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
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
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
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
Preparing For Threats And Opportunities Of Alternative Proteins
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$209,922.00
Summary
The demand for alternative proteins is increasing globally, and although the impact on the fishing and aquaculture sectors is lagging, it is an opportune time to review the potential risks and opportunities. This will help us reposition the sector to make use of the opportunities and mitigate the risks.
Our multidisciplinary team will deliver a detailed assessment of risks and opportunities, and engage stakeholders to understand their needs, concerns and impact pathways. We will use our ....The demand for alternative proteins is increasing globally, and although the impact on the fishing and aquaculture sectors is lagging, it is an opportune time to review the potential risks and opportunities. This will help us reposition the sector to make use of the opportunities and mitigate the risks.
Our multidisciplinary team will deliver a detailed assessment of risks and opportunities, and engage stakeholders to understand their needs, concerns and impact pathways. We will use our analysis to demonstrate the potential pathways they can use to make use of the opportunities and mitigate the risks.
Our project will: - Understand the opportunities and risks for the growing trend of alternative proteins on the fishing and aquaculture sectors and supply chain - Assess the potential impacts of alternative proteins on the fishing and aquaculture sectors and supply chain through scenario modelling - Engage deeply with fishing, aquaculture and related stakeholders to co-design interpretation of insights into risks and opportunities as well as formulating options and responses - Make recommendations on how fishing and aquaculture sectors and enterprises might re-position to embrace benefits associated with alternative proteins, and respond to associated risks.
Relevant outcomes: Outcome 1: Growth for enduring prosperity Outcome 3: A culture that is inclusive and forward thinking Outcome 5: Community trust, respect and value Enabling strategy III: Promote innovation and entrepreneurship Enabling Strategy IV: Build capability and capacity
Objectives: 1. Understand the opportunities and risks for the growing trend of alternative proteins on the fishing and aquaculture sectors and supply chain 2. Assess the potential impacts of alternative proteins on the fishing and aquaculture sectors and supply chain 3. Make recommendations on how fishing and aquaculture sectors and enterprises might re-position to embrace benefits associated with alternative proteins, and respond to associated risks. Read moreRead less
Detecting Paralytic Shellfish Toxins In Oysters - Initial Assessment Of AquaBC Rapid Test Kit
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$29,845.00
Summary
Reliable detection of marine biotoxins is a critical requirement for any effective biotoxin monitoring program, requiring any analytical technique to be properly validated. The Neogen rapid test kit for the detection of paralytic shellfish toxin (PSTs) was successfully validated in both single lab and inter-lab validations for use in oysters, offering rapid (within 20 min) on farm results. The test was used in Tasmania to reduce business risk, (i.e. frequent testing of shellfish that can rapidly ....Reliable detection of marine biotoxins is a critical requirement for any effective biotoxin monitoring program, requiring any analytical technique to be properly validated. The Neogen rapid test kit for the detection of paralytic shellfish toxin (PSTs) was successfully validated in both single lab and inter-lab validations for use in oysters, offering rapid (within 20 min) on farm results. The test was used in Tasmania to reduce business risk, (i.e. frequent testing of shellfish that can rapidly accumulate PST within a week) and employed in South Australia for regulatory purposes (low frequency of PST detection in this region).
A key factor influencing the suitability of antibody based rapid test kits is the PST profile present in the sample to be analysed. The term PST profile describes the relative concentrations of different PST analogues that might be present in each seafood sample. These profiles differ between toxic algal species, different seafood species and their tissues. Not all PST analogues are equally detected by the antibodies of different test kits (quantified as the % cross-reactivity). These cross-reactivities are critical for ensuring reliable detection across different combinations of PST analogues that might be present in shellfish.
