FRDC has obtained Board approval FRDC Board Meeting # 194, 24 November 2022) to become a member of CRC SAAFE and investment up to $1.0 million. This project is needed to manage the FRDC investment that will be comprised of investments seafood related projects. Conducting projects within CRC SAAFE will provide linkages to additional resources, expertise and knowledge sharing that will improve project outputs and foster national collaboration in addition to that currently provided by the FRDC. Th ....FRDC has obtained Board approval FRDC Board Meeting # 194, 24 November 2022) to become a member of CRC SAAFE and investment up to $1.0 million. This project is needed to manage the FRDC investment that will be comprised of investments seafood related projects. Conducting projects within CRC SAAFE will provide linkages to additional resources, expertise and knowledge sharing that will improve project outputs and foster national collaboration in addition to that currently provided by the FRDC. This will include the research and industry participants that are partners of CRC SAAFE. Objectives: 1. Best practice AMR mitigation and management in the seafood industry and the aquatic environment. 2. Improved biosecurity and animal welfare through development of vaccines to minimise use of antibiotics. Read moreRead less
A Trivalent Vaccine For Sustainable Yellowtail Kingfish Growout
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$809,040.00
Summary
Optimised vaccines deliver improved animal health and avoid use of antimicrobials in the production of fish (Sommerset et al., Expert Review Vaccines 2005, 4, 89-101.). Australian YTK Photobacteriosis outbreaks have been reported in association with Photobacterium damselae subsp damselae (Pdd), Photobacterium damselae subspecies piscicida(Pdp) and various Vibrio harveyi(Vh) isolates (Matt Landos, Nicky Buller, unpublished). To support stable production of high quality finfish highly efficacious ....Optimised vaccines deliver improved animal health and avoid use of antimicrobials in the production of fish (Sommerset et al., Expert Review Vaccines 2005, 4, 89-101.). Australian YTK Photobacteriosis outbreaks have been reported in association with Photobacterium damselae subsp damselae (Pdd), Photobacterium damselae subspecies piscicida(Pdp) and various Vibrio harveyi(Vh) isolates (Matt Landos, Nicky Buller, unpublished). To support stable production of high quality finfish highly efficacious controls of microbial diseases are critical. Successful examples are currently employed in salmon (Yersinia ruckeri, Vibrio anguillarum) and barramundi (Streptococcus iniae) whereby disease outbreaks drove the need for vaccine development. These conditions are now both well controlled in vaccinated populations and have dramatically reduced reliance on administration of antibiotics. Currently, crude autogenous vaccines are in use with YTK for control of only Pdd in South Australia and Western Australia with some reported success. Recently Pdp has emerged as a significant pathogen in South Australian outbreaks. Reliable vaccination against Pdp has proven difficult in international experience using traditional autogenous and generic killed vaccine methods, hence increasingly research is exploring DNA vaccination methods to improve protection against this pathogen (Kato et al., Vaccine 2015, 33 (8), 1040-1045). It is also probable that antigenic diversity had been underestimated, given high diversity that recent sequencing technology has revealed in our preliminary research . Preparedness for the emergence of highly pathogenic Pdp strains is prudent to allow rapid controls to be developed, without incurring business-ending losses within the growing aquaculture sector, or having high levels of reliance on oral antibiotics. Genetic sequence data on isolates generated through this project can be used for epidemiological modelling, new rapid diagnostic typing tools and immediate response if disease emergence occurs in other finfish industries. Pdp is acknowledged as a serious pathogen internationally in species including yellowtail, cobia, flounder, seabream, pompano and sea bass. (Andreoni et al.J Immunol Res. 2014).
