Waste To Profit In Urchin Fisheries: Developing Business Opportunities To Ensure Fishery Sustainability And Safeguard Reef Dependent Fisheries From Destructive Urchin Grazing
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$54,102.30
Summary
Increasing the viability of urchin fisheries is particularly important for the range-extending Centrostephanus rodgersii which is threatening the productivity and profitability of the lucrative abalone and rock lobster fishing grounds as far south as the Tasman Peninsula (south-eastern Tasmania). Waste products from urchin fisheries account for over 85% of the harvested biomass, with up to 180 tonnes of sea urchin waste produced annually. Developing saleable by-products from waste will increase ....Increasing the viability of urchin fisheries is particularly important for the range-extending Centrostephanus rodgersii which is threatening the productivity and profitability of the lucrative abalone and rock lobster fishing grounds as far south as the Tasman Peninsula (south-eastern Tasmania). Waste products from urchin fisheries account for over 85% of the harvested biomass, with up to 180 tonnes of sea urchin waste produced annually. Developing saleable by-products from waste will increase the viability and profitability of urchin fisheries by 1) creating new business opportunities 2) reducing waste disposal and transport costs and 3) enabling increased harvest levels temporally (longer seasons), spatially (further from port) and at an increased density.
Cost effective control of Centrostephanus is a key priority of the Tasmanian Government as well as the Tasmanian Abalone and Rock Lobster Council. Similarly, the State Government of Victoria and the Eastern Zone Abalone Industry Association have highlighted the need to control the destructive overgrazing of urchins. A profitable Centrostephanus fishery is seen as the best way to achieve this. However, profitability in the fishery is currently low given the species lower average roe quality. Methods to reduce costs and increase profitability are vital for a prosperous fishery and control of destructive urchin grazing.
Processors, encouraged by initial trials and results, believe there is a high potential to develop a commercial product from the waste. However, cost and lack of expertise have impeded the timely development of waste-derived products within industry. Objectives: 1. To determine the biochemical composition and volume of urchin waste and identify applications for the agricultural sector. 2. To assess the potential for using sea urchin as rock lobster bait. Read moreRead less
Assessing The Risk Of Pathogenic Vibrio Species In Tasmanian Oysters
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$375,235.00
Summary
Vibrios are an emerging food safety issue for the Tasmanian and broader Australian shellfish industry. The first reported Australian outbreak of gastrointestinal illness associated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus and local oysters was from Moulting Bay, Tasmania in 2016; followed by further cases reported in WA from oysters sourced from a single jurisdiction outside of state. Data collected following the shellfish related outbreak in Tasmania (FRDC project 2015-042: Assessing the Occurrence of Path ....Vibrios are an emerging food safety issue for the Tasmanian and broader Australian shellfish industry. The first reported Australian outbreak of gastrointestinal illness associated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus and local oysters was from Moulting Bay, Tasmania in 2016; followed by further cases reported in WA from oysters sourced from a single jurisdiction outside of state. Data collected following the shellfish related outbreak in Tasmania (FRDC project 2015-042: Assessing the Occurrence of Pathogenic Vibrio Species in Oysters from Moulting Bay) highlighted the risk in Moulting Bay, but also noted the paucity of information on the prevalence of these organisms in Australian bivalve harvest regions. There are no limits set for vibrios in bivalve shellfish under the Food Standards Code. However, the FSANZ Guidelines “Microbiological Examination of Ready-to-Eat Foods” suggests that levels of V. parahaemolyticus in food product < 3 cfu/gm are satisfactory, 3-100 cfu/gm are marginally acceptable, 100-10,000 cfu/gm are unsatisfactory and over 10,000 cfu/gm are considered potentially hazardous. The classification under the FSANZ Guideline only considers total number of V. parahaemolyticus and not pathogenic strains, hence using a conservative approach. The Codex Alimentarius Commission Guidelines for the Application of General Principles of Food Hygiene to the Control of Pathogenic Vibrio (CAC/GL 73-2010) includes a separate Annex relating directly to control of these species in bivalve shellfish. The document recommends that monitoring be undertaken in harvest areas for levels of total and potentially pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus (based on the presence of the tdh and trh genes) and V. vulnificus to determine the level of regional and seasonal variation. Understanding the prevalence of V. paraheamolyticus (total and pathogenic) and V. vulnificus in commercial shellfish and the risk to public health is crucial in providing the Australian bivalve industry and State Shellfish Control Agency the necessary knowledge and tools to mitigate risk to the consumer, ensure product integrity and market access for industry. The current proposal is in response to the nominated RD&E priorities identified by the TASRAC.
Objectives: 1. Assess the total and potentially pathogenic V. paraheamolyticus and V. vulnificus levels in Tasmanian harvest areas 2. Provide information to Tasmanian Shellfish Control Agency to manage risk of vibrio into the future based on survey data results and production practices pre-harvest. 3. Inform Tasmanian foods safety management plans and risk management protocols for time of product into the cool chain based on local survey and environmental data results and international best practice. Read moreRead less
Waste To Profit In Urchin Fisheries: Developing Business Opportunities To Ensure Fishery Sustainability And Safeguard Reef Dependent Fisheries From Destructive Urchin Grazing
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$45,152.69
Summary
Commercial in confidence. To know more about this project please contact FRDC. Objectives: Commercial in confidence
Assessing The Effectiveness Of Artificial Reefs And FADs In Creating Recreational Opportunities For Tasmania’s Recreational Fishers
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$369,000.00
Summary
The 2018 Tasmanian state Election Commitment ‘Taking Recreational Fishing and Boating to the Next Level’ has provided $1.0M over the next two years to install artificial reefs in Tasmania. There is also an addition $450K for the installation and management of Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs). Both projects aim to provide new fishing opportunities for recreational and sport fishers (total $1.45M) and are aligned with the current development of the Tasmanian Recreational Sea Fishing Strategy – a 10 ....The 2018 Tasmanian state Election Commitment ‘Taking Recreational Fishing and Boating to the Next Level’ has provided $1.0M over the next two years to install artificial reefs in Tasmania. There is also an addition $450K for the installation and management of Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs). Both projects aim to provide new fishing opportunities for recreational and sport fishers (total $1.45M) and are aligned with the current development of the Tasmanian Recreational Sea Fishing Strategy – a 10 year strategic plan to address longstanding issues and maximise new opportunities. In Outcome 3 of the Strategy 'Making it easier for people to go fishing’, infrastructure projects to enhance fishing opportunities such as artificial reefs and FADs are identified as a priority.
Marine and Safety Authority Tasmania (MAST) has been tasked with implementing these Election Commitments on behalf of the Government, and Marine Solutions has completed feasibility assessments, including site selection, for the installation of both the artificial reefs and FAD: www.mast.tas.gov.au/artificial-reefs-and-fish-aggregation-devices-fads-in-tasmania. Marine Solutions is currently seeking government permits for two artificial reefs and five FADs in Tasmania, and installation will likely be open for tender in mid-2021. It is expected that installation at all sites will be completed towards the end of 2021. Upon completion, all equipment ownership and ongoing management will be transferred to Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE).
Currently, there is no pathway to determine the direct and in-direct benefits these resources may have for the recreational fishery and other multi-sector users. This includes the role these resources play for Tasmania's unique fish fauna, and their specific habitat and nursery requirements. It is vital that we invest into measuring these contributions to, ultimately, determine value and potential "success". Information can be used for ongoing management to ensure long-term benefits are maximised. This project is endorsed by RecFAC & will be carried out in collaboration with the recreational fishery (TARFish), MAST and DPIPWE. Objectives: 1. Measure the contribution of artificial reefs to recruitment of target species, especially scalefish. 2. Quantify the potential contribution of FADs to recreational fishing opportunity for Tasmanian species in terms of catch contribution and numbers of fishers able to benefit. 3. Refine artificial reefs and FADs deployment design with regard to the unique suite of species present in Tasmania and their specific nursery and habitat requirements. 4. Determine feasibility and value for further deployments using a cost-benefit framework. Read moreRead less
-Judging panel - Social Media Kit (Images and supporting texts for pre and post event) - Verbal acknowledgement as sponsors on the night - Short speech about FRDC and award presentation - Logo & acknowledgement in article in Tasmanian Seafood Industry News - Banner and marketing material at the awards - Website listing & link - Tickets to awards - Social media recognition - Advertisment opportunity in Tasmanian Seafood Industry News - Inclusion in media .... -Judging panel - Social Media Kit (Images and supporting texts for pre and post event) - Verbal acknowledgement as sponsors on the night - Short speech about FRDC and award presentation - Logo & acknowledgement in article in Tasmanian Seafood Industry News - Banner and marketing material at the awards - Website listing & link - Tickets to awards - Social media recognition - Advertisment opportunity in Tasmanian Seafood Industry News - Inclusion in media releaseRead moreRead less
Population Genomic Assessment Of Australian Blacklip Abalone For Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) Resistance
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$165,700.00
Summary
AVG remains the greatest threat to the economic viability and stability of the abalone industry in south-eastern Australia. As a consequence, there is an urgent need for strategic research aimed at determining the likely vulnerability of fisheries to future AVG outbreaks and providing managers with the necessary tools for biosecuring wild and farmed stocks at regional, state and national scales.
The fact that some animals from AVG affected wild stocks survived the disease outbreak suggests the ....AVG remains the greatest threat to the economic viability and stability of the abalone industry in south-eastern Australia. As a consequence, there is an urgent need for strategic research aimed at determining the likely vulnerability of fisheries to future AVG outbreaks and providing managers with the necessary tools for biosecuring wild and farmed stocks at regional, state and national scales.
The fact that some animals from AVG affected wild stocks survived the disease outbreak suggests they were either fortunate enough to have avoided coming into contact with the virus or are genetically resistant to the disease. A research program aimed at characterising AVG resistance in Australian wild abalone fisheries is expected to provide benefits to wild and farm fisheries at a national scale. If AVG resistance is present in wild abalone stocks, and its genetic basis can be characterised, there will be unique opportunities to:
1) Rapidly and cost-effectively screen stocks across all wild fisheries to determine the spatial prevalence of resistant genotypes and to gain an understanding of how biosecure wild abalone stocks are likely to be in the event of AVG re-emergence
2) Biosecure wild stocks through the movement of animals from ‘AVG resistant’ to ‘AVG vulnerable’ stocks as part of future restocking and translocation activities
3) Biosecure farm stocks across all states of Australia through the establishment of an AVG resistance breeding program
This project involves a direct partnership with AAGA, ACA and VFA and is expected to provide much needed insights into the vulnerability of abalone stocks to future AVG outbreaks, and the tools needed to bolster the biosecurity of wild and farmed abalone stocks. As a result, this project has the potential to dramatically improve the economic viability of this rapidly expanding industry.
Objectives: 1. This project will leverage the support of the abalone wild harvest and aquaculture industries, and the Victorian state government to determine if genetic resistance to the AVG virus persists in Australian wild blacklip abalone fisheries. This project will adopt state-of-the-art population genomic technologies to contrast genomic profiles of 350 individual abalone distributed across AVG affected and unaffected blacklip abalone stocks from Victorian Western and Central zone fisheries. Genomic variants differentiating animals from AVG affected and unaffected source stocks are expected to be indicative of a selective sweep and AVG resistance. Genomic variants associated with AVG resistance will act as the necessary markers for surveying the virus resilience/vulnerability of wild fishing stocks, and biosecuring wild fishing and farm stocks by providing a basis for a future virus resistance breeding program. Read moreRead less
Wider Investigation Of The Use Of Video Survey Techniques To Determine Commercial Scallop Abundance In Inshore And Offshore Waters, Closed Areas And Juvenile Beds
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$355,509.00
Summary
Commercial scallop is fished by dredging in 3 jurisdictions, with Tasmania (TSF) and Victoria currently classified as depleted. The 3rd jurisdiction, the BSCZSF, closes some scallop beds to fishing while the rest of the fishery remains open for harvesting. The closed beds and the TAC are informed by an annual dredge survey. These surveys also give an indication of recruitment within the fishery. However, the size selectivity of the dredges is not considered in this process, which may result in a ....Commercial scallop is fished by dredging in 3 jurisdictions, with Tasmania (TSF) and Victoria currently classified as depleted. The 3rd jurisdiction, the BSCZSF, closes some scallop beds to fishing while the rest of the fishery remains open for harvesting. The closed beds and the TAC are informed by an annual dredge survey. These surveys also give an indication of recruitment within the fishery. However, the size selectivity of the dredges is not considered in this process, which may result in an under-estimation of recruitment. The need to minimise disturbance to juvenile beds to reduce mortality of small scallops through survey activities is also a consideration. Currently the only options for known juvenile scallop beds are to not survey them or to conduct a minimal number of dredge shots, noting that commercial dredges do not effectively sample juveniles. The TSF only opens a small area of the fishery following annual dredge surveys, with the remainder closed. However, the issue of the estimation of recruitment and sensitivity of juveniles to dredging during surveys and fishing is still relevant, as only those beds with > 80% legal sized scallops are opened. Comparison of TSF 2020 video survey results with dredge survey results demonstrated much greater size selectivity by scallop dredges for legal-sized scallops than was previously thought, such that relying on dredge surveys alone to inform management decisions may be jeopardising the sustainability of the fishery. Along with the need to define the size distribution of scallop beds more accurately within the fishing zones, both Tasmania and the Commonwealth have areas closed to scallop fishing that contain an unknown scallop biomass that may contribute to recruitment. AFMA and Tasmanian DPIPWE resource managers and industry members are committed to further investigating and optimising the use of towed video surveys to provide a survey method for both inshore and offshore waters to estimate both legal and sub-legal scallop density/biomass in fishery zones, as well as areas closed to dredging and known juvenile beds, which will in turn inform management decisions, such as area closures and setting of TACs, and contribute to more sustainable fisheries. Objectives: 1. Undertake a Commercial Scallop Fisheries review and a targeted desktop study examining current approaches used for video survey of scallop stocks 2. Determine the best video survey approaches for the scale of the Commercial Scallop Fisheries and build and test multiple prototype video survey platforms 3. Undertake scallop video surveys in shallow inshore waters using the prototype video survey platforms and ground truth with diver and dredge surveys 4. Undertake data analysis trials, with the aim of developing partial machine learning solutions for data analysis 5. Apply learnings from inshore surveys and undertake an offshore video survey using the final video survey platform design and ground truth with a dredge survey 6. Synthesise results, compare dredge and video survey methods, propose an optimal design of a video survey platform and data analysis regime for commercial scallops in both inshore and offshore waters, and develop pathways to adoption Read moreRead less
Trans Tasman Rock Lobster Industry Congress - Locking In The Future: 2023-2031
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
Australian and New Zealand Rock Lobster is a high value product that has strong recognition in their local and export markets. There is significant capital investment across the combined jurisdictions of the Trans-Tasman lobster fisheries. As with most other wild caught fisheries and seafood sectors Trans-Tasman lobster fisheries face similar challenges in regards to, sustainability, threats to / competition for the resource and resource access, product quality and food safety, implications fr ....Australian and New Zealand Rock Lobster is a high value product that has strong recognition in their local and export markets. There is significant capital investment across the combined jurisdictions of the Trans-Tasman lobster fisheries. As with most other wild caught fisheries and seafood sectors Trans-Tasman lobster fisheries face similar challenges in regards to, sustainability, threats to / competition for the resource and resource access, product quality and food safety, implications from aquaculture production and applying and taking advantage of new and emerging technologies. In addition to these common industry issues, lobster fisheries produce a product that is predominantly for live export which adds further challenges such as barriers to trade and trade agreements, complex supply chains and understanding the ‘what and where’ of new market opportunities.
Well organised and educational forums such as Trans-Tasman Rock Lobster Congresses enable a sharing of information and a collaborative approach to addressing challenges and sharing successes. Since first being held in 1999 the biennial Rock Lobster conferences have become the pre-eminent forum for the respective Trans-Tasman lobster industries to consider and address the many challenges across the supply chain. There is never a shortage of key issues and topics to address and bring together in a common theme to deliver a successful Trans-Tasman Industry Congress that has the support of all the key industry bodies and wider stakeholders.
The history of successful Trans-Tasman Industry Congresses, speaks for itself. Trans-Tasman Congresses have well established support of all the key industry bodies and wider stakeholder interests with all lobster producing jurisdictions having now hosted an event. This history combined with the experience, existing contacts, establishing themes, producing engaging programmes, having informative exhibitions, attracting quality keynote speakers - both local and international, continuing sponsorship from service providers and the ability to attract the general support of industry ensure there is a pool of support and knowledge to deliver successful congresses
Initial Contributions (2023): • Total combined initial contributions will be to a maximum of $30,000.00. • Request a cash contribution from the NZRLIC. • Request a contribution from the Eastern Rock Lobster Industry. • Contribution from the SRL IPA. • Contribution from the WRL IPA.
Proposed Governance Arrangements: • The Managing Entity (ME) i.e. the industry body responsible for administering the congress in a particular year, will be responsible for holding and managing the ‘kitty’ of funds. • ‘Surplus’ funds will be used to fund the administration, hosting and attendance of any planning meetings conducted in the ‘interim year’, this process will be managed by the ME responsible for hosting the most recent (past) Trans Tasman Congress. • PI & Co-Investigators will discuss and confirm the amount required for future initial contributions. Read moreRead less
An Investigation Of Recreational Fishing Peak Bodies In Western Australia, Victoria And Northern Territory To Identify Insights Into Models Of Success
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$39,988.63
Summary
The Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing Inc. (TARFish) has identified that its current form and mode of operation is uncertain and not sustainable in the long term and, most importantly, is not sufficiently meeting the needs of recreational fishers in Tasmania.
TARFish proposes to undertake an investigation into current successful recreational fishing peak body models that identifies; the success factors, benefits and risks, together with how it was achieved, over what time ....The Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing Inc. (TARFish) has identified that its current form and mode of operation is uncertain and not sustainable in the long term and, most importantly, is not sufficiently meeting the needs of recreational fishers in Tasmania.
TARFish proposes to undertake an investigation into current successful recreational fishing peak body models that identifies; the success factors, benefits and risks, together with how it was achieved, over what time frame and potential future growth or evolution pathways planned by each organisation.
Specifically, the investigation proposes to examine RecFish West (Western Australia), VR Fish (Victoria) and AFANT (Northern Territory). Each organisation is distinct in terms of the combination of; 1. Organisational structure, governance and length of operation (maturity) 2. Advocacy and lobbying approach and outcomes 3. Program and service delivery, including partnerships 4. Membership value, types and quantum 5. Funding source, security and quantum, 6. Relationships with key stakeholders and State Government 7. Community perception of organisation 8. Consideration of how each body determines the priorities and research and development needs of recreational fishers The investigation will distil relevant insights for each jurisdiction and provide recommendations on preferred model(s) to work towards in the context of TARFish’s current state and future aspirations.
The project is of interest to the Tasmanian Government and they will provide some financial support to the project.
It is expected that there will be strong interest in this investigation from other jurisdictions who are in a similar position to TARFish including but not limited to – South Australia, Queensland and News South Wales as well as the national peak body ARFF.
Further, the research is likely to assist governments to understand potential alternative arrangements (SLA’s, funding, program delivery etc) with peak bodies that lead to improved outcomes for recreational fishers.
Objectives: 1. Identify the combination of organisational and external/other factors that lead to the success of the specific model under investigation (x3 models to be investigated) 2. Identify organisational and external risks that may act as a barrier to successful models of operation, where possible, identify methods used to overcome barrier or reduce risks 3. Identify pathway (milestones) and critical success factors when moving from one model of operation to another including length of time and cost to implement 4. Understanding the role that funding source, quantum and security has on model selection/evolution and what came first (funding or model) 5. Consider how each body determines the strategic needs and research and development priorities for recreational fishers Read moreRead less