International Association of Astacology (freshwater crayfish) symposium and workshop
Research into freshwater crayfish has resulted in steady production increases in Australia over the last two decades. In an effort to take production and profitability to the next level, scientists in Australia have taken the opportunity to host IAA 13. Furthermore, the strategy of organisers has been to couple the event with a one-day workshop/seminar focussing on Australian crayfish aquaculture. The timing of the workshop/seminar (the day before the conference begins) has been set to attract participation from international astacologists, already in Fremantle for IAA 13. This will promote technology transfer into Australia, by giving access to local industry participants at a non-scientific level.
Following on from the one day aquaculture workshop, the IAA 13 symposium will provide a mechanism for the direct transferal and dissemination of cutting-edge research within Australia, as well as providing an international platform for local crayfish scientists to present their research to world-renowned astacologists, and pursue collaborative links for future research. Fisheries WA are planning to present at least six papers at the symposium, including recent research into yabby and marron aquaculture.
The fragility of crayfish aquaculture was highlighted in the 1980s when the crayfish plague, Aphanomyces astaci, obliterated stocks throughout Europe. Research has subsequently identified Australian crayfish as being extremely vulnerable to this infection, reminding Australia of the importance of comprehensive translocation policies. This has been further highlighted by recent disease concerns within the yabby industry. A forum for discussing these issues, and hearing from scientists representing afflicted countries, will augur well for the continuation of sound policy to protect Australia's prime market niche.
Final report
FRDC sponsorships for 24th International Seaweed Symposium 19-24 Feb 2023, Hobart
The ISS requires $150 K in sponsorship in addition to the $50 K seeding funding provided by Business Events Tasmania. To date we have a number of smaller sponsors and local aquaculture businesses supporting us through exhibitor stands.
As a Silver Sponsor, the FRDC will receive three complementary full registrations, plus conference dinner tickets, and a range of promotional materials including mention at the opening and closing ceremonies, and online visibility. Please see the attached document for a full list of entitlements that the FRDC will receive.
The 5 x industry bursaries will support key people, that have been identified by the International Seaweed Symposium organizing committee, to share their knowledge and experience with Australian seaweed industry representatives. The ISS committee and the conference organizers (Conference Design) will oversee the implementation of the bursaries. Names of people identified as prospective FRDC bursary recipients are listed in the attached document.
Output & Outcomes
Outputs may be knowledge, skills, process, practices, items/artefacts, publications, workshops, models, or technology that when adopted, will contribute to planned outcomes
The expected outcomes of sponsorship for the ISS are new national and international collaborations, new alliances, new ideas on how to progress the seaweed industry in Australia, identify new markets, increase investment into the Australian seaweed sector, and launch the emerging Australian seaweed industry into the global arena.
The major output from the conference is the Proceedings of the 24th International Seaweed Symposium, which is a substantial volume that contains peer-reviewed publications arising from conference presentations.
Extension
The legacy of the ISS in Tasmania, Australia, will be global recognition of seaweed research and development in this region, and the unique systems and seaweed flora that Australia has to offer. When held in regions where a seaweed industry is at an early stage (e.g. Chile 1995), the ISS has been pivotal in helping realize the full potential of the industry. Extension will, therefore, be through the transfer of new knowledge and skills that are gained at the ISS to Australian businesses and communities and raise awareness of the seaweed industry through media outlets and engagement with end-users.