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PROJECT NUMBER • 2013-748.20
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Seafood CRC: addressing roadblocks to the adoption of economics in fisheries policy (2013/748.20 Communal)

This project has led to the development of three journal articles examining how the use of economic analyses and stock enhancement can lead to improved economic outcomes in Australian wild-capture commercial fisheries. The Seafood Cooperative Research Centre (Seafood CRC) Future Harvest (FH)...
ORGANISATION:
University of Tasmania (UTAS)

TSGA IPA: Comparative susceptibility and host responses of endemic fishes and salmonids affected by amoebic gill disease in Tasmania

Project number: 2011-070
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $227,357.00
Principal Investigator: Mark B. Adams
Organisation: University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Project start/end date: 31 Jan 2012 - 30 Jan 2014
:

Need

Atlantic salmon aquaculture in Tasmania continues to expand with production exceeding 25000 tonne for 2007-08 representing a 10000 tonne increase over the last five years. Directly employing over 1200 people (26), the Tasmanian industry is well placed for further growth due to its proximity to Asian markets. Tasmania’s climate provides ideal temperatures for Atlantic salmon production resulting in fast growth, substantially reducing the time to harvest (compared to European producers). The Tasmanian salmon industry plans to double production in the next five years, an ambition that may be problematic considering that current sites are nearly fully developed. New farming zones may need to be established in less sheltered waters (26), further from land and away from freshwater sources. Future reliability on FW sources in conjunction with the current high costs for treating AGD demonstrates a clear need for providing cost effective, efficacious alternatives that reduce the reliance upon freshwater resources. Progressing to alternative treatment strategies for AGD has proven elusive and (according to the recent AGD research review) has been attributed to fundamental knowledge deficiencies of host-pathogen interactions and epidemiology.

This proposal aligns specifically with TSGA R&D priorities within the fish health tactical development area those being “AGD-Epidemiology/Patho-biology” and “AGD-Comparing the response/mechanisms of salmon to native fish”. The proposed research also aligns with the TSGA’s “areas of interest” for 2011 specifically “AGD-comparing response between salmon and trout”.

Objectives

1. Determine the susceptibility of sea-cage associated endemic fishes to amoebic gill disease in comparison to Atlantic salmon
2. Investigate the comparative host responses of Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout naive and previously exposed to amoebic gill disease.

Final report

ISBN: 978-1-86295-854-8
Author: Mark Adams

Abalone Aquaculture Subprogram: a national survey of diseases of commercially exploited abalone species to support trade and translocation issues and the development of health surveillance programs

Project number: 2002-201
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $214,113.00
Principal Investigator: Judith Handlinger
Organisation: University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Project start/end date: 19 Oct 2002 - 30 Aug 2006
:

Need

Abalone Growers Associations in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia have given their support for the establishment of health monitoring programs of their farm’s stock, and are willing to contribute financially for establishing these and for ongoing monitoring. They see such programs as putting them in a unique position to to enable them to prevent disease in their stock and of meeting future market expectations in relation to health accreditation. This process is threatened by inadequate data on diseases in wild stock, and in some states by limited experience in abalone diagnosis.

Similarly the wild harvest abalone industry recognises vulnerability from a lack of knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of diseases in Australian wild stocks, in a climate where interstate translocation and trade access and quality issues are increasing. They also seek assurances on the health of farmed stock and of stock used for reseeding operations. As a result, the wild abalone sector and fisheries and animal health authorities in these states also strongly support a baseline survey of diseases present in the exploited abalone species, and development of improved surveillance capability.

The project is to acquire this background data on abalone disease, by a health survey covering the natural range of the exploited temperate abalone species. It includes the abalone aquaculture industry and the wild fishery in SA, Victoria, Tasmania, NSW and WA. The project will incorporate associated initial training, permanent presentation on collated results in accessible electronic format (CD and the subprogram’s website), and an abalone disease symposium to develop a net-work of state-based resources for on-going diagnosis, health certification and other shellfish health related functions at reasonable cost to the industry.

Development of the on-going state-based surveillance programs for aquaculture will progress in conjunction with this (without cost to the project), and with consultation with wild fisheries industries and managers, who will also benefit from improved capability for diagnostic and surveillance services.

