involved reducing total
fishing effort. A major issue addressed by this research concerns the
effect of seasonal spawning closures. In general, similar to the other
effort reduction strategies, a three-month closure that effectively
decreased total fishing effort for the year had conservation and stock
benefits, but tended to reduce the ability to satisfy management
objectives related to harvest (specifically, to meet catch quotas). The
results emphasise a difference in the effectiveness of management
strategies on the different species considered. This highlights that
fishery managers and stakeholders should not judge the effectiveness of a
management strategy on only a single species, such as Coral Trout,
alone. In a multi-species fishery such as the CRF, impacts of fishing
and performance of fisheries are likely to vary with species harvested
by the fishery. Genetic improvement of P.monodon – 2008/336Training was provided to experienced hatchery managers on handling
domesticated P. monodon. The first industry trial of the domesticated
eastcoast lines was conducted with 248 female and 224 male G3 (third
generation) pond-reared broodstock. Unfortunately, the low reproductive
performance of these broodstock resulted in no postlarvae being produced
during the trial and no ponds stocked with domesticated east-coast
lines. G3 pond-reared broodstock selected from the Bribie Island
Aquaculture Research Centre (BIARC) ponds in August 2006 were sent to
AIMS for reproductive evaluation and to produce the G4 generation.
Assessments of the pond-reared G3 females at AIMS indicated that their
spawning performance was comparable to the previous generation (G2)
females. Spermatophores of the G3 pond-reared males were poorly
developed and abnormal, and so the G4 nucleus of families was produced
by mating the G3 pond-reared females to the CSIRO reserve stock of G3
tank-reared males. In total, 23 genetically distinct G4 families were
produced at AIMS. G4 families were reared through to broodstock age in
ponds at Seafarm in north Queensland and in tanks at CSIRO. Health
monitoring of the east coast domesticated lines during this project
revealed that viral transmission from the G3 broodstock to the progeny
G4 families was low; and that rearing of the east coast G4 lines in the
CSIRO tanks and the Seafarm broodstock ponds avoided infections
escalating within any of the prawns or being transmitted horizontally at
high frequency. A computerised prawn-management system was developed at
AIMS and customised to collate data originating from the single
breeding nucleus approach. However, the design allows for considerable
versatility in catering for different types of input data. ESD reporting and assessment – 2004/006The projects and processes undertaken through the ESD subprogram have, overall, been successful. It has provided the basis to demonstrate whether management has credibility with the issues of resource sustainability, functional ecosystem relationships and habitat processes, such as is needed to meet the requirements of the Commonwealth’s EPBC assessment. The subprogram has delivered the following benefits: The projects and processes undertaken through the ESD subprogram have, overall, been successful. It has provided the basis to demonstrate whether management has credibility with the issues of resource sustainability, functional ecosystem relationships and habitat processes, such as is needed to meet the requirements of the Commonwealth’s EPBC assessment. The subprogram has delivered the following benefits:
One of the main gaps was the effective use of social and economic
tools. There is a lack of understanding of the values and outcomes that
the community wants from the management of marine resources. Management of fish spawning – 2004/051A study of the ecological and fisheries importance of fish spawning
aggregations highlighted the need to properly consider spawning
behaviour when managing the impact of fishing activity and has made
fishers and the public much more appreciative of fish in their natural
environment. A study of the increased awareness of the tools available
for studying and monitoring fish species highlighted the need to match
the tool to the budget, species ecology, and habitat. It provides an
objective overview of the pros and cons of each tool, as well as
demonstrating new applications for them. The information gained during
this study has since been incorporated into subsequent monitoring
studies undertaken by the Department of Fisheries, Western Australia. A
partnership between research scientists and recreational fishers known
as ‘Samson Science’, involving a large number of well-trained anglers in
a study of Samsonfish, is a positive example of the benefits that can
be gained through proper commitment to community involvement. In another
study, protocols were developed for the Samsonfish sports fishery and a
handy ‘how to’ guide aimed at maximising survivorship of released
Samsonfish was produced. A number of journal and grey literature
articles, as well as seminars and TV documentaries, have also resulted
from this study. Response to abalone virus depletion – 2007/066This project provided survey and other information to support
assessment of individual reef codes in Victoria’s western zones, and
basic models to assess population status and examine management options
for these reef codes. The immediate outcomes were better-informed
abalone industry stakeholders in Victoria’s western zone, the Victorian
management agency and Victoria generally. However, as this was the first
project to build reef-code level assessment models, and the first to
design surveys to assess the impact of the new disease on reef stocks,
it has provided a basis for design and testing of models for reef-scale
management of stocks elsewhere, and a tested template for the
information that will be required when/if the virus spreads to other
regions. Thus the industry generally and all abalone-producing states
have benefited. Global lobster market database – 2006/213Detailed long-term information on key markets and competitors has
been gathered from all the key markets and competitors. With monthly
data available from as early as 1995 in some cases, the information in
the database can be used to identify trends and changes within the key
competitors and markets relative to the Australian lobster industries.
The use of the independent market commentaries, the Quarterly Reports
and the searchable web-based program go a significant way to providing
strategic, flexible, effective market tools for maximising the
industry’s position. The effectiveness and usefulness of these tools is
subjective, with varying feedback from steering committee members as to
their worth. To be truly effective, the reports and database inputs and
outputs would most likely need to be modified and personalised to better
suit individual marketers and industry members. The achievement of a
greater understanding of market requirements by the industry is also
subjective, with the levels of understanding of the international market
requirements by Southern, Tropical and Western Rocklobster producers
being improved by varying degrees. While representatives from each of
the sectors have expressed the value of collecting data for use in
understanding the market’s requirements, each have stated that they did
not actually use the data at the time. Thus, it is likely that the data
may be useful in the long term to the industry members’ understanding of
market requirements. Value chain management and traceability in the Southern Rocklobster industry – 2004/412This project has produced a robust, individually branded and barcoded
lobster tag and a functional traceability system to allow industry to
offer a branded, traceable and quality-guaranteed product to new and
existing markets. The development of these tools provides the
opportunity to increase the value of the lobster resource by improving
the ‘offer’ to new niche markets willing to pay increased prices for
guaranteed quality. This represents an increase in economic activity at
both industry and community levels. The initial response from industry
has been positive. Fishers now have the ability to prove the quality
standards they fish by through whole-chain traceability. Abalone virus management strategies – 2006/243This project aims to develop codes of practice to standardise and
improve the biosecurity measures in place in aquaculture farms and in
commercial harvesting operations and processors. For completeness,
recreational divers and fishers are also included. In developing these
codes of practice, a robust and defensible process was undertaken to
identify the key issues that need to be addressed by the wild harvest,
recreational, aquaculture and processing sectors. These issues were
assessed and prioritised at a risk-assessment workshop conducted by an
expert panel assembled from all Australian states with an abalone
industry. The panel included aquatic animal health specialists,
representatives from industry and government officials. The
risk-assessment workshop identified the most important issues for each
industry sector and control measures were developed, bearing in mind
that knowledge of the virus was incomplete. The controls were
subsequently developed (in consultation with industry) into codes of
practice that comprise a series of standard operating procedures. The
adoption and implementation of the codes of practice by industry will
increase biosecurity within the Australian abalone industry and minimise
the risk of further outbreaks and the spread of abalone viral
ganglioneuritis. EMS in WA commercial fisheries – 2005/035This project has improved community/stakeholder knowledge of and input into the value, management regimes and fishing practices of Western Australia’s South Coast Estuarine Fishery (SCEF) and Marine Aquarium Fishery (MAF). Community awareness and understanding of the use of environmental management systems (EMS) in commercial fisheries has increased, along with the level of stewardship and cohesion between licensees in the SCEF. The project has reduced the threat to seafood and marine aquarium supplies from marine planning processes as a result of improved stakeholder confidence in professional fishers. Results from a survey give information on the effectiveness of EMS in improving community perceptions of the SCEF and MAF. Another outcome is the application of EMS consistently across the pearling industry through the attendance of all pearling companies at a Broome workshop. More information: Felicity Horn, 08 9492 8829 Enhancing abalone growth rates – 2001/254This project has improved the Australian abalone aquaculture industry’s confidence to pursue a genetic improvement program through: staff training; demonstration of industry capability to establish 100 families in one month; developing methods to establish breeding objectives for different production scenarios; and developing methods of assessing investments in genetic improvement programs. Preliminary genetic analysis suggests that selective breeding can achieve genetic improvement in both body and processing traits. The investment appraisals of the abalone genetic improvement program using the breeding objectives developed in this study show favourable economic benefit and benefit/cost ratio over a 15-year period. The analyses also show that due to a significant negative correlation between harvest weight or growth rate and survival, the program would result in a reduction in abalone survival from 80 per cent to about 70 per cent after five generations. However, this result needs to be treated cautiously because the correlation analysis was undertaken on a very small population size. The methods used in the breeding objective and selection index development, and the sensitivity analyses to selected parameters, can assist in identifying research areas worthy of greater attention and in making decisions to obtain optimal return from investment. More information: Xiaoxu Li, 08 8207 5400 Seafood industry leadership program – 2008/309Fifteen individuals graduated from the 2008 national seafood industry leadership program. Twenty-eight applications were received and 17 people commenced. The promotion and selection processes ensured a that broad cross-section of industry participated. More than 60 per cent of participants were fishers or in representative roles in the industry. Recreational and indigenous participation was achieved. The diversity of participants and the challenging guest-speaker program ensured that an industry-wide perspective was developed. At the conclusion of the project the industry welcomed 15 graduates as leaders who have a clearer understanding of making a positive impact on decision-making processes at all levels of the industry. More information: Jill Briggs, rti@dragnet.com.au Responsible native fish stocking – 2007/057A major outcome of this project was identifying and prioritising major management issues related to the ecological impacts of fish stocking and reporting of appropriate research methods that can be used to investigate these issues. This information is vital for development of relevant research projects that will lead to stocking activities aligned with world’s best practice – a requisite for ecologically sustainable recreational freshwater fisheries. A survey of stakeholders from around Australia was used to give a prioritised list of key management issues relating to the impacts of native fish stocking. Issues that received high priority were flagged as potential topics for discussion at a future expert workshop. Identified high-priority issues fell into the following areas: marking techniques, genetics, population dynamics, introduction of pathogens and exotic biological material, and ecological, biological and conservation issues. At the expert workshop in early 2008 participants agreed on a range of methods for addressing priority sustainability issues and decided under what circumstances these methods should be used. It is anticipated that future projects will adopt many of these methods to address sustainability issues. This will help to ensure that industry and the community continue to enjoy the benefits of fish stocking. More information: John Russell, john.russell@dpi.qld.gov.au R&D plan for Tasmania – 2004/313The Tasmanian Fisheries and Aquaculture research and development plan was developed following extensive consultation between industry, government and community end-users of marine living resources. All stakeholders agreed that strategic planning was essential for the growth and development of the fishing and aquaculture sectors. The aim is to ensure that economic, environmental and social benefits from marine resources are achieved within a sustainable use framework. This plan places a greater emphasis on the whole of chain, from production to plate, than the previous strategic plan. Seventy-three industry, government, community and research provider representatives undertook two separate planning workshops (one for wild fisheries and one for aquaculture) to develop strategic R&D priorities for Tasmania. The resulting list of priorities was used to drive the development of sector-specific planning, which was finally reviewed by the Tasmanian Fisheries Research Advisory Board (TasFRAB). National and state plans and strategies were all incorporated into the overall strategic plan. The next step was the development of individual sector plans to identify issues, needs, opportunities, priorities and a timeframe for the planned work. The outputs are presented as a strategic plan in hard copy with a CD of individual sector plans. The format will enable annual updating of the sector plans in response to changing needs. The adoption of the plan by industry, government and other stakeholders as well as TasFRAB and the FRDC has provided a solid platform for sustainable economic growth of fisheries and aquaculture in Tasmania, while at the same time taking account of the sustainability of living marine resources. More information: Colin Buxton, 03 6227 7256 International travel bursary – 2008/314.04As part of the FRDC’s People Development Program, a travel bursary was awarded to John Diplock to visit the South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute in Guangzhou to investigate research into artificial reefs. He also made presentations on the management of recreational fisheries in Australia and on the research being conducted on artificial reefs in NSW. The China Society of Fisheries also invited John Diplock to present a paper on the management of recreational fisheries in Australia at the 2008 China (Xiamen) International Recreational Fisheries Expo and high-level forum. He presented another paper describing the artificial reef situation in Australia at the artificial reefs workshop conducted in conjunction with the expo. The visit provided access to information on Chinese artificial reefs otherwise unobtainable in Australia. More information: John Diplock, john.diplock@bigpond.com Blue Swimmer Crab flesh quality – 2007/244The occurrence of mushy flesh in Blue Swimmer Crabs can slow processing through excessive time spent checking for flesh quality. This affects profitability and can threaten the product’s premium market position. This project clarified the causes of flesh deterioration and provided advice on alternative harvesting and processing strategies. The following issues were investigated:
The project suggested a practical method for monitoring the impact of moulting periods. Post-moult crabs may be graded out using a simple squeeze test, either on the boat sorting table or at the loading of the cooking conveyor at the factory. Soft crabs could also be returned to the factory for hardening if desired. A cooked-flesh monitoring program is suggested to provide information on the periodicity and extent of mushy flesh. Further parasitological studies are needed, with information required on variation in prevalence by area and season and external signs, which may be useful in grading before cooking. Suggestions are made for alterations to boat and factory infrastructure, particularly cooking and cooling processes. Onboard handling could be improved, particularly with regard to the storage of crabs on deck once conventional storage bins are full. Reduced cooking time by pre-warming crabs and ice slurrying after cooking would improve cooking efficiency and reduce tissue breakdown and crab weight loss. More information: Richard Musgrove, musgrove.richard@saugov.sa.gov.au Southern Bluefin Tuna aquacultureKey outcomes of the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) aquaculture sub-program of the Aquafin CRC have been:
More information: Steven Clarke, 08 8207 5443 Western Rocklobsters show suitability for aquaculture – 2003/213A series of tank experiments showed that Western Rocklobsters have many biological attributes that are consistent with their suitability for aquaculture. Most significantly post-pueruli, year 1 and year 2 post-settlement juveniles can be stocked at very high densities without adverse effects on growth. Male pueruli held at 23˚C can potentially reach legal size within 2.3 years, whereas females can reach legal size within 2.5 years. These are substantially faster growth rates than wild lobsters. Lobsters consumed formulated pellet diets reasonably well, but grew faster when supplemented with fresh mussels. A novel, rigid plastic mesh shelter design significantly improved survival compared with the brick shelters that have been used in many other growout studies. The biochemical composition of aquacultured and wild-caught lobsters was investigated in relation to their size and aquaculture holding treatments. A solid foundation of biological data and recommendations for culture parameters are now available for potential investors within the aquaculture and fishing industry to maximise survival, growth and production of Western Rocklobster post-pueruli and juveniles in future commercial operations. In addition, a number of areas require further work before P. cygnus culture would be a commercial proposition. Development of a more palatable, nutritionally complete diet specific for P. cygnus is essential for the economic viability of commercial operations. Commercial-scale trials need to be conducted to determine optimum tank specifications. An economic analysis needs to be undertaken to identify the parameters that are most sensitive to the profitability of a Western Rocklobster growout venture. More information: Roy Melville Smith, 08 9203 0173 Impact of environmental variability on the West Coast Prawn Fishery – 2005/082The project outcomes have contributed to:
The project has highlighted the need for maintaining consistent and rigorous fishery-independent sampling, the capture of vital logbook commercial catch effort and environmental data over the long term. The study of the economic performance of the fishery showed substantial economic impact to licence holder livelihoods attributable to environmental variation induced by El Niño episodes and cold water upwelling. More information: Neil Carrick, 08 8431 3148 Length-based mortality estimation – 2003/041Length-based approaches for estimating mortality from length samples were developed and applied to data for various fisheries. The approaches included a length frequency analysis, catch curve analysis, relative abundance analysis, an analysis of the change in size composition that results from a change in minimum legal length, and a dynamic fishery model. Application of the various approaches using length data for selected fisheries showed the overall potential value of these techniques. Some caution should be exercised in introducing length-based approaches, as these should supplement rather than displace other approaches. Review of sampling protocols, to ensure that samples are representative and that appropriate effective sample sizes are collected, should be considered a prerequisite for introduction of length-based approaches. The software developed in this study has the potential for further enhancement to become a valuable stock assessment tool for fishery scientists. More information: Norman Hall, normhall@murdoch.edu.au Economic viability of Pipi reseeding – 2008/071Falling Pipi harvests in NSW have led commercial fishers to consider the potential for reseeding local beaches to re-establish Pipi supply and look for future growth opportunities. A preliminary economic assessment was done to demonstrate the feasibility of pipi reseeding and an ‘economic decision tool’ was constructed to assist future reseeding efforts. At an average weight of 31 grams, the reseeding program is expected to generate in excess of 110 tonnes of additional harvest. The economic decision tool can be manipulated by researchers and fishers to test sensitivity to changes in input costs, key biological variables (growth and survival) and market prices. This tool has highlighted the importance of limiting hatchery production costs and ensuring adequate survival in reseeding viability. Significant progress has been made with respect to fishery management and the permit applications to facilitate a reseeding program. The Shellfish Quality Assurance Association (SQAA) has instituted a minimum size for commercial collection and introduced a closed season for Pipi collection for six months of the year. A scientific permit for Pipi collection has been obtained from the NSW DPI, and the NSW Marine Parks Authority (MPA) has indicated that there are no foreseeable issues with the research proposed. More information: Mark Phelps, 02 4982 1232 Empowering industry stakeholders – 2007/304The ‘empowering industry’ project was intended as a one-year trial to investigate the issue that a lack of capacity and/or resources to develop and submit R&D projects was hindering industry involvement in R&D. The project sought to provide a process that allowed industry R&D ideas to be captured and developed into project proposals that could become part of the standard R&D funding process. Industry members were encouraged to be investigators on the developed projects and to become proactive in identifying and linking with an expanded range of appropriate R&D research providers. The project also sought to establish a broader network of funding sources. More than 50 stakeholder groups were contacted and briefed about the project and its potential benefits. This led to about 40 presentations being given across Australia to an audience of more than 200 industry people. As a result of this contact, 35 potential R&D projects were developed with input from the project. In all instances (except one) an industry person, or equivalent, was the investigator. Of these potential projects, 20 full proposals were developed and submitted to various funding agencies. Projects focused on environmental performance, industry profitability and efficiency, people and industry development, and product development. Sixteen proposals were successful in obtaining funding. The project identified that there were numerous opportunities for more extensive industry involvement in R&D, but in many instances this input needed to be actively sought and assistance provided to work through the R&D process. Based on the success of this trial, industry representatives have called for the development of an ongoing mechanism to deliver a similar service to the broader seafood and fishing industry, ensuring that: it is cost-effective, inclusive and transparent, operates at a national or regional scale, and provides opportunities for the existing funding process to be improved. More information: Ian Knuckey, fishwell@datafast.net.au ITQs in the coral reef FIN Fish fishery – 2004/030Individual transferable catch quotas (ITQs) have long been proposed as a way of increasing the profitability of fisheries by introducing a rights-based, tradeable permit system that fosters stewardship of resources. The ecological consequences of ITQs are seen especially in multi-species fisheries such as the Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery (CRFF). Because the potential effects of ITQs and related management strategies on the harvest, spatial distribution of fishing effort and stock effects on Common Coral Trout and Redthroat Emperor are unknown, there is a need to develop ways to determine the effectiveness of quota-related management strategies in the CRFF. This project simulated the ITQ system and its effect on the Queensland CRFF. It built on the multi-species population and vessel dynamics models (ELFSim) previously developed for Common Coral Trout and Redthroat Emperor. The model considered initial quota allocation to vessels, seasonal fish prices and individual variable costs, fishing efficiency and experience, and constraints on vessel movement. The results from the simulations were examined with respect to various stakeholder management objectives. In general, the effect of the management strategies on the biomass of both species was overwhelmingly influenced by the amount of Coral Trout total allowable catch (TAC ). As the Coral Trout TAC increased, catches increased and the ability to satisfy objectives related to conservation, stock and catch-per-unit-effort, declined. The results showed that under the management strategies examined, increasing the Coral Trout TAC led to increased vessel profits. However, increasing the current Coral Trout TAC to one that was 50 per cent higher resulted in only a marginal increase in profit, which was not proportional to the increase in harvest. With such a marginal benefit, the risk of lower stock sizes of Coral Trout, and possible fisheries declines that are associated with them, become more relevant to decision making. The project also investigated the effect of a change to the ratio of the TAC for Coral Trout to that for Redthroat Emperor. This ratio had important implications for Redthroat Emperor. For example, when the TAC for Coral Trout was high relative to those for Redthroat Emperor, the discard of Redthroat Emperor increased substantially. Such effects are expected in multi-species fisheries under ITQ management systems. It is possible that negative effects of quota management strategies on slower growing, less productive species may be greater than for Coral Trout or Redthroat Emperor. It is generally believed that ITQ systems should halt over-capitalisation and improve the economic performance of a fishery. As a result of the ITQ system, and agreeing with recent empirical data, effort appeared to decrease through the projection period of the simulations as did the variability, and the maximum number of days fished. Simulation results also examined the effects of the various TAC -related management strategies on the regional distribution of catch per unit effort (CPUE) and effort. Although some shifts among regions were noted in both effort and CPUE, there was no obvious localised depletion. More information: Richard Little, rich.little@csiro.au Post-harvest survival of Mud Crabs – 2003/240The supply chain for Mud Crabs in Australia relies solely on live product and the major outcome of this project was increased survival of crabs through the chain. This was achieved through identification of stress biomarkers that were used as tools to understand which handling steps along the chain impose the greatest stress on the crabs. With this information, alternative handling practices were developed to minimise stresses and consequently improve survival rates. Working with industry stakeholders the project was able to demonstrate the benefits of additional alternative handling practices through the supply chain. Feedback from harvesters, wholesalers and the retail sector indicated increased survival and improved vigour of Mud Crabs when the alternative handling methods were used. Industry has reported a 50 per cent reduction in mortalities in the processor sector and a further 10 per cent reduction at retail level. Mud Crabs reach the consuming public in premium condition, raising public confidence and perception of the commercial operators. The information from this research provides a sound basis for commercial decisions with respect to operational procedures. It has created an ability to supply distant markets, including export markets, with greater confidence. Sustained adoption of the results from this project will also result in improved market perception of Mud Crab quality, leading to greater market demand and increased revenue for the industry. Increased survival of the crabs within this fishery not only improves resource sustainability, but also improves public perception of commercial activities within the Mud Crab fishery. Greater resource sustainability has flowon effects for the recreational sector and the indigenous community. More information: Sue Poole, sue.poole@dpi.qld.gov.au Maximising survival of bycatch – 2005/056The project resulted in the measurement of immediate and short-term mortalities and contributing factors for key bycatch species discarded from the main estuarine fishing gears in NSW and simple mitigation strategies. While mortalities varied considerably, irrespective of the fishing method, these could be mitigated by:
Adoption of the recommended handling protocols should ultimately contribute towards the sustainability of commercial fishing in NSW estuaries. More information: Matt Broadhurst, 02 6648 3905 Acoustic pingers and dolphin bycatch – 2004/068This project showed that ‘Savewave’ acoustic pingers appear to be ineffective in keeping dolphins out of the trawl net in the Pilbara Trawl Fishery. However, a possible mechanism for reducing dolphin catches in the Pilbara Trawl Fishery has been identified. A semi-flexible selection grid constructed from a combination of braided stainless wire and pipe appears to reduce dolphin catches. The grids appeared to be successful at reducing dolphin catches on two vessels, but there is a need for trials to be conducted with a power sufficient to detect differences in the dolphin catch with grids deployed and not deployed. If 400 shots were observed with the grid deployed and 400 shots with the grid not deployed, at the current capture rate 10.2 per 1000 shots, a dolphin catch of two or less would indicate, with a power of 0.9, that grids reduce the dolphin catches. More information: Peter Stephenson, stephenson@fish.wa.gov.au Indigenous rights: The NZ Experience – 2008/311A multi-sector seafood and fishing industry fact-finding mission to New Zealand sought to provide Northern Territory industry stakeholders with information to augment ongoing consultation and negotiations between stakeholders and government for resolving the access and management issues for indigenous and non-indigenous fishers in the NT. The outcomes that the project results are likely to contribute to are:
More information: Chris Calogeras, info@c-aid.com.au Understanding the tuna environment – 2005/059This project has produced an integrated hydrodynamic, sediment and biogeochemical model of the tuna farming zone (TFZ) and surrounds that encapsulates most of the knowledge available about the relevant processes acting in this region. In developing this suite of models, a substantial effort was also made to improve understanding of the processes operating in the TFZ. The result is a greater understanding of the hydrodynamics, nutrient cycling, sediment dynamics and phytoplankton ecology. For example, it was previously considered that the farming zone was hydrodynamically well connected to the southern Spencer Gulf, and that nutrients would likely be flushed out into the gulf itself. However, the project showed that not only is the farming zone relatively poorly connected to the rest of the gulf, but that nutrients tend to be moved inshore, and particularly to the north-west, where they accumulate in Louth and Peake bays. More information: Jason Tanner, tanner.jason@saugov.sa.gov.au Nodavirus free fish – 2002/043This project has created the knowledge that inapparent nodavirus infections exist naturally in wild Barramundi populations in north Queensland with, on average, 23.9 per cent of adult Barramundi carrying the virus. This baseline information will assist future nodavirus survey design and allow future evaluation of the impacts of nodavirus infections on Barramundi populations, one measure of population health. The project has shown that stocking hatchery-reared Barramundi fry in the Johnstone River has not resulted in any inapparent nodavirus infections in freshwater fishes; neither did stocking increase the natural level of inapparent nodavirus infections in wild Barramundi. This knowledge supports previous opinions that it is likely the presence of stocked Barramundi have minimal disease effects on freshwater fish in open water systems. The project failed to confirm a testing protocol that would ensure the production of nodavirus free Barramundi fry. The successful application of a sensitive molecular detection test for nodavirus to screen captive Barramundi broodstock and their progeny would have created a protocol to give a high assurance that Barramundi fry had no nodavirus. The project has gathered useful knowledge that will help direct alternative detection test application and sampling protocols, with the aim of producing nodavirus free Barramundi fry. More information: Ian Anderson, ian.anderson@dpi.qld.gov.au NEATfish – 2006/057A national environmental assessment of tournament fishing system (NEATFish) has been developed, trialled and established. The standard is based on ISO/IEC Standard 17050-1:2004, with a pathway to certification under ISO 14001. NEATFish involves an assessment of a fishing competition under the standard and results in a rating out of five stars. The standard is based on a questionnaire, which assesses the environmental, social and economic performance of a competition as well as the management of risk. Each question receives a score with a total of 100 points available (excluding bonus points). A score of over 90 is required to achieve the highest, five-star rating. NEATFish is a self-assessment system that is reasonably simple for competition organisers to complete. The standard has been available from the Recfish Australia website (www.recfish.com.au), and on completion of this project the implementation of NEATFish will include development of a dedicated website (www.neatfish.com). More information: infofish@zbcom.net International aquaculture conference – 2007/301Skretting Australasian Aquaculture 2008 was held on 3 to 6 August 2008 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, with more than 1200 delegates in attendance, many from overseas. The program focused on themes ranging from business, trade and marketing, climate change, aquaculture technology, education and policy, as well as on various species.The trade show consisted of 106 booths, 13 of which were international companies. Although slightly smaller than anticipated, it was a huge success, with exhibitors highlighting the latest innovations and services to the industry. More than 30 volunteers – from host agencies and sponsors, as well as aquaculture and event management students – staffed the conference. All volunteers did a remarkable job in ensuring the conference ran smoothly, and the feedback received was fantastic. Sponsorship for the event was not as high as previous years. Skretting sponsored the event for the third time as naming rights sponsor, and the FRDC and DAFF also provided significant sponsorship. The media coverage for the event was successful, with several local and national stations reporting on the conference and trade show, leading up to and during the event. Delivery of prawns to local radio stations proved a success, with all but one radio station making mention of aquaculture or the event. More information: National Aquaculture Council, nac@aquaculture.org.au Seafood directions – 2007/308Seafood Directions is regarded as Australia’s premier seafood industry conference. It provides an opportunity for seafood industry stakeholders to come together and discuss current and strategic issues and opportunities in a national forum. This is particularly valuable in the absence of a national peak body representing the interests of the Australian seafood industry as a whole. The principal outcomes of this project have been the sharing of information, ideas, opportunities and threats; the building and strengthening of networks and partnerships; and the development of strategic plans for future growth and sustainability by and for the Australian seafood industry. The involvement of Tasmanian seafood industry members, through the conference organising committee and by attendance, has led to greater national recognition of the local industry, to opportunities to learn from interstate experiences, and has engendered an understanding of the potential benefits of participating in future Seafood Directions conferences. More information: Emily Ogier, 03 6224 2332 Accident statistics tool – 2003/236An accident reporting system has been developed that is tailored to the needs of the commercial wild catch industry in Western Australia. It has the capacity to be adapted to any sector in Australia. The form used for collection of information, which is on each vessel, is only in the Western Rocklobster sector – the pilot group in this project. The accident form and software system can be adapted to suit other areas of the commercial wild catch industry across Australia, with changes only required in the contributing factors section (relating to gear used and the specific hazards of the fishery). The reporting form has already been modified for use outside WA through the national occupational health and safety extension project. More information: Tanya Adams, 08 9248 1405 Salmonid growth & early maturation – 2005/201A tank trial has demonstrated the effectiveness of advanced photoperiod to reduce maturation in Rainbow Trout. Elevated winter water temperature was shown to have an effect on maturation in photoperiod-manipulated stocks, increasing the number of maturing fish in the population. The links between growth, reproductive development and an important endocrine growth factor (IGF-I) were also investigated. In a 2.5-year study of maturing Atlantic Salmon in fresh water, circulating levels of testosterone, estradiol, vitellogenin, growth hormone and IGF-I were measured, together with oocyte development and growth. Ultrasound technology was trialled and shown to be effective for sex determination in maturing individuals. Further work to develop this technique is recommended. Further experiments running concurrently with this study have demonstrated the effectiveness of artificial lighting in improving growth in juvenile Barramundi. Future work will trial lighting technology in other sectors of Australian aquaculture. More information: Ryan Wilkinson, ryan.wilkinson@utas.edu.au Fish growth in sub optimal conditions – 2004/237This research has advanced the industry’s understanding of how fish growth is influenced by nutrition and environment, and by the interaction between the two. The project provides Australian aquafeed manufacturers with increased information on formulation of feeds and feed management. The project has improved knowledge about the physiological mechanisms that explain how fish maintain growth under limiting environmental conditions and has enhanced capacity to understand and quantify the nutritional, physiological and molecular effects of limiting environmental conditions on Australian fish species. The results have increased the capacity for strategic and applied research related to environment and nutrition and ability to respond to global issues such as climate change. The project has also increased industry technical knowledge through presentations, training of research students and inclusion of material in courses. More information: Chris Carter, chris.carter@utas.edu.au Aquatic animal health subprogram – 2004/079The overall outcome of this project has been the successful facilitation, administration and promotion of the FRDC’s Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram (AAHS) from December 2004 to June 2008. Over this period the AAHS managed a total of 30 projects to deliver improved diagnostic and health-management capability at local, state and national levels. Aquatic animal disease awareness has been enhanced and disease emergency management capability at industry and government level improved, thus enhancing Australia’s capability to be prepared for, and respond to, aquatic animal disease emergencies. The second and third national FRDC aquatic animal health scientific conferences were held in 2005 and 2007, and were attended by industry representatives and more than 40 aquatic animal health specialists. These conferences are an important part of the communication role of the AAHS. The AAHS has been able to enhance aquatic animal health R&D outputs, strengthen the network of aquatic animal health experts and research providers, and provide training opportunities for young scientists interested in aquatic animal health. More information: mark.crane@csiro.au AGD vaccine development – 2004/217The most significant outcome of this project is the commencement (in July 2007) of sea trials for the experimental DNA vaccine, made up of six antigens shown to provide a relative increase in protection of about 40 per cent in laboratory-based amoebic gill disease (AGD) trials. The vaccine significantly reduced both the crude gill score (visual percentage of gill surface affected by the parasite) and percentage of affected filaments in Atlantic Salmon challenged with acute AGD infection. The six-clone vaccine is protected by patents. Further research is required on: assessing the crude vaccine under a chronic infection challenge in the sea under commercial growing conditions; refinement of the existing six-clone vaccine and additional antigens that may increase efficacy; optimisation of the delivery vector; potential protection when using protein vaccination; the nature of the response to the six antigens; the optimum dose required; and timing of vaccination prior to seawater transfer. More information: Chris Prideaux, chris.prideaux@csiro.au Functional foods scholarship – 2007/313The Geelong Food Co-Products Cluster awarded an undergraduate scholarship to a Victoria University student in 2007 to conduct initial research on functional properties of selected lower-value seafood species. The results of this preliminary research scholarship are sufficiently promising for the cluster to consider a further research scholarship, at postgraduate level, to explore potential commercial benefits from proving functional attributes of low-value seafood species. The emerging relationship between the cluster and Victoria University, by which the cluster utilises the university in a structured way to address research and development objectives, has been assessed by the businesses in the cluster (both seafood and non-seafood) as worthwhile. More information: Wayne Street, 03 5428 1488 Diets for farmed Snapper – 2001/208 (1)This research has increased our knowledge of the nutritional requirements of Australian snapper and provided information on the potential of Australian feed ingredients to reduce the level of fishmeal in diets for this species. The project determined apparent digestibility coefficients for a range of potential feed ingredients at different dietary inclusion levels. These were used to formulate experimental diets on a digestible protein and digestible energy basis for snapper using a limited range of energy and nutrient sources. The ingredient composition data and digestibility coefficients will improve the accuracy of feed formulation and provide feed manufacturers with practical alternatives to fishmeal. The research has confirmed that snapper, like the majority of marine carnivores, have a high protein requirement. It has also demonstrated that weight gain and protein composition in juvenile snapper is highly dependent on the ratio between digestible protein and digestible energy. In terms of weight gain and feed conversion ratio, productivity of snapper could be increased by using high protein feeds, although these benefits must be more fully assessed in terms of carcase composition before the specifications can be unequivocally recommended. The results show that snapper can tolerate high dietary levels of poultry meal, meat meal and soybean meal before performance or feed intake is unduly affected. The combinations of these three ingredients (and blood meal) was able to effectively replace all but 160 grams of fishmeal per kilogram in commercially manufactured diets for snapper, reducing the ingredient cost of production for 1kg of fish from $2.51 to $2.25 in diets containing 600g or 160g fishmeal/kg, respectively. With the ever-increasing price of fishmeal, due to escalating demand and static world supply, the relative ingredient cost savings reported by the current research will increase over time. More information: Geoff Allan, geoff.allan@dpi.nsw.gov.au Farmed Snapper skin colour – 2001/208 (2)Farmed snapper are generally darker and less red in appearance than those obtained from the wild harvest, leading to lower market prices. This project has increased knowledge about the factors that affect skin colour and developed practical methods to improve the appearance of farmed snapper. Feeding the red carotenoid pigment astaxanthin increased the red colour in snapper skin. Shading snapper from sunlight improved the lightness of their skin, resulting in more attractive fish, but was logistically very difficult to achieve. A study of the effect of cage colour showed that the background colour of the cages had by far the most impact on skin colour, and dark-coloured fish rapidly changed the lightness of their skin after being exposed to white backgrounds. Exposing snapper to white backgrounds had the potential to improve the wholesale market price by between 10 and 50 per cent. If snapper are to be transferred to white or pale-coloured tanks before sale to increase skin lightness, a rapid turnover of fish is essential. Final recommendations are to feed snapper diets fortified with 39 milligrams of unesterified astaxanthin per kg for six weeks to enhance red pigmentation, and then to hold fish before sale in white backgrounds for one day to maximise skin lightness. More information: Geoff Allan, geoff.allan@dpi.nsw.gov.au Culturing Snapper larvae – 2001/208 (3)Before this project started snapper larvae were cultured in hatcheries using intensive techniques and no methods had been developed to culture larvae extensively in outdoor, fertilised ponds. A systematic research approach provided an understanding of zooplankton production in ponds and allowed strategic stocking of snapper larvae. High quality juvenile snapper were successfully produced in large numbers in fertilised ponds, demonstrating that extensive larval rearing of snapper is a viable alternative to traditional intensive culture. The replacement of the live feed Artemia with extensively cultured copepods and artificial weaning pellets for culture of snapper larvae was successfully demonstrated in experiments and commercial-scale trials. Commercially available weaning pellets were also evaluated and new, best-practice rearing regimes for snapper culture were recommended. The ectoparasite Amyloodinium ocellatum was genetically characterised and an understanding was made of the methods in which infestation can take place within hatcheries. A variety of control methods including chemotherapeutics were evaluated and recommendations for hatchery biosecurity were made in addition to control if infestation occurs. More information: Geoff Allan, geoff.allan@dpi.nsw.gov.au Fishery-independent surveys for NSW estuarine fisheries – 2002/059Using an experimental strategy, this project successfully developed methods to use multi-mesh gill nets and a beam trawl as tools for sampling a wide size range and diversity of fish and crustaceans in NSW estuaries. Experiments also measured spatial and temporal variation of estuarine fauna sampled with these gears and provided variances for cost–benefit analyses. However, owing to the variable and dynamic nature of these fauna, the project has identified numerous challenges that require the development of novel analytical approaches (which are under way) before a large-scale and long-term survey can be designed and optimised across multiple species. Additional research is also needed to compare decision making incorporating fishery-independent methodologies against that using data from fishery-dependent sources. This will identify the most reliable, robust and cost-effective sampling programs required to improve the sustainability of NSW’s estuarine fisheries resources. More information: Douglas Rotherham, douglas.rotherham@dpi.nsw.gov.au |
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