This project aimed to facilitate prawn industry participation in Seafood CRC projects and the extension and utilisation of the project results, particularly in relation to the development of new products and new markets. The planning, implementation and reporting of R&D projects conducted by the Seafood CRC was coordinated to achieve the outcomes specified in the ACPF Strategic Plan.

Selection of R&D projects to be undertaken by the Seafood CRC was determined by a Research Subcommittee established by the ACPF. The output of many early projects identified gaps and set priorities for subsequent research projects. The research and extension manager facilitated communication with the industry to encourage implementation and adoption of research outcomes.

The early projects identified these areas as having the greatest potential to provide enduring benefits for the Australian wild caught prawn industry were Value Chain Analysis, Quality Assurance and the National Prawn Marketing Strategy. These projects have breathed new life and enthusiasm into the industry. Through the uptake of the outcomes of these three areas of Seafood CRC projects, the outcomes of other lesser known Seafood CRC projects (such as nutritional profiles) are being disseminated and adopted by the industry.

Australia typically produces around 20,000 tonnes of prawns annually, of which around 25% is exported. The Australian Prawn Fisheries Council (APFC) and the Seafood CRC commissioned SARDI to undertake a food safety risk rating of prawns consumed in Australia. This project scientifically evaluated the human health impact of chemical and microbial hazards associated with prawns.

Risk ratings indicate a very low risk of human illness associated with the consumption of prawns produced domestically, imported prawns and exported prawns. This finding is consistent with the public health record which shows few reports of illness related to the consumption of prawns that have been handled appropriately

A number of businesses have recently been established in Australia with a primary focus on genetic improvement and the sale of genetically improved stock for aquaculture. The production of selectively bred stock has been shown to have high benefit-cost, even for relatively small aquaculture industries, and so a number of new breeding programs (companies or cooperatives) are likely to begin operation during the life of the Seafood CRC. Selective breeding is highly technical so that even the hands-on running of a breeding nucleus requires a high degree of specialist training. The business of selective breeding is relatively new in Australia and there is much to be learnt from experiences overseas.

The Seafood CRC believes Australian breeders could learn a lot from the experience of Nofima who have been providing genetic and breeding research services directly to breeding programs around the world for more than 30 years and who have established programs for Atlantic Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Atlantic Cod, Tilapia and other species that are now commercialised and recognised internationally.

This exchange program will benefit aquaculturists who are considering starting selective breeding programs or hatcheries to supply industry with stock and assistance with analysing data and making decisions about the selection and mating of selectively bred stock. The exchange program also will assist with the day-to-day operation of a nucleus or hatchery and those trying to run a profitable selective breeding or hatchery business

The program will also give owners, managers, geneticists and hatchery staff involved with selective breeding programs in Australia the opportunity to establish dialogue, cooperation and/or collaboration with international players on the selective breeding scene and Nofima can provide an insight into the development, strategies and running of successful international selective breeding businesses. Lastly, the exchange will help to educate those making decisions about selection and mating and will provide the latest technical developments overseas and how these might be adapted within Australia, whilst improving their basic knowledge about establishing, running and profiting from selective breeding.

Australia comprises fifteen different prawn fisheries across Australia with a combined value at close to $1billion in gross revenue.  A look at several other Australian fisheries showed that those that had been successful at addressing issues at a national level had national representative organisations that complemented State-based associations.  It was clear that fishery-specific conferences had provided an incentive for stakeholders to come together to investigate the issues and develop appropriate, coordinated responses.  Development of national representative bodies became a logical next step.  

In 2004, it was clear that the prawn industry did not have a national forum through which national issues could be discussed and national responses developed.  In the absence of such forums, responses were ad hoc at best and in many cases no effective responses were being developed or delivered by the industry.  The National Prawn Fisheries Conference held in Cairns in November 2004 connected people across the industry.

Following the 2004 conference, four wild-catch prawn industry organisations provided funding to develop a draft strategic plan for the next 10 years and further funding was leveraged by the Federal Government to invest in assessing the challenges and opportunities for the industry. The Taking Stock and Setting Directions report became the basis of developing a draft strategic plan for the industry.  The report clearly identified that a sustainable and profitable pathway for the industry was achievable. A draft strategic plan was developed by the Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries. The conference became the forum to obtain industry’s comments on the strategies in the strategic plan. 

The Spencer Gulf and West Coast Prawn Fishermen’s Association agreed to host the Second National Prawn Fisheries Conference to strengthen the networks between people in the various prawn fisheries and to support the new national body.

The conference was specifically designed to give direction to the Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries on the priority projects to be pursued under the draft strategic plan.  An event manager was contracted to manage the logistics and a professional facilitator contracted to ensure that specific outcomes were obtained and that all delegates were provided opportunity to have input.  Information was provided on each theme by invited guest speakers and these sessions were followed by facilitated, interactive discussion among all delegates.

Keywords: Prawns, Conference, Spencer Gulf and West Coast Prawn Fishermen’s Association, Prawn fisheries, Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries.