Development of an inshore fisheries action plan
Investigations into the toxicology of pectenotoxin 2 seco acid and 7-epi pectenotoxin 2 seco acid to aid in a health risk assessment for the consumption of shellfish contaminated with these diarrhetic shellfish toxins in Australia
The need for the research lies in the fact that no guideline values exist for pectenotoxins in shellfish. To produce these guidelines toxicological data need to be produced and currently there is a lack of knowledge of the PTX metabolism and mechanisms of toxicity. There is currently no oral toxicology data on the PTX2- seco acids and thus their inpact on human health cannot be assessed. There have been no published works of their metabolism in mammals or humans, and their chronic effects on health are unknown. The clinical symptoms are non-specific to DSP poisoning and it is believed that cases of bacterial poisoning and DSP are mis-diagnosed due to lack of toxicological information.
The presence of pectenotoxins can impose significant economic burden on the shellfish industry. Clear toxicological data on pectenotoxins will be used to undertake a risk assessment of pectenotoxins to enable the shellfish industry and regulators to make informed decisions about the withdrawal of product from sale or closure of farms in the presence of pectenotoxins in shellfish.
Final report
The establishment of an Australian wide monthly periodical (the Fisheries Software Register) for the dissemination and standardization of computer software in fisheries and related sciences
Final report
South Australian deep water line fishing developments
Final report
During November and December 1983 and February to May 1984, the Commonwealth funded South Australian Deep Water Line Fishing Survey investigated the viability of droplining and trotlining on the continental slope off southeast Australia.
At present many south Australian fishermen rely heavily on rock lobster and the establishment of a trot/dropline fishery would provide a valuable alternative for this fishery, and could prove to be a substantial benefit to local fishermen.
In April 1983, the Minister for Primary Industry approved the expenditure of $83,500 from the Fishing Industry Research Trust Account towards a project aimed at providing an alternative fishery to the already established rock lobster and shark fisheries.