11 results
Industry
Industry
PROJECT NUMBER • 2021-083
PROJECT STATUS:
CURRENT

Developing the tools and articulating the value proposition for genomic selection in Pacific Oyster selective breeding

To understand the opportunities and value in carbon neutral certification for the Australian oyster industry, FRDC and Oysters Australia commissioned NineSquared Pty Ltd to outline the current policy climate, pathways to certification and knowledge gaps limiting opportunity...
ORGANISATION:
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) Hobart

Developing biomass assessment approaches, harvest methodologies and biosecurity knowledge for wild-harvest of seaweeds in southern Australia

Project number: 2021-112
Project Status:
Current
Budget expenditure: $576,519.00
Principal Investigator: Jason E. Tanner
Organisation: University of Adelaide
Project start/end date: 30 Mar 2023 - 29 Jan 2026
Contact:
FRDC

Need

After many years of interest but little on ground activity apart from a few established operations based on the harvest of beach-cast material, the seaweed industry is starting to gain momentum in southern Australia. There is particular interest in the farming of Asparagopsis for its methane reducing properties in ruminants, but also in several species for human consumption and other uses, including the golden kelp Ecklonia radiata. While much of the focus is on the development of an aquaculture industry, this needs to be supported by the wild harvest of seedstock, at least in the early years, and there is also some interest in wild-harvest for product. However, the knowledge base and tools available for managers to regulate this emerging industry are limited. This proposal aims to start filling in some of these gaps. The first is to develop an understanding of the biomass present in targeted areas, and importantly, the development of a rapid assessment tool to do this, which can then be used to form the basis of a stock assessment methodology as the industry expands. The second is to develop harvest methodologies that allow for the recovery of local stocks, and which can be used to inform rotational harvest strategies by documenting how long recovery takes. The third is to develop an understanding of some of the biosecurity issues likely to be faced by industry and regulators, which will allow managers to make informed decisions around translocation policies to both prevent the spread of disease, and to maintain the genetic integrity of natural populations.

Objectives

1. Develop a rapid assessment tool for species specific subtidal macroalgal biomass, initially for Asparagopsis armata, A. taxiformis and E. radiata.
2. Develop harvesting methods for the above species that ensure that local populations are not depleted, and that ecosystem function is not compromised.
3. Review literature on macroalgae diseases, pests, health management strategies and population structure.
4. Identify information and approaches to define health management units.
5. Collate information and build an initial basic approach to translocation.
Industry
PROJECT NUMBER • 2005-201
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Aquafin CRC - Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture Subprogram: environmental control of growth and early maturation in salmonids

At present the culture of Atlantic salmon within Australia produces approximately 26,000 t of fish per annum and is a direct employer of over 1100 workers with the majority of farmed fish sold nationally and only 12% exported. Environmental conditions, such as increased temperatures and high light...
ORGANISATION:
University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Environment
Industry

Ensuring market-focused value adding capabilities are available to SA Seafood companies today and through to 2030

Project number: 2022-137
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $61,500.00
Principal Investigator: Ewan A. Colquhoun
Organisation: Ridge Partners
Project start/end date: 18 May 2023 - 30 Aug 2023
Contact:
FRDC

Need

Commercial in confidence. To know more about this project please contact FRDC.

Objectives

Commercial in confidence

Final report

Author: Ewan Colquhoun and Catherine Sayer
Final Report • 2024-02-01 • 1.19 MB
2022-137-DLD.pdf

Summary

Context
Fresh premium seafood has long been the best pathway to a viable consumer. That remains true for premium SA wildcatch species (e.g., rock lobster, prawn, abalone) that are, and will continue to be, prosperous. But processing and value adding have never been more critical to attract retail consumers than they are today. Modern seafood consumers (retail, food service, or online) are informed and agile, and increasingly choosing retail offers that are consumer meals ready-to-eat. Fishers, farmers, and chain partners must engage in this reality if they are to remain competitive and viable.
 
The rising frequency of product recalls by SA seafood manufacturers prompted this review. A Preferred Investment Pathway offers direction to resolve gaps by 2030.
Globally and nationally, aquaculture is the largest seafood supplier, setting baseline prices for retail and online product formats. Its easy access, scalable supply, chain efficiency, and species control over yield and product format, can more easily attract investment. SA aquafarms and a few wildcatch fisheries (e.g., Jackets, Pipi) are approaching economic scale in supply and along integrated supply chains. Both are seeking to integrate or access technology and capability to value-add to tight national retail and food service client specifications. Efficient market-focused seafood value adding will build SA’s capability and retain investment and employment, particularly in regional communities.
 
Consultation
This review consulted widely (fishers, farmers, processors, value adders, investors, regulators) regarding processing and value adding capacity and capability that exists and is required to ensure SA’s successful market focused value adding by 2030. Unsurprisingly capacity gaps already exist and will grow (without clear heads) as supply increases 25,000 tonnes (32%) by 2030. Eighteen core issues and risks are identified.
Human capacity (skills, collaboration, leadership), Technology transfer (NPD, batch trials), and Markets (intelligence, unique selling points) are the most critical and challenging. Most new investment is by industry’s private account, but indirectly coinvestment by government will enable and leverage community outcomes.