A Multi-setting Intervention To Reduce Sedentary Behaviour, Promote Physical Activity And Improve Childrens Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$860,343.00
Summary
Sedentary behaviours and physical inactivity play a major role in the rising prevalence of obesity among children in Australia. This intervention study will take place in the school and family settings which play a critical role in shaping children's health behaviours. The objective is to determine whether a 2-year behavioural intervention reduces sedentary behaviour and promotes physical activity and results in improved health among 8-9 year old children.
Importance Of Shallow Water Reef/algal Habitats As Nursery Areas For Commercial Fish From Temperate Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$425,993.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To describe and quantify patterns of utilisation of shallow water reef/algal habitats in SE Australia by juvenile fishes of commercial significance.
Tactical Research Fund: Spreading The Risk: Management Strategies For Multi-method Inshore Fisheries In A Changing Climate
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$14,900.00
Summary
The NSW Department of Primary Industries continues to work with the NSW commercial fishing industry to investigate structural changes to the management of commercial fisheries which will lead to improvements in efficiency and profitability. One issue that requires consideration in these deliberations is the highly variable inshore-offshore production that is linked with rainfall in coastal NSW. Such changes are exacerbated during periods of drought or flood and result in significant shifts in th ....The NSW Department of Primary Industries continues to work with the NSW commercial fishing industry to investigate structural changes to the management of commercial fisheries which will lead to improvements in efficiency and profitability. One issue that requires consideration in these deliberations is the highly variable inshore-offshore production that is linked with rainfall in coastal NSW. Such changes are exacerbated during periods of drought or flood and result in significant shifts in the behaviour of fishers. It is expected that such variations in rainfall will continue, and are likely to become more extreme, under projected climate change scenarios.
This project will examine the NSW commercial catch records and ascertain if there are patterns of endorsement holdings that are the basis of more robust fishing businesses during periods of drought or flood. We expect that many fishers will understand these patterns based upon extensive practical experience, but an empirical confirmation of such patterns will lend additional weight to any associated decisions by government and industry.
This project will also shed light upon an important facet of risk management in fisheries. The textbook economic argument that increased specialisation results in increased efficiency must be contrasted with potential lost opportunities for fisheries production in a highly variable environment. The adage "don't put all your eggs in one basket" is likely to be highly applicable for inshore and coastal fisheries in NSW. Increased specialisation will likely be associated with costs as well as benefits.
Objectives: 1. Identify the patterns of fishing endorsements that will make NSW fishing businesses more robust to the likely changes in freshwater flow that will result from climate change. Read moreRead less
'Digital Natives': Growing up with new and old media in Australia. Developing a sophisticated digital literacy is important for both the future of children, the cultural, social and economic well-being of the nation. Digital literacy requires not only communications infrastructure but targeted investment in human skills. Investing in the development of a digitally literate Australian population has become an explicit means for promoting the future economic and social well-being of the nation. Th ....'Digital Natives': Growing up with new and old media in Australia. Developing a sophisticated digital literacy is important for both the future of children, the cultural, social and economic well-being of the nation. Digital literacy requires not only communications infrastructure but targeted investment in human skills. Investing in the development of a digitally literate Australian population has become an explicit means for promoting the future economic and social well-being of the nation. The information provided by this project has the potential to contribute significantly to giving children 'a healthy start to life' in their early years. Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130100996
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,000.00
Summary
Social learning: the diffusion of residential rooftop photovoltaic panels in Australia. Residential photovoltaic (PV) panels provide a sustainable solution to energy supply helping to address the climate change challenge. This project develops novel methodologies to study the diffusion mechanisms of PV panels. The outcomes will be useful for energy industries and the government for the effective formulation of their business strategies and policies.
