Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Strategic Approaches To Identifying Pathogens Of Quarantine Concern Associated With The Importation Of Ornamental Fish
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$249,836.00
Summary
Nearly 18 million ornamental fish are imported annually under a policy based on an Import Risk Analysis published in 1999. Despite the biosecurity measures in place since 2000, there have been several incidents of exotic pathogens from ornamental fish affecting wild and farmed fish populations. These include atypical Aeromonas salmonicida, cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV2) and dwarf gourami iridovirues (DGIV). There is a need to acquire new knowledge to support policy reform as the ornamental fish ....Nearly 18 million ornamental fish are imported annually under a policy based on an Import Risk Analysis published in 1999. Despite the biosecurity measures in place since 2000, there have been several incidents of exotic pathogens from ornamental fish affecting wild and farmed fish populations. These include atypical Aeromonas salmonicida, cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV2) and dwarf gourami iridovirues (DGIV). There is a need to acquire new knowledge to support policy reform as the ornamental fish industry advances and new pathogens emerge. Project FRDC 2009/044: AAH: surveys of ornamental fish for pathogens of quarantine significance determined that ornamental fish with subclinical infections of exotic viruses were passing through quarantine undetected. This project provided scientific evidence that led Biosecurity Australia to relax the import conditions for goldfish as CyHV2 is now considered endemic. Also, DGIV was detected in all consignments of imported gouramis at an average prevalence of 19%. DGIV was detected in domestic fish populations at wholesale and retail premises and at one ornamental aquaculture facility. The project outcomes indicated that pre-export biosecurity measures (and associated health certification provided by exporting country authorities) and post-arrival quarantining of fish in Australia were insufficient to detect and prevent fish with subclinical infections of exotic pathogens from entering Australia.
There is little information available on other viral, bacterial and parasitic disease agents carried by imported ornamental fish. Specifically, there is a paucity of information available on parasites of imported fish and their potential risk to Australian industries and ecosystems. There is a need to determine whether pathogens of biosecurity significance associated with ornamental fish are entering Australia despite the import conditions. Objectives: 1. Determine if pathogens of potential biosecurity concern on the national list are entering QAPs in Australia through the trade in ornamental fish 2. Determine if current import conditions for goldfish requiring freedom from specific pathogens are being met 3. Document parasites of potential biosecurity concern that are associated with imported ornamental fish 4. Develop efficient pooled sample strategies for testing imported fish Read moreRead less
DAFF Aquatic Animal Welfare Working Group - Communications Coordinator
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$75,000.00
Summary
The Aquatic Animal Welfare Working Group (AAWWG) has progressed a structured approach to assessing animal welfare across the 4 sector groups and the development of animal welfare handling guidelines for each sector.
The AAWWG is now in a position to ensure that this knowledge and guidance material on aquatic animal welfare is widely communicated within the various sector groups using established trusted networks and to the broader community.
The project will fund engagement of ....The Aquatic Animal Welfare Working Group (AAWWG) has progressed a structured approach to assessing animal welfare across the 4 sector groups and the development of animal welfare handling guidelines for each sector.
The AAWWG is now in a position to ensure that this knowledge and guidance material on aquatic animal welfare is widely communicated within the various sector groups using established trusted networks and to the broader community.
The project will fund engagement of a part time person to develop of a plan and provide co-ordination with peak bodies across the extremely diverse sectors of aquatic animals.
Objectives: 1. Achieve sustainable improvements in animal welfare based on national and international benchmarks, scientific evaluation and research, taking into account changes in whole of community standards. 2. Achieve effective communication, education and training across the whole community to promote an improved understanding of animal welfare 3. Promote ownership and responsibility for animal welfare by aquatic animal sectors and the benefits of aquatic animal welfare and the AAWS Strategy to the broader Australian community. 4. Improve knowledge developed through industry standards and research on aquatic animal welfare is adapted into national guidelines and broadly communicated across the commercial, recreational, aquaculture and ornamental fish sector Read moreRead less
The Development, Adoption And Evaluation Of Environmental Management Systems In Western Australian Commercial Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$90,000.00
Summary
Inshore high profile fisheries need EMS to build the confidence of their communities to ensure that the supply of fish to the public is maintained. An EMS is also needed for the Marine Aquarium Fishery (MAF) to minimise any future loss of access by ensuring its current practices are consistent with community expectations. Through the fishery’s ESD process, this project also enables Department of Environment and Heritage’s (DEH) assessment outcomes to be incorporated into the EMS.
