Oysters Australia IPA: Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) – closing knowledge gaps to continue farming C. gigas in Australia
Aquatic Animal Health and Biosecurity Subprogram: Disinfection measures to support biosecurity for infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) at aquaculture facilities
People development program: 2012 FRDC International Travel Bursaries - Dr Joy Becker
In FRDC 2007/007 and FRDC 2009/044, it was determined that ornamental fish entering Australia are a source of exotic pathogens, such as cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV2). This is of particular relevance for goldfish, where domestic breeders claim that their stock succumb to CyHV2 disease when brought into contact with imported goldfish in wholesale and retail premises. CyHV2 only affects goldfish and was addressed in the 1999 IRA as being exotic to Australia. Recent research findings from FRDC 2009/044 indicated that CyHV2 is present in domestic Australian goldfish populations. On 1 September 2011, Biosecurity Australia amended the health certification requirements for the importation of goldfish and no longer requires fish to be certified free of CyHV2.
The detection of CyHV2 and other exotic aquatic pathogens (e.g. gourami iridovirus) was achieved through the application of molecular techniques, such as PCR. Correctly applied and interpreted, molecular approaches offer unique opportunities to understand the local and global spread of a disease. The advancement of molecular approaches is required to safeguard Australia against pathogen incursions through the processes of informed policy development and import risk analysis.
There is a need to disseminate the research that determined that CyHV2 is now established in Australia and how scientific evidence was used to change national biosecurity policy to the international scientific community. There is also a need to ensure the availability of people with specialised training in molecular epidemiology in Australia to stay at the forefront of the application of this technology.
Revision of the existing AQUAVETPLAN: ‘Viral Encephalopathy and Retinopathy Disease Strategy Manual’
Quantitative Training Unit for Fisheries
Final report
The Quantitative Training Unit for Fisheries is a project funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation in the Institute of Marine Ecology at the University of Sydney. The Unit was set up in February 1995, initially for a period of three years. During that time, up to 3 people have been employed on the project.
The Unit was established to improve the skills of fisheries scientists and fisheries managers in Australia in the area of fisheries modelling. Fisheries modelling embraces a variety of the mathematical techniques used to produce quantitative models of the populations of exploited fish species. These models help scientists monitor changes in fish stocks so that they can provide the necessary information to the managers who are responsible for policies for the sustainable use of these stocks.
Course material was developed using Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Word was used to create reference material for the participants to read in their own time. PowerPoint was used to create presentations for projection during lecture sessions. Excel spreadsheets provided the foundation of the practical sessions by implementing and demonstrating the mathematical and statistical techniques used in fisheries modelling.
The course material was packaged into 17 modules, so that training course could be tailored to the requirements of the participants. Most of the modules were aimed at fisheries scientists; some were designed for managers. Courses lasted from 2 to 5 days. Eleven courses were held in all Australian States (except Western Australia) and in Canberra. In total, 127 scientists and 25 managers attended.
Seven of the core modules were developed as computer-based, interactive training packages. These were designed as stand-alone software for self-instruction, but they may also be used as presentations. Macromedia Authorware was used as the software vehicle. and the packages can be run on Windows and Macintosh platforms.
It was considered desirable to retain the training unit beyond its initial 3 year period. A successful application for funding at a reduced level was made to FRDC and the unit has started its second 3 year phase. Two part-time positions are being provided to continue both the presentation of training courses and the development of further computer-based packages.