The Detection Of Ciguatera Toxins In NSW Spanish Mackerel
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$490,000.00
Summary
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) causes the largest number of seafood-related food safety incidents in Australia. In NSW and southern QLD waters, CFP is mostly related to Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson). Ciguatoxins (CTXs) produced by marine microalgae (Gambierdiscus spp), are polyether toxins that accumulate in fish and cause CFP when fish are eaten. CTXs are heat stable, odourless, tasteless, and toxic at low concentrations, therefore it is very difficult to distinguish toxic fish. In ....Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) causes the largest number of seafood-related food safety incidents in Australia. In NSW and southern QLD waters, CFP is mostly related to Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson). Ciguatoxins (CTXs) produced by marine microalgae (Gambierdiscus spp), are polyether toxins that accumulate in fish and cause CFP when fish are eaten. CTXs are heat stable, odourless, tasteless, and toxic at low concentrations, therefore it is very difficult to distinguish toxic fish. In NSW, since 2014, 31 people have contracted CFP after consuming Spanish Mackerel caught locally, mostly through recreational fishing.
Validated commercial monitoring methods for CTXs are unavailable internationally, although research tools for CTX measurement have been developed. Regulatory methods for CFP prevention are to avoid certain fish species, fish of certain sizes (ie >10kg), or fish from certain regions. In Australia, effective prevention methods have not been clearly evaluated. This results in Spanish Mackerel that are safe to eat potentially being excluded from sale, resulting in significant losses (ie > ~$200k p.a in NSW). This project addresses this issue, which was identified as high priority in the Australian ciguatera research strategy formulated at a recent workshop (27-28th March, 2019).
In 2014, FRDC (Tactical Response) and the NSW Recreational Fisheries Trust funded an initial study on the incidence of CTXs in NSW Spanish Mackerel. CTX was present in flesh and liver samples (1-7% incidence), and was not clearly correlated with the weight of individual fish. This information showed that CFP risk management may require reassessment. This project will advance knowledge by: evaluating methods of detection of CTXs; determining detailed predictive data on CTX incidence; and evaluating environmental and biological factors associated with CTX in Spanish Mackerel to allow for an evaluation of risk assessment strategies. This information will benefit industry by enhancing consumer safety and industry confidence, and enabling the sale of safe Spanish Mackerel.
Objectives: 1. Determine industry CTX needs and conduct of review of available CTX measurement tools (including cell based assays, ELISA kits, and LCMS) against these needs. Conduct an assessment of the currently available screening tools to determine which, if any, hold promise for industry use. Conduct a viability assessment for how a tool might be used in industry or, if none of the currently available tools are appropriate, make recommendations for future activities to develop a rapid screening tool that meets industry needs. 2. Obtain samples of flesh and liver from ~300 individual Spanish Mackerel of all sizes caught in Industry relevant regions of NSW waters over a period of 2 years, as well as length, weight, sex and site information, with the participation of the Sydney Fish Market and commercial fishing Cooperatives. Obtain samples from any individual Spanish Mackerel associated with illnesses in NSW or QLD. Measure CTX1B and other available CTX analogs using best practice methods identified in Objective 1. 3. Conduct statistical data analyses of all available data on CTX concentrations in Spanish Mackerel in comparison to biological and environmental variables.Develop recommended options for food safety risk management for Spanish Mackerel in NSW that will allow for a viable industry while protecting public health. Read moreRead less
Clarence River Green Prawn Market Diversification Assistance Measures
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$165,000.00
Summary
The Clarence River Region is known for its high-quality prawn markets. The region was kept profitable during COVID restrictions due to a significant portion of the fisher directing its product to the highly profitable bait market. This diversification away from the consumer market has ensured stability for the region. Many fishing businesses pivoted their strategies to meet this new buyer to the region. The loss of the uncooked prawn market in the Clarence region will therefore destabilize t ....The Clarence River Region is known for its high-quality prawn markets. The region was kept profitable during COVID restrictions due to a significant portion of the fisher directing its product to the highly profitable bait market. This diversification away from the consumer market has ensured stability for the region. Many fishing businesses pivoted their strategies to meet this new buyer to the region. The loss of the uncooked prawn market in the Clarence region will therefore destabilize the industry. The restriction of uncooked prawn trade therefore must be addressed through market research, diversification and activation. However, there is immediate need for alternative markets so an intense focused market activation and access is the key. PFA has identified key market persons that can create links between industry and high-end chefs to: 1. Identify alternative market uses that fall within the quarantine requirements 2. Start immediate market trials and activation 3. Review online presence and build industry skills to improve online presence for sales • It is intended that this will lead into immediate supply agreements to these alternative markets that will in turn remove burden on the existing cooked prawn market
