62 results

Tactical Research Fund: Evaluating gear and season specific age-length keys to improve the precision of stock assessments for Patagonian toothfish at Heard and McDonald Islands

Project number: 2008-046
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $40,000.00
Principal Investigator: Dirk Welsford
Organisation: Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry
Project start/end date: 8 Jun 2008 - 9 Dec 2008
Contact:
FRDC

Need

Accurate estimates of size-at-age and recruitment variability, as well as fishery specific catch-at-age and gear selectivity are critical to the integrated stock assessments for toothfish in the Heard and McDonald Islands toothfish fishery. Otolith analysis represents a powerful method for improving these estimates.
Currently, a growth model based on fish aged from the trawl fishery between 1997 and 2003 is used to predict catch-at-age for trawl and longline catches and year class strength from trawl surveys. This is done by using the growth model to partition numbers at length into age classes. However if there is variation in this relationship between years or between fisheries then the abundances at age may be falsely estimated resulting in poor estimation of stock status. This is an important potential source of bias in current models and should be addressed by developing age-length keys.
Unbiased age-length keys will require analysing sufficient otoliths, collected from a representative sample of size classes captured by the fishery and survey, such that the age composition of the catch, age-based selectivity of fishing gears and the age structure of the stock can be better estimated.
The otoliths aged in 1997-2003 were sampled primarily to develop a growth model, and are not suitable for evaluating season and gear-specific age-length keys. The majority of age-length estimates currently available result from analysis of otoliths collected before the longline fishery (which catches larger fish than the trawl fishery) commenced, so very few otoliths from larger fish or from longline grounds have been analysed. Furthermore, much of the ageing performed in the past occurred before the latest validation data for toothfish was available.
Hence there is a need to construct age-length keys across gear types and seasons, and conduct sensitivity tests to evaluate the impact of gear and interseasonal variability in assessments.

Objectives

1. Evaluation the sensitivity of integrated assessment models for toothfish at Heard and McDonald Islands to the inclusion of gear and/or season specific age-length keys
2. Refinement of protocols for reliable and efficient large scale ageing of toothfish otoliths
3. Refinement of sampling design for future otolith collection and processing

Final report

ISBN: 978-1-87693-414-9
Author: Dirk Welsford

Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: conduct of a multi-jurisdiction simulation exercise focussed on health management in Australian aquaculture

Project number: 2003-669
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $92,196.00
Principal Investigator: Iain East
Organisation: Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry
Project start/end date: 30 Aug 2003 - 31 Oct 2005
Contact:
FRDC

Need

The current program of simulation exercises conducted under the auspices of the Federal Budget Initiative is designed to provide individual jurisdictions with training in the management of aquatic animal disease emergencies. However, within Australia, both marine and freshwater environments cross State/Territory boundaries. The need for inter-jurisdictional co-operation in successful disease control and eradication has not previously been addressed. A current FRDC project, 2002/660 is providing training focussed on the operation of the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases, however, the aims and objectives of the current proposal are to develop cooperation at a technical and operational level rather than the strategic level addressed by project 2002/660.
The current proposal follows on from a previous project (2002/655) that involved:
1. Recruitment of stakeholders to the proposed exercise,
2. The development of the exercise documentation and plans,
3. Obtaining financial support from stakeholders

All of these objectives have been met. The project outlined in the current proposal will allow for the conduct of the exercise as planned. This project submission has been requested by the FRDC Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram.

Objectives

1. To conduct, in cooperation with a range of government and non-government organisations, a simulation exercise that will effectively address issues of inter-jurisdictional communication and cooperation in response to an emergency disease incident.
2. To enhance the capabilities of the States/Territories that share the Murray/Darling Basin in the area of management of aquatic animal disease incidents.
3. To heighten the awareness of these jurisdictions to the potential for incursions of emergency diseases.

Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: development of a database for Australian laboratory diagnostic expertise for diseases of aquatic organisms

Project number: 2003-647
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $36,244.00
Principal Investigator: Iain East
Organisation: Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry
Project start/end date: 12 Jul 2003 - 31 Dec 2005
Contact:
FRDC

Need

During emergency disease incidents, rapid diagnosis of the pathogen involved is critical to mounting an effective response. Because each laboratory does not have a complete range of diagnostic capability, often a specialist laboratory needs to be identified to assist in the diagnosis. Currently, there is no database of laboratories or their diagnostic abilities. Identification of alternative laboratories is done on an ad hoc basis, and often when the information is required rapidly, the best alternative laboratory is not identified.
In recent times, there have been actual examples of diagnosis being delayed by samples being sent to an inappropriate laboratory. This project will result in a readily accessible database with an up-to-the-minute listing of laboratories, their diagnostic capabilities and capacities, the range of techniques that they have available to diagnose each pathogen and their level of accreditation.
In Australia, each aquatic animal health laboratory has limited resources and it is not cost-effective to have all laboratories develop the full range of diagnostic capability. However,it is not desirable to send samples to overseas laboratories especially in the case of suspect exotic disease. The solution to this resource dilemma is to create a network of diagnostic laboratories within Australia. The first step in achieving this network is to conduct a stocktake of current capability and capacity and subsequently making the information gathered available to all laboratories.

Objectives

1. To develop a readily accessible and easy to use database that provides information on the location of diagnostic laboratories, their capability and capacity in the diagnosis of a range of pathogens and disease conditions.

Final report

Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: revision and expansion of the Australian Aquatic Animal Disease Identification Field Guide for publishing to CD ROM

Project number: 2003-642
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $19,961.00
Principal Investigator: Alistair Herfort
Organisation: Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry
Project start/end date: 26 Feb 2003 - 30 Dec 2005
Contact:
FRDC

Need

A revision of the original Field Guide is necessary to update information in respect of recent changes to the National List as well as an increase in knowledge of diseases currently covered by original Field Guide. The revised Field Guide also needs to target a more technical audience than that of the original version and will be upgraded accordingly. Production of the Field Guide on CD ROM provides an excellent opportunity for wider and more efficient dissemination.

Objectives

1. To update information in the existing Australian Aquatic Animal Disease Identification Field Guide, with improved data and to expand on the technical aspects of disease aetiology, diagnostics and response options, while remaining relevant to the non-technical audience
2. To produce the revised Field Guide in a cost-effective and easily distributed format

Final report

ISBN: 0-9751859-6-9
Author: Alistair Herfort

Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: development of strategies for improved stock loss insurance and for development of a cost-sharing arrangement for emergency disease management in aquaculture

Project number: 2003-600
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $32,860.00
Principal Investigator: Iain East
Organisation: Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry
Project start/end date: 30 Dec 2002 - 13 Aug 2004
Contact:
FRDC

Need

Since the advent of AQUAPLAN in 1998, despite the presence of a model in the terrestrial animal cost-shaing arrangement, the issue of a cost-sharing arrangement for funding of the response to an aquatic animal emergency disease incident has not been substantively progressed. Similarly the issue of obtaining compensation for compulsory slaughter through insurance cover has not been substantively progressed.
This project is needed to clearly define the steps required to progress these issues and develop a draft plan for consideration by stakeholders.

Objectives

1. The development of clear recommendations on how to resolve the current problems associated with the issues of compensation for compulsory slaughter and crop loss insurance.
2. The development of an implementation strategy for the establishment of a cost-sharing arrangement covering compensation for compulsory slaughter of animals in the aquaculture industries

Final report

ISBN: 0-9751859-1-8
Author: Iain East
Final Report • 2004-03-25 • 773.83 KB
2003-600-DLD.pdf

Summary

Successful completion of this project has lead to establishment of a clear pathway for aquaculture industries to access compensation for government ordered slaughter of stock as part of the response to an emergency disease incident. The pilot study provides specific details of the costs and mechanisms involved for the salmonid industry to join Animal Health Australia, become a signatory to the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement and have diseases of salmonids added to this agreement.

The full benefits flowing to stakeholders will be realized if the various aquaculture industries decide to adopt the recommendations of this study and avail themselves of the existing arrangements for the provision of compensation for government ordered slaughter of stock.

Zoological Catalogue of Australia Volume 35.2 Pisces — completion to book and electronic publication

Project number: 2003-302
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $15,000.00
Principal Investigator: Pamela Beesley
Organisation: Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry
Project start/end date: 3 Apr 2003 - 15 Jan 2007
Contact:
FRDC

Need

The primary needs are:

1. Accurate and thorough documentation of Australia’s fish diversity. Accurate understanding of species based on valid nomenclature is vital for effective implementation of the EPBC Act (Cth) 1999 and ecological sustainable development (ESD).
2. Stability of scientific names applied to fish. Essential for communication and dissemination of knowledge.
3. To have ready access to a searchable database of all names that have ever been applied to the Australian fish fauna.
4. An available master list of names is required for OZCAM (Online Zoological Collection of Australian Museums) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). Once completed "Fish" will be used as the "examplar" taxa for OZCAM, demonstrating an online Faunal Web Site.

Objectives

1. Check, edit and correct as necessary the manuscript of Vol. 35.2 Pisces, following negotiation with the Principal Compiler and ABRS editor, and ensure the inclusion of CAAB (Codes for Australian Aquatic Biota) codes for all taxa.
2. Edit graphics (scanned images) for inclusion in the volume and on the ABRS web site.
3. Prepare the text and graphics for hardcopy publication and typeset the volume with the title Zoological Catalogue of Australia, Volume 35.2 Pisces.
4. Prepare the text and graphics for electronic publication at http://www.ea.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/abif/fauna/index.html.

Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: enhancement of emergency disease management through the education and training of the CCEAD participants on the CCEAD process

Project number: 2002-660
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $49,541.84
Principal Investigator: Linda Walker
Organisation: Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry
Project start/end date: 19 Oct 2002 - 20 Oct 2005
Contact:
FRDC

Need

Many fisheries and aquaculture industries around the world have suffered major production losses due to the impact of disease epidemics. Few major disease incidents have occurred in Australian aquaculture, and as a result, the Commonwealth, State/Territory governments and aquaculture industries have relatively little experience in incident management for emergency aquatic animal diseases. Through AQUAPLAN – Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health 1998-2003 we have developed strategies and mechanisms such as the Aquatic Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases (Aquatic CCEAD) to provide advice on the management of disease emergencies in fisheries and aquaculture. Through the White Spot Virus incident in 2000-2001, however, it became apparent that the participants lacked the experience to effectively put into practice the CCEAD process.
The need for this education and training program can be summarized as follows:
1. Both government and industries have relatively little experience with real emergencies.
2. Industry and some government jurisdictions have little knowledge and understanding of the CCEAD process which is essential when dealing with an emergency.
3. In some jurisdictions there is a lack of clarity about the roles and responsibilities of various individuals.
4. Industry has little experience on CCEAD and has not previously been a bona fide member of CCEAD.
5. Lack of experience of disease incidents has lead to a lack of understanding of the reasons for confidentiality and hence conformation to the confidentiality guidelines.
6. Lack of experience with the CCEAD process has lead to the misuse and abuse of the process for political mileage rather then disease incident management.

Objectives

1. To familiarize participants with, and increase their understanding of, the CCEAD Terms of Reference and Operating Guidelines.
2. To develop trust and build relationships within and between the government and industry representatives.
3. To promote appropriate and effective behaviour when Aquatic CCEAD is activated.
4. To educate participants in Aquatic CCEAD on the benefits of abiding by the confidentiality clause of CCEAD.
5. To improve Australia’s emergency management response through an effective Aquatic CCEAD process.
6. To develop a training course/workshop for CCEAD participants.

Final report

Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Design and Organisation of a multi-state disease emergency simulation exercise

Project number: 2002-655
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $38,557.00
Principal Investigator: Iain East
Organisation: Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry
Project start/end date: 30 Oct 2002 - 30 Jun 2006
Contact:
FRDC

Need

The current program of simulation exercises to be conducted under the auspices of the Federal Budget Initiative is designed to provide individual jurisdictions with training in the management of an aquatic animal disease emergency.
However, within Australia, both marine and freshwater environments cross State/Territory boundaries. The need for inter-jurisdictional co-operation in successful disease control and eradication has not previously been addressed. A current FRDC project, 2002/660 is providing training focussed on the operation of the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases, however, the aims and objectives of the current proposal are to develop cooperation at a technical and operational level rather than the strategic level addressed by project 2002/660.

This project is needed to allow the development of the exercise materials and ensure that the exercise is effectively and efficiently planned.

This project submission has been requested by the FRDC Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram.

Objectives

1. To develop in consultation with a range of government and no-government organisations, a simulation exercise that will effectively address issues of inter-jurisdictional communication and cooperation in response to an emergency disease incident.
2. To engage the States/Territories that share the Murray/Darling Basin in the planning exercise and in doing so, heighten the awareness of these jurisdictions to the potential for incursions of emergency disease.
3. To negotiate funding for the subsequent simulation exercise from a range of participating agencies.

Aquatic Animal health Subprogram: production of AQUAVETPLAN disease strategy manual for viral haemorrhagic septicaemia

Project number: 2002-640
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $29,550.00
Principal Investigator: Paul Hardy-Smith
Organisation: Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry
Project start/end date: 4 Nov 2002 - 24 Aug 2004
Contact:
FRDC

Need

Currently, the Australian salmonid, tuna and pilchard fisheries, and the various Australian governments do not have an agreed approach for the response to an outbreak of VHS. The production of a disease strategy manual will provide the information upon which an informed decision can be made and will also document the agreed response to an outbreak of VHS. The existence of an agreed plan will assist in the rapid response to an outbreak of VHS and as with all disease incidents, the faster the response plan is initiated, the more likely the disease will be contained and the lower the economic impact on the industry.

This approach has been demonstrated to be effective in that a range of Disease Strategy Manuals for diseases of terrestrial animals has been available under AUSVETPLAN for the past twenty years and in that time, these manuals have been used in the response to disease incidents and proved to be highly successful.

Objectives

1. To produce an AQUAVETPLAN Disease Strategy Manual that documents available information on VHS and presents a preferred control policy to an outbreak of VHS, that has been endorsed by industry through Fish Health Management Committee and by State/Territory governments through Aquaculture Committee of Marine and Coastal Resources Committee (under Standing Committee – Natural Resource Management).
2. To develop a consensus between governments and industry on a preferred control policy to an outbreak of VHS in Australia.

Final report

ISBN: 0-9756047-2-4
Author: Paul Hardy-Smith
Final Report • 2004-06-24 • 1.18 MB
2002-640-DLD.pdf

Summary

In the May 2000 Budget, the Federal Government announced its Building a National Approach to Animal and Plant Health program. This initiative seeks to maintain Australia’s status as a sought after supplier of high quality, ‘clean, green’ agricultural produce. Within this initiative, funds were made available to Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Australia (AFFA) as administered funds for the Program Emergency Management Planning for aquatic animal diseases. As per an Agreement between AFFA and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), these monies are administered by the FRDC on AFFA’s behalf. The FRDC’s vehicle for delivery is the FRDC Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram. 

During December 2001 and January 2002, stakeholders from industry and governments in Australia nominated their priorities for projects under this Program. On 15 February 2002, the Subprogram’s Steering Committee and Scientific Advisory Committee met to evaluate the nominations. Through this process, the Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (VHS) – Disease Strategy Manual was approved as a priority. This Manual is one of a total of nine disease strategy and Operational manuals approved as priorities through this process.

These Manuals will form part of a series that are being developed under Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health (AQUAPLAN) and collectively will be known as AQUAVETPLAN.

Keywords: Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia, VHS, VHSV, Strategy Manual, Control.

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