The So ....Inshore high profile fisheries need EMS to build the confidence of their communities to ensure that the supply of fish to the public is maintained. An EMS is also needed for the Marine Aquarium Fishery (MAF) to minimise any future loss of access by ensuring its current practices are consistent with community expectations. Through the fishery’s ESD process, this project also enables Department of Environment and Heritage’s (DEH) assessment outcomes to be incorporated into the EMS.
The South Coast Estuarine Fishery (SCEF) is also in danger of losing access either through resource reallocation to other sectors or the marine planning process unless it proactively engages with community groups to improve its perception. This fishery has no code of practice and, as a non-export fishery, is unlikely to undergo any Government driven environmental risk assessment process in the near future. This industry driven project is necessary to enable the long and sustainable history of the fishery to be documented and profiled prior to entering into the marine planning process.
There is an equal need to evaluate the effectiveness of EMS as a tool to improve public perception. These results would be integral to WAFIC promoting the up take of EMS by other fisheries in future.
In the pearling industry, the template produced as a result of the National Seafood EMS Pilot Project is now available for application across WA’s pearling industry. This project will allow the whole industry to demonstrate its EMS credentials (rather than a component of the industry) to ensure there is an ongoing and continuous improvement process.
With growing interest amongst other WA fisheries to develop EMS there is a need to educate the wider industry on the associated costs, benefits and options of EMS. Objectives: 1. To develop and implement auditable environmental management systems in the South Coast Estuarine and Marine Aquarium Fisheries. 2. To assess the effectiveness of ‘Objective 1’ in changing community attitudes. 3. To extend the National Seafood EMS Pilot Project to the whole WA pearling industry. Read moreRead less
Communication and extension has been identified by the board as an activity on which more work should be undertaken.
In particular the last three AOP's for FRDC identified under Challenge 5: Community and consumer support two key priorities: • Educate the community about fisheries and aquaculture management and its contribution to Australia. • Communicate the benefits of government and industry investment in R&D.
To deliver key messages to the broader community, telev ....Communication and extension has been identified by the board as an activity on which more work should be undertaken.
In particular the last three AOP's for FRDC identified under Challenge 5: Community and consumer support two key priorities: • Educate the community about fisheries and aquaculture management and its contribution to Australia. • Communicate the benefits of government and industry investment in R&D.
To deliver key messages to the broader community, television is widely recogised as a powerful, albeit costly, tool. Escape with ET provides a cost effective vehicle to reach not only recreational fishers but those in the community that are interested in a wider range of activities and pursuits.
Over the course of Series 9 and 10, FRDC has helped produce over 35 individual stories on R&D ranging from release fish survival through to Australian Salmon and Southern Rocklobster which has been seen by a cumalitive audience of over 18,000,000.
Objectives: 1. to educate the broader community on best practice handling techniques for recreational fishing 2. provide the public with science based information that will allow them to make educated decisions regarding the maintenance of Australia’s ecosystems and associated fish stocks 3. provide science based information to community to inform their opinions Read moreRead less
The Australian Ornamental Fish Industry In Australia 2006/07
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$70,000.00
Summary
FRDC Tof R. The FRDC and DAFF are seeking a study plan (using the standard FRDC application template) that outlines how the consultant plans to meet the objectives of the study. The proposal must include a list of contacts and sources of information the consultant will use in undertaking the study (PIAA should be consulted, but should not be the sole source of information) Objectives: 1. Determine an estimate of the overall structure, size and value of the ornamental fish indu ....FRDC Tof R. The FRDC and DAFF are seeking a study plan (using the standard FRDC application template) that outlines how the consultant plans to meet the objectives of the study. The proposal must include a list of contacts and sources of information the consultant will use in undertaking the study (PIAA should be consulted, but should not be the sole source of information) Objectives: 1. Determine an estimate of the overall structure, size and value of the ornamental fish industry in Australia 2. Determine an estimate of the overall structure, size and value (using the above indicators) of ornamental fish industry activities 3. Determine the level of recreational ornamental fish ownership and the types of owners - based upon level of seriousness (simple fish tank up to breeding and showing) 4. Compilation of a list of the commercially important species traded in Australia categorized by, value, source, production method etc 5. Develop a method to estimate the GVP of the industry on an annual basis 6. Identify potential areas for industry growth (subject to funding availability) Read moreRead less
Similar to the development process of the previous plans, an industry-government workshop is proposed to be held in late 2020 to consider the review’s findings and consult industry and governments on priority issues to be included in the 4th AQUAPLAN. The workshop would be organised and supported primarily by APHP staff, in conjunction with FRDC, and funding is required to hold the workshop in a venue that maximises attendance from key stakeholders (i.e. in a convenient location). The workshop w ....Similar to the development process of the previous plans, an industry-government workshop is proposed to be held in late 2020 to consider the review’s findings and consult industry and governments on priority issues to be included in the 4th AQUAPLAN. The workshop would be organised and supported primarily by APHP staff, in conjunction with FRDC, and funding is required to hold the workshop in a venue that maximises attendance from key stakeholders (i.e. in a convenient location). The workshop will be held 18-19 March 2020 and planning will need to begin as soon as possible. Workshop participants would include representatives from industry (including wild catch, aquaculture and ornamental fish sectors), Commonwealth and state and territory governments, and other government and non-government agencies (e.g. CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and Animal Health Australia).