To determine if the AquaBC rapid test kit is suitable replacement for routine monitoring, a full validation for each seafood tissue matrix would normally be conducted to determine the probability of detection curve (probability of detection across a range of PST concentrations) for multiple PST profiles, ideally followed by an inter-laboratory validation (as was conducted for the Neogen test). However, a full validation study requires repeat testing of hundreds of samples and is therefore expensive. From our previous work with the Neogen test kit, we have identified some key performance indicators that would allow for a quick initial assessment of the new AquaBC test kit, using much reduced sample numbers. These small pilot trials would include testing the most commonly encountered PST profiles (i.e. which PST toxin analogues are present) and their relative concentrations (i.e. can we reliably detect the presence of PST at the regulatory level without obtaining too many positive results at PST levels below concern?). Rather than conducting a full validation, this project will provide an initial assessment of these parameters in regard to the PST profiles commonly encountered in TAS, SA and NSW. Should this assessment be positive, a full follow up validation may be recommended. Objectives: 1. Review & identify different PST profiles that may be encountered in TAS, SA and NSW oysters. 2. Challenge the AquaBC test kit against a range of different PST concentrations and profiles to provide an initial assessment of its suitability for detecting PST in Australian oyster tissues. Read moreRead less
Where Should I Farm My Oysters? Does Natural Cadmium Distribution Restrict Oyster Farm Site Selection In The Northern Territory?
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$123,272.00
Summary
RD&E that addresses critical hurdles to Aboriginal capacity and enterprise development (e.g. quality assurance strategies) have been identified as priority areas of the NT RAC and the Indigenous Reference Group (IRG). NT Fisheries has been conducting research to support Aboriginal aspirations to establish tropical oyster farms in the Northern Territory (NT).
Heavy metals have been a longstanding concern as an impediment to the development of a tropical oyster industry. Cadmium (Cd) bioa ....RD&E that addresses critical hurdles to Aboriginal capacity and enterprise development (e.g. quality assurance strategies) have been identified as priority areas of the NT RAC and the Indigenous Reference Group (IRG). NT Fisheries has been conducting research to support Aboriginal aspirations to establish tropical oyster farms in the Northern Territory (NT).
Heavy metals have been a longstanding concern as an impediment to the development of a tropical oyster industry. Cadmium (Cd) bioaccumulates in the tissue of oysters, and unlike E. coli or toxic algae, has a long depuration period. As a result Cd levels are a major determining factor on the saleability of farmed tropical oysters. McConchie, D.M & Lawrance, L.M (1991) and FRDC Project 2012-223 identified high Cd concentrations, which varied considerably across locations and water depth, in blacklip oysters (Saccostrea echinata) at location in Shark Bay, WA and South Goulburn Island, NT respectively. Following these projects naturally occurring heavy metals have been a presumed barrier to the establishment of an oyster industry in the NT, due predominantly to the exceedance of Cd trigger levels in the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ).
However, recent testing on market sized oysters farmed on long line trials at Pirlangimpi on Tiwi Islands have not shown high heavy metal concentrations and complied with the FSANZ. This suggests that Cd exceedance may not be an issue in all locations. We propose a multi-location survey of blacklip oyster (Saccostrea echinata) heavy metal concentrations across the NT to identify the best locations for commercialisation of this emerging aquaculture species. With the aim of identifying locations, like Pirlangimpi, that could produce oysters that comply with the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ). The results are needed to inform the development of a NT tropical oyster industry and the establishment of a NT shellfish quality assurance program. Objectives: 1. Map the distribution and concentration of Cadmium in wild blacklip oysters across the Northern Territory. 2. Aboriginal communities better understand the role of shellfish quality assurance programs and the implications of Cadmium on oyster farming. 3. Risks associated with Cadmium are better understood and inform the development of a NT Shellfish Quality Assurance Program. 4. Knowledge is shared and retained through Aboriginal participation in the research project. Read moreRead less
Leveraging 3D computer vision for camera-based precise geo-localisation. This project aims to develop advanced 3D computer vision and image processing technology that can turn regular cameras into high-precision location-sensing devices. Spatial Location is a fundamental type of information of our physical world. Determining the precise location of people, vehicle, and mobile devices is essential for many critical applications. Outcomes of the project will enable a wide range of novel applicatio ....Leveraging 3D computer vision for camera-based precise geo-localisation. This project aims to develop advanced 3D computer vision and image processing technology that can turn regular cameras into high-precision location-sensing devices. Spatial Location is a fundamental type of information of our physical world. Determining the precise location of people, vehicle, and mobile devices is essential for many critical applications. Outcomes of the project will enable a wide range of novel applications of significant social, environmental and economic value, such as Location-Aware Service, Environment Monitoring, Augmented Reality, Autonomous Vehicle, and Rapid Emergency Response. The project will enhance Australia's international competitive advantage in forefront of ICT research and technology innovation.Read moreRead less