BCA - Prawn Farm Effluent: Origin, Composition And Treatment
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$5,981.05
Summary
Objectives: 1. Construct nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus) and suspended solid budgets (inputs and outputs) for entire prawn farms at tropical and temperate locations. 2. Determine the origin and composition of pond effluent. For example, establish the proportion of nutrients which originate from fertilization compared to food input; determine the suspended solids load in intake water compared with effluent. 3. Assess alternative methods of pond effluent prevention and treatment. ....Objectives: 1. Construct nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus) and suspended solid budgets (inputs and outputs) for entire prawn farms at tropical and temperate locations. 2. Determine the origin and composition of pond effluent. For example, establish the proportion of nutrients which originate from fertilization compared to food input; determine the suspended solids load in intake water compared with effluent. 3. Assess alternative methods of pond effluent prevention and treatment. Read moreRead less
A Report On The Crab Farming Industries Of Japan, Taiwan And The Philippines
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Carry out the final phase of an investigation of the portunid crab aquaculture industries of Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines. 2. Evaluate methods for possible future application in Australia
Seagrasses In Southern NSW Estuaries: Their Ecology, Conservation, Restoration And Management
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$88,202.00
Summary
Seagrasses are important fisheries habitats in NSW estuaries, supporting the juvenile stages of a range of economically important species. Extensive losses have occurred, and are continuing to occur, to seagrass beds throughout NSW, Australia and worldwide. Poor water quality, in terms of increased turbidity and nutrients, has been one cause for these losses, but there have also been large areas reclaimed, dredged and impacted by various coastal engineering works.
It is generally accept ....Seagrasses are important fisheries habitats in NSW estuaries, supporting the juvenile stages of a range of economically important species. Extensive losses have occurred, and are continuing to occur, to seagrass beds throughout NSW, Australia and worldwide. Poor water quality, in terms of increased turbidity and nutrients, has been one cause for these losses, but there have also been large areas reclaimed, dredged and impacted by various coastal engineering works.
It is generally accepted that improved management of these seagrass areas is required, including restoration of damaged sites. In NSW this is hampered by a lack of relevant applied research. For example, if areas of seagrass are to be lost through a new development proposal, opportunities for compensation arise. Yet the success of transplanting seagrasses in these situations is not high and there are no guidelines for rehabilitating such sites, either in terms of site preparation or species selection.
The piecemeal approach to seagrass management issues, particularly the restoration problem, has involved taking advantage of short term projects arising from development proposals. However in the last decade, almost nothing new has been learnt about rehabilitation of seagrass beds. There is an urgent need to undertake a significant research project with the aim of investigating:
* present and past distributions of seagrasses in selected NSW estuaries, * growth requirements and ecology of NSW species, * conservation priorities, * site evaluation methods, * impacts of management decisions on seagrasses, and, * methods for rehabilitating sites. Objectives: 1. To investigate the factors affecting growth and distribution of seagrasses in major estuaries in southern NSW. 2. To provide information on present and past distributions of seagrasses in selected estuaries. 3. To investigate the impacts of resource management decisions on existing seagrass meadows and review the criteria for selecting key seagrass sites for protection. 4. To carry out experimental trials examining the factors influencing successful restoration of damaged seagrass sites. Read moreRead less
Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture Subprogram: Characterising Benthic Pelagic Interactions In Macquarie Harbour - Organic Matter Processing In Sediments And The Importance For Nutrient Dynamics
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$209,239.30
Summary
Strategic growth for the Tasmanian Salmonid Industry over the next decade is contingent upon ecologically sustainable development in Macquarie Harbour. In coastal bays and estuaries, it is well known that sediment water column interactions are a major driver of ecosystem condition and health. A key knowledge gap in Macquarie Harbour is a lack of ecological data on the capacity of sediments to process organic matter and nutrients and the influence on bottom waters, particularly in response to inc ....Strategic growth for the Tasmanian Salmonid Industry over the next decade is contingent upon ecologically sustainable development in Macquarie Harbour. In coastal bays and estuaries, it is well known that sediment water column interactions are a major driver of ecosystem condition and health. A key knowledge gap in Macquarie Harbour is a lack of ecological data on the capacity of sediments to process organic matter and nutrients and the influence on bottom waters, particularly in response to increased loads associated with expanded farming. This was acknowledged in the EIS for industry expansion in Macquarie Harbour prepared by the Proponent (the three companies growing salmonids in Macquarie Harbour; Tassal, Huon Aquaculture and Petuna Aquaculture). The work proposed in this study feeds directly into the adaptive monitoring and modelling approach adopted to support decision making for marine farming expansion in Macquarie Harbour, reducing the uncertainty in the environmental model, particularly with respect to bottom water predictions. This will be achieved via the collection of empirical process data and re-calibration and validation of sediment water column interactions in the environmental model.
A limited understanding of sediment-water column processes is often lamented in other regions where ecosystem/biogeochemical model outputs are used to help guide environmental management decisions (e.g. trigger levels in the Channel/Huon), and as such, this research is likely to have much broader R & D applications. Objectives: 1. Quantify sediment water column nutrient fluxes at both the farm (local) and harbour (regional) scales 2. Generate sediment nutrient and dissolved oxygen respiration maps of Macquarie Harbour, including the release of nutrients from deposited farm waste 3. Calibration of sediment water column interactions in the Macquarie Harbour environmental model using process information from 1 and 2 above 4. Identify ecologically relevant and practical indicators of key ecosystem processes Read moreRead less
Developing leadership for high stress workplaces: Improving well-being, engagement, productivity and staff retention. Workplaces today are increasingly complex. The ageing of the workforce, growing economic pressure and increasing employee mobility make the ability of organisations to attract, develop and retain talented staff critical issues for Australian industry. Staff stress costs the economy tens of billions of dollars a year. This project focuses on the measurement and development of lead ....Developing leadership for high stress workplaces: Improving well-being, engagement, productivity and staff retention. Workplaces today are increasingly complex. The ageing of the workforce, growing economic pressure and increasing employee mobility make the ability of organisations to attract, develop and retain talented staff critical issues for Australian industry. Staff stress costs the economy tens of billions of dollars a year. This project focuses on the measurement and development of leader's ability to take sophisticated perspectives on complex events, and in so doing open new possibilities for effective action. By developing models, tools and training methods to enhance this ability in managers, we aim to make an important contribution economic sustainability and employee well-being in Australia and internationally.Read moreRead less
Abalone Aquaculture Subprogram: Environmental Requirements Of Abalone
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$138,044.75
Summary
The rapid expansion of the Australian abalone culture industry is being underpinned by advances in research and development that have seen tank designs and formulated diets become far more cost-effective. Market prospects are excellent (Johnston, 1996) and investment capital and available sites do not seem to be limiting factors. The hatchery sector is performing very well and its capacity is expanding rapidly.
The major threat to this optimistic scenario is a decline in the health st ....The rapid expansion of the Australian abalone culture industry is being underpinned by advances in research and development that have seen tank designs and formulated diets become far more cost-effective. Market prospects are excellent (Johnston, 1996) and investment capital and available sites do not seem to be limiting factors. The hatchery sector is performing very well and its capacity is expanding rapidly.
The major threat to this optimistic scenario is a decline in the health status of abalone and the most likely cause is inadequate water quality. The threat is real based on results obtained from our previous FRDC-funded, environmental requirements (bioassay) research. The 30% reduction in growth rate noted above would be enough to destroy profit margins in most aquaculture industries.
We need to determine safe levels of more of the water quality variables that threaten the health of abalone and to refine the estimates for some of the variables assessed so far; greenlip abalone have proved to be even more sensitive to ammonia and nitrite than we had expected. In some states there is more emphasis on blacklip abalone culture and we need to assess that species at least in terms of its sensitivity to the most likely stressors. We also need to develop diagnostic tools for the tissue damage that these water quality variables do when outside these safe ranges so that health workers can identify the cause of a health problem in abalone.
This project is compatible with the FRDC strategic plan as it is commercially attractive (prevents loss of profitability), it is feasible (the experimental system, methods and expertise have already been developed), it is collaborative (hosted by industry), has been given the highest priority by the Subprogram Steering Committee, it relates strongly to growth and survival within aquaculture development, and the species involved are primarily being produced for the Asia - Pacific market. Additionally, it contributes to export technology (live holding) and Ecosystem Protection by defining tolerances of a key commercial and recreational species. Objectives: 1. Overall objective is to provide the information needed for industry to reduce its operating costs (water exchange) or increase production (through higher stocking densities) in a manner that does not compromise the health of the abalone through inadequate water quality. 2. Specifically, we aim to establish safe operating levels for a range of water quality variables 3. We also aim to identify stress-specific changes in the structure or biochemistry of abalone in relation to particular water quality problems. This will improve the diagnostic tools available to veterinary staff. 4. Finally, we plan to convey this information in a prompt and user friendly form for industry. Read moreRead less
Recent work completed by SASI in conjunction with the FRDC as part of Restaurant 2006 and with support funding from the SA Government, has identified potential for positioning a “basket” of seafood into niche high end markets in Sydney.
