Pioneering Tropical Rock Lobster Raft Grow-out For Northern Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
This project will undertake the critical science required for the next step of closed-cycle Tropical Rock Lobster production, the grow-out of hatchery-produced juvenile lobsters in sea raft enclosures, with research trials in the pristine waters of northern Western Australia. There are multiple gaps in knowledge that must be investigated to support the development and evaluation of this production technology to meet market demands. The project partners bring expertise across the production-to-ma ....This project will undertake the critical science required for the next step of closed-cycle Tropical Rock Lobster production, the grow-out of hatchery-produced juvenile lobsters in sea raft enclosures, with research trials in the pristine waters of northern Western Australia. There are multiple gaps in knowledge that must be investigated to support the development and evaluation of this production technology to meet market demands. The project partners bring expertise across the production-to-market pipeline and we will focus on six research areas: environment; raft design; translocation, lobster health and biosecurity; feeding strategies; lobster growth performance; and, premium diverse market acceptability. We will evaluate production systems, comparing sea raft productivity with onshore culture, to de-risk and attract quality investment in a brand-new grow-out aquaculture industry by current and new aquaculture businesses.
All aspects of the production research will include training of personnel and documentation of procedures that will be made available to new lobster grow-out producers in Australia through project participants. The project team will regularly communicate progress with stakeholders, including government (national, state and territory, local), jurisdiction agencies, Traditional Owners in research trial areas, community, aquaculture producers, training and research providers. At the end of the project a Field Day event will share the current status and production models for consideration by existing and new businesses. Industry value of $160 million is projected by 2030, with future potential of over $500 million p.a. that creates 1,000 direct jobs, 900 of those in Northern Australia, for people in feed manufacture, grow-out, downstream processing/distribution and marketing.
The project outcomes are directly aligned with the Food & Agribusiness Growth Centre’s (Food Innovation Australia Limited-FIAL) vision to grow the share of Australian food in the global marketplace – as it captures a unique opportunity for growing tomorrow’s food and contributing to the $200 billion possibility for Australian agri-businesses by 2030. Objectives: 1. Successfully translocate hatchery-produced tropical rock lobster juveniles from northern QLD to northern WA 2. Evaluate an innovative sea raft grow-out production system for lobsters suited to the environment in northern WA 3. Develop production techniques including feeding strategy, stocking density and biofouling management for sea raft culture of lobsters in WA 4. Compare performance, quality and market acceptance of lobsters in sea raft systems in WA and onshore culture in QLD 5. Create production models for industry scaling and Indigenous-led business engagement, including contract growing and supply services Read moreRead less
Assessment Of The Inflamark Method As A Sensitive And Cost-effective Measure Of Oxidative Stress In Cultured Fish
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$156,177.11
Summary
An indicator of oxidative/metabolic stress in fish has long been sought after as a means of providing a simple measure of health and as a tool for assessing the outcomes of research trials including those on diet formulations. The FRDC have invested heavily in health & nutrition research, yet a simple, sensitive and cost effective method of assessing health following such trials is still lacking. Most analytical methods such as haematology, blood biochemistry, flow cytometry, histology and bacte ....An indicator of oxidative/metabolic stress in fish has long been sought after as a means of providing a simple measure of health and as a tool for assessing the outcomes of research trials including those on diet formulations. The FRDC have invested heavily in health & nutrition research, yet a simple, sensitive and cost effective method of assessing health following such trials is still lacking. Most analytical methods such as haematology, blood biochemistry, flow cytometry, histology and bacterial challenges all have limitations in terms of sensitivity, repeatability, cost and simplicity.
Inflamark has potential to be developed into a rapid, point-of-care device that could be used on-farm as well as in research trials. There is a need to validate its usefulness as a diagnostic tool in commercially relevant farmed fish species prior to its development as a routine diagnostic tool.
Objectives: 1. Optimise field methods to ensure blood is collected and preserved appropriately for shipment and analysis 2. Determine the range of baseline oxidative stress values for healthy and moribund fish from four species across the full range of sizes and culture temperatures under commercial growout conditions. 3. Obtain data from fish in various FRDC and industry funded research projects investigating health and nutrition. Read moreRead less
Shark Depredation In Australian Fisheries: Understanding The Scope Of The Issue And Identify Potential Mitigation Options
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$25,510.00
Summary
Shark depredation of catches have been nationally acknowledged as an issue for all stakeholders – however, much of the information is anecdotal and there is a lack of clarity on where efforts need to be prioritised to find possible solutions. In response, the FRDC will facilitate up to two national workshops to understand the scope of depredation and approaches to mitigate and manage this source of mortality.
Objectives: 1. Define key dimensions of the shark depredation ....Shark depredation of catches have been nationally acknowledged as an issue for all stakeholders – however, much of the information is anecdotal and there is a lack of clarity on where efforts need to be prioritised to find possible solutions. In response, the FRDC will facilitate up to two national workshops to understand the scope of depredation and approaches to mitigate and manage this source of mortality.
Objectives: 1. Define key dimensions of the shark depredation issue in Australian fisheries (across all relevant sectors) in terms of (i) relevant characteristics of the shark species and populations involved, (ii) relevant traits of the fisheries involved, (iii) potential impacts of shark depredation, from economic, ecological, stock assessment, and social perspectives 2. Clearly identify and discuss potential mitigation options 3. Facilitate a national approach to collaborate cross-jurisdictional knowledge and efforts to define the scope of shark depredation in Australia and potential next steps Read moreRead less
A Review Of Fisheries Enhancement Methods To Promote Profitability And Sustainability In Australian Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$44,069.00
Summary
Whilst a range of fisheries enhancement approaches have been applied in Australia, quantitative comparison between the outcomes achieved is lacking. The decision to use fisheries enhancement techniques can be heavily influenced by politics, especially in the recreational fishing sector. Despite the general results from past fishery enhancement activities appearing positive, not all approaches may deliver the best return on investment. Quantitative comparison of techniques is needed to enable dec ....Whilst a range of fisheries enhancement approaches have been applied in Australia, quantitative comparison between the outcomes achieved is lacking. The decision to use fisheries enhancement techniques can be heavily influenced by politics, especially in the recreational fishing sector. Despite the general results from past fishery enhancement activities appearing positive, not all approaches may deliver the best return on investment. Quantitative comparison of techniques is needed to enable decisions to be made with greater certainty and deliver the best value.
Broad uptake and application of some fisheries enhancement techniques by fisheries managers in Australia has been limited. A major constraint for fisheries managers has been the absence of clear comparative data on the costs and benefits for each approach and how they can be most effectively applied in different scenarios. Fisheries enhancement is widely practised around the world and quantitative assessments of the benefits of some techniques exist. Cost benefit analyses have also been conducted for some projects in Australia, but the results have yet to be consolidated and considered in the context of how they can be applied more broadly by fisheries managers.
Consolidating the knowledge base on fisheries enhancement methods will enable robust comparison of the return on investment of different approaches for various fisheries and assessment of their long-term viability and impacts on fishery sustainability. Such information will enable managers to more clearly identify the most appropriate techniques and potential benefits for their specific fisheries, leading to increased uptake and implementation. To assist uptake by fishery managers, a decision support tool is needed to enable managers to readily incorporate these approaches with other fishery management considerations.
Objectives: 1. To conduct a literature review of fisheries enhancement/intervention methods 2. To conduct a cost-benefit analysis to identify efficient fisheries enhancement techniques 3. Develop a decision support tool to assist fishery managers determine the most suitable enhancement approach 4. Extend the results of the review and decision support tool to fisheries managers across Australia Read moreRead less
Water Abstraction Impacts On Flow Dependent Fisheries Species Of The Northern Territory, Australia - A Synthesis Of Current Knowledge And Future Research Needs
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$101,740.68
Summary
The tropical waters of northern Australia contain unique and diverse aquatic species that are adapted to the seasonally variable climate. Many species rely on seasonal river flows to move, forage, reproduce and fulfil critical life history stages, particularly in ephemeral rivers which become disconnected in the dry season. River flows and harvest are known to influence both freshwater and marine fish and fisheries. However, river flows have been modified in several tropical catchments by water ....The tropical waters of northern Australia contain unique and diverse aquatic species that are adapted to the seasonally variable climate. Many species rely on seasonal river flows to move, forage, reproduce and fulfil critical life history stages, particularly in ephemeral rivers which become disconnected in the dry season. River flows and harvest are known to influence both freshwater and marine fish and fisheries. However, river flows have been modified in several tropical catchments by water abstraction and development of water storage infrastructure for agriculture and drinking water. Additionally, there is increasing pressure to develop new water resource infrastructure in northern Australia. A large and disparate body of literature exists that has documented the relationships between tropical fish species and the seasonal variations in river flow. Production of several commercially, recreationally, and traditionally important tropical aquatic species is linked to flow, suggesting that these may be at risk from the multiple pressures of water abstraction and harvesting, warranting the need for a synthesis of current knowledge on water abstraction impacts and identification of knowledge gaps for targeted future research.
We will address this priority task through the delivery of a stakeholder targeted synthesis of current knowledge on the impacts of water abstraction on tropical aquatic species by a team of recognised experts who have worked extensively on the flow dependence of tropical aquatic species in northern Australia. Through this synthesis, we aim to increase stakeholder understanding of water abstraction impacts on aquatic species.
Objectives: 1. Determine key directives for the synthesis during initial meeting in Darwin with the NT government research advisory committee 2. Review and synthesise relevant grey and published literature 3. Identify potential risks of surface water abstraction on priority fish species and identify critical knowledge gaps and future research needs 4. Share the outcomes with project stakeholders and provide research advice Read moreRead less
Increase The Participation And Employment Of Indigenous People In The NT Commercial Fishing, Management And Seafood Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$5,100.00
Summary
More than 25% of the NT Population identify as Indigenous - the highest proportion in any state or territory. Indigenous people also own approximately 84% of the NT coastline. Participation of Indigenous people in industries and businesses that align closely with cultural values such as in natural and cultural resource management have been shown to have beneficial social, economic and health outcomes.
There is a need to expand the proportion of Indigenous people participating in all as ....More than 25% of the NT Population identify as Indigenous - the highest proportion in any state or territory. Indigenous people also own approximately 84% of the NT coastline. Participation of Indigenous people in industries and businesses that align closely with cultural values such as in natural and cultural resource management have been shown to have beneficial social, economic and health outcomes.
There is a need to expand the proportion of Indigenous people participating in all aspects of the NT commercial fishing and seafood industry. This includes through capacity building activities, traineeships, employment, research, education and extension services.
Currently there is a silo approach across local, Territory and Commonwealth agencies and programs to achieve this and poor integration across sectors. Julian Morison from EconSearch, the Principal Investigator for this proposed project, is currently leading two projects in the NT that are designed to address the problems largely arising from this silo approach. One is the lack of current economic information about the NT Seafood Industry. The second involves providing advice on fishing and aquaculture industry market opportunities, through an economic assessment of the current value and nature of opportunities in the NT market with a particular focus on the market size, value and opportunities that are present in East Arnhem Land.
These two studies which are due for completion in March and May 2017, respectively, will provide a solid basis for the proposed project. The primary aim of this project is to conduct research and stakeholder consultation to identify ways to promote and increase participation and employment of Indigenous people in NT fishing and seafood industries.
The project is to be managed under the auspices of Developing East Arnhem Limited (DEAL). DEAL is a not-for-profit development body established in November 2014 to act as the front door to the region for industry and business. DEAL facilitates connections between private enterprise, industry, community and government agencies to support economic diversification and growth in the East Arnhem region for the benefit of the regional population. Objectives: 1. Identify five programs or initiatives (at least two short term and at least two longer term) to promote and increase participation and employment of Indigenous people in NT fishing and seafood industries. 2. Directly involve decision makers in the communities and related fisheries in the conduct of the project through their participation in the development of the programs and initiatives. Read moreRead less
Development Of The East Arnhem Fisheries Network Training Framework
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$113,096.00
Summary
The National Fishing and Aquaculture RD&E Strategy makes note of the ongoing challenge in engagement with stakeholders with specific reference to Indigenous peoples and identifies gaps in capability in regional extension. In areas managed and owned by Aboriginal people, the potential for Indigenous owned and run seafood enterprises is yet to be fully realised. The NT Department of Resources, Fisheries Division has identified the need for a more coordinated and better resourced support service fo ....The National Fishing and Aquaculture RD&E Strategy makes note of the ongoing challenge in engagement with stakeholders with specific reference to Indigenous peoples and identifies gaps in capability in regional extension. In areas managed and owned by Aboriginal people, the potential for Indigenous owned and run seafood enterprises is yet to be fully realised. The NT Department of Resources, Fisheries Division has identified the need for a more coordinated and better resourced support service for Indigenous seafood-related businesses is seen as a positive step towards increased participation by Yolngu in the seafood industry. This is a pilot initiative that may be extended.