Abalone Aquaculture Subprogram: Early Life History Of Abalone (Haliotis Rubra, H. Laevigata): Settlement, Survival And Early Growth
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$313,217.00
Summary
Abalone farming can be improved in Australia. The profit will be increased and the cost of production reduced:
· increased knowledge of the settlement process and development of a better settlement system resulting in low cost juvenile abalone is essential for both integrated abalone farms and for the supply of seed to growout farms;
· the development of a practical settlement protocol for abalone requires a greater understanding of microalgae requirements and their culture and ....Abalone farming can be improved in Australia. The profit will be increased and the cost of production reduced:
· increased knowledge of the settlement process and development of a better settlement system resulting in low cost juvenile abalone is essential for both integrated abalone farms and for the supply of seed to growout farms;
· the development of a practical settlement protocol for abalone requires a greater understanding of microalgae requirements and their culture and reduces the cost for abalone at the growout stage;
· the project will be integrated into the abalone aquaculture sub-program and has extensive industry involvement in developing the practical aspects;
· the aquaculture industry in Victoria is developing into a major growth area and investment opportunity and production is intended to triple by the end of 2001;
· the success of the Australian abalone aquaculture industry is dependent on developing methods that reduce costs in labour and growout time;
· the project will deliver information that can result in technically advanced culture methods that will maintain the competitive edge over low labour cost countries. Objectives: 1. To test performance of different settlement inducers at both the laboratory and commercial scale. 2. To improve the rate and consistency of abalone larval settlement. 3. To compare different microalgal diets for their nutritional value in terms of digestibility and growth. 4. To quantify the suitability of different microalgae for their ease of use, both for maintaining mass cultures and ability to recolonise settlement surfaces. 5. To increase growth and survival for the first two months of post-larval life at a commercial scale. Read moreRead less
A Study Of The Movement And Behaviour Of The Sand Crab (Portunus Pelagicus) Using Ultrasonic Tags
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Develop ultrasonic tags suitable for tracking & monitoring behaviour of sand crabs. 2. Develop simple methods of tracking tagged free-ranging crabs in Moreton Bay. 3. Obtain positional & Behavioural information over 24-hour periods to map movement of individual crabs
A Study Of The Distribution Of Post-larval And Juvenile Western King Prawn In Spencer Gulf, South Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. To identify settlement sites and seasonal variation in sites of post-larval P. latisulcatus; 2. identify common parameters of these preferred areas that may condition settling (salinity, temp, sediment type)
Establishment Of A Professional Association Of Australian Fisheries Managers
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$49,961.47
Summary
The Commonwealth and States have shared responsibility for the management of Australia’s fisheries resources under a Federal system of Government. This can create a number of challenges, foremost of which is incompatible management arrangements applying to the same fish stock across jurisdictions. Other issues include the lack of awareness, engagement and communication between fisheries managers working on common fisheries problems across jurisdictions and reductions in government funding for fi ....The Commonwealth and States have shared responsibility for the management of Australia’s fisheries resources under a Federal system of Government. This can create a number of challenges, foremost of which is incompatible management arrangements applying to the same fish stock across jurisdictions. Other issues include the lack of awareness, engagement and communication between fisheries managers working on common fisheries problems across jurisdictions and reductions in government funding for fisheries management and research.
There is a recognised need to increase cross-institutional engagement so line managers (as in those staff engaged in the development and implementation of fisheries management and policy) are made more cognisant of the work being undertaken across jurisdictions, thereby increasing their knowledge, skills and understanding of fisheries issues and solutions, with the aim of achieving management efficiencies. Due to budgetary cuts and increased workloads, Australian fisheries managers have very little time or opportunity to communicate and network with their associates within other institutions. The establishment of a professional association of Australian fisheries managers would facilitate collaboration and engagement by providing a forum for discussion/debate as well as acting as a repository for information and coordinator for future workshops and meetings on key focus areas. Qualified and experienced fisheries managers, despite their pivotal role in sustainable fisheries, are largely unrecognised as inter-disciplinary professionals in their own right. This is in contrast to fisheries biologists and economists. The formation of the association could lead to increased recognition of fisheries management as a profession. There would also be a value to industry through synergizing management approaches across jurisdictions, increasing efficiency and thereby reducing possible costs of management.
Objectives: 1. Establishment of Professional Association of Australian Fisheries Managers 2. Improved accessibility and transparency of jurisdictional fisheries management information (technical papers, policy and legislation) through hosting of a central website 3. Increased recognition of the profession of fisheries management within Australia and the current work undertaken by managers to ensure fisheries remain sustainable 4. Exposure of fisheries managers to innovations and developments in fisheries ecological, economic, social and political fields in Australia and overseas 5. Improved consistency and transparency in management approaches between jurisdictions through greater information-sharing and liaison 6. Establishment of linkages between fisheries managers for future interactions and collaborative engagement 7. Improved public confidence in Australian fisheries management through greater stakeholder outreach and communication 8. Ensuring the Association has appropriate support (financial and logistical) to operate beyond the completion of the two year project Read moreRead less
Addressing time scarcity: feasible strategies for a healthy future. Lack of time is the main reason people say they don't exercise, take public transport or eat healthy food, and for many Australians (especially parents who combine working with raising children) time pressure is acute. This program of research will provide ways to reduce time barriers, to make healthy and sustainable living more feasible.