22 results
Industry
PROJECT NUMBER • 2014-705
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Seafood CRC: a guide for use by the shark and other fisheries for preparation of information for consumers.

This project aimed to develop ‘how to’ guide for small to medium businesses to assist in navigating the Food Standards Code as well as a simple promotional brochure framework, using Augusta Wild Caught Fisheries to illustrate how it could be used in practice. This guide aims to help...
ORGANISATION:
Curtin University
TAGS
Rac Wa
Promotion
Nutrition
Food Safety
Consumer Health
Industry
Industry
PROJECT NUMBER • 2012-702
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Seafood CRC: innovation in traceability for the Australian seafood industry” Austral Fisheries/Northern Prawn fishery case study

Austral fisheries have identified the need for establishing the efficacy and efficiency of establishing an electronic traceability system for their seafood products. An ideal system would also provide real time monitoring of temperature and location from point of harvest to retail sale and...
ORGANISATION:
Curtin University
TAGS
Traceability
Tagging
Supply Chain
Rac Wa
Automation
SPECIES
Banana Prawns
Tiger Prawns
Industry
PROJECT NUMBER • 2008-720
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Seafood CRC: A community intervention approach to increasing seafood consumption.

The Community Intervention to Increase Seafood Consumption (CIISC) Project aimed to translate the most up-to-date evidence around the health benefits of regular seafood consumption into a suite of resources and educational programs specific to the needs of various sectors within the community. The...
ORGANISATION:
Curtin University
TAGS
Supply & Demand
Rac Wa
Nutrition
Health Benefits
Consumer
Industry
PROJECT NUMBER • 2013-711
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Seafood CRC: Centre of Excellence Science Seafood & Health (CESSH): Post Harvest Research Program

This report summarises the outputs of Sub-Programs 2-5 of FRDC 2013-711: Centre of Excellence for Science, Seafood and Health. The report focuses on the period between January 2013 and June 2015 after which time the Sub-programs were ceased. The Sub-programs were entitled: Retailer 2020,...
ORGANISATION:
Curtin University
TAGS
Waste
Training
Stakeholder
Rac Wa
Policy

Enhancing the understanding of the value provided to fisheries by man-made aquatic structures

Project number: 2018-053
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $376,840.06
Principal Investigator: Euan S. Harvey
Organisation: Curtin University
Project start/end date: 29 Apr 2019 - 19 Mar 2020
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Social Science
Social Science
Recreational Fishing
Rac Wa
Policy

Need

The north west of Western Australia has productive commercial and recreational fisheries and extensive offshore oil and gas (O&G) infrastructure. These man-made structures support a range of demersal and pelagic fishes which are targeted by recreational and commercial fishers. As this O&G infrastructure reaches the end of its productive life, decisions on the best practice option for decommissioning must be made. The current policy for decommissioning requires complete removal. Regulators may support alternative strategies, such as leaving infrastructure in place, if risks and impacts are minimised and there are clear environmental, social and economic benefits to do so. It is thought that removal of infrastructure will decrease catch rates and have negative ecological, economic (direct and downstream) and social consequences.

At the same time as the discussion is occurring about removing O&G infrastructure, there have been large investments in constructing and installing purpose built man-made aquatic structures on the seafloor for the express purpose of enhancing the experience of recreational fishers and SCUBA divers.

There is a need to deliver critical information on: 1) the ecological, economic and social value of these man-made structures to recreational and commercial fishers and other stakeholders; 2) the attitudes of stakeholders to man-made structures; and 3) the opportunities and risks of decommissioning strategies to fishers and other groups (e.g. tourism).

Policy regarding the removal of decommissioned structures will benefit from the increased clarity that this project will provide in regards to data requirements for socio-economic models and stakeholder consultation methods. Comparative assessments of decommissioning options rely on the existence of appropriate socio-economic data, a knowledge gap this project aims to fill. An understanding of the impact of man-made aquatic structures on recreational and commercial fisheries is a global priority, and as such this project has strong international importance and relevance.

Objectives

1. To develop conceptual qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative models for describing the socio-economic values and decide what information is needed to give stakeholders an understanding of the value of manmade aquatic structures in the marine environment.
2. To collate a list and description of the manmade aquatic structures in the marine environment in Western Australian and the associated social, economic and biodiversity data.
3. To collect and collate data on four manmade aquatic structures in the marine environment and develop and compare the costs and benefits of qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative models.
4. To develop a decision support system or framework for undertaking socio-economic evaluations of manmade aquatic structures which can be used throughout Australia and guide end users on how to develop qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative models depending on their information requirements.