Objectives: 1. To host an industry-government workshop to consider the findings and recommendations of the AQUAPLAN 2014-2019 Review and consult on the priority issues to be included in the 4th National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health. Read moreRead less
Determination Of The Impacts Of Direct Harvest Of Coral Species In Northern Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Australia’s aquarium fisheries are high value (GVP >$20 million), small scale fisheries that rely on exporting CITES listed corals for profitability and viability. The Australian government requires fisheries collecting and exporting these species to demonstrate that their harvest is sustainable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) in order to meet Australia's obligations under CITES. In the absence of empirical evidence, precautionary harvest l ....Australia’s aquarium fisheries are high value (GVP >$20 million), small scale fisheries that rely on exporting CITES listed corals for profitability and viability. The Australian government requires fisheries collecting and exporting these species to demonstrate that their harvest is sustainable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) in order to meet Australia's obligations under CITES. In the absence of empirical evidence, precautionary harvest limits are set on all coral species, and monitored and reported by NT Fisheries to the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Energy (DoEE), to fulfil EPBC requirements. Increased global demand for valuable coral species presents an opportunity for licenced fishers to develop new and existing international markets. However, in order to increase harvest limits, evidence is required to reinforce that the harvest and subsequent export will not have a detrimental effect on the population status of the species (CITES non-detriment finding). Any supporting non-detriment finding must be corroborated with new empirical evidence on the impacts of harvesting corals. The FRDC project ‘Establishing baselines and assessing vulnerability of commercially harvested corals across northern Australia’ (FRDC 2014-029) (currently underway) attempts to address some of these issues including taxonomy, abundance and distribution of key coral species but fails to address the long-standing concern of the impacts of coral harvesting. Understanding and quantifying the impacts of harvesting coral has the potential for providing the greatest benefit to industry. The specific need is to investigate the extent of recovery (or not) of key species of Scleractinian (hard) corals harvested at the level of individual colonies over an appropriate temporal scale. Members of the A12 Aquarium display fishery are supportive of this project and will be actively involved in assisting with data collection. This project directly addresses the NT Research Advisory Committee priority ‘Impact of harvesting key species of Scleractinian (hard) corals in the Northern Territory’.
Objectives: 1. Establish a monitoring program involving commercial fishers to determine the impacts of harvest on key coral species. 2. Improve the accuracy of coral species identification through the development of an NT identification guide. 3. Assess reproductive modes, and establish rates of recruitment for commercially important Northern Territory corals. Read moreRead less
Report On Options For Reducing The Dependancy Of The Australian Aquaculture Industry, Ornamental Fish Industry, Commercial And Recreational Fishing Industry And Stockfeed Industry On Imported Aquatic Imports
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$9,440.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Identify the specific sectors of the aquaculture industry, ornamental fish industry, commercial and recreational fisheries and stockfeed industries which utilise imported aquatic products and identify the particular products involved. 2. Determine the extent of reliance by the above industry sectors on imported aquatic products. 3. Identify options for reducing the dependance of the above industry sectors on imported aquatic imported.
