Aquaculture Nutrition Subprogram: Technical Review, Project Management And Development Services.
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$30,903.96
Summary
The need for on-going research into aquaculture nutrition and the need for continued inputs to how this research is conducted to ensure it is completed to the highest possible standard is emphasized by the fact that Australian aquaculture industries have a heavy reliance on imported nutrition technologies, feeds and ingredients for the supply of nutrients to target species. This includes feed manufacturing technologies, ingredients such as bait fish, fish meals, crustacean meals and fish oils, ....The need for on-going research into aquaculture nutrition and the need for continued inputs to how this research is conducted to ensure it is completed to the highest possible standard is emphasized by the fact that Australian aquaculture industries have a heavy reliance on imported nutrition technologies, feeds and ingredients for the supply of nutrients to target species. This includes feed manufacturing technologies, ingredients such as bait fish, fish meals, crustacean meals and fish oils, and complete feeds such as those utilised by the prawn industry. Not only does this create issues in relation to imported disease risks, continuity of supply and cost, but it means that many local products are being under utilised.
There is currently renewed interest in establishing a dedicated aquaculture nutrition research program due to the increase in cost of fishmeals and oils, their increasingly limited availability and potential contamination with antibiotic residues such as chloramphenicols if the meals are derived from some aquaculture reared products. In addition, pressure from consumers to limit the use of animal proteins in diets and limit interspecies recycling has applied new pressure to feed manufacturers and increased the need to identify and utilise alternative vegetable protein sources in aquafeeds. The increased value of the Australian dollar has also increased competition from imports and the need for the Australian sector to become increasingly efficient to remain internationally competitive with nutrition playing a key role in their capacity to achieve this. Objectives: 1. Provide expert guidance and direction for aquaculture nutrition research in Australia through maintenance of a strategic plan, provision of technical review services and inputs into project development. 2. Identify nutrition research priorities that are not being addressed through existing portfolios and initiate research projects in this area. 3. Promote capacity building and human capital development through the provision of training and resources in aquaculture nutrition and aquafeed manufacturing. 4. Develop risk management strategies as required for various aquaculture sectors in relation to nutrition to assist the research priority setting process. 5. Improve communication of nutrition research outcomes and current nutrition research between scientists, aquaculturalists, ingredient suppliers and feed manufacturers utilizing workshops, planning meetings and conferences. Read moreRead less
Low Cost Management Regimes For Sustainable, Small Low-value Fisheries Based On Coastal Inshore Species
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$89,889.00
Summary
Low cost, practical management regimes for small-scale, low-value fisheries are desperately needed, to ensure long term sustainability for these fisheries without the need for resource hungry management frameworks. While management should focus on output regimes to provide business cases to support investment, input regimes should also be considered. The level of data and/or resource poverty for these low-value/small-scale fisheries is often such that they lack formal data collection protocols. ....Low cost, practical management regimes for small-scale, low-value fisheries are desperately needed, to ensure long term sustainability for these fisheries without the need for resource hungry management frameworks. While management should focus on output regimes to provide business cases to support investment, input regimes should also be considered. The level of data and/or resource poverty for these low-value/small-scale fisheries is often such that they lack formal data collection protocols. Associated challenges in providing guidance, even at the level of basic data collection regimes, can include limited literacy and numeracy, and profound associated cultural issues associated with indigenous sectors.
A logical first step is to undertake a desktop study that provides guidance and a recommended approach to developing management regimes. This has been long been flagged as a priority by the Northern Territory for its small-scale, low-value fisheries, including those with an indigenous and/or community emphasis.
The focus would be on developing a kernel for advice that is informed by a starting-point case study. The multi-sector N.T. Spanish Mackerel Fishery would be considered in the first instance, but with proactive awareness that guidance should be developed in a format that is able to be more generally adapted. Work would be undertaken in close collaboration with state/territory agencies and indigenous liaison teams.
The innovative nature of the project lies in providing pragmatic, practical, stepwise guidance provided to date to explicitly confront and address the extreme data poverty and, to a lesser extent, the profound cultural issues associated with small-scale, low-value fisheries.
Where appropriate, the project will apply the general advice from the new National Harvest Strategy Guidelines. It will also be enhanced by i) the experience of the project team within the Commonwealth context, and in providing general guidance to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), for data-poor fisheries; and ii) the experience, local knowledge and trusted reputation of the N.T. members of the project team.
Objectives: 1. To review and inventory existing approaches for management regimes for small-scale fisheries, with emphasis on low-cost approaches. 2. To provide a guidelines document of advice and recommendations for the development of management regimes for small-scale, low-value fisheries, according to fishery family/archetype. 3. To use the NT Spanish Mackerel Fishery as a case study to inform and refine the guidelines document for one fishery family/archetype. 4. Via the case study fishery, to consider how to incorporate multiple sector objectives and how best to engage relevant stakeholders, in the context of pragmatic management regimes 5. In association with relevant management agencies, develop a new proposal to apply the guidelines to additional case study fisheries, and to continue the engagement with the Spanish mackerel fishery. Read moreRead less
Seafood CRC: Establish The Technical And Market Data To Assess The Feasibility Of Live Bivalve Mollusc (Australian Oysters) Access In USA - STAGE 1
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$22,100.88
Summary
This project seeks to establish the business case for opening, developing and maintaining a new market for Australian oysters in the USA. Establishing the business case requires:
1) assessment of the gaps between the Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (ASQAP) and US National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) and what resources are required to fill those gaps and open the market 2) assessment of the market opportunities and feasibility (including benchmarking aga ....This project seeks to establish the business case for opening, developing and maintaining a new market for Australian oysters in the USA. Establishing the business case requires:
1) assessment of the gaps between the Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (ASQAP) and US National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) and what resources are required to fill those gaps and open the market 2) assessment of the market opportunities and feasibility (including benchmarking against competitors) 3) assessment of the benefit/costs associated with the on going development and maintenance of market access.
VALUE FOR MONEY
A benefit/cost analysis spreadsheet will be attached to the project proposal when it is finalised.
LEVEL OF IMPACT Building the value of Australian oysters (increased farm gate price) has the potential to have the single biggest level of commercial impact (profit to growers) for Australian oyster oyster growers, if the price can be increased on average price from $4.5 per dozen to $5.50 across the whole level of production this would increase the collective oyster growers profit by $16,666,666 per annum.
Objectives: 1. Determine the commercial feasibility for Australian Oyster growers to access, develop and maintain a market in the USA 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
Investigation Of Significance To The Australian Fishing Industry Of (a) Fisheries Data Availability (b) Fuel
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Investigate & report on accessibility & usage of data avail to fisheries authorities; & on availability, cost, distribution, storage & usage patterns of fuel & 2. the possible impact on shipbuilding, catching, processing & marketing sectors
Security Of Resource Access - What Is Legislative Best Practice For The Commercial Seafood Industry?
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$50,000.00
Summary
The need for improved resource security was articulated at the SIA Tipping Point meeting held in Fremantle in February 2019. This event was attended by seafood industry representatives from across Australia. The absence of secure access to resources, both aquatic and terrestrial, is a major threat and looming impediment to the growth and prosperity of the Australian seafood industry. This is not a new problem, but despite debate, discussion, lobbying and advocacy for more than 2 decades, it ....The need for improved resource security was articulated at the SIA Tipping Point meeting held in Fremantle in February 2019. This event was attended by seafood industry representatives from across Australia. The absence of secure access to resources, both aquatic and terrestrial, is a major threat and looming impediment to the growth and prosperity of the Australian seafood industry. This is not a new problem, but despite debate, discussion, lobbying and advocacy for more than 2 decades, it remains an existential threat to the Australian seafood industry.
Improving security is critical to providing an environment that encourages innovation and the confidence to invest and work in our industry.
Lack of certainty of access to biological and environmental resources has significant ramifications for the mental health of our people, and negatively impacts access to business opportunities and other critical business resources including finance and staff. Flow on effects from continued resource access restrictions also affect our post-harvest businesses, freight companies and local communities across Australia.
The threats to access and resource security are varied, including: • sharing resources with, and impacts of, other marine and terrestrial users including recreational fishers, indigenous title claims, petroleum industry, • changes to / lack of clarity surrounding government policy and legislation, • use of Ministerial discretionary powers, as demonstrated by the Western Australian Government intervention in the WRL fishery quota and dramatic increases of pearling lease fees, • water quality requirements associated with aquaculture operations, • uncertainty results in risk in financing of commercial fishing operations, • access limitations restrict growth of jobs in the aquaculture, wild and post-harvest sectors, • changing community perceptions • eNGO activism such as in the small pelagic fishery, quota purchases, alternate definition of sustainability and targeting particular fishing methods, • restriction of access through increasing reserves including Marine Parks and threats of more restrictive management plans, and • changing environmental conditions. Objectives: 1. To evaluate international instruments to improve the security of Australia's resource access 2. Identify best practice with respect of surety of access Read moreRead less
Implementation Of The National Recreational And Indigenous Fishing Survey
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$821,947.06
Summary
Equitable fisheries management requires an information base on all extractive and non-extractive users of the resource. This has been well implemented for the commercial fishing sector where legislated catch and effort returns are standard practice. However, many inshore fisheries incorporate a significant recreational sector and efforts to collect comprehensive data from this sector have generally been ad hoc, responding to critical management needs rather than an orderly, routine monitoring ....Equitable fisheries management requires an information base on all extractive and non-extractive users of the resource. This has been well implemented for the commercial fishing sector where legislated catch and effort returns are standard practice. However, many inshore fisheries incorporate a significant recreational sector and efforts to collect comprehensive data from this sector have generally been ad hoc, responding to critical management needs rather than an orderly, routine monitoring program.