Objectives: 1. To identify and trial supplies of Clarence River prawns to alternative market 2. To activate alternative markets to reduce negative impact of trade restriction to the Clarence River region 3. To build skills within local fishers to build online presence Read moreRead less
Improving Southern Rock Lobster On-vessel Handling Practices, Data Collection And Industry Tools For Lobster Quality Assessment
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$538,604.00
Summary
The export of Southern Rock Lobster (SRL) from Southern Australia to international markets is one of Australia's most valuable fisheries. There are increasing trends in post-harvest mortality of SRL confirmed by the recent Fisheries Research and Development Corporation project (FRDC 2016-235). This is costing the industry millions due to stock losses, decreased consumer confidence in product quality and reputational damage to the SRL market brand. The causes of this increased post-harvest mortal ....The export of Southern Rock Lobster (SRL) from Southern Australia to international markets is one of Australia's most valuable fisheries. There are increasing trends in post-harvest mortality of SRL confirmed by the recent Fisheries Research and Development Corporation project (FRDC 2016-235). This is costing the industry millions due to stock losses, decreased consumer confidence in product quality and reputational damage to the SRL market brand. The causes of this increased post-harvest mortality are inconsistent across the industry sector with a range of factors implicated including environmental stressors, novel health conditions, and sub-optimal post-harvest practices. Results from (FRDC2016-235) indicate a need to optimise live lobster management processes across the entire post-harvest chain of custody in-order to minimize lobster mortality and enhance the economics of the SRL fishing and processing industry sectors.
The FRDC SRL live holding project (2016-235) conducted an analysis of the processing industry sector practices and provided guidance for best practices. These recommendations have been welcomed by the industry and further consultation has identified a critical need to extend this approach to the fishing component of the industry.
This project will address these key industry priorities and conduct an analysis of on-vessel live lobster handling and holding practices, quantify the impact of systems and practices on lobster quality and provide recommendations on improving on-vessel post-harvest practices. The current FRDC traceability project (FRDC 2016-177) is trialing a range of traceability technologies that this proposed new project will extend and enhance on-vessels to strengthen the capture, monitoring, and analysis of post-harvest data on lobster welfare, quality, and handling practices.
This project will also extend the development of practical and easy to use tools for the evaluation of lobster health including the handheld lactate meter and refractive index. Building evidenced-based approaches to measuring health and stress will provide all industry sectors with improved measurement of quality, animal welfare, and sustainability at all points in the supply chain.
Objectives: 1. Investigate the impacts of on-vessel handling and maintenance practices on live SRL post-harvest performance 2. Develop practical tools for the improved management of SRL industry live lobster operations (ie hand-held lactate meter and refractive index including thresholds for poor lobster performance) 3. Extend findings to the SRL industry (best practice guides and workshops) and incorporation of results into the SRL Clean green program. Read moreRead less
Assessing The Benefits Of Sea Urchin Processing Waste As An Agricultural Fertiliser And Soil Ameliorant
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$199,996.00
Summary
The primary need of this project is to facilitate a profitable Longspined Sea Urchin fishery to move the industry away from subsidies. A large-scale sustainable fishery is seen as the most feasible and sustainable way to apply downward pressure on the rapidly expanding Sea Urchin population in Tasmania. Longspined Sea Urchin populations have grown to some 20 million (5,500 tonnes) and have resulted in 15% of the Tasmania East Coast reefs becoming unproductive urchin barren, up from 3% 15 years ....The primary need of this project is to facilitate a profitable Longspined Sea Urchin fishery to move the industry away from subsidies. A large-scale sustainable fishery is seen as the most feasible and sustainable way to apply downward pressure on the rapidly expanding Sea Urchin population in Tasmania. Longspined Sea Urchin populations have grown to some 20 million (5,500 tonnes) and have resulted in 15% of the Tasmania East Coast reefs becoming unproductive urchin barren, up from 3% 15 years ago.
Subsides for the Longspined Sea Urchin harvest commenced in 2016 and in the last 3 years some $500,000 has been spent. This initiated significant investment in the industry to facilitate export market establishment and resulted the 2019 harvest reaching an excess of 550 tonnes, now Tasmania’s 3rd largest wild fishery by weight. However, the industry needs to move away from subsides and waste utilisation is seen a viable option to turn a current financial cost (estimated at $80,000 in 2019 to dump 400 tonnes of waste generated) into an income stream.