Objectives: 1. Generate comprehensive genome database of Australian isolates of Pdd, Pdp and Vh associated with Photobacteriosis outbreaks in YTK 2. Generate and supply diagnostic laboratory reagents and methods for typing Photobacterium and Vibrio isolates associated with YTK outbreaks. 3. Deliver optimised monovalent and multivalent (Pdd, Pdp, Vh) killed vaccines, with production outline, appropriate adjuvant type, dose, safety and efficacy profile in YTK, ready for manufacture. Read moreRead less
Evaluation Of Cobia And Giant Groper Production And Health In Multiple Growout Systems, As An Alternative Species To Farm In WSSV Affected Areas Of South East Queensland
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
The production and health performance of emerging aquaculture species, cobia and giant grouper, in former prawn farm pond and tank infrastructure is not well documented. The development of these alternative species offers flexibility and new production opportunities to WSSV affected farms in SE Queensland, and elsewhere in Australia to expand aquaculture production more generally.
Fish health problems are a common cause of aquaculture business failure. In prior pilot trials, significant ....The production and health performance of emerging aquaculture species, cobia and giant grouper, in former prawn farm pond and tank infrastructure is not well documented. The development of these alternative species offers flexibility and new production opportunities to WSSV affected farms in SE Queensland, and elsewhere in Australia to expand aquaculture production more generally.
Fish health problems are a common cause of aquaculture business failure. In prior pilot trials, significant health challenges were encountered that require thorough veterinary investigation and intervention. The information learnt from investigations can then form components of a health management plan for the culture of these two species in SE Queensland, in various systems. The description of health challenges through veterinary outbreak investigation allows the development and costing of interventions to prevent or treat the issue. Over the 12 month time frame of this project, surveillance strategies can be developed for early detection of disease. Such health management strategies facilitate early response actions that can minimise losses associated with infectious disease.
One metric which influences the viability of aquaculture systems is the density at which a species can be farmed. This is particularly the case in RAS, where the infrastructure capital costs are high. This project will document the impacts of stocking density on health and production in RAS, cages and ponds.
Another element that strongly influences viability of aquaculture enterprises is the growth rates of stock that are able to be achieved. Generating data from systems farmed at commercial densities can assist in determining the suitability of various sites for expansion of farming these species in Australia.
Objectives: 1. Generate data on the production and health performance of Giant Grouper and Cobia in RAS, cages in a saline lake and in outdoor pond growout systems. 2. Field test production outcomes from an experimental recombinant autogenous vaccine for prevention of nodavirus in the Giant Grouper. 3. Assess market potential for various formats of cobia and grouper Read moreRead less
Genetic rescue of Australian wildlife. Genetic rescue of Australian wildlife. This project aims to test genetic rescue as an efficient recovery technique for threatened plants and animals. Genetic rescue is under-utilised, even though it is overwhelmingly beneficial. This project will convert management actions on five Endangered/Critically Endangered species into rigorous experiments that measure the fitness benefits of genetic rescue, and demonstrate genome-wide consequences. Anticipated outco ....Genetic rescue of Australian wildlife. Genetic rescue of Australian wildlife. This project aims to test genetic rescue as an efficient recovery technique for threatened plants and animals. Genetic rescue is under-utilised, even though it is overwhelmingly beneficial. This project will convert management actions on five Endangered/Critically Endangered species into rigorous experiments that measure the fitness benefits of genetic rescue, and demonstrate genome-wide consequences. Anticipated outcomes include innovative genetic rescue protocols, a framework for genetic rescue, and leading-edge conservation training. Expected benefits are increased persistence of species that are otherwise unresponsive to management, and a new path to saving endangered species.Read moreRead less
Equity and spatial reasoning in students’ mathematics development. The project aims to understand the influence of Spatial-Reasoning on school mathematics. Spatial-Reasoning skills are a significant predictor of achievement in mathematics, and will become increasingly necessary in digital and dynamic environments. Opportunities for disadvantaged students to develop such reasoning skills are limited; they are typically not taught in schools. The project investigates the role and nature of Spatial ....Equity and spatial reasoning in students’ mathematics development. The project aims to understand the influence of Spatial-Reasoning on school mathematics. Spatial-Reasoning skills are a significant predictor of achievement in mathematics, and will become increasingly necessary in digital and dynamic environments. Opportunities for disadvantaged students to develop such reasoning skills are limited; they are typically not taught in schools. The project investigates the role and nature of Spatial-Reasoning in students’ mathematics development; and substantiates the long-term effect of a spatial learning programme on educationally disadvantaged students’ mathematics performance and reasoning. This project is expected to improve disadvantaged students’ spatial reasoning and mathematics skills and their life opportunities.Read moreRead less