Although increased research effort has been allocated to recreational fishery data collection, a national assessment of the sector has not recently been attempted. The only previous national survey in Australia was conducted in 1983 by PA Management Consultants. Their results drew widespread attention to the scale and economic impact of recreational fishing in Australia and, although subject to some criticism, are still cited today despite the passage of 15 years.
An urgent need therefore exists to produce relevant and up to date recreational fishery statistics. The adoption of the National Policy by SCFA and MCFFA recognises this need and has provided the impetus for the work of the Steering Committee to date, and for this application to implement the National Survey. The primary focus of the Survey is to collect nationally consistent and comparable data on catch, effort, participation rates, demographics, economic activity, attitudes and awareness covering all aspects of ‘non-commercial’ fishing. These comprehensive datasets will then be available for incorporation into stock assessments of the nation's fisheries and resource allocation decisions.
In addition to the telephone / diary survey of the general population, two other components of the overall Survey are being designed – development of a survey of indigenous communities and of international visiting fishers. While these latter components will have different value to each State and Territory, the combination of recreational, indigenous and international fishing data will provide a comprehensive picture of non-commercial fishing, and allow exhaustive analysis of the extractive sectors of Australia’s fishing resources. Objectives: 1. To determine the participation rate in recreational fishing nationally, by States and Territories and regionally, and profile the demographic characteristics of recreational fishers 2. To quantify catch and effort of the recreational fishing sector nationally, by States and Territories and, where appropriate, regionally 3. Collect data on expenditure by the recreational fishing sector nationally and regionally. 4. To establish attitudes and awareness of recreational fishers to issues relevant to their fishery 5. To quantify fishing activity by indigenous fishing communities (where significant) in terms of participation, catch and effort and attitudes 6. To quantify fishing activity of overseas fishers in terms of participation, effort and attitudes Read moreRead less
SESSF Industry Development Subprogram: Alternative Fuels For Fishing Vessels
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$137,291.91
Summary
With most of Australia's fish stocks at fully fished or overfished status, there is reduced opportunity for increasing economic returns from larger catches or unexploited resources. As a result, the fishing industry is looking for opportunities to increase its profit margins by reducing the cost of fishing. Generally, fuel is the one single highest operating cost to fishing vessels, accounting for up to 50% of the operating costs of a fishing vessel in Australia.
The Australian (and Ne ....With most of Australia's fish stocks at fully fished or overfished status, there is reduced opportunity for increasing economic returns from larger catches or unexploited resources. As a result, the fishing industry is looking for opportunities to increase its profit margins by reducing the cost of fishing. Generally, fuel is the one single highest operating cost to fishing vessels, accounting for up to 50% of the operating costs of a fishing vessel in Australia.
The Australian (and New Zealand) Fishing Industry requires assistance in becoming a more efficient user of energy. Some forms of fishing, such as trawling, expend more fuel per kg of fish landed compared to passive methods such as longlining and trap fishing. In all cases however, rising fuel prices impinge on the profitability of the operations, and ultimately put their viability in jeopardy; this has reach a critical situation for many operators in Australia.
The R&D plans and strategies of all advisory bodies to the FRDC contain high priority goals to achieve FRDC’s Industry Development goal (planned outcome):, The commercial sector of the Australian fishing industry is profitable, internationally competitive and socially resilient. This investigation into alternative fuels for the fishing industry, some of which also achieve lower greenhouse gas emissions, has the intention of improving the economic viability of fishing enterprises and shifting the industry towards a more secure position with respect to future fuel needs.
Objectives: 1. Demonstrate the feasibility of Marine Gas Oil (or other lower cost distillates) in fishing vessel engines, as a cheaper form of petroleum based diesel fuel. 2. Investigate the technical feasibility of fishoil as a biofuel source related directly to the activities of the industry. 3. Evaluate LPG as a relatively user friendly option with established supply chain, and detail the required technology in the context of fishing vessels. 4. Evaluate natural gas (LNG, CNG) as a prospect for significant fuel cost savings, and detail the required technology in the context of fishing vessels. Read moreRead less
Ninety-day Sea Trial Using CNG (compressed Natural Gas) As The Major Fuel Component For The Marine Diesel Engine
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Extend data from previous trials; confirm fuel efficiencies & substitution rates in previous tests can be improved. 2. Develop & test automatic electronic gas governor & dual fuel control mechanisms. 3. Demonstrate feasibility & savings to the industry