Health And Fertility Of Young Men Conceived Using Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$362,570.00
Summary
The injection of a single sperm into the egg (ICSI) has been the main IVF treatment for men with poor sperm quality since 1993 but is now often used for other types of infertility. Concern has been raised about the health of the children. We will approach >800 parents and their adult sons conceived using ICSI and will assess his general health and development, and fertility. This work will improve patient counselling and practice guidelines, and direct research into the safety of ICSI.
Clinical Review Of A Cohort Aged 22-33 Years Conceived Using Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$946,454.00
Summary
In a recent study, using telephone-interviews, we compared the health and wellbeing of 547 singleton young adults born following assisted reproductive technologies (ART), with 549 matched controls. Reviewing their health when they are 22-33 years is possible because of their ongoing interest. We have a protocol in place to measure their cardiac and respiratory function and other aspects of growth and development. Our findings will fill a major knowledge gap about the longer term safety of ART.
Objectives: 1. Learn techniques of spawning induction. Raise scallops under lab conditions with emphasis on growth & survival under different temperature & feeding regimes. 2. Provide details for identification of the series of planktonic larval stages for future larval field ecological studies
SCRC: Tackling Microbial Related Issues In Cultured Shellfish Via Integrated Molecular And Water Chemistry Approaches
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Over the last few years, the shellfish industry has experienced an increase in unpredictable hatchery and settlement rates of abalone and oyster larvae – batches crash for no apparent reason despite successful spawning and fertilisation. Additionally, farms experience unexplained stock losses during grow-out periods in both land and sea based culture facilities. Recently, the Australian abalone aquaculture industry ranked the ‘investigation into the causes of summer mortality and development of ....Over the last few years, the shellfish industry has experienced an increase in unpredictable hatchery and settlement rates of abalone and oyster larvae – batches crash for no apparent reason despite successful spawning and fertilisation. Additionally, farms experience unexplained stock losses during grow-out periods in both land and sea based culture facilities. Recently, the Australian abalone aquaculture industry ranked the ‘investigation into the causes of summer mortality and development of management protocols to minimize or prevent losses’ as one of the top three priorities for the industry (J. Fromm, pers.comm.). In oysters, farmers are looking for indicators of potential culture problems (i.e. hatchery failures) (M. Bermudes, pers.comm.).
Our ability to manage such events would be strengthened if we could determine and subsequently monitor the causative agent. There is evidence from the international literature to suggest that the cause of these events may be microbial in nature and, anecdotally, farmers believe the mortality of shellfish experienced across seasons may be a product of hydrochemistry interactions with bacteria.
Recently, CSIRO developed and adapted a suite of new cost-effective molecular tools that enable complex microbial communities in water, sediment or soil samples to be rapidly described without the need for physical culturing of the microorganisms. The identification of both commensal and harmful microorganisms which are responsive to changes in abiotic environmental parameters, as well as low abundant microbes that represent a reservoir for infection, can now be undertaken using highly sensitive and high throughput genomics techniques. Furthermore, we have developed multivariate statistical approaches capable of describing links between microbial community profiles and causative factors. We are confident that this burgeoning area of research, metagenomics, will have direct uptake and application in a wide range of aquaculture industries (including food protection and human health aspects) particularly given the increasingly cost-effectiveness of next generation sequencing.Read moreRead less
An Investigation Of Factors Which Structure Recruitment To The West Coast Prawn Fishery And Development Strategies For Stock Rehabilitation And Enhancement
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. An investigation of factors which structure recruitment to the West Coast prawn fishery and development strategies for stock rehabilitation and enhancement TRUST ACCOUNT
Genetic (microsatellite) Determination Of Stock Structure Of The Blue Swimmer Crab In Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$75,015.00
Summary
Apart from the work by Bryars & Adams (1997) on three assemblages of Potunus pelagicus in South Australia, there have been no studies aimed at determining the extent to which blue swimmer crabs are represented by different stocks in spatially-isolated habitats within a given geographical region in Australia. Furthermore, the studies in South Australia were carried out using allozymic analyses, which typically do not have the same ability to discriminate precisely between the boundaries of stock ....Apart from the work by Bryars & Adams (1997) on three assemblages of Potunus pelagicus in South Australia, there have been no studies aimed at determining the extent to which blue swimmer crabs are represented by different stocks in spatially-isolated habitats within a given geographical region in Australia. Furthermore, the studies in South Australia were carried out using allozymic analyses, which typically do not have the same ability to discriminate precisely between the boundaries of stocks, as can be achieved with the microsatellite techniques we intend to use in our proposed study (see Wright & Bentzen, 1995; OConnell & Wright, 1997). As with all fisheries, a basic prerequisite for managing the fishery for blue swimmer crab is the identification of production units or stocks of a species since inadequate knowledge of stock structure may lead to over- or under-exploitation (Smith et al., 1997). For the following specific reasons, information as to whether there are one or more stocks of swimmer crabs, ie. genetically discrete assemblages, in a given region is crucial for managing the fishery for this portunid. 1. The ability of managers to respond appropriately to any marked decline in the abundance of blue swimmer crabs within part of the range of this species will depend on knowledge of whether or not the crabs in that region constitute a single stock or are part of a larger and more widely-distributed stock. In this context, it is highly relevant that the work of Bryars & Adams (1997) showed that, in spite of the high vagility of blue swimmer crabs, the assemblages of this species in relatively nearby localities can be genetically different and thus constitute different stocks. It should also be recognised that, as the fishery for blue swimmer crabs increases, the mortality produced by repeated captures and releases of undersized crabs could place pressure on those stocks that are being heavily fished. 2. There is a need to identify the different stocks of blue swimmer crabs that exist within a region in order to facilitate adaptive management (and opportunities for research) of separate populations that are exposed to (or experience) different levels of fishing mortality. 3. Any modelling of the blue swimmer crab fishery in a region is dependent on knowing whether the assemblages in that region constitute one or more stocks. 4. Fisheries managers need to know the extent to which the biological characteristics such as growth rates and fecundity, vary amongst stocks. This can be explored in Western Australia because biological data are continuing to be accumulated for different assemblages of blue swimmer crabs in this state under the auspices of past and current FRDC grants (FRDC Project Nos 95/042 and 97/137). As well as responding to the immediate need for stock identification of blue swimmer crabs, the proposed project will generate detailed information on the population genetic structure of Portunus pelagicus over virtually its entire range in Australia. The resultant information will help to identify the importance of various factors, such as climate, current flow and physical isolation, in determining the stock structure of this species. In turn, this information will be useful should genetic management of this species become a priority, e.g. for conserving genetic diversity within stocks and for identifying stocks possessing desired performance traits.
Literature Cited
Bryars, S. & Adams, M. (1997) Population structure of the blue swimmer crab, Portunus pelagicus, in South Australia. In: Kumar, M. S. (ed.) Proceedings of the First National Workshop on Blue Swimmer Crab Portunus pelagicus. SARDI Reseach Report, Series Number 16, SA. OConnell, M. & Wright, J. M. (1997) Microsatellite DNA in fishes. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 7, 331 - 363. Smith, P. J., Benson, P. G. & McVeagh, S. M. (1997) A comparison of three genetic methods used for stock discrimination of orange roughy, Hoplostethus atlanticus - allozymes, mitocondrial DNA, and random amplified polymorphic DNA. Fishery Bulletin, 95, 800-811. Wright, J. M. & Bentzen, P. (1995) Microsatellites: genetic markers for the future. In: Carvhalo, G. C. & Pitcher, T. J. (eds.) Molecular Genetics in Fisheries. Chapman & Hall, London. Objectives: 1. The objective of the present study is to determine whether selected assemblages of blue swimmer crabs in nearby and more distant regions in states throughout Australia are genetically different and thus constitute different stocks. The study will focus on determining the extent of any such differences and provide managers with an interpretation of the biological implications of those differences. Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Limiting Impacts Of The Spread Of Urchins By Rebuilding Abalone Populations
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$42,000.00
Summary
The impact of urchins (i.e. Centrostephanus) on reef habitats in south-east Australia has been increasing for over a decade, and may be related to climate change (FRDC 2009/070). Urchins can clear and maintain areas of reef free from macro-algae, and reduce the productivity of abalone populations and other reef species. Extensive research projects to monitor urchin populations and reduce their impacts have been completed or are under-way in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. There is an urgent need ....The impact of urchins (i.e. Centrostephanus) on reef habitats in south-east Australia has been increasing for over a decade, and may be related to climate change (FRDC 2009/070). Urchins can clear and maintain areas of reef free from macro-algae, and reduce the productivity of abalone populations and other reef species. Extensive research projects to monitor urchin populations and reduce their impacts have been completed or are under-way in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. There is an urgent need to consolidate the findings of these research projects, and to quickly plan and coordinate the on-going development of responses to the spread of urchins.
There is evidence that production from commercial fisheries in NSW, Vic and Tas has been reduced by the spread of urchins. Small-scale clearance of urchins, and the translocation of abalone, has demonstrated the ability to recover abalone populations impacted by urchins, but consequent return of production has not yet been demonstrated in any fishery. In eastern Victoria, a joint project between Industry and Government has recently seen commercial-scale removal of urchins from previously-productive abalone reef, and the consequent recovery of appropriate habitat for abalone over a large-scale. There is now a tactical opportunity and strong need to take advantage of these removals before urchins re-invade, to demonstrate that past research can be scaled up to larger areas of reef and recovery of larger abalone populations, with the intent to maintain them over long-periods to demonstrate outcomes of sustained productivity.
Recent observations indicate urchins have also spread to western Victoria, where abalone are still recovering from Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis. There is also an urgent need to both develop a survey to estimate the extent of Centrostephanus in western Victoria, and to investigate the potential of translocating abalone at a large-scale to re-establish populations in depleted areas, before urchins spread further.