Objectives

1. To undertake, over approximately one year, a single-round health survey of abalone from representative wild groups of commercial abalone species throughout their range in 5 states, using statistically relevant samples appropriate to maximize the chances of detection of serious diseases and define the disease agents present.
2. To similarly examine equivalent samples from all abalone farms and reseeding operations in these states.
3. From these to develop a database of abalone disease, their location and apparent prevalence (with confidence limits), then to present these findings to the wild and aquaculture industries and State and National government agencies, and to record them pictorially in accessible electronic format.
4. To expand the pool of abalone health expertise by holding an initial training workshop for collaborating pathologists to facilitate the survey, and a national abalone health meeting to present disease and pathology findings to all relevant pathologists and health service providers, to ensure their adoption.
5. Ensure the resulting information and skills are fully utilized by assisting in the development of cost-effective on-going health surveillance programs through collaboration with the abalone aquaculture industry and state authorities.

Rock Lobster Enhancement and Aquaculture Subprogram: the feasibility of translocating rock lobsters in Tasmania for increasing yield

Project number: 2005-217
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $19,738.95
Principal Investigator: Caleb Gardner
Organisation: University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Project start/end date: 15 Mar 2005 - 15 Dec 2006
:

Need

Modelling of the Tasmanian lobster resource has indicated that loss of yield through spatial differences in growth of lobsters is greater than 25% of the TACC. Effects of fishing on egg production/recruitment and ecology also appear poorly managed spatially.

Increasing catch targets high priority areas in the strategic plans of each stakeholder. The Tasmanian Government has stated their intent to pursue growth in primary industry as a key strategic area through the “State of Growth” strategy. The project squarely targets all aspects of the University of Tasmania's “EDGE agenda”, particularly through “Engagement” with the community by delivery of a substantial economic benefit. The need for this research has been identified by the commercial and recreational lobster sectors in each strategic plan for crustacean research since the first plan was produced by the CRAG in 1996, specifically under the topics of “stock enhancement” and “translocation”.

Objectives

1. To determine the costs associated with translocation lobsters.
2. To model the economic outcomes of translocation based on available biological data.
3. To combine the cost and economic outcomes into a bio-economic model.
4. To model the economic viability of large scale translocation operations to achieve yield increases.
5. To identify crucial input data that impact on the economic viability of translocation.
6. To identify further data requirements from field experiments.
7. To evaluate cost recovery options for a long term operational system for translocation.

Final report

ISBN: 186295-283-3
Author: Caleb Gardner
Final Report • 2008-05-23 • 944.66 KB
2005-217-DLD.pdf

Summary

Translocation involves the shifting of undersize rock lobsters to new areas to increase productivity and/or quality of product. We modelled the translocation of rock lobsters from four original sites to four release sites with a range of growth rates. 

Most model scenarios led to increases in yield at least double the status-quo.  Greatest gain occurred with simulations of the translocation of females from the SW to the NW – in these cases the translocation of 1 tonne led to almost no loss of yield at the origin site but a 1.6 tonne gain at the release site.

Levels of egg production in northern regions are a management issue for the Tasmanian fishery and the model indicated that these would be improved by translocation.  Modelling suggested that both yield and egg production benefits would be greatest when smaller females are translocated and when translocation is integrated with increased regional size limits in the north.  

Economic modelling of scenarios that involved the movement of five tonnes of lobsters by charter indicated that it is possible to generate an additional kilogram of catch for around $2.60. This compares favourably with current lease costs of over $15/kg.  Net state benefit was $160,000 per five tonne trip by a chartered vessel.  The internal rate of return for these operations was around 200%, which constitutes an extremely attractive investment.  

Three possible systems for funding translocation were developed and each involved an allocation of additional quota to fishers.  Translocation appears to offer a feasible option for sustainably and substantially increasing yield by converting low growth, low value lobsters into more productive, higher value lobsters.

Keywords: rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii, translocation, yield increase, sustainable development, bio-economic modelling.

Environment
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PROJECT NUMBER • 2016-204
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Indigenous business development opportunities and impediments in the fishing and seafood industry - 'Wave to plate' establishing a market for Tasmanian cultural fisheries

The FRDC project, ‘Wave to Plate’: establishing a market for cultural fisheries in Tasmania, is the first time that an Aboriginal Tasmanian postdoctoral researcher has engaged with marine research in Tasmania. Indigenous-led research has delivered a raft of outcomes that can be...
ORGANISATION:
University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Industry
PROJECT NUMBER • 2005-201
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Aquafin CRC - Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture Subprogram: environmental control of growth and early maturation in salmonids

At present the culture of Atlantic salmon within Australia produces approximately 26,000 t of fish per annum and is a direct employer of over 1100 workers with the majority of farmed fish sold nationally and only 12% exported. Environmental conditions, such as increased temperatures and high light...
ORGANISATION:
University of Tasmania (UTAS)