Final report

ISBN: 978-0-646-84171-7
Author: Euan Harvey
Final Report • 20.59 MB
2018-053-DLD.pdf

Summary

In 2018, the state’s recreational and commercial fishers (represented by the peak bodies Recfishwest and WAFIC) commissioned a program of research as part of a Fisheries Research Development Corporation project aimed at documenting the social and economic values and benefits that stakeholders obtain from MMS in Western Australia. These structures include shipwrecks, artificial reefs, break walls, structures associated with harbours, jetties, marine navigation markers, and O&G infrastructure such as platforms, wells, and pipelines.
During 2019 and 2020 the researchers undertook seven online surveys which focussed on understanding the social and economic benefits and values that recreational and commercial fishers, divers and other users gained from using MMS in Western Australia. This was complemented by eleven focus groups which included representatives from the commercial and recreational fishers, but also the Oil and Gas (O&G) sector, regulators (state and federal), conservation, non-government organisations (NGOs), scientific sectors, and the general community. The researchers used data to develop five case studies representing a range of different structures and end users. These case studies focussed on inshore Thevenard Island subsea O&G infrastructure (incorporating recreational fishing), Woodside’s Echo Yodel offshore subsea O&G infrastructure (incorporating commercial fishing), the Exmouth Integrated Artificial Reef (recreational fishing), the Exmouth Navy Pier (diving tourism), and the iconic Busselton Jetty in Southwestern Australia, which is used for tourism, by recreational fishers, divers, swimmers and many other stakeholders. A guidebook was produced outlining the different methods of identifying social and economic values, along with the types of data required, and the approaches to collecting this data. The guidebook also outlines the advantages, disadvantages and resource needs for each method. A database of the MMS in Western Australia was also compiled and made accessible online.
Environment
PROJECT NUMBER • 2010-004
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Passive acoustic techniques to monitor aggregations of sound producing fish species

The need to optimise spawning success and survival of offspring by fishes has resulted in the evolution of a vast array of reproductive strategies, such as spawning aggregations. A spawning aggregation is defined by Domeier and Colin (1997) as, “a group of con-specific fish gathered for the...
ORGANISATION:
Curtin University
TAGS
Reproduction
Rac Wa
Modelling
Marine Sound
Health And Safety
SPECIES
Mulloway
Black Bream
Snapper
West Australian Dhufish
Blank

Seafood CRC: new opportunities for underutilised species

Project number: 2013-711.30
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $64,500.00
Principal Investigator: Janet Howieson
Organisation: Curtin University
Project start/end date: 14 Aug 2015 - 14 Jan 2016
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Trade
Supply Chain
Stock Assessment
Stakeholder
Rac Wa

Need

Approximately 25,000 tonnes of finfish is not harvested in Australia each year, even though operators are licensed to do so. This is because the fish have a low market value (leatherjacket), are difficult to process (Boarfish), are very fragile and require an exacting supply chain to reach the market in satisfactory condition (sardines, Australian Salmon) or are harvested from remote areas with inadequate support infrastructure. Additional tonnage is harvested but directed to low value products such as pet food, bait and aquaculture feed (sardines, mackerel, silver warehou, bonito tuna). There are also areas (e.g. Western Deep Trawl) where little is know about the fishery resource and potential
for commercialization. And there are also fish discarded after being caught due to low market value or insufficient space for storage. Each of these under-utilised species can be used to produce high quality, fresh and processed products that could help meet the increasing demand for seafood.

Objectives

1. Develop at least two new commercial opportunities for underutilised/low value species.
2. Develop and trial a framework for taking underutilised species to market

Final report

ISBN: 978-0-9925568-9-1
Authors: Dr Janet Howieson Kerri Choo Andrew Tilley Sarah Crisp
Final Report • 2019-04-01 • 1.01 MB
2013-711.30-DLD.pdf