These customers demand certainty of supply to quality specifications. If their requirements can be met substantial price premiums are on offer.
The main State-based seafood producing sectors located in regional South Australia are characte ....Recent work completed by SASI in conjunction with the FRDC as part of Restaurant 2006 and with support funding from the SA Government, has identified potential for positioning a “basket” of seafood into niche high end markets in Sydney.
These customers demand certainty of supply to quality specifications. If their requirements can be met substantial price premiums are on offer.
The main State-based seafood producing sectors located in regional South Australia are characterised by a large number of small operators with limited capacity to develop and implement sustained and strategic market development programs.
To develop the opportunities identified, a cultural and operational shift in approach to supplying customers in a managed way and away from the current price driven daily spot market approach, must occur.
The project is part of the SA Seafood Food Plan (2005) implementation program. Objectives: 1. Develop a managed supply model for producers. 2. Change producer understanding of managed supply. 3. Establish producer commitment to participate in a managed supply program. Read moreRead less
Seafood CRC: Implementing Australian Quality Index Schemes In Three Supply Chains
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$7,100.00
Summary
Seafood CRC research (2009/727) has shown that there is significant potential for increased product storage life through supply chain management improvements. In one major supply chain (MG Kailis) it has been demonstrated that savings of $150,000pa ongoing can be achieved through implementation of relatively simple improvements. In that study, the QI method was introduced to the company and the QI manual is now used at various points in their supply chain to assist supply chain monitoring. Howe ....Seafood CRC research (2009/727) has shown that there is significant potential for increased product storage life through supply chain management improvements. In one major supply chain (MG Kailis) it has been demonstrated that savings of $150,000pa ongoing can be achieved through implementation of relatively simple improvements. In that study, the QI method was introduced to the company and the QI manual is now used at various points in their supply chain to assist supply chain monitoring. However, to date there has been very little broader uptake of QI schemes within the Australian Industry, despite efforts (including commissioning SeaNet, FRDC 2010-305) to commercialise and raise awareness of the benefits of using QI.
With proposed investment by the Sydney Fish Market, De Costi Seafoods and MG Kailis for improving their supply management processes to achieve increased product storage life, the timing is now right to work with these companies to introduce the QI method and assess how to better meet their operational needs. This will be most effective where the QI tool is in a readily-useable format. A criticism of the current hardcopy manual format is that they are cumbersome and difficult to use in the varied supply chain environments. However, the manuals are still highly valuable as a QA management document and it is intended to maintain these in the short to medium term.
The Seafood CRC has the opportunity to build on the prototype ‘app’ platform developed by the Sydney Fish Market and create a more useful QI tool format for the entire Australian seafood industry. Working initially with three supply chains will generate traction within the wider industry with the goal of mirroring the outcome of European success of widespread adoption of QI methods within their supply chains. Objectives: 1. Update and distribute existing hardcopy QI Manuals, incorporating the new schemes 2. Develop and test a mobile 'app' in three seafood supply chains 3. Evaluate success and prepare communication materials Read moreRead less
Prawn Farm Effluent: Origin, Composition And Treatment
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$369,545.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Construct nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus) and suspended solid budgets (inputs and outputs) for entire prawn farms at tropical and temperate locations. 2. Determine the origin and composition of pond effluent. For example, establish the proportion of nutrients which originate from fertilization compared to food input; determine the suspended solids load in intake water compared with effluent. 3. Assess alternative methods of pond effluent prevention and treatment. ....Objectives: 1. Construct nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus) and suspended solid budgets (inputs and outputs) for entire prawn farms at tropical and temperate locations. 2. Determine the origin and composition of pond effluent. For example, establish the proportion of nutrients which originate from fertilization compared to food input; determine the suspended solids load in intake water compared with effluent. 3. Assess alternative methods of pond effluent prevention and treatment. Read moreRead less
Examinations of the relationship between accreditation and clinical and organisational performance. Accreditation of organisations is now commonplace. It involves assessing organisations against pre-defined standards. This is a highly significant issue because of the millions of dollars of investment in accreditation. We do not know if we achieve value for money or whether positive change is associated with accreditation. Few studies have examined this in detail. We aim to do so in this stud ....Examinations of the relationship between accreditation and clinical and organisational performance. Accreditation of organisations is now commonplace. It involves assessing organisations against pre-defined standards. This is a highly significant issue because of the millions of dollars of investment in accreditation. We do not know if we achieve value for money or whether positive change is associated with accreditation. Few studies have examined this in detail. We aim to do so in this study. We will examine organisational and individual performance associated with accreditation status in order to illuminate the process and uncover any associations between accreditation and organisational culture, consumer participation and clinical (individual) performance indicators.
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