Linking for Life: Enhancing pathways to well-being for all Australians. The Linking for Life Project will identify pathways to wellbeing and better social outcomes across the life-course for high-risk/vulnerable individuals and their families to streamline service provision, improve outcomes and identify cost-efficiencies across government agencies. The work will expand cross-sectoral data linkage capability, enhancing research capacity to generate evidence-based policy to improve integrated ser ....Linking for Life: Enhancing pathways to well-being for all Australians. The Linking for Life Project will identify pathways to wellbeing and better social outcomes across the life-course for high-risk/vulnerable individuals and their families to streamline service provision, improve outcomes and identify cost-efficiencies across government agencies. The work will expand cross-sectoral data linkage capability, enhancing research capacity to generate evidence-based policy to improve integrated service delivery across government. The project will also trial innovative data linkage models including the creation of data repositories to improve efficiency for data provision and access, which will have application nationally and enable more timely access to whole-population linked cross-sector data.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240101245
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,047.00
Summary
Automated Modelling Assistance for the Creation of Complex Planning Models. Artificial Intelligence (AI) planning technology is used to control systems like automated factories, robots, or to solve complex optimisation problems. Creating these models is however rather complex and error-prone and requires experts to create them in the first place. This project aims at developing techniques and tools for automated modelling support. They will make the modelling process easier and guarantee desired ....Automated Modelling Assistance for the Creation of Complex Planning Models. Artificial Intelligence (AI) planning technology is used to control systems like automated factories, robots, or to solve complex optimisation problems. Creating these models is however rather complex and error-prone and requires experts to create them in the first place. This project aims at developing techniques and tools for automated modelling support. They will make the modelling process easier and guarantee desired model properties such as the desired system behaviour. The tools will thus contribute towards making the technology more easily accessible to companies that might want to deploy them, while reducing costs for doing so and increasing the quality of these models.
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Social isolation and volunteering of older Chinese immigrants in Australia. This co-designed and collaborative research addresses an acute challenge since COVID-19: how to make volunteering activities more accessible to CALD immigrants who suffer from serious social isolation. The researchers will work with 5 partner organisations (POs) to study Chinese immigrants (60+) in NSW as an example. It will analyse census and GSS datasets, conduct in-depth interviews and focus groups in the settings of ....Social isolation and volunteering of older Chinese immigrants in Australia. This co-designed and collaborative research addresses an acute challenge since COVID-19: how to make volunteering activities more accessible to CALD immigrants who suffer from serious social isolation. The researchers will work with 5 partner organisations (POs) to study Chinese immigrants (60+) in NSW as an example. It will analyse census and GSS datasets, conduct in-depth interviews and focus groups in the settings of old-age care, service navigation and elderly learning. This research will produce new evidence and test the effect of peer education, and support services and policy advocacy of the POs. This research will benefit CALD older immigrants, enhance service capacity and contribute to greater social cohesion in Australia.Read moreRead less
Integrating fire and predator management to conserve threatened species. This project aims to empower land managers to better conserve Australia’s threatened native animals by developing decision-support approaches that facilitate integrated management of threatening processes. The project will use a combination of novel predictive models, field experiments and data syntheses to assist land managers to better conserve Australia’s threatened native fauna. This project will benefit biodiversity co ....Integrating fire and predator management to conserve threatened species. This project aims to empower land managers to better conserve Australia’s threatened native animals by developing decision-support approaches that facilitate integrated management of threatening processes. The project will use a combination of novel predictive models, field experiments and data syntheses to assist land managers to better conserve Australia’s threatened native fauna. This project will benefit biodiversity conservation by enabling more effective allocation of limited conservation resources.Read moreRead less