SCRC: PhD: Reducing The Taint In Barramundi Farmed In Recirculating Freshwater Systems
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Inconsistent quality of farmed barramundi (pond or recirculation system) in the marketplace has been identified by ABFA as a major issue causing buyer resistance and negative market impacts. This is limiting realisation of full revenue return for farmed barramundi. The inconsistency in quality is mainly associated with the presence of ‘earthy’ or ’muddy’ taints derived from planktonic and benthic algae (particularly cyanobacteria), fungi and actinomycetes which are known to p ....Inconsistent quality of farmed barramundi (pond or recirculation system) in the marketplace has been identified by ABFA as a major issue causing buyer resistance and negative market impacts. This is limiting realisation of full revenue return for farmed barramundi. The inconsistency in quality is mainly associated with the presence of ‘earthy’ or ’muddy’ taints derived from planktonic and benthic algae (particularly cyanobacteria), fungi and actinomycetes which are known to produce geosmin (GSM) and 2-methyl isoborneol (MIB). These compounds impart muddy, earthy, musty odour, detectable by the human palate when present at extremely low concentrations in water and fish, and not favoured by consumers (Percival et al., 2008). This project aims to develop an algae-taint production model for recirculation systems. This innovative approach will provide clear and measurable direction for reducing taint compound levels through provision of a practical management tool. Its use will significantly improve knowledge of the balance between water quality, algicide use and purging time and conditions, and taint variability.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
2010 FRDC Visiting Expert Bursaries - Australian Prawn Farmers Association (APFA): Water Quality Experts
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
As the seafood sustainability debate in Australia moves forward, the dialog is increasingly not just between industry and government, but also with a range of marine conservation-focused NGOs. Industry needs positive dialog with these groups to build up trust and ultimately cooperation on sustainability issues.
Fishers have often been blamed for much that is wrong with the marine environment. However fishers understand that fishing and conservation are natural bedfellows as their liv ....As the seafood sustainability debate in Australia moves forward, the dialog is increasingly not just between industry and government, but also with a range of marine conservation-focused NGOs. Industry needs positive dialog with these groups to build up trust and ultimately cooperation on sustainability issues.
Fishers have often been blamed for much that is wrong with the marine environment. However fishers understand that fishing and conservation are natural bedfellows as their livelihood depends on sustaining the ocean ecosystem and the resources within.
The seafood industry therefore needs to highlight the long-term benefit of balancing the need for conservation against the need for food and other services. In the UK there is a broad seafood industry perspective that fishers must be recognised as an essential part of building a sustainable future for the marine environment.
Phil, has been working in this field for the UK seafood industry for the past 20 years. Initially engaging with environmentalists when the rest of the industry thought it was 'crazy' to do so. He successfully managed to bridge the gap between conservationists, industry and government and for the last 10 years has run the UK's sustainable fishing advisory group, which brings together industry, conservationists and government membership.
It is felt that the seafood industry would greatly benefit and gain positive outcomes from the experience Phil has gained over the last 20 years. This is an opportunity to improve the communication, respect and cooperation between industry and conservationists that is so sorely needed. Objectives: 1. Disseminate to key industry and government stakeholders international advancements in water quality treatment technology as it relates to the prawn and barramundi farming industries. Read moreRead less
9th International Conference On Harmful Algal Blooms, 7-11 February 2000, Hobart
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$25,000.00
Summary
Starting in the mid 1980s, Australia has experienced an increased public awareness of harmful algal blooms, especially their suspected involvement in causing fish kills and feared public health risks following consumption of contaminated seafood products and drinking water supplies. If not adequately monitored and managed, the economic impacts on Australia's developing aquaculture industry and on both domestic and export markets could be devastating. An example o .... Starting in the mid 1980s, Australia has experienced an increased public awareness of harmful algal blooms, especially their suspected involvement in causing fish kills and feared public health risks following consumption of contaminated seafood products and drinking water supplies. If not adequately monitored and managed, the economic impacts on Australia's developing aquaculture industry and on both domestic and export markets could be devastating. An example of the first problem is the 1989 bloom event by the golden-brown flagellate Heterosigma akashiwo in Big Glory Bay, New Zealand, which killed NZ$ 12 million worth of cage-reared chinook salmon. An example of the second problem is the 1993 New Zealand outbreak of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning by the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium cf. breve (NSP; 180 illnesses, no deaths) which led to export losses of NZ $ 4.5 million in the first quarter of 1993 and a 25% decrease in domestic shellfish demand . Similarly, positive test results are now available from Australian shellfish products for paralytic shellfish poisons (NSW, TAS,VIC,SA), diarrhetic shellfish poisons (TAS), amnesic shellfish poisons (VIC) , neurotoxic shellfish poisons (VIC) and cyanobacterial peptide toxins (WA). While algal biotoxins only in extreme cases lead to human fatalities, it is the so-called "halo"-effect of bad publicity resulting from a few human poisonings that can devastate aquaculture industries. Compared to our neighbour New Zealand, which spends $3.2 M per year in biotoxin monitoring efforts (most comes from the Ministry of Health, with industry providing $750,000 per year via an industry levy), Australian efforts in this area of quality assurance and environmental protection of aquaculture operations are unsatisfactory. Objectives: 1. To host a successful international conference dealing with: (1) Ecology and oceanography of harmful algae events; (2) Taxonomy of the causative organisms; (3) Chemistry of the toxins involved; (4) Management of toxic and harmful events; and (5) Pharmacological and epidemiological aspects. The conference will comprise: Keynote lectures, Oral and poster presentations, Round table discussions; Workshops; as well as a Social Programme including excursions to key Tasmanian aquaculture operations. A conference web site on the internet will also be created. Read moreRead less
Smart management of disinfectant in chloraminated water-supply systems. Smart management of disinfectant in chloraminated water-supply systems. This project aims to develop an adaptive, real-time control system for managing disinfectant residuals in chloraminated water supply systems. While chloramine delivers microbiologically safe drinking water in warmer climates and in long distribution systems, it is largely unpredictable, costs water utilities millions of dollars annually, and has uncertai ....Smart management of disinfectant in chloraminated water-supply systems. Smart management of disinfectant in chloraminated water-supply systems. This project aims to develop an adaptive, real-time control system for managing disinfectant residuals in chloraminated water supply systems. While chloramine delivers microbiologically safe drinking water in warmer climates and in long distribution systems, it is largely unpredictable, costs water utilities millions of dollars annually, and has uncertain benefits. This project’s control system will be guided by quantitative models formulated from multi-pronged, fundamental experiments. The project will quantify microbial chloramine decay and determine mechanisms to increase predictability. The project will develop and demonstrate a real-time control technology which delivered microbiologically safe, cost-efficient drinking water to people in warmer climates, despite warming climate and increasing population.Read moreRead less
Objectives: 1. Obtain concurrent measurements of seagrass production and bacterial production. 2. Determine importance of nitrogen fixation in the nitrogen cycle. Investigate links between the productivity of seagrasses, bacteria and juvenile prawns.
The Use Of Oysters As Natural Filters Of Aquaculture Effluent
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$56,125.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To quantify the biofiltration capacity of Sydney rock oysters and their effects on the water quality of aquaculture pond effluent 2. To determine the relative growth rates and condition of Sydney rock oysters grown in pond effluent channels and traditional oyster leases
NCCP: Investigation Of Nutrient Interception Pathways To Enable Circumvention Of Cyanobacterial Blooms Following Carp Mortality Events
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$199,990.00
Summary
The National Carp Control Plan (NCCP), operating within the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), is developing a plan for the potential release of the virus known as Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHVto control invasive common carp, Cyprinus carpio, in Australian freshwater environments. If the carp virus is approved for release, major carp mortality events are likely and the degradation of carp carcasses is likely to release a considerable amount of nutrients into the water col ....The National Carp Control Plan (NCCP), operating within the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), is developing a plan for the potential release of the virus known as Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHVto control invasive common carp, Cyprinus carpio, in Australian freshwater environments. If the carp virus is approved for release, major carp mortality events are likely and the degradation of carp carcasses is likely to release a considerable amount of nutrients into the water column. Given the enormous biomass of carp in the Murray Darling Basin it is unlikely that this biomass will all be removed in a ‘clean-up’. Consequently, a strategy will be required to ensure this increase in nutrients does not become problematic. Of particular concern is ensuring that these nutrients do not fuel cyanobacterial blooms, which can compromise water quality by the production of toxins, and compounds that taint the taste and odour of water.
Preliminary work has been carried out at the University of Adelaide measuring the remobilisation rate of phosphorus from decaying carp tissue. This work needs to be expanded and incorporated into prediction of phytoplankton growth in the Murray Darling System to determine how this will support algal growth. Nutrients will interact with flow to determine phytoplankton abundance, species dominance and succession. The bloom forming cyanobacteria in the Murray Darling Basin tend to dominate under warm, stable stratified conditions. Consequently flow can be used as a strategy to ensure mixed conditions in the rivers and a greater likelihood that nutrients will be directed into phytoplankton species other than cyanobacteria.
Objectives: 1. The aim of this work is to:1. Determine the flux rate and mass of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from decaying carp2. Determine the flow conditions in a range of rivers in the Murray Darling that allow temperature stratification to develop so that a flow and mixing criterion can be developed3. Use the hydrodynamic-biogeochemical to predict 4. Conduct a whole wetland experiment to assess DO, water quality and cyanobacteria risk Read moreRead less
1. Pilot trials under laboratory conditions have shown that blue swimmer crabs can be successfully cultured from egg to saleable product. Investigation and refinement of husbandry techniques are required, under conditions of commercial scale production, to remove uncertainty impeding development of an industry.