Aquatic Animal Health And Biosecurity Subprogram: Disinfection Measures To Support Biosecurity For Infectious Spleen And Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV) At Aquaculture Facilities
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$99,992.00
Summary
In the simplest of terms, biosecurity is the protection of living organisms from any type of infectious organism. It can be applied at a local level, such as at a single farm or a national or an international level. One of the best ways to protect fish and safeguard industries and ecosystems, is by preventing and controlling disease with a good biosecurity program. Effective disinfection procedures are important components of disease control and general guidelines for aquatic animal health are a ....In the simplest of terms, biosecurity is the protection of living organisms from any type of infectious organism. It can be applied at a local level, such as at a single farm or a national or an international level. One of the best ways to protect fish and safeguard industries and ecosystems, is by preventing and controlling disease with a good biosecurity program. Effective disinfection procedures are important components of disease control and general guidelines for aquatic animal health are available from the OIE. However, interpretation and implementation by industry and regulatory authorities require pathogen specific information.
General guidelines for disinfection in response to emergency aquatic animal diseases are provided in AquaVet Plan, Operation Manual for Decontamination (DAWR, 2014-2019) and by the OIE (Aquatic Code, Chapter, 4.3). However, the survival of RSIV outside a host is unknown and disinfection with ether, formalin and chloroform are impractical, particularly without detailed application instructions (OIE Aquatic Manual, Chapter 2.3.7). Biosecurity regulators and farm managers require disinfection efficacy data specific for megalocytiviruses to interpret these guidelines for prevention and control of disease. Detailed disinfection protocols that are efficacious for DGIV in field relevant sample matrices are required. A range of practical methods ensures a suitable procedure can be adapted for the wide range of environments encountered in aquatic health.
Given the prior outbreak of DGIV resulting in over 90% of Murray cod dying at a hatchery in Victoria, there is a real risk to domestic aquaculture if DGIV was to become established. There is a critical need to develop and test biosecurity measures to manage the disease risk to Australian fish farms. Objectives: 1. Identify effective disinfection measures to support biosecurity for ISKNV at aquaculture facilities Read moreRead less
Clarifying The Relationship Between Salmon Farm Nutrient Loads And Changes In Macroalgal Community Structure/ Distribution (Existing Student Support)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$44,929.56
Summary
This project provides research support for 2 PhD students - enabling them to target their studies to issues relevant to the local salmon farming industry in particular the need for research on “Nutrient Production” identified in TSGA research priorities (2011). Growth of salmon farming in SE Tasmania is currently limited by a feed input cap. This has arisen as a result of concerns that increased nutrients associated with salmon farming may be affecting local water quality. In addition there ....This project provides research support for 2 PhD students - enabling them to target their studies to issues relevant to the local salmon farming industry in particular the need for research on “Nutrient Production” identified in TSGA research priorities (2011). Growth of salmon farming in SE Tasmania is currently limited by a feed input cap. This has arisen as a result of concerns that increased nutrients associated with salmon farming may be affecting local water quality. In addition there have been anecdotal reports that changes in macroalgal community structure, and in particular proliferation of nuisance algae species (i.e. Ulva), are related to the expansion of local salmon farming operations. These PhD projects in combination will specifically evaluate the response of macroalgal communities to changing nutrient and environmental conditions and the implications of this for local and system wide nutrient load management. Scott Hadley is looking to evaluate the potential to mitigate/ offset nutrient loads using target species deployment and will look at testing scenarios in a model environment to establish spatial and temporal optima for such mitigation strategies. Whilst Luis Henriquez aims to better define the effects of changing nutrient regimes on local macroalgal communities and to measure differences in nutrient assimilation capacity of key species under differing environmental conditions. The combined research of these students will provide a much better understanding of the driving factors behind potential "hotspots" in estuarine systems, the likely effects of these on macroalgal communities and the potential for natural and managed nutrient offsets. Objectives: 1. Clarify the effect of nutrient changes on key macroalgal species under a variety of different environmental conditions 2. Characterise macroalgal communities in potential "hotspots" and identify key species 3. Describe the influence of nutrients, natural and anthropogenic, in potential "hotspots" by synthesising the findings of the empirical and modelling studies. 4. Make recommendations as to cost effectiveness of alternate options for nutrient mitigation based on all available data. Read moreRead less