Objectives: 1. Monitor die-back & spread of protozoan parasite Perkinsus. 2. Determine range of hosts; check other mollusc spp. What predisposes abalone to infection & to die? 3. Investigate seeding clean abalone in depleted areas. Predictive research.
Enhancement Of Saucer Scallops (Amusium Balloti) In Queensland And Western Australia - Genetic Considerations
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$57,777.00
Summary
Need for supporting and enabling biotechnologies:
The FRDC report highlighted the need for proper genetic management in scallop enhancement ventures (FRDC 2000/190) in particular citing the key issues of genetic resource management (Blankenship and Leber, 1997). This view is further supported by proceedings from the second international stock enhancement and sea ranching conference (Leber et al., 2002b)
Determining the genetic structure of the source population is essential bas ....Need for supporting and enabling biotechnologies:
The FRDC report highlighted the need for proper genetic management in scallop enhancement ventures (FRDC 2000/190) in particular citing the key issues of genetic resource management (Blankenship and Leber, 1997). This view is further supported by proceedings from the second international stock enhancement and sea ranching conference (Leber et al., 2002b)
Determining the genetic structure of the source population is essential baseline information to design an effective genetic management protocol for restocking ventures. Although, initial allozyme work indicates that the Queensland stocks are a single genetic population and are potentially a different species to the WA (Dredge et al unpubl; FRDC 2000/190), allozyme data is not effective in discerning local genetic populations whereas microsatellites are (Kolijonen et al., 2002). The information may also be used in future environmental monitoring of genetic diversity in wild populations by providing a genetic baseline for localized allelic frequencies and provide cross generational markers of hatchery stock.
The development of appropriate genetic management protocols at an early stage of a long-term proposal such as scallop ranching in Queensland or Western Australia is both desirable and responsible. Fisheries, conservation, public and other interests will undoubtedly, and appropriately, critically scrutinize the progress of the proposed operation. The development of appropriate and responsible genetic management protocols have been identified by QSS as being a critical short-term priority, and as such may have a significant bearing on the wider public acceptance of the operation.
The current Western Australian operation have also recognized genetic management as an important factor, although they are not undertaking such work. Our proposal, which is likely to include the WA operation at some level, would therefore directly benefit both states.
Kolijonen, M.-L., Tahtinen, J., Saisa, M. and Koskiniemi, J. 2002. Maintenance of genetic diversity of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) by captive breeding programmes and the geographic distribution of microsatellite variation. Aquaculture 212, 69-92.
Leber, K. M., Kitada, S., Blankenship, H. L. and Svaasand, T. (2002b). Proceedding from the Second International Symposium on Stock Enhancement and Sea Ranching, Kobe, Japan.
Objectives: 1. Determine the genetic population structure of the wild stocks of Queensland and West Australian Amusium balloti (DNA based e.g. mitochondrial and microsatellite) i.e. whether the saucer scallops in WA and Qld are similar or different and whether there are differences within population along the coast. 2. Resolve taxonomic status of Australian Amusium scallops using molecular taxonomy i.e. are WA and Qld saucer scallops different species Read moreRead less
Towards Healthy And Sustainable Freshwater Fish Populations – Assessing Genetic Health Of Priority Fish Species To Inform Management
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$793,355.00
Summary
There are at least four clear needs supporting the proposal, and these are separated below.
1) Genetic health is important for healthy fisheries. A genetically healthy population has good natural recruitment, connectivity to adjacent populations to promote gene flow, sufficient genetic diversity (this relates directly to adaptive potential) and low inbreeding. If genetic health is eroded, populations are less resilient to anthropogenic and natural impacts, affecting their persistence o ....There are at least four clear needs supporting the proposal, and these are separated below.
1) Genetic health is important for healthy fisheries. A genetically healthy population has good natural recruitment, connectivity to adjacent populations to promote gene flow, sufficient genetic diversity (this relates directly to adaptive potential) and low inbreeding. If genetic health is eroded, populations are less resilient to anthropogenic and natural impacts, affecting their persistence over the long term.
2) Public investment to support healthy fisheries is significant. There is continuing extensive investment in native fish protection and enhancement, including more than $13B to the MDB under the Basin Plan to restore populations and recover ecosystem function. The relative outcomes of these efforts need to be evaluated to ensure the greatest benefits from public investment.
3) Fish stocking is a key component of recovery efforts. Millions of hatchery fish have been stocked throughout Australian waterways in the last two decades. There are limited data on the impacts of stocked fish on the genetic health of wild populations, but our recent FishGen research indicates issues with using closely related and inbred broodfish within hatcheries.
4) The project will help maintain and improve the genetic health of Australia’s fisheries assets. By providing hatcheries with information to maximise the genetic health of stocked fish, the work will minimise negative impacts on wild populations. This includes (i) informing on minimum population size and geographic location for broodfish sampling to capture appropriate wild genetic diversity, and (ii) identifying the best broodfish combinations within and across hatcheries to avoid inbreeding and promote health of stocked fish. This will help to build natural genetic resilience so that populations can adapt to rapidly changing environments under climate change.
The work will promote the long-term sustainability of wild fish populations in freshwater ecosystems by protecting the genetic integrity of wild populations. This will contribute to realised economic benefits for recreational and commercial fishing, tourism, cultural and mental-health in communities in regional Australia.
Objectives: 1. Advance and improve hatchery practices to ensure high quality broodfish are stocked to maintain the genetic health and persistence of wild fish populations. 2. Use genomic and other existing complimentary datasets (stocking records, otolith microchemistry, telemetry) and advanced analytical approaches to track the movements of stocked golden perch, Murray cod and silver perch from their released locations and to inform the Status of Australian Fish Stocks (SAFS). 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
People Development Program: 2014 FRDC International Travel Award - Dr Ben Doolan
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$6,000.00
Summary
Inland fish stocking programs in NSW are administered by NSW DPI under the NSW Freshwater Fish Stocking Fishery Management Strategy (FMS) which outlines the rules, regulations and programs for fish stocking. The FMS is due for review in the near future and it is an opportune time to investigate the strategies used by international agencies for the management of their stocking programs. An extensive worldwide network of scientists and fisheries managers will be in attendance at the FSBI conferenc ....Inland fish stocking programs in NSW are administered by NSW DPI under the NSW Freshwater Fish Stocking Fishery Management Strategy (FMS) which outlines the rules, regulations and programs for fish stocking. The FMS is due for review in the near future and it is an opportune time to investigate the strategies used by international agencies for the management of their stocking programs. An extensive worldwide network of scientists and fisheries managers will be in attendance at the FSBI conference in Hull and it will be most beneficial to gain exposure on an international scale, obtain up to date information and share perspectives on inland fisheries management with experts from international agencies. In addition to attendance at the conference, I have made contact with several staff members from the Environment Agency and the Angling Trust to gain further insights into the management of inland fish stocking programs in the UK. I have organised to meet with these experts at various locations including Brampton, Reading and Frimley outside of the conference to gain further exposure and directly observe management practices and perceptions from both Government and non-Government organisations which may be transferable to existing NSW programs and other Australian jurisdictions developing or refining stocking policies. The project will assist in bridging the gap between management and research by potentially identifying key research priorities for stocking programs. The project will importantly enhance my international presentation, networking and analysis skills which are essential for my development as a future leader in fisheries management.