2. Research undertaken to date lays the foundation for the development of a successful new industry. The expansion of the industry requires the development of a sound scientif ....1. Pilot trials under laboratory conditions have shown that blue swimmer crabs can be successfully cultured from egg to saleable product. Investigation and refinement of husbandry techniques are required, under conditions of commercial scale production, to remove uncertainty impeding development of an industry.
2. Research undertaken to date lays the foundation for the development of a successful new industry. The expansion of the industry requires the development of a sound scientific basis to husbandry techniques and ongoing research support. The key impediments identified are in the areas of nutrition, health and temperature/stocking rate interaction. Objectives: 1. To define profit maximising husbandry strategies for aquaculture of blue swimmer crabs under commercial conditions. 2. To define feeding strategies for optimum growth and survival of blue swimmer crabs under aquaculture conditions. 3. To determine health impacts on blue swimmer crabs under intensive holding conditions of stocking density, water temperature and feeding strategies. Read moreRead less
Coastal Floodplain Management In Eastern Australia: Barriers To Fish And Invertebrate Recruitment In Acid Sulphate Soil Catchments
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$601,379.00
Summary
Fish habitat in coastal floodplains will continue to degrade unless practical guidelines for improvement of water quality and management of floodgates and other tidal barriers to allow passage of fish and invertebrates are developed. This is being increasingly recognised by many decision making agencies. However, landholders will not change current management practises unless as a minimum, there will be no adverse effects to their productivity. Guidelines for change must be developed in an integ ....Fish habitat in coastal floodplains will continue to degrade unless practical guidelines for improvement of water quality and management of floodgates and other tidal barriers to allow passage of fish and invertebrates are developed. This is being increasingly recognised by many decision making agencies. However, landholders will not change current management practises unless as a minimum, there will be no adverse effects to their productivity. Guidelines for change must be developed in an integrated manner with a focus on land, water, agriculture and fisheries if all industry groups are to accept the changes.
Recent studies by NSW Fisheries (some funded by FRDC) show that a change in coastal floodplain and wetland habitats from freshwater to estuarine and recruitment of fish and invertebrates to these modified habitats can be achieved by increasing the degree of “leakiness” in the floodgate barriers (Gibbs et al. 1997). However, no data are available on the relationship between fish and invertebrate recruitment and the opening size or the frequency and timing of the opening of these floodgate barriers.
A second issue is the long term impact of chronic acid drainage, which does not cause major fish kills but which may have less obvious effects on the recruitment of migratory and catadromous fish such as Australian bass, striped mullet, freshwater herring, eels and school prawns. The life history, behaviour and demography of the catadromous Australian bass shows it is susceptible to such an impact (Harris 1983,1989). The Basscatch program (Harris 1989) has expanded in recent years and the population collapse through recruitment failure of Australian bass in NSW rivers such as the Hastings and Manning is partially attributed to acid drainage (Harris pers comm).
The management of floodgates and floodplains to allow passage of fish and invertebrates and the development of stable faunal communities in previously alienated habitat above the structures significantly enhances fish and invertebrate stocks. The consequent protection of fish habitats and fish and invertebrate species supports biodiversity conservation and the habitat restoration can assist in the development of management plans under the relevant Threatened Species Legislation.
Gibbs, P., McVea, T. and Louden, B. (1997). Utilisation of restored wetlands by fish and invertebrates. FRDC Project 95/150 Final Report (In Preparation).
Harris, J. H. (1983). The Australian bass, Macquaria novemaculeata. Ph. D. Thesis UNSW.
Harris, J. H. (1988). Demography of Australian bass, Macquaria novemaculeata (Perciformes, Percichthyidae), in the Sydney basin. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39: 355-369.
Harris, J. H. (1989). Basscatch - A co-operative fisheries project. Modern Fishing 80-83. Objectives: 1. To develop guidelines for floodgate / tidal barrier specifications and management based on: (a) The relationship between recruitment of migratory and non-migratory fish and invertebrate species and the opening size of, and the frequency and timing of the opening of tidal barriers. (b) The impacts of changed hydrological conditions on watertable and water flows in associated agricultural land. 2. To assess the behaviour of catadromous fish to the tidal flows through openings in barriers and the behavioural response of recruiting juveniles to low level (chronic) concentrations of acid sulphate soil drainage water. 3. To develop and implement an extension program on the outcomes of the project, and to communicate the above guidelines to agricultural industry groups, local government and other agencies with interests in management of land and water resources in coastal floodplains using demonstration study areas and supporting literature. Read moreRead less