FRDC 2016-208 highlighted the significant potential of sea urchin waste utilisation in the agricultural industry and called for commercial upscaling of trials. This project is designed to meet that need. Based on this, the Abalone Industry Reinvestment Fund (AIRF) has committed to providing $538,686 in kind to initiate the project. This whole of project application is to allow multi-season agricultural trials of waste products to obtain scientifically and industry meaningful results, allow testing on perennial crops (such as cherries) and to employ a dedicated post-doctoral researcher on the project.
In the push for sustainably produced food, agricultural industries are demanding alternative nutritional sources to synthetic fertilisers. Urchin waste is comprised of two major parts: gut waste - a nitrogenous rich liquid which can be converted in a stable drench or spray and; shell waste – a calcium and boron rich solid which can be dried and powdered for use as a soil ameliorant. As such this fisheries enhancement project will additionally for fill this agricultural need.
Objectives: 1. To develop commercial scale processing equipment of sea urchin waste. 2. Determine the nutrient composition and plant bioavailability of nutrients from two high throughput waste streams: liquid gut waste and dried powdered shell waste 3. Evaluate the agronomic benefits of liquid gut waste as a frost retardant in perennial tree cropping (cherries) 4. Evaluate the agronomic benefits of powdered shell waste as a soil ameliorant in a wide range of annual and perennial cropping systems 5. Undertake a cost benefit analysis comparing fertiliser products (foliar sprays and/or soil conditioners) from this work to other products on the market to assess if the products are commercially viable Read moreRead less
Development Of Technical And Extension Material To Support Murray Cod Aquaculture Industry Expansion In Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
The 5 July 2017 meeting of representatives from the various States involved in the Murray Cod industry agreed to three key R&D priorities to support expansion of the Murray Cod industry in Australia. They included:
1. Development of a farm management plan/manual to: provide advice on optimising production systems and water quality; review and update of existing Murray Cod culture guidelines using recent relevant publications and input from commercial operators; and identify any informa ....The 5 July 2017 meeting of representatives from the various States involved in the Murray Cod industry agreed to three key R&D priorities to support expansion of the Murray Cod industry in Australia. They included:
1. Development of a farm management plan/manual to: provide advice on optimising production systems and water quality; review and update of existing Murray Cod culture guidelines using recent relevant publications and input from commercial operators; and identify any information gaps 2. Off Flavour. Review of recent publications/work from other sectors (eg Barramundi) to prevent off flavor in Murray Cod. Murray Cod quality product assurance; and 3. Fish health and treatment (parasites, bacterial infection, Lurnea, Chilodonella, ratty tail). Review and update information on treatment options (chronic/prophylactic) for Murray Cod. Murray Cod health management strategy
This project proposal aims to address these high R&D industry priorities by developing a range of technical and extension material.
The Murray Cod industry is developing rapidly in Australia increasing from 250t 2014/15 to over 500t 2016/17. Industry forecast several thousand tonnes production by 2020 with many new farms seeking approval and new franchise business models moving forward. To capitalise on this expansion, there is a pressing need to improve extension resources.
Objectives: 1. Development of best practice production guidelines for Murray Cod aquaculture, to be used nationally 2. Extension to industry, and new investors, of the best practice production guidelines Read moreRead less
Investigation And Improvement Of Live Blue Swimmer Crab Handling In NSW
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$102,107.00
Summary
As the NSW fishing industry moves forward into the future with quota managed fisheries, there is a need for industry to develop procedures and process on catching, holding and transporting Blue swimmer crab that would value add to the wild harvest sector’s product – particularly for the live sales market.
The current market is predominantly made of sales of cooked and raw blue swimmer crabs. An approx. price range of blue swimmer crab for 2015 / 2016 was $8.50 < $9.00 per kilo. The liv ....As the NSW fishing industry moves forward into the future with quota managed fisheries, there is a need for industry to develop procedures and process on catching, holding and transporting Blue swimmer crab that would value add to the wild harvest sector’s product – particularly for the live sales market.
The current market is predominantly made of sales of cooked and raw blue swimmer crabs. An approx. price range of blue swimmer crab for 2015 / 2016 was $8.50 < $9.00 per kilo. The live trade in blue swimmer crab in 2016 / 2017 is approx. $20.00 per kilo. A move to selling into the live market would provide a better return for effort and would help in maximizing return on investment in the blue swimmer crab quota fishery.
