SCRC: Seafood CRC Post Doctoral Scientist: Integrated value chain performance benchmarking studies (economics, logistics and product quality).
Rock Lobster Post Harvest Subprogram: evaluation of alternative processing technologies applicable to crustaceans
Seafood CRC: waste transformation methods for value added products for the catering market
Up to 60% of food waste (including seafood waste) is potentially avoidable. In the case of seafood specifically, at least 50% of the fish is generally lost re filleting and damaged crustacea such as rock lobster, crabs and prawn sbring low return to the producer. Often there is a business cost incurred in removing seafood prodessing waste.
Reducing and transforming seafood processing waste seems essential to add profitability where possible to the Australian seafood industry.
This project will use mechanical separation, reforming by alginate and extrusion technologies from other food industries, to try and develop a range of value added products from seafood processing waste.
Final report
Initially a variety of different seafood processing waste products including picked and seconds Blue Swimmer Crabs, Snapper, Atlantic Salmon and various reef fish frames, Patagonian Toothfish frames, Western Rock Lobster legs, headed and gutted shark, low value prawns and headed and gutted Leatherjacket were transported to the Abacus Fisheries facility in Carnarvon. Mechanical separation of seafood protein from these products was optimised with subsequent data generated on recoveries, and compositional and microbiological food safety analyses. These various forms of separated seafood protein were then used for new product development trials.
During the project, a number of new technologies for seafood protein separation, stabilisation and reforming were developed that can be applied generally to seafood processing waste recovery and new product development.
International Association of Astacology (freshwater crayfish) symposium and workshop
Research into freshwater crayfish has resulted in steady production increases in Australia over the last two decades. In an effort to take production and profitability to the next level, scientists in Australia have taken the opportunity to host IAA 13. Furthermore, the strategy of organisers has been to couple the event with a one-day workshop/seminar focussing on Australian crayfish aquaculture. The timing of the workshop/seminar (the day before the conference begins) has been set to attract participation from international astacologists, already in Fremantle for IAA 13. This will promote technology transfer into Australia, by giving access to local industry participants at a non-scientific level.
Following on from the one day aquaculture workshop, the IAA 13 symposium will provide a mechanism for the direct transferal and dissemination of cutting-edge research within Australia, as well as providing an international platform for local crayfish scientists to present their research to world-renowned astacologists, and pursue collaborative links for future research. Fisheries WA are planning to present at least six papers at the symposium, including recent research into yabby and marron aquaculture.
The fragility of crayfish aquaculture was highlighted in the 1980s when the crayfish plague, Aphanomyces astaci, obliterated stocks throughout Europe. Research has subsequently identified Australian crayfish as being extremely vulnerable to this infection, reminding Australia of the importance of comprehensive translocation policies. This has been further highlighted by recent disease concerns within the yabby industry. A forum for discussing these issues, and hearing from scientists representing afflicted countries, will augur well for the continuation of sound policy to protect Australia's prime market niche.
Final report
Seafood CRC: management, communication and network
Seafood CRC: Centre of Excellence Science Seafood & Health (CESSH): Post Harvest Research Program
The seafood industry is facing unprecedented challenges (WAFIC 2020 Strategy, FRDC R&D 2015). The networks established by CESSH have laid a strong foundation to attract national and international investment partners. For the first time, the whole industry along the supply chain and post harvest is working together to achieve outcomes that benefit the WA (and national seafood industry) and the health of the Australian population. It is essential that the industry is able to remain viable and indeed grow, within the constraints of an ever changing economic, technological and food security landscape. There is a need for a continued go-to place that the industry can access to gain support to develop new products, investigate novel and improved means of harvest, reduce production costs and provide evidence of the value of consuming seafood. CESSH needs to build on existing strong capacity areas and establish expertise in areas that are currently not available in WA to service the growing and diverse needs of industry. This could afford industry a point of difference in the provision of world class support to answer research and science questions that impact on growth, quality or profitability in a timely fashion, an essential service for a primary industry.
Final report
Policy Research, Research Advisory Service and Education, Communication and Extension. However, in reviewing the research, many of the outputs were common to several of the programs so will be reported in this way rather than under each sub-program.