SCRC: Seafood CRC: Codex Alimentarius working group on pathogenic marine Vibrio spp.
Seafood CRC: Factors limiting resilience and recovery of fished abalone populations
Seafood CRC: Develop priority R&D projects for the Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries
Seafood CRC: securing and enhancing the Sydney rock oyster breeding program
The SRO industry has the potential to exploit new export initiatives and increase production. Any resurgence in the industry will depend on SOCo’s ability to manage the development and supply of selectively bred oysters. FRDC has fostered this process by supporting breeding programs and hatchery research, whilst encouraging industry management of technology. The Benzie Report, Oyster Research Advisory Committee (ORAC) R&D Strategic Plan and the Action Plan developed at the FRDC-funded QX workshop in June 2005 have all indicated that effective management strategies for the SRO industry must be underpinned by; 1) the continued development of oyster husbandry techniques to secure QX resistant breeding lines, and, 2) the identification of genes associated with QX disease resistance that can be used for marker-assisted selection. These complementary research goals represent a critical step in “QX proofing” NSW estuaries against ongoing and catastrophic QX disease outbreaks. Continued research may also allow farming to be re-established in areas abandoned because of QX disease. Integration of genetic markers and single pair mating into the hatchery-based breeding program will increase the efficiency of selection, and decrease the number of generations required to establish true breeding resistant lines. Without marker assisted selection, the breeding program may not reach its full potential in time to prevent further losses.
A comprehensive presentation on the SRO industry will be given during the FRDC board’s visit to Port Stephens in July 2006.
Final report
The Select Oyster Company breeding plan has been amended to include a comprehensive manual of protocols for pair mating Sydney rock oysters (4.1). The association between phenoloxidase (PO) and QX resistance has been confirmed and a sensitive test for PO genotypes has been developed so that the breeding program has a tool to genotype parents and large numbers of their progeny to assist breeding (4.2-4.8). Protocols for cryopreservation of gametes have been developed and documented as a potential strategy to reduce SOCo’s overall maintenance costs for the lines and increase genetic security (4.9). Non-chemical means of triploidy induction in SRO (temperature and pressure shock) were tested (4.10). While these techniques were not as effective as existing chemical induction techniques, they have formed the basis of ongoing research to see if efficacy can be increased. A total of 60 pair mated family lines, including 31 lines with differing PO phenotypes, have been produced and are undergoing performance assessment in the field. These families will be made available to SOCo for incorporation in the industry breeding program.
SCRC: Review of health benefit research and development relevant to the Australian seafood industry and members of the Australian Seafood CRC
Extension and synthesis of key FRDC research areas
The FRDC have been looking at how best to undertake extension of research projects. A number of options and solutions have been identified. One considered and supported by attendees at the Annual FRDC Stakeholder Workshop. is to undertaken issue specific analysis – research synthesis.
Final report
Harvest strategies provide pre-planned actions ensuring sustainable fish populations while considering economic and social aspects. This report summarises an extension webinar where researchers, managers, and stakeholders discussed the development and implementation of these strategies. The FRDC has funded several past and current projects pertaining to Harvest Strategy development and implementation and continues to receive interest from a range of stakeholders around further research and development opportunities in this space. To promote discussion, extension, and adoption across current and recent related investments in harvest strategy R&D, the FRDC hosted an independently facilitated extension webinar. The webinar provided an opportunity for Project Investigators to socialise their research, extend the latest learning in this dynamic policy/research space, and promote a dialogue among research providers, fisheries managers, and harvest strategy practitioners.
FRDC also intended the webinar to inform the ongoing review of national guidelines for developing harvest strategies. This review aims to ensure these strategies align with best practices and address evolving challenges. The webinar identified three key themes: technical approaches, stakeholder engagement, and policy development. Future research needs include addressing multi-sector fisheries, spatial management, and climate impacts. The overall conclusion emphasizes a collaborative, data-driven approach that incorporates diverse stakeholder voices for effective fisheries management.