The “Live Blue Swimmer Crab” trade is in its infancy and it is timely to invest in technologies that will assist in lowering the mortality rates of these animals. Any investment now will accelerate the development of this fishery and ensure the best chance for the restructure of the NSW fishery to achieve its goals.ie viability and efficient use of a quota species.
The industry needs to have an easy to read handling guideline developed and training workshops to improve their access to the market and reduce mortality rates.
Objectives: 1. To produce handling guidelines and conduct a series of industry training workshops to reduce the mortality rate of blue swimmer crabs and thereby increase the volume of live product to market 2. To improve fishermen returns who adopt the guidelines and undertake the training provided Read moreRead less
Toxigenic Vibrio Baselines And Optimum Storage, Transport And Shelf-life Conditions To Inform Cold Supply Chains In The North Australian Tropical Rock Oyster Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$199,300.00
Summary
Internationally, Tropical Rock Oysters have a poor safety reputation with Vibrio at the top of the list. While a pro-active not reactive approach to vibrio food safety is essential for product assurance and branding, effort needs to be proportional to risk. And risk assessment also needs to be informed by real data. There are certainly knowledge gaps for north Australia, but we know seawater contains up to 42 Vibrio spp. including several known toxigenic species in addition to the human pathogen ....Internationally, Tropical Rock Oysters have a poor safety reputation with Vibrio at the top of the list. While a pro-active not reactive approach to vibrio food safety is essential for product assurance and branding, effort needs to be proportional to risk. And risk assessment also needs to be informed by real data. There are certainly knowledge gaps for north Australia, but we know seawater contains up to 42 Vibrio spp. including several known toxigenic species in addition to the human pathogens Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) and V. vulnificus (Vv). We know Vp responds to temperature but Vv does not. And we know Vv concentrations in seawater are higher in the wet season compared to the dry, and more shellfish are Vp and Vv positive in the wet season. So if vibrio diversity and abundance in TRO is seasonal (as shown elsewhere), it is likely that Vibrio spp. infections in humans will also follow a seasonal trend which has implications for risk management. A major bottleneck is that we don’t know how vibrios respond to storage and transport temperatures in TRO. We know that the Pacific and Sydney Rocks respond differently so it is not ‘one size fits all’ and it is certain TROs will be different again. In addition to identifying vibrio baselines in TRO and developing tests for toxigenic species, we will identify the best post-harvest storage and transport temperatures and assess TRO shelf life at realistic storage temperatures. This will provide fundamental information to inform cold supply chains that will support farmers, wholesalers and retailers of TROs from north Australia. We can also use this information to prepare an appropriate and regionally relevant vibrio risk profile for TRO in northern Australia to assist initial risk management activities. This information will provide the developing TRO industry with the knowledge needed to ensure an exemplary reputation, thus giving access to premium markets.
Objectives: 1. Measure vibrio baseline in Tropical Rock Oysters and develop tests to vibrio species that are toxigenic to oysters and humans 2. Identify optimum storage and transport temperatures to inform post-harvest cold supply chains 3. Assess TRO shelf life at realistic storage temperatures to maximise product quality and inform cold supply chains 4. Use objective 1-3 outcomes to produce a risk profile for vibrio in north Australian TRO that will support the industry as it seeks to deliver a safe, premium product Read moreRead less
SeSAFE – Delivering Industry Safety Through Electronic Learning
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$434,706.31
Summary
The SeSAFE project has to date focused on raising safety awareness and the development/delivery of safety training modules. This is a response to current inadequacies in safety training in the fishing and aquaculture industry.
It is now timely for SeSAFE to address other inadequacies in safety training by:
• Filling the gap that allows new crew to step foot on a dangerous work platform before receiving any safety training • Providing consistent safety training content to ....The SeSAFE project has to date focused on raising safety awareness and the development/delivery of safety training modules. This is a response to current inadequacies in safety training in the fishing and aquaculture industry.
It is now timely for SeSAFE to address other inadequacies in safety training by:
• Filling the gap that allows new crew to step foot on a dangerous work platform before receiving any safety training • Providing consistent safety training content to all fishers nationwide • Promoting SeSAFE as the industry benchmark in pre-sea safety training, that also serves to demonstrate achievement towards duty-of-care requirements • Developing a standard of achievement and certificate of completion, for use as a recognised industry standard and potential requirement for employment at sea • Overcoming jurisdictional inconsistencies and inadequacies in safety training • Developing fishery-specific modules for multiple fisheries, to complement onboard safety inductions • Extending SeSAFE training to seafood processors, fishery observers, and others • Establishing a secure funding base to ensure persistent, long-term delivery of SeSAFE training as well as a permanent hosting organisation, e.g. Seafood Industry Australia.
There is also a need to continue existing SeSAFE activities because:
• Many fishers and others are anticipating recurrent safety training • SeSAFE is one of the few sources of fishery-specific safety training, such as safe handling of fishing gear • It will leverage progress and momentum toward improved safety performance, which may otherwise be foregone • Several agencies, e.g. the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, are poised to use SeSAFE to provide safety training • SeSAFE training means individuals can avoid group training sessions and reduce the risk of Covid 19 infection.
SeSAFE training responds to Objective 3 of FRDC’s National RD&E Seafood Industry Safety Initiative Strategic Plan 2019/21, 'Increase uptake by industry of workplace safety and safety training programs and education tools', by serving the education component of the Strategic Plan.
Objectives: 1. INFORM, via an independent review, the design and application of user-pay funding models in Australian primary industries, the potential for a similar model to be introduced by SeSAFE in the fishing and aquaculture industry, and steps recommended to realise this outcome. 2. TRANSITION to a user-pays funding model to perpetuate the cost-effective delivery of SeSAFE training, based on the outcome of the independent review, and to Seafood Industry Australia or other party hosting the SeSAFE program at the conclusion of this project. 3. RETAIN delivery of SeSAFE training to existing users in the Australian fishing and aquaculture industry. 4. EXPAND the number of industry bodies, fishing and aquaculture companies, independent fishers and aquaculture workers, processors, observers, researchers, and others utilising SeSAFE training on a recurrent basis. 5. EXPAND the number of fishery-specific modules beyond those already developed for the ACPF, including completion of fishery-specific modules for the Western Rock Lobster Council and weather forecasting modules for the Bureau of Meteorology. 6. PROMOTE SeSAFE as the industry benchmark in pre-sea safety training to meet duty of care requirements. 7. INCENTIVISE the use of SeSAFE training, including through formal recognition of SeSAFE training by AMSA and others, certification, and potential rebate by insurance agencies. Read moreRead less
Investigation Of The Direct And Indirect Role Of Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) On Western Rock Lobster Settlement Processes: With Consideration Of The Potential Role Of Contaminants
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$237,535.00
Summary
In Western Australia, the positive and negative effects of SGD in marine benthic communities remains unknown. In Marmion Lagoon, SGD is known to supply up to 50% of the nutrients required for the macrophyte growth rates observed (Johannes and Hearn 1985). Freshwater input has been observed to positively impact seagrass germination (Xu et al., 2016), and although no similar studies exist for temperate seagrass species in the southern hemisphere, SGD may have a role in the creation, maintenance an ....In Western Australia, the positive and negative effects of SGD in marine benthic communities remains unknown. In Marmion Lagoon, SGD is known to supply up to 50% of the nutrients required for the macrophyte growth rates observed (Johannes and Hearn 1985). Freshwater input has been observed to positively impact seagrass germination (Xu et al., 2016), and although no similar studies exist for temperate seagrass species in the southern hemisphere, SGD may have a role in the creation, maintenance and augmentation of seagrass beds. The direct influence of SGD on puerulus settlement rates is unknown but freshwater discharge has been shown to be positively correlated with crab larval abundance (Boylan and Wenner, 1993). An ongoing FRDC project (2016-260: Assess causes and implications of anomalous low lobster catch rates) has demonstrated post-puerulus western rock lobster exhibit a strong choice for the chemical signature of seagrass (Brooker et al. in prep). These findings suggest that SGD may affect puerulus settlement rates either directly through chemotaxis or indirectly by impacting the density of seagrass meadows. Hence, there is a need to investigate both the role of SGD and the presence of seagrass on puerulus settlement rates. Land derived contaminants potentially impacting puerulus settlement and survival could include heavy metals and endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as flame-retardants or pesticides targeting insects (McKenney, 1999). Adult lobster have been shown to be repelled by the presence of copper (McLeese, 1975) and both flame-retardants (polybrominated diphenyl ethers - PBDEs) (Davies and Zou, 2012) and various insecticides (Ghekiere et al., 2005) have been shown to disrupt moulting in marine crustacea. Alkylphenol pollution was implicated in a major die-off of the American lobster (Homarus americanus) population that occurred in Long Island Sound in 1999, with acute impact on post-puerulus mortality during moulting (Laufer et al., 2013). There is a need to investigate both the occurrence and concentration of likely contaminants at potential source locations within the Western Rock Lobster fishery and assess their impact on post-puerulus survival.
