Higher Returns In Prawn Aquaculture: Pilot Program To Create Production Stocks That Are All Female
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$163,967.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Establish the genetic mechanism of sex determination in penaeid prawn and provide genetic markers that will allow sex to allow sex to be determined before visible signs are evident 2. Identify and isolate gene(s) involved in, and ideally resposible for triggering sex determination. Studies of the potential for hormones to induce sex reversal will also be undertaken 3. Produce the first sex reversed prawns as broodstock.
Rock Lobster Enhancement And Aquaculture Subprogram: The Nutrition Of Juvenile And Adult Lobsters To Optimise Survival, Growth And Condition
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$242,418.50
Summary
Because Australia's rock lobster fisheries are at their maximum sustainable capacity, the value of the industry can be increased only through the development of aquaculture. In the immediate term, this could be achieved by on-growing of juveniles taken from the wild and the holding of adults for weight gain or niche marketing opportunities. In the longer term, domestication of the specie/s and hatchery propagation of the juveniles will enable a sustainable rock lobster aquaculture industry to d ....Because Australia's rock lobster fisheries are at their maximum sustainable capacity, the value of the industry can be increased only through the development of aquaculture. In the immediate term, this could be achieved by on-growing of juveniles taken from the wild and the holding of adults for weight gain or niche marketing opportunities. In the longer term, domestication of the specie/s and hatchery propagation of the juveniles will enable a sustainable rock lobster aquaculture industry to develop. In Australia, these opportunities are seriously constrained by the lack of a cost-effective and efficacious rock lobster feed. This contrasts with the developing industry in New Zealand where waste from the large mussel industry is an available and inexpensive source of feed. If feed comprises from 40 to 50% of rock lobster production costs as is the case for prawn and finfish grow-out operations, the availability of a suitable formulated pelleted feed is seen as a necessity for commercial production.
Preliminary feed’s development work (FRDC 98/303) for juvenile and adult lobsters has been initiated in an 18-month project that terminated in December 1999. Although all lobster species consumed the developed dry feed pellets, the productivity of juvenile animals was inferior to the feeding of fresh mussels. However, with adult J. edwardsii held in sea cages, the pelleted diets were equal to fresh mussel in maintaining the condition (moult frequency, weight increase and survival) and colour of the lobsters The sub-optimal performance of the pelleted diets for the juveniles is thought to have been due to the reduced attractiveness and /or sub-optimal nutrient specifications of the diet for the lobsters. This project will seek to develop improved and more cost-effective pelleted dry lobster feeds for P. ornatus and J. edwardsii juveniles and to improve the feeds management of adult J. edwardsii. Dietary improvements made with the juvenile work will be applied to adult lobsters being held under commercial sea cage conditions in Professor Geddes’ ‘On-growing Project’ (98/305). A collaborative research approach involving CSIRO, TAFI and UA and other agencies in the RLEAS will give the best prospects for achieving our aims. The likelihood of the project being successful is high because:
1. The initial Feed’s Development Project has shown dry pelleted diets to be well accepted by the lobsters and further improvements are likely upon implementation of the proposed targeted research. 2. The project will build on the already established strong collaborative linkages between related rock lobster research being carried out at CSIRO, QDPI, TAFI, UA and by industry. 3. The assembled project team has considerable expertise and an established track record in delivery of successful feed development for other crustaceans (prawns) and finfish, and have established strong collaborative linkages with the aquafeed industry to aid the rapid commercialisation of the research. Objectives: 1. Develop manufactured feeds for juvenile rock lobsters (ie puerulus - year 1 and beyond) that optimise survival and growth by: a) defining the chemicophysical cues that stimulate food consumption in juvenile rock lobsters, b) developing pelleted feeds that remain attractive to lobsters for periods in excess of four hours after immersion, and c) determining the optimum dietary specifications of selected nutrients required by juvenile rock lobsters for growth and development. 2. Develop manufactured feeds for adult lobsters for body maintenance and moult manipulation by a) determining the optimum pellet size and feeding frequency for maintaining the condition of adult rock lobsters and b) providing continued advice to project 98/305 on feeds development for adult lobster holding. Read moreRead less
Objectives: 1. Attempt to reduce production costs & increase production of high quality cultured pearls by investigation of shell turning, cleaning & opening; wild spat collection; mantle tissue compatibility; & Australian made nuclei
Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture Subprogram: Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment Of Atlantic Salmon Affected By AGD
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$27,252.00
Summary
Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD) is one of the most serious health issues significantly increasing production costs of Atlantic salmon in Tasmania. While freshwater bathing has been used successfully to control losses, the shortage of fresh water in some salmon farming areas resulted in a quest for another treatment. Hydrogen peroxide is used overseas to control sealice infections of Atlantic salmon. Previous research suggested that it may be possible to develop a successful hydrogen peroxide treat ....Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD) is one of the most serious health issues significantly increasing production costs of Atlantic salmon in Tasmania. While freshwater bathing has been used successfully to control losses, the shortage of fresh water in some salmon farming areas resulted in a quest for another treatment. Hydrogen peroxide is used overseas to control sealice infections of Atlantic salmon. Previous research suggested that it may be possible to develop a successful hydrogen peroxide treatment against AGD, reducing the reliance of the industry on fresh water. Objectives: 1. Determine effective in vitro treatment with hydrogen peroxide against Neoparamoeba perurans 2. Determine effective in vivo treatment against Amoebic Gill Disease 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
SCRC: PhD : Managing Fisheries To Maximise Profits By Understanding And Reducing Variable Costs Of Fishing
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
There are several reasons that targeted research on the variable cost of fishing is warranted as part of the bioeconomic activities of the theme. First, some fisheries regulations have evolved over long periods with lower fishing costs, a revision of these could increase the profitability of the fishery and may be necessary to ensure economic viability into the future. Secondly, fuel is one of the largest variable cost factors in most fisheries and has proven to be highly volatile in price over ....There are several reasons that targeted research on the variable cost of fishing is warranted as part of the bioeconomic activities of the theme. First, some fisheries regulations have evolved over long periods with lower fishing costs, a revision of these could increase the profitability of the fishery and may be necessary to ensure economic viability into the future. Secondly, fuel is one of the largