129,954 results
Environment
PROJECT NUMBER • 2001-244
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Aquafin CRC - Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture Subprogram: host-pathogen interactions in Amoebic Gill Disease

This project significantly increased our knowledge and understanding of Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD). We developed tools and techniques applicable to further research on AGD and other fish diseases. This project contributed to education and training in the area of fish health. Five PhD...
ORGANISATION:
University of Tasmania (UTAS)
TAGS
Disease
Biosecurity
Aquaculture
Animal Welfare
Animal Health
SPECIES
Atlantic Salmon

South East Fishery Industry Development Subprogram: strategic planning, project management and adoption

Project number: 2001-238
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $110,403.00
Principal Investigator: Ian Knuckey
Organisation: Fishwell Consulting Pty Ltd
Project start/end date: 24 Apr 2001 - 9 Jan 2007
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Waste
Value Add
Training
Sustainability
Supply Chain

Need

To achieve the complementary outcomes of sustainability and economic benefits to the stakeholders in the SEF, a whole of chain approach to R&D is required (which is in accordance with government direction on R&D planning). Current practice focuses on the biology and fishery management which has precluded more innovative ways of adding value. Following a workshop held in November 1999 (Canberra) a recommendation was made that FRDC develop a subprogram to support the industry development component of R&D for the SEF. This application will develop the subprogram over the next year and produce a Strategic Plan that incorporates a whole of chain approach.

Objectives

1. Coordinate the FRDC SEF Subprogram (applications, workshops, communication)
2. Conduct an annual research workshop to present research outcomes from the subprogram and to define research objectives for subsequent years.
3. Facilitate travel of industry representatives and the subprogram leader to biannual steering committee meetings.
4. Coordinate the preparation of a Subprogram newsletter, media releases, and workshop publications.
5. Integrate with other FRDC and externally funded SEF projects to ensure maximum leverage of industry funds and avoid duplication.

Final report

ISBN: 0-9756006-0-5
Author: Ian Knuckey
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2004-10-01 • 2.96 MB
2001-238-DLD.pdf
Industry
PROJECT NUMBER • 2001-235
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Rock Lobster Post Harvest Subprogram: striking a balance between melanosis and weight recoveries in western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus)

Each year 4-5,000 tonnes of western rock lobster are cooked and exported to countries such as Japan and Taiwan. When existing cooking methods are used a proportion of cooked western rock lobster go black, this results in a product that is unacceptable to the customer The blackening of the flesh is...
ORGANISATION:
Curtin University
TAGS
Post Harvest
SPECIES
Western Rock Lobster
Industry
Industry

Australian fisheries statistics

Project number: 2001-227
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $117,919.00
Principal Investigator: Graham Love
Organisation: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) ABARES
Project start/end date: 22 Jul 2001 - 30 Oct 2004
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Trade
Policy
Marketing
Fisheries Management
Economic

Need

The development of statistics on Australian fisheries production and gross value of production (GVP) is required to meet a wide range of demands.

First: The data are extensively used by the fishing industry and by providers of services to the fishing industry in making investment decisions and in longer term planning of marketing strategies. The importance of the information provided by this project was highlighted at the 1997 FRDC Australian Fisheries Economics Statistics Workshop and the Seafood Directions Conference in 1999. Also the information is used extensively in FRDC's publication "From Antarctica to the tropics: a snapshot of the Australian fishing industry".

Second: The existence of these data in a readily accessible form provides the basis for a range of other activities, including the setting of research priorities by fisheries managers, industry and research organisations and the selection of a research portfolio by funding agencies. The Commonwealth government through ABARE, contributes to a number of international databases including databases managed by FAO and OECD. Information at the international level can be important in relation to international negotiations on issues such as transboundary fisheries, in analysing trade opportunities and threats and is essential for participating in fora such as APEC and WTO.

Third: The gross value of production for specific fisheries are used for determining research and development levies for Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and for determining industry contributions to research. Because the estimates form the basis for research levies for each fishery, it is important for the system to be independent from those involved in the management and marketing processes to ensure the neutrality and integrity of the estimates.

Fourth: There are significant economies in centralising the collection, collation and dissemination of the gross value of production data. In the absence of this project the workload of a range of organsations involved with fisheries management would be substantially increased.

Objectives

1. To maintain and improve the data base of production, gross value of production and trade statistics for the Australian fishing industry, including aquaculture.
2. To provide these data in an accessible form.

Final report

Author: Graham Love
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf
Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 166.88 KB
2001-227-DLD.pdf

Development of sponge (Spongia Spp.) farming as a viable commercial enterprise for remote Aboriginal communities

Project number: 2001-225
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $15,000.00
Principal Investigator: Graeme Dobson
Organisation: Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Project start/end date: 21 Jul 2001 - 30 Nov 2003
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Stock Assessment
Pharmaceutics
Market Opportunities
Indigenous
Disease

Need

There is an urgent need for employment and income generating projects within remote communities of northern Australia.

Despite there being several excellent sites for aquaculture near indigenous communities, there is currently no significant indigenous involvement in aquaculture in Northern Australia. This is partially the result of cultural norms in communities not being compatible with the intensive and high technology farming systems now in common use. There is a need to develop small-scale projects with a level of technology that will allow the participation of indigenous groups.

Such projects will form the basis for a diversified aquaculture industry in the NT which will be inclusive of both indigenous and non-indigenous groups in remote areas. Such projects have the capacity to generate income from a comparatively low investment and collectively form a significant export for the NT.

The proposed project will:
*meet a well-defined need and contribute to the public good.
*Form the basis for the development of a viable, community based aquaculture industry that will enhance the aquaculture industry of the NT and provide employment and income to remote communities.
*Provide a basis for future research into the establishment of appropriate sponge farming systems in the NT.
*Involve members of indigenous communities in the identification of options and related research
- direct involvement of community members will be a primary method of extension

Objectives

1. Determine commercially viable sponge species in Northern Territory waters.
2. Identify markets for bath/cosmetic sponges.
3. Complete an economic evaluation of potential sponge farming systems in the NT.

Final report

ISBN: 1-876248-85-8
Author: Graeme Dobson
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Final Report • 2003-12-11 • 1.86 MB
2001-225-DLD.pdf

Summary

Sponges have been employed for thousands of years for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly for basic hygiene (bath/toilet sponges), padding (historically under armour and saddles) and in certain manufacturing processes. World production from the wild harvest has, however, declined significantly this century due to over fishing, pollution and disease in the traditional fisheries (Mediterranean and Caribbean). Concurrently with this decline the demand for natural sponges for domestic (many people prefer to use a natural product), industrial and medical purposes has risen.
 
Three commercially viable species of sponge have been identified in this report from Northern Territory waters. All three are found adjacent to indigenous homelands in Arnhem Land and are known to some of the inhabitants of the area. With the backing of Homeland Associations, several Traditional Owners have expressed a strong desire to pursue sponge farming as soon as practicable. The adoption of sponge farming would directly benefit the homelands by providing ‘real’ employment, financial return for effort and a reduction in dependence on government funding. Sponge farming also has very good potential to provide a valuable new export product for Northern Australia.
 
Sponge farming is environmentally friendly. Apart from the initial collection of parent stock, there is no appreciable impact on the environment from sponge farming. Once the farm is established all stock replacement is produced on the farm and there is no need for further wild collection. Sponges are non-polluting—they are nett users, rather than producers, of nutrients and also feed on bacteria from the water column. Sponges process hundreds of litres of water per hour and remove up 95% of nutrients and bacteria—this has created interest in using sponges to reduce the effluent being discharged into the sea by both humans and aquaculture farms.
 
Farmed sponges are propagated asexually. A mature sponge is cut into pieces approximately 2–3 cm square on each side, the pieces threaded onto a piece of thin rope, wire or bamboo and hung in the water to grow. Once the sponge is placed in the water it needs no further direct care until it is harvested. Sponges are self-cleaning and have few predators (except turtles in some places). Growth rates of sponges placed in the right environment are good, in Townsville the sponges grow to market size in 18 months – 2 years.
 
Identified markets for ‘bath’ and ‘cosmetic’ sponges are extremely buoyant. Over-fishing and disease have caused a severe downturn in production of sponges from traditional sponge fishing regions (the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas). This has left gaps in the market which have not been filled and are open to new producers. Sponges produced from pristine waters, such as those off North Australia, are likely to have a general marketing advantage over those from ‘polluted’ areas. In addition, sponges that can be labeled as being produced from aquaculture that is carried out by indigenous homeland communities will have a strong advantage in extensive niche markets, especially the tourist market.
 
Economically sponge farming appears to be well suited to remote areas. Sponge farms are inexpensive to set up ($13,500 including purchasing a suitable dinghy and motor) and operate ($3,000 per year). Experience in Micronesia shows that establishing and maintaining a farm of 30,000 sponges requires approximately 20–30 man hours per week. A farmer can expect a minimum return from a farm this size of $45,000 per year after four years. Niche markets available in Australia could mean that this return is at least double for Australian indigenous producers.
 
Industry
PROJECT NUMBER • 2001-220
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Aquaculture Diet Development Subprogram: development of marine fish larval diets to replace Artemia

This project was initiated based on recommendations and R&D priorities as identified at the First Hatchery Feeds Workshop (Cairns, QLD 1999). Several aspects were found to have high priority, such as: systems, Artemia availability and its nutritional quality, microdiets to reduce and/or replace...
ORGANISATION:
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) WA
TAGS
Physiology
Nutrition
Aquaculture
Environment
PROJECT NUMBER • 2001-214
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: development of a disease zoning policy for marteiliosis to support sustainable production, health certification and trade in the Sydney rock oyster

The edible oyster industry in Australia is currently valued at around $62.5 million annually of which rock oyster production accounts for approx 56%. For the industry to survive in the long-term requires the ability to service what may become a premium domestic market demanding a high quality...
ORGANISATION:
Queensland Museum
TAGS
Trade
Sustainability
Disease
Diagnostic
Aquaculture
SPECIES
Sydney Rock Oyster
Industry
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