Objectives: 1. Identify areas of significant submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) nearby established western rock lobster settlement monitoring sites. 2. Investigate the direct role of SGD on western rock lobster settlement rates. 3. Investigate the link between SGD and the extent and condition of important lobster habitat (e.g. seagrass). 4. Identify and map input of contaminants by SGD in key fishery areas. 5. Investigate impact of contaminants on the survival of puerulus and post-puerulus lobster. Read moreRead less
Risk Profile For Paralytic Shellfish Toxins In Tasmanian Periwinkles
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$180,504.00
Summary
Recurrent harmful algal blooms in Tasmanian waters (Gymnodinium in the South and Alexandrium on the East Coast) have impacted Oyster, Mussel, Abalone and Rock Lobster industries, necessitating the implementation of biotoxin monitoring programs and harvest closures during high risk periods. It is currently unknown whether Periwinkles can accumulate paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) from Tasmanian microalgal blooms and a conservative risk management approach has been taken thus far to protect both ....Recurrent harmful algal blooms in Tasmanian waters (Gymnodinium in the South and Alexandrium on the East Coast) have impacted Oyster, Mussel, Abalone and Rock Lobster industries, necessitating the implementation of biotoxin monitoring programs and harvest closures during high risk periods. It is currently unknown whether Periwinkles can accumulate paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) from Tasmanian microalgal blooms and a conservative risk management approach has been taken thus far to protect both public health and market access.
Unlike bivalve shellfish, Abalone and Rock Lobster, there is currently no clearly defined biotoxin management plan for Periwinkles in Tasmania. As grazers, Periwinkles are loosely grouped with Urchins and Abalone, the latter of which are a proven PST risk. This Abalone biotoxin sampling plan is triggered when Tasmanian Shellfish Market Access Program (ShellMAP) closes bivalve harvest areas due to PST risk. In a conservative approach, the current recommendation is PST analysis of 20 pooled Periwinkles per Abalone block on at least a monthly basis to maintain market access. This presents a considerable cost burden to the small dive fishery and interrupts harvest operations, as PST sampling of Periwinkles is required if elevated PST are detected in Abalone, which are known to hold onto PST for longer time periods in between blooms (years).
To date, the vast majority of Periwinkle samples that have been analysed for PST were collected from weak or no bloom years or regions. Evidence from French tank trials exposing the common European Periwinkle (Littorina littorea) to Alexandrium minutum cysts containing PST showed significant toxin uptake (0.2 mg PST/kg) within six days of exposure (Neves et al, 2015). It remains unknown whether commercially harvested Tasmanian Periwinkles (Lunella undulata) are at risk of PST accumulation and if the current conservative monitoring approach is commensurate to risk. In such scenarios, risk managers will commonly outsource a preliminary risk assessment (known as a risk profile). Risk profiles are an important tool for risk managers and industry. They provide a summary of all information pertinent to food safety associated with the specific hazard/food combination. The purpose of a risk profile is to assist initial risk management activities, such as identifying future actions required (if any), and the options for food safety management programs. They also inform the level of resourcing required to control the hazard/food pairing.
This project will deliver an urgently required risk profile for PST in Periwinkles to inform future actions (if any) and provide options for cost-effective food safety management programs. This profile will: 1. Determine the risk of PST accumulation in Periwinkles in Tasmania as a result of harmful microalgal blooms during high risk exposures at peak algal bloom densities in the field and in tank trials. 2. Outline potential management options and knowledge gaps, should risk management be necessary. This includes an assessment of whether the bivalve PST regulatory limit is appropriate to use in Periwinkle risk management (currently based on shellfish serving size of 100-400g) and the spatial variability associated with sampling.
References Neves, Raquel AF, et al. "Responses of the common periwinkle Littorina littorea to exposure to the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum." Journal of Molluscan Studies 81.2 (2015): 308-311.
Objectives: 1. Determine whether Tasmanian Periwinkles can bioaccumulate PST from Alexandrium and/or Gymnodinium microalgal blooms during both field and laboratory exposures. 2. Identify the most suitable size of biotoxin management zones for Periwinkles. 3. Assess whether the use of the bivalve PST regulatory limit is appropriate for Periwinkles by conducting a literature search and consumption survey. 4. Generate a risk profile for PST in Tasmanian wild caught Periwinkles and provide guidance for risk management. Read moreRead less