Objectives: 1. Facilitate a workshop to coordinate existing research findings among jurisdictions, and plan further development and extension. 2. Implement the short-term outcomes of the workshop, particularly related to development of a survey to monitor spread of Centrostephanus. Read moreRead less
Seafood CRC: Commercial Production Of All-female Reproductively Sterile Triploid Giant Tiger Prawns (Penaeus Monodon): Assessing Their Commercial Performance In Ponds.
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$124,250.00
Summary
The Australian prawn industry needs a mechanism by which to confer genetic protection of seedstock with elite genotypes so that their commercial benefits can be made available to the entire domestic industry through the sale of elite seedstock for on-growing. To-date triploidy is the only available technology that is near commercialisation that provides a high level of genetic protection through reproductive sterility.
Triploidy has the added benefit of resulting in female populations, ....The Australian prawn industry needs a mechanism by which to confer genetic protection of seedstock with elite genotypes so that their commercial benefits can be made available to the entire domestic industry through the sale of elite seedstock for on-growing. To-date triploidy is the only available technology that is near commercialisation that provides a high level of genetic protection through reproductive sterility.
Triploidy has the added benefit of resulting in female populations, with females naturally growing larger than males. This attribute should provide further improvements on harvest yield beyond the performance provided from the elite genotypes alone. If this project demonstrates that total harvest yields are substantially improved through stocking triploids as predicted, triploid induction technologies will be of direct benefit to (and can be utilised by) the entire Australian industry as wild spawned females are also larger than males. This provides direct benefits to the industry independent of accessing the elite genotypes being produced by the four largest Australian prawn producers, providing immediate benefits for any Australian farm or hatchery producing seedstock. Objectives: 1. To develop P. monodon triploid heat shock induction systems that allow all eggs spawned from any one female to be exposed to heat shock at the same time. 2. To determine the performance (growth, survival, reproductive sterility and sex ratio) of triploid P. monodon when reared at commercial farms in earthen ponds relative to that of normal diploids. 3. To develop commercially relevant P. monodon triploid induction protocols for the Australian industry that accommodate constraints such as a natural spawning cycle (e.g. not reversed light as with experimental stocks), proximity of heated water to spawning tanks and systems available to add heated water to apply the shock). 4. To transfer commercially relevant triploid induction technologies to one or more commercial hatchery. Read moreRead less
Seafood CRC: Broodstock And Genetic Management Of Southern Bluefin Tuna And Yellowtail Kingfish
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$289,822.00
Summary
SBT: There is a need to better identify the relationship between hormonal treatment and spawning performance as this will determine the hormonal manipulation strategy. There is also a need to better understand factors associated with broodstock mortality, as currently 30% of the broodstock die every year and thus need to be replaced.
We need to develop methods of ensuring that all females participate in spawning every year and how to extend the spawning cycle to have eggs fo ....SBT: There is a need to better identify the relationship between hormonal treatment and spawning performance as this will determine the hormonal manipulation strategy. There is also a need to better understand factors associated with broodstock mortality, as currently 30% of the broodstock die every year and thus need to be replaced.
We need to develop methods of ensuring that all females participate in spawning every year and how to extend the spawning cycle to have eggs for four months of the year.
There is a need to advance the initiation of spawning to October (from the current norm of February) so that the fingerlings are ready to be transferred to sea cages sufficiently early in the calendar year for optimal seawater temperatures. SBT broodstock reach spawning age at about 12 years of age. There is therefore a need to examine alternative technologies and approaches to obtain tuna seed from younger fish.
YTK: This genetic management and selection project is needed to maintain a commercial advantage in a highly competitive market and as a management tool to prevent inbreeding.
It is difficult to source wild YTK broodstock, and the current stock are getting older and larger. There is a need to source new broodstock, and it will be advantageous to use selected F1, provided they can be genetically managed.
Objectives: 1. Extend the spawning season of captive SBT from 2 months to 4 months 2. Bring forward the spawning season of SBT to achieve initiation of spawning in September/ October rather than the current February/April. 3. Monitor spawning dynamics of individual SBT broodstock 4. Develop a tool for sexing of SBT broodstock to ensure sufficient number of females are available 5. Maximise the number of SBT females that participate in the spawning and monitor egg quality in relation to hormonal spawning induction. 6. Aim to obtain natural spawning in SBT (i.e without the use of hormonal implants) 7. Investigate alternative spawning induction protocols with less physical impact on the treated fish 8. Determine the suitability of YTK as a surrogate for SBT and explore alternatives if needed 9. To develop a YTK genetic management and genetic breeding program for CST to control and minimise inbreeding (e.g. there will be no inbreeding depression for the commercially produced fish during the life of the project or in perpetuity) 10. To maximize the speed of commercial return by culling poor performing broodstock or by identifying preferred broodstock and using existing and new F1 stock Read moreRead less