Objectives: 1. To provide a presentation and receive feedback from an international audience on the management of NSW freshwater fish stocking programs and assessment process. 2. To network with other fisheries managers and researchers. 3. To gain knowledge from international fisheries managers to apply to NSW stocking programs. 4. To add to my personal development and leadership skills through the above objectives. Read moreRead less
Management And Monitoring Of Fish Spawning Aggregations Within The West Coast Bio-region Of Western Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$630,431.00
Summary
Many fish form spawning aggregations. Targeted fishing of these increases short-term catch rates but can lead to serious declines in aggregation biomass, reproductive output and stock sustainability. Traditional monitoring and stock assessment methods can also be compromised by aggregation fishing (Die and Ellis 1999; McAllister and Kirchner 2000). Globally, the deleterious impacts of aggregation fishing are becoming more obvious and the issue is receiving increasing attention. This is highl ....Many fish form spawning aggregations. Targeted fishing of these increases short-term catch rates but can lead to serious declines in aggregation biomass, reproductive output and stock sustainability. Traditional monitoring and stock assessment methods can also be compromised by aggregation fishing (Die and Ellis 1999; McAllister and Kirchner 2000). Globally, the deleterious impacts of aggregation fishing are becoming more obvious and the issue is receiving increasing attention. This is highlighted by recent temporal/spatial closures to protect spawning shallow water aggregations of snapper in Western Australia. However, there is little knowledge about the prevalence of aggregating species or their aggregations in WA waters, or of the affects that aggregation fishing has on stock sustainability. Management of aggregation fishing is thus a significant consideration for the Ecological Sustainable Development initiative and the ‘wetline’ review process that is currently underway within the West Coast Bioregion. There is a pressing need to obtain biological and ecological information about aggregations and to factor their exploitation into management plans.
This project has been developed with, and has the strong support of, recreational and charter fishers and their peak bodies, who have expressed considerable concerned over growing fishing pressure on key recreational species. Commercial interests will similarly benefit from long-term conservation of these species and the project has received support from the WA Fishing Industry Council. The project relates to the following Department of Fisheries Strategic Plan Objectives: 1) Improved sustainability of fish stocks and production. 2) Increased economic benefits to the community from fish (eg charter fishers will benefit from a sustainable sportsfishery and the positive image resulting from research and management). 3) Increased industry and community involvement in the development and implementation of management strategies (eg the inception of this project has and will require considerable liaison with fishers, universities and CALM scientists. Completion of the project will require open and ongoing communication between groups). This project will provide advice to the Integrated Fisheries Management Advisory Committee that will be established to deal with issues associated with the proposed Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (A. Cribb, pers. comm.). REFERENCES Die DJ, Ellis N (1999) Aggregation dynamics in penaeid fisheries: banana prawns (Penaeus merguiensis) in the Australian Northern Prawn Fishery. Mar.Freshwater Res. 50:667-675 McAllister MK, Kirchner CH (2000) Development of bayesian stock assessment methods for namibian orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus. S.Afr.Mar.Sci. 23:241-264 Objectives: 1. To identify species that aggregate to spawn within the West Coast Bio-region and to describe (eg location, size, timing, nature) the aggregations of key demersal species such as snapper and dhufish. 2. To investigate the biology, ecology and fishery for samson fish with emphasis on the sportsfishery targeting deep water spawning aggregations west of Rottnest Island. 3. To establish methods and protocols for monitoring fish aggregations. 4. To review relevant information and provide advice on the impact of aggregation fishing and the management of aggregating fish species in WA (with specific advice for key species within the West Coast Bio-region). Read moreRead less
Seafood CRC: Optimisation Of Viral Clearance From Broodstock Prawns Using Targeted RNA Interference
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$113,712.89
Summary
Outbreaks of viral disease accompanied by morbidity and mortalities occur sporadically in Australian prawn farms and are generally worst when environmental conditions are less favourable, as in the recent 2010/2011 grow-out season. Poor survival and poor market quality caused by viral disease can impact significantly on farm productivity and even the larger and more sophisticated operations are vulnerable. As the Australian industry moves towards the use of domesticated lines of genetically impr ....Outbreaks of viral disease accompanied by morbidity and mortalities occur sporadically in Australian prawn farms and are generally worst when environmental conditions are less favourable, as in the recent 2010/2011 grow-out season. Poor survival and poor market quality caused by viral disease can impact significantly on farm productivity and even the larger and more sophisticated operations are vulnerable. As the Australian industry moves towards the use of domesticated lines of genetically improved prawn species, there is an increasing need for a method capable of clearing or markedly reducing viral infection loads from valuable broodstock, thus minimizing the risks of infection being passed to progeny, either as part of breeding programs or for commercial production. Similarly, as the infection prevalence of viruses can be high amongst wild-caught broodstock still used in most hatcheries, an easy and commercially-applicable method for clearing or reducing viral infection loads would have broad industry value. In the case of Australian farmed P. monodon, GAV has the highest economic impact of known viral pathogens whilst for Australian farmed Banana prawns (Penaeus merguiensis), it is Hepatopancreatic-parvovirus (HPV). This project will therefore optimise RNAi methods to clear GAV from P. monodon whilst also producing putative RNAi reagents suitable for accomplishing the same with the Australian strain of HPV for future use in P. merguiensis. The HPV-specific dsRNAs generated will be used in this project as non-GAV non-specific controls during optimisation of dsRNAs targeted specifically at GAV.As mentioned earlier, the industry value of this project is demonstrated by the strong letter of support from the APFA attached to this application. Objectives: 1. A suite of dsRNAs targeted to GAV 2. Knowledge of the efficacy of muscle injection of the dsRNA suite in clearing or reducing GAV infection loads in P. monodon with chronic GAV infection 3. Knowledge of the spawning performance of P. monodon broodstock in which GAV infection loads have been reduced or cleared using the RNAi strategy Read moreRead less
The 1995 review of world aquaculture resources by the Food and Agriculture Organisation identified the major constraints to future development of aquaculture as being: the availability of feed ingredients; disease and health management; environmental impacts; and genetic and diversity issues. There are two areas in which genetics is especially important in aquaculture development: 1) Appropriate broodstock selection and breeding programs for the genetic improvement of important production trait ....The 1995 review of world aquaculture resources by the Food and Agriculture Organisation identified the major constraints to future development of aquaculture as being: the availability of feed ingredients; disease and health management; environmental impacts; and genetic and diversity issues. There are two areas in which genetics is especially important in aquaculture development: 1) Appropriate broodstock selection and breeding programs for the genetic improvement of important production traits; 2) Genetic implications of the translocation of aquaculture stocks within and outside their natural range.
Genetic improvement: The power of selective breeding in increasing productivity and efficiency has been amply demonstrated in traditional agricultural species. Aquaculture species have hardly benefited from modern developments in animal breeding, despite their typically high reproductive capacity and therefore high potential for genetic improvement. The key issues which need to be addressed are the appropriate traits for improvement and their genetic parameters (heritability, correlations with other traits); optimal selection methods (mass selection, family selection, construction of selection indexes); avoidance of inbreeding; and the role of recombinant DNA technology (transgenesis, marker-assisted selection and cytogenetic manipulation).
Understanding the power of genetics is particulary important with aquaculture species where egg supply is a limiting factor. This applies to many fish species where the first generation bred in captivity often become the broodstock for the industry. Accidental initial selection of a slow growing strain (compounded by inbreeding), or starting with a small genetic base often leads to an uncompetitive industry.
Translocation: The issue of translocation is likely to become an increasingly important constraint upon aquaculture development. Although policy guidelines are currently being produced in Western Australia and other states, their application will be hampered by a lack of genetic knowledge on two fronts. Firstly, we know very little about the genetic population structure of most endemic potential aquaculture species. Secondly, what we do know comes almost entirely from studies of neutral genetic markers, and may bear no resemblance to the genetic structure of traits of ecological importance. The issues that need to be addressed are: laboratory and analytical techniques for measuring population genetic structure; relating population genetic structure to genetic variance in traits of ecological importance; the effects of breeding for stock enhancement on inbreeding and variance effective population sizes.