Aquafin CRC - Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture Subprogram: host-pathogen interactions in Amoebic Gill Disease

Project number: 2001-244
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $860,814.00
Principal Investigator: Barbara Nowak
Organisation: University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Project start/end date: 30 Jan 2002 - 23 May 2005
:

Need

This project will develop methods and provide information for vaccine and novel treatment development. For example, techniques for the isolation and maintenance of N. pemaquidensis are based on monoxenic cultures. This culture is highly problematic because preparations of protozoa are contaminated with bacteria. Studies to determine cell function, protein and DNA composition have been seriously compromised by the bacteria. Culture relies on the use of agar. Cell propagation and harvesting by this system is time consuming and inefficient. Development of practical systems for cell factory production of N. pemaquidensis is required. This is important for studies of cell wall composition and cell function, which require considerable biomass. There is no model of infection using protozoa derived from monoxenic or xenic cultures. This represents a major limitation, particularly when it is necessary to use controlled doses of a single strain. Current methods rely on the use of N. pemaquidensis harvested from infected fish. While this strategy meets an immediate need, long-term it cannot be justified. Development of a method to grow in vitro virulent protozoa capable of infecting fish is an essential objective. The current library of N. pemaquidensis isolates obtained from fish with AGD is small and in continuous culture for almost 10 years. There is an urgent need to re-isolate N. pemaquidensis and expand the library to ensure an adequate range of phenotypes and genotypes. Preservation of N. pemaquidensis is an essential requirement of the AGD programme as it will maintain strain integrity, a vital objective for vaccine development. The complexity of growing N. pemaquidensis has proved a major limitation to studies on AGD. A centre of expertise in the culture of N. pemaquidensis should result in guaranteed supply of organism. A reference laboratory will ensure standardisation of cultures and uniformity of research outcomes.

Objectives

1. To provide a knowledge base for development of novel treatments and vaccines
2. To identify factors leading to binding of the parasite to fish gills
3. To identify gill conditions which increase the susceptibility of the fish to AGD
4. To develop techniques for in vitro work on Amoebic Gill Disease
5. To expand the library of N. pemaquidensis strains
6. To implement a long term preservation for N. pemaquidensis based on freezing technology
7. To develop improved culture systems based on monoxenic and axenic techniques
8. To develop cell factory capability to produce high density cell suspensions of N. pemaquidensis
9. To develop cell purification techniques to produce pure cell suspension of N. pemaquidensis derived from cell culture and gill associated disease.
10. To implement cell characterisation techniques for strain differentiation
11. To investigate culture strategies to develop infective strains of in vitro grown N. pemaquidensis

Final report

ISBN: 1-86295-222-1
Author: Barbara Nowak
Final Report • 2005-01-17 • 3.54 MB
2001-244-DLD.pdf

Summary

This project significantly increased our knowledge and understanding of Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD).  We developed tools and techniques applicable to further research on AGD and other fish diseases.  This project contributed to education and training in the area of fish health. Five PhD students and three postdoctoral fellows were involved in this project.  Development of case definition for AGD and increased understanding of AGD outbreaks in the field were of particular interest to the salmon industry.  Diagnostic services (Fish Health Unit, DPIWE) collaborated by providing expertise and adopting this project's results.
 
Prior to this project, our knowledge of Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD) was fundamentally limited. An improved understanding of host-pathogen interactions was required to provide a basis from which to develop effective strategies for future control and treatment of the disease.   This was achieved by the development of new techniques and adaptation of existing ones for the study of ecto-parasitic gill disease.
 
This project addressed the need for understanding disease development and progression. Sequential histopathology in both laboratory and field infections identified developmental stages of AGD, in terms of host response and pathogen proliferation and the disease’s strong association with salinity and temperature. This work enabled the introduction of an AGD case definition, providing consistent and repeatable disease interpretation for future studies.
Environment
PROJECT NUMBER • 2011-087
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Tactical Research Fund: trial of an industry implemented, spatially discrete eradication/control program for Centrostephanus rodgersii in Tasmania

The long-spined sea urchin, Centrostephanus rodgersii has expanded its distribution southwards from southern New South Wales, through Eastern Victoria, the Bass Strait Islands and down the east coast of Tasmania. In some areas of Tasmania abundance of C. rodgersii has increased substantially, even...
ORGANISATION:
University of Tasmania (UTAS)
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