Previous work has highlighted the pivotal roles of engagement, training development and workforce skill development. The need to develop a program of coordinated education and training in seafood and small business skills has been identified as one of the objectives in this process. The research team has extensive experience in developing Indigenous training frameworks and materials that support the negotiation and implementation of training that is Indigenous led, taught or reinforced in Aboriginal languages, contextualised locally and incorporates multimedia to ensure knowledge is recorded, translated and kept in the community. The current delivery of seafood related training and materials to support enterprise development is not coordinated, the delivery methods are patchy and the areas of study relevant to the enterprise development are not contextualised and often not available in an appropriate mode.
Action on these issues would address FRDC Program 3: Communities; Theme 10 Resilient and supportive communities and the RD&E priorities focused on resilience from the perspective of Indigenous peoples located across the top-end.
The project scope of training frameworks, standards and knowledge structures would also contribute to the RD&E priorities from the perspective of Indigenous peoples as listed in FRDC Theme 12: Workforce development.
Objectives: 1. The development of training frameworks for sustainable seafood based enterprises for Indigenous people 2. Accreditation of a Vocational Training Programme for Indigenous Seafood based Enterprises at Charles Darwin University using Nationally Endorsed Units of Competence 3. Exemplars of contextualised training and assessment plans and materials in English and Yolngu Mathu, in paper and electronic formats. Read moreRead less
National Workshop To Mitigate Theft Of Estuarine Pots.
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$25,147.20
Summary
in 2014, the NSWFRAB identified as a R,D&E priority, research into anti-theft of mud crab (and other estuarine) pots. The FRDC Board determined that the research priority would require a National Workshop to ascertain whether research into this issue was feasible. The NSWFRAB requested that the PFA provide a quote for the facilitation and organisation of the National Workshop.
The PFA requested that the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) provide a costing for the facilitation of a ....in 2014, the NSWFRAB identified as a R,D&E priority, research into anti-theft of mud crab (and other estuarine) pots. The FRDC Board determined that the research priority would require a National Workshop to ascertain whether research into this issue was feasible. The NSWFRAB requested that the PFA provide a quote for the facilitation and organisation of the National Workshop.
The PFA requested that the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) provide a costing for the facilitation of an anti-crime based workshop titled ”the National Workshop for the Anti-theft of Estuarine Pots” to be hosted at the Sydney Fish Markets. The UTS were chosen to facilitate as they are able to demonstrate a unique ‘multi-driver’ or ‘holistic’ approach whilst bringing the benefit of engaging diverse actors to facilitate an innovative and evidence-based, collaborative workshop environment.
Initial discussions have indicated that the issue stems from: 1. Unlicensed fishers stealing for commercial sale “shamateurs” 2. Opportunistic amateur fishers – due to the visability of the pot 3. Fellow commercial fishers
It was also identified that this was an issue faced by both commercial and amateur fishers who utilise estuarine pots (as an example of the across sector impact please see a recent article in NSW local paper http://www.portstephensexaminer.com.au/story/3566048/something-fishy-harbour-crab-theft/?cs=776) The NSW FRAB believes that there will be a Flow of Benefit to QLD and NT as it is understood that these areas are also facing similar issues with the theft of commercial and recreational estuarine pots.
Objectives: 1. empower and provide tools to attendees to find innovative solutions 2. Framing the problem in a way that enables generation of solutions 3. Create solution directions to a complex and wicked problem 4. A Plan of Action that includes recommendations for further work to deal with the issues across all relevant stakeholder groups. Read moreRead less