These issues of genetic improvement of breeding stock and genetic effects of translocation are two sides of the same coin, because the traits which we wish to improve through breeding are in most cases precisely those traits which determine the adaptedness of local populations to their environment. Both issues need to be addressed at this early stage in the development of the aquaculture industry in Australia.
Restocking of native fish stocks is also becoming increasingly important in Australia as the political power of recreational anglers and the value of their sport to local economies increases. Restocking programs should not be undertaken without an understanding of the genetic structure and variance of existing populations or the knowledge needed to ensure that the restocked fish do not alter this balance. Objectives: 1. To hold an aquaculture genetics workshop. 2. To focus the Australian aquaculture industry on the importance of genetics in relation to aquaculture production. 3. To identify and initiate appropriate species specific genetic improvement programmes by Australian industry and government research sectors. 4. To provide a scientific basis for assessing genetic risks arising from the translocation or restocking of aquaculture species. 5. To identify research and development needs. Read moreRead less
Restocking Of The Blackwood River Estuary With Black Bream (Acanthopagrus Butcheri)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$325,813.00
Summary
There is an urgent need to rehabilitate the stock of black bream in the Blackwood River Estuary and enable the stock subsequently to be sustained at a higher level than present.
There is thus a need to culture black bream, using brood stock from the Blackwood River Estuary, for (i) restocking that estuary and (ii) to confirm subsequently that released black bream survive in the estuary and make a significant contribution to the fishable stock.
The collection of baseline data on ....There is an urgent need to rehabilitate the stock of black bream in the Blackwood River Estuary and enable the stock subsequently to be sustained at a higher level than present.
There is thus a need to culture black bream, using brood stock from the Blackwood River Estuary, for (i) restocking that estuary and (ii) to confirm subsequently that released black bream survive in the estuary and make a significant contribution to the fishable stock.
The collection of baseline data on the stock of black bream in the Blackwood River Estuary is required to make comparisons between the status and biological parameters of black bream prior to restocking the Blackwood River Estuary and (1) those in other estuaries where substantial stocks of this species are still present and (2) those of the entire population in the Blackwood River Estuary after restocking.
Management will need to ensure that the fishery is regulated in order that the enhanced stock is sustained. The production of management plans will require a sound understanding of the biological parameters of age, growth and reproductive biology prior to and after the restocking. Information is also required on the catch rates and size compositions of recreational and commercial catches prior to and after restocking. Objectives: 1. To obtain baseline data on crucial biological parameters and catch statistics of black bream in the Blackwood River Estuary. 2. To obtain mature sized black bream from the Blackwood River Estuary to be used as brood stock for culturing juveniles on site. 3. To identify and determine the extent of habitats important to black bream in the Blackwood River Estuary. 4. To compare the densities of black bream in important habitats within the Blackwood River Estuary with those in similar habitats within other systems 5. To introduce cultured juveniles into the Blackwood River Estuary, all of which will be tagged. 6. To estimate the proportion of released black bream, which represent a known year class, amongst the total number of that age class and thereby estimate the extent to which restocking has enhanced the population. 7. To obtain data on the biological parameters and catch statistics of black bream in the Blackwood River Estuary following restocking. 8. To evaluate the success of the restocking program by comparing biological parameters and catch statistics prior to and after restocking. 9. To provide advice that can be used by management to develop plans to sustain the enhanced stock of black bream in the Blackwood River Estuary. 10. Compare the growth rates of restocked and "wild" fish during the first three and a half years of their life. 11. Estimate the proportion of restocked fish amongst all fish of a corresponding age. 12. Determine whether the length and age at maturity and age at maturity and the age at the minimum legal length of hatchery reared black bream are the same as those for the "wild" stock. 13. Estimate the average cost to produce each fish that will survive to the minimum legal length and this be available for exploitation. Read moreRead less