Seafood CRC: prawn Industry black spot management: problem size and appropriate research
The fishery for red spot king prawns (Penaeus longistylus) off the central Queensland coast
Final report
The fishery for king prawns which occurs between 18°S and 21°S has been investigated over a three year period. The fishery takes place predominantly during winter months. Availability of alternative target stocks as well as recruitment timing is responsible for the fishery's timing.
Annual catch has increased to about 2000 tonnes in 1987, from an annual catch of about 700 tonnes in 1984. This has been brought about by increased effort in the fishery, as the average annual catch rate has remained steady.
About 70% of the catch is red spot king prawn, Penaeus longistylus. The remainder is blueleg king, P. latisulcatus. Redspot kings recruit onto the main fishing grounds in the Great Barrier Reef lagoon over an extended period, whereas blueleg kings recruit over a comparatively short period.
Blueleg king prawns follow a conventional penaeid life cycle. Juveniles use coastal flats as nursery areas and move to deeper water as they mature. Red spot kings are unique in that they use coral reef lagoons as nursey areas. The species' biology is attuned to the coral reef environment.
Tagging studies conducted on red spot king prawns showed that adults were sedentary. Estimates of growth parameters and natural mortality obtained from tagging data are sufficient to use in a basic yield model.
Water treatment to control influent water biosecurity risk on Australian prawn farms. Effectiveness and impacts on production ponds.
People development program: Aquatic animal health training scheme-Fish disease diagnosis, biosecurity and disease management training for fish farming industry of Australia
Training is needed, for fish farmers, technicians & veterinarians in all Australian States, for increased vigilance with respect to early disease detection, diagnosis, control and eradication of newly emerging endemic and exotic fish diseases. Northern States of Australia (NT, Qld) are at greatest risk for disease incursions, via the vast expanse of the States & Territories, remoteness of farms, illegal trade of fish, fish products, shipping movements (over 13 ports in Qld), people movement and the proximity of northern Australia to Indonesia, PNG and Asia. Early fish disease detection and eradication is necessary to protect the Biosecurity of the Australian Fish Farming industry, and prevent disease spread within and between States.
The continued annual growth of the barramundi & freshwater fish industries in all Australian States precipitates the need for farmer training for disease detection at the grass-roots level for farm workers to detect, control and treat fish disease, and thereby reducing disease risk to aquaculture enterprises and fisheries resources.
A specific training workshop is needed to train fish farmers, technicians, fisheries officers, vets, with hands-on, practical, technical skills & knowledge by Aquatic Animal health Professionals, so skills can be practically applied on farms during disease epizootics, investigations, and disease emergencies. This is needed to support continued growth, productivity, & sustainability of the Australian Fish farming Industry, disease being a limiting factor. This Workshop is needed to support on-going disease reporting activities by all States to DAFF, OIE and NACA, allowing continuation of Australian trade in fish and disease-free status.