In 1999/2000 the estimated value of Australia’s rock lobster industry was $544 million and this represented 23% of the landed value of all Australian fisheries.

As Australia’s premier fisheries export there is a need to ensure that our lobster fisheries are managed sustainably and that they clearly demonstrate to the world that our research and management is ‘state-of-the-art’ and ‘worlds best practice’. By hosting this conference in Australia, it will enable the maximum number of fishery scientists, managers and industry representatives to attend and meet with scientists, managers and fishers associated with lobster fisheries around the world.

An area of particular interest to Australia includes lobster ecosystem models and assessment. There is a need in all of Australia’s lobster fisheries to address ecosystem issues for both Environment Australia and forthcoming ecological sustainable development requirements. In association with these requirements there is a need for Australia’s premier fisheries export industry to obtain and maintain industry accreditation for current and developing markets. Several Australian States, with the support of the FRDC Rock Lobster and Aquaculture Subprogram are investigating the potential for a rock lobster aquaculture industry. To aid this development there is a need to be abreast of the latest developments around the world.

The conference will also provide an opportunity to hear of the application of new technology and to form partnerships with experts pioneering new developments.

RESEARCH RELEVANCE AND ACCEPTANCE

FRDC is continually asked to fund a wide range of projects in the rock lobster post harvest area. These include studies of post-capture handling, transport, live holding cooking, packing, storing, freezing, Australian and international shipping, etc. To ensure that the investment in R&D results in significant profits for the industry it uses the Subprogram to assist it to measure the quality of science of the application, plan the research with industry partners to ensure improved outcomes, develop a comprehensive extension program, and ensure a high level of adoption of the results.

The Subprogram has achieved a high degree of research coordination between the States and an effective communication strategy to ensure service delivery to the industry. The Subprogram has added value to the FRDC's research investment by managing its project portfolio in this manner. This could not have been achieved without an independent Subprogram Leader and a highl responsive Steering Committee that is represented by industry members across Australia.

RESEARCH EFFICIENCY

Because of the Subprogram there have been substantive savings in the operation of projects and in the funding approved for new projects. The Subprogram ensures that the projects are appropriately costed, involves the industry in the projects where ever possible, and coordinates travel and workshop budjets to ensure a more efficient use of limited research funds.

NEW PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

As an indication of needs. The Subprogram is currently examining projects looking at:

1. Designing improved baskets for transporting both western and southern rock lobster lobsters. This project will be developed mainly with non FRDC funding.

Basket designs vary widely in the industry. The were developed add-hock all over different parts of the fisheries and all over Australia. In recent years there have been many modifictions to original designs as fishers attempted to transport ever increasing numbers of lobsters in a condition 'suitable for live export'. A better designed basket could provide financial savings to fishers and processors, and perhaps make them an interchangable item, similar to the use of wooden pallets in other industries. In addition, a better basket could assist with health and saftey issues, becuse many of the present baskets in use result in excessively heavy loads being carried, which may cause back damage.

2. Solving the “pink lobster” problem (2003/243)in western rock lobsters which is causing problems for both the wild fishery and processors.

Lobsters with pink flesh are difficult for processors to sell and the definiely get a reduced price. This is also a problem for fishers who, knowing of the processors problems, often tend to discsrd these lobsters at sea. It is mainly a western rock lobster problem but it does occur on a small scale in southern rock lobsters in SA.

3. Value adding the southern rock lobster catch by optimising flesh quality of uder valued large lobsters for the sashimi market (2003/242).

Large southern lobsters are difficult if not impossible to sell and if the are sold it is a very low prices. The possibility of value adding to these lobsters by 'preparing them' for the sashimi market is to be examined.

4. Production a booklet assisting sales of rock lobsters by advising overseas buyers how best to hold live rock lobsters; and documenting the operations of the market in Hong Kong for southern rock lobsters to assist Australian marketers from South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.

5. The cooking project 2001/235 will lead to dramatic new projects after completing of this study. Progress in this project has impressed the industry and clearly indicated that significant improvements improvements can be made in this area. The cooking techniques in practice can greatly improved. Innovate methods such an microwave cooking will be investigated.

Other projects will be developed after identification and consultation with industry. In all cases the Subprogram seeks quality scientific studies using innovative approaches, with maximum cost effectiveness.

Research has been completed showing that it is possible to harvest commercial quantities of pueruli/post-pueruli, which at this stage, appears to be unique in Australia. The same research has shown that harvesting of post-pueruli would have little impact on the commercial fishery and that there are ways of compensating the commercial catch to make post-pueruli removal biologically neutral. There is commercial interest in ongrowing western rock lobster post-pueruli to a marketable size, but basic data have yet to be obtained on growth and survival rates at different stocking densities. This project will provide the biological information (growth rates, food consumption etc) to assist potential investors in being able to assess the economic potential of this form of aquaculture. It should be noted that this proposed research will be equally relevant should it become possible in the future to produce pueruli by aquaculture, rather than by harvesting wild caught pureuli and post-pureuli.

The Australian Seafood Industry Council has identified a need to hold a biennial national seafood industry conference where the industry can gather in an appropriate form to discuss and learn about issues of critical nature affecting the industry and to use this form as a means of providing the basis for future planning and direction.

1.There is critical need for the seafood industry of Australia to promote itself and its image.
2.There is a critical need for the industry at national level to adequately address issues of Access Security.
3.There is a critical need for the industry at national level to adequately address issues of Quality.
4.There is a critical need for the industry at national level to adequately address issues relating to the Environment.
5.There is also a critical need for industry to address the public’s perception of seafood and associated issues such as quality, health benefits and product transfer.
6.There is a clear need for the Australian seafood industry to develop a ‘conference culture’ at a national level, which is critical to ensuring effective information transfer.
7.Other issues such as training and education, marketing and industry development also have international aspects, which could be addressed through attracting international industry delegates to Australia through a conference.