There are no antimicrobials permitted or registered for use in finfish in Australia effective against gram positive bacteria (e.g. Streptococcus and Lactococcus). In finfish aquaculture, erythromycin (ERYC) is the best antimicrobial against gram positive organisms. The aquaculture industry and the Subcommittee for Aquatic Animal Health identified access to this product for finfinfish as a priority. Bacterial diseases are increasingly managed by eradication, maintenance of animals of specified health status, vaccination, and good hygiene, but antimicrobial therapy remains vital for treating bacterial diseases in finfish aquaculture. Appropriate use of antimicrobials can alleviate illness and suffering, improve welfare, increase speed of recovery, reduce spread of infection. Use of ERYC is not intended for prophylactic treatment, but as a tool for veterinarians to manage disease outbreaks. Use in South Australia, for example, is sporadic (~1 to 2 times per 3-5 years for a sector). The Aquaculture industry is committed to Australia's antimicrobial strategy, and as required by APVMA this proposal includes an antimicrobial resistance risk assessment. Available data for ERYC can satisfy the APVMA module requirements for efficacy, chemistry and manufacture, toxicology, trade and occupational health and safety. These are available in published literature, a range of industry studies of animals treated off-label and laboratory studies. There is a lack of data to satisfy the requirements mainly in the environment modules and the antimicrobial resistance risk assessment.

ERYC was ranked low by the Expert Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Assessment (EAGAR) as an antimicrobial for which there are a reasonable number of alternative agents in different classes available to treat most infections. Although it is listed on the WHO list of essential medicines, it is registered for use in cattle, pigs and sheep (APVMA #84160) and poultry (APVMA #50742) in Australia and the WHO list can be modified locally to suit the availability and sophistication of the animal and human health systems in WHO member countries. The APVMA PAA assessed ERYC as suitable for assessment for use in finfish.

The 2018 Tasmanian state Election Commitment ‘Taking Recreational Fishing and Boating to the Next Level’ has provided $1.0M over the next two years to install artificial reefs in Tasmania. There is also an addition $450K for the installation and management of Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs). Both projects aim to provide new fishing opportunities for recreational and sport fishers (total $1.45M) and are aligned with the current development of the Tasmanian Recreational Sea Fishing Strategy – a 10 year strategic plan to address longstanding issues and maximise new opportunities. In Outcome 3 of the Strategy 'Making it easier for people to go fishing’, infrastructure projects to enhance fishing opportunities such as artificial reefs and FADs are identified as a priority.

Marine and Safety Authority Tasmania (MAST) has been tasked with implementing these Election Commitments on behalf of the Government, and Marine Solutions has completed feasibility assessments, including site selection, for the installation of both the artificial reefs and FAD: www.mast.tas.gov.au/artificial-reefs-and-fish-aggregation-devices-fads-in-tasmania. Marine Solutions is currently seeking government permits for two artificial reefs and five FADs in Tasmania, and installation will likely be open for tender in mid-2021. It is expected that installation at all sites will be completed towards the end of 2021. Upon completion, all equipment ownership and ongoing management will be transferred to Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE).

Currently, there is no pathway to determine the direct and in-direct benefits these resources may have for the recreational fishery and other multi-sector users. This includes the role these resources play for Tasmania's unique fish fauna, and their specific habitat and nursery requirements. It is vital that we invest into measuring these contributions to, ultimately, determine value and potential "success". Information can be used for ongoing management to ensure long-term benefits are maximised. This project is endorsed by RecFAC & will be carried out in collaboration with the recreational fishery (TARFish), MAST and DPIPWE.