Summary

This report summarises the research undertaken undera suite of activities that formed FRDC 2013/711.30
Using information taken from a variety of fisheries management and market sources, an underutilised species database was developed based on harvested volumes and price (see appendix 1). Initially the database was focused on Western Australia but, following increased stakeholder interest, it was later broadened to include the majority of Australian fisheries. 
A number of case studies for this particular project were selected based on information from the database and on meeting certain parameters under a value chain analysis framework that had been developed in a previous project undertaken with the prawn industry (Seafood CRC 2007-793.10). In order to be undertaken, case studies required whole of chain industry commitment to the project with a proposed path to market. The undertakings of each case study are detailed in the appendices.
Although the New Opportunities for Underutilised Species project resulted in several new products becoming available commercially and a number of others undergoing market trials, it also identified a number of challenges when working with underutilised species
The project succeeded in identifying and collating a range of opportunities for underutilised species in the Australian commercial fishing industry. It also demonstrated that it is possible to work with commercial partners to realise commercially relevant outcomes from these species. It is therefore recommended that the best approach for the Australian Seafood industry to generate opportunities from underutilised species is to use the database and value chain and product development methodology as much as possible but with modifications, if required. However it is also important to note the challenges of such research, including ensuring whole of value chain commitment, flexibility around commercial volatility and patience and awareness of these issues should always be considered in any further project development. Equally, it is key to ensure technological new product innovations are end-user and market-driven and specifically targeted to each particular underutilised species case study.

Project products

Research data • 2019-04-01 • 168.79 KB
2013-711.30-A1-DLD.pdf

Summary

At the commencement of the project an underutilised species Excel database was developed. The database was intended to describe the species, fishery, catch method, total allowable catch, actual catch and pricing as appropriate to allow the informed selection of possible case studies to be included in the project. The criteria for inclusion in the database for underutilised species was related to the harvest levels when compared to the commercially relevant tonnage able to be caught and retained, and current market value (<6/kg for whole fish).
The database was originally developed to focus solely on Western Australia fisheries but it was later broadened to all Australia as it was anticipated it would be a useful tool for all states, even after the current project was finished.
 
This database is alsoutilised as part of: 2017-185: A review of projects concerned with improved exploitation of underutilised species 
Report • 2019-04-01 • 5.05 MB
2013-711.30-A2-DLD.pdf

Summary

In November 2013 Dr Janet Howieson presented on the previous Australian Salmon research results (see Seafood CRC 2008-794.10) at the South Coast Professional Fishermans Association (SCPFA) Annual Management Meeting. As a result of that presentation an Australian Salmon industry development group (IDG) (consisting of fishers, processors and marketers) was formed to oversee the research effort. In December 2013 a workshop (facilitated by Ewan Colquohoun) was held with the IDG and other stakeholders to develop objectives/program/parameters for the Australian Salmon case study. For further desktop research by Colquohoun on Australian Salmon options see Appendix 3.
 
In this case study, Australian Salmon value add opportunities were explored for a range of products, as canned, smoked, fish in oil and premium pet food products, which were developed and market tested. The development and market-testing methodologies are presented in this report. However, although opportunities and small-scale markets were identified, the growth of the sector is hindered by the inability of the fishers at present to produce large volumes of high quality product. New management and harvest strategies are in development in order to address this issue.
Report • 2017-12-01 • 412.54 KB
2013-711.30-A4-DLD.pdf

Summary

Note: This report is available on request from the PI or FRDC - A summary of the project is available in the 2013-711.30 final report, as well as below
 
The Pilbara Trawl case study, conducted in conjunction with MG Kailis, Westmore Seafoods, Central Seafoods, Catalanos Seafoods, Endeavour Foods, followed on from an approach by MG Kailis and Westmore Seafoods about how to add value to some of the high volume, low value species harvested in the Pilbara finfish trawl. It is currently often not economically viable to retain this catch.
 
Catch data was collected for 2011-2014 and all harvested species analysed as per the value chain methodology. Based on catch volume and current market prices as well as consultation with processors and end-users, a list of possible target species was developed. These species were Rosy Threadfin Bream, Bluespotted Emperor, Trevally (smaller size), Robinson’s Seabream, Frypan Bream and Tropical Snappers (Lutjanus spp). A whole of chain Group Explorer Pilbara finfish stakeholder meeting was then facilitated to determine the focus of the case study. It was agreed the main focus would be on cost effective production and retail trial of filleted and headed and gutted product. As such the ongoing research plan was to focus on understanding the relative recoveries, costs and quality of product produced by local production (hand filleting), off shore production or by filleting machine. Initial work was completed with local processors and import and export permits for the target species were applied for and granted. The agreed next stage was to investigate different product forms produced under the different processing scenarios. However the off-shore filleting trials had to be cancelled due to some quality assurance issues with the off-shore facility therefore instead, local operators embarked on a filleting and marketing trials with bluespotted emperor in particular. Despite planned automatic processing options being cancelled due to commercial issues, resulted in a number of former underutilised species such as Bluespotted Emperor, Frypan Bream and Tropical Snappers (Lutjanus spp) achieving improved market status
Report • 2017-12-01 • 413.16 KB
2013-711.30-A5-DLD.pdf

Summary

Note: This report is available on request from the PI or FRDC - A summary of the project is available in the 2013-711.30 final report, as well as below
 
The Saddletail Snapper case study, conducted in conjunction with Australia Bay Seafoods, Catalanos Seafood, explored Saddletail Snapper and the use of a technological innovation involving the injection with a plant based processing enzyme (bromelain) into the fish to improved product texture consistency.
 
Saddletail Snapper fillets sometimes exhibit an inconsistent ‘tough’ texture upon cooking; this has had a detrimental impact on the marketability of the species resulting in significant unharvested quota. Research has identified a positive correlation between the increasing age of the fish and increasing ‘toughness’ of the cooked fillet. However, despite this relationship, there is still substantial variability in the ‘toughness’ of fish of similar age. This limits the commercial viability of using fish age as a predictor of cooked texture as it involves the costly and time-consuming exercise of aging the growth rings of the ear bones (sagittae otoliths). This study explored an injection process to provides a consistent Saddletail Snapper product with improved textural properties. Large scale commercialisation has been achieved and Australia Bay Seafoods is currently developing marketing material and researching suitable markets for the products.
Report • 2018-12-01 • 1.34 MB
2013-711.30-A6-DLD.pdf

Summary

This case study, conductd in conjunction with West Coast deep sea licence holders, Southern Trading Pty Ltd, looked at new options for Champagne Crab, which is characterised by low market acceptance due to low meat yields and the difficulty in extraction, and difficulty in handling due to the spines. The study involved high pressure pasteurisation (HPP) trials.
 
In terms of overseas markets, the main market for the crabs is China via live export. The crabs are sold in small quantities on the local market, either live or cooked and as a whole animal however they are undervalued because the meat is difficult to extract after cooking and the spines make the product difficult to handle. In addition, Champagne Crab are not as highly prized on the export markets as other deep sea crab species because of their smaller size, less favourable colour and handling issues. In terms of the domestic market, champagne crabs are not a species well known for eating and as such, are in little demand. Again this is mainly because it is too time-consuming to extract the meat after cooking.
 
This study confirmed that Champagne Crab has a very sweet flavour and texture and if cooked whole and then frozen, a very acceptable thawed product can be produced. However, there were a couple of issues identified such as although the hairs did not appear to cause tainting, there may be a risk for consumption if the meat is not extracted for use as a food ingredient prior to serving and if the crabs are frozen raw then later thawed and cooked this results in the flesh being very mushy. In addition, the barriers to the product other than as a live product remain in that there are very low meat recovery yields and the difficulty in extraction due to the spines and the hardness of the shell. The results overall were promising enough for the Champagne Crab to be included in the HPP trials as described in Appendix 6. In these trials, efficient raw meat extraction, with pleasing flavour characteristics was achieved, and ongoing work with the champagne crabs has been proposed by the industry partners
Report • 2017-12-01 • 2.66 MB
2013-711.30-A7-DLD.pdf

Summary

HPP technology was also tested on 16 seafood products (including Akoya Oysters, Mussels, Abalone, Prawns, Deep Sea Bugs, Marron, raw finfish fillets, cooked finfish, Octopus, Squid, cooked Crab meat and cooked whole crab). New opportunities associated with meat extraction, shucking and extended shelf-life are currently still under investigation. One new product – HPP cooked crab meat with extended shelf-life - was taken to market and was a Finalist in the 2017 WA Delicious awards.
Report • 2015-08-01
2013-711.30-A3-DLD.odf

Summary

Consultation wasundertaken face-to-face and confidentially with all of the Australian Salmon licence holders in Western Australia. This consultation process included all beach seine fishers in both the South and South West fisheries. This independently managed desk research and consultation process undertaken in April 2015 identified a number of findings, which are reported in this appendix.
Industry
PROJECT NUMBER • 2010-706
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Seafood CRC: accelerated new product development: blue swimmer crab pilot

The aim of the project was to develop a new series of value added Abacus crab products that have been researched, developed, costed, branded and trialled in the marketplace prior to further large financial commitment to facilitate production. This new accelerated product development methodology,...
ORGANISATION:
Curtin University
TAGS
Supply Chain
Stakeholder
Rac Wa
Marketing
Consumer
SPECIES
Blue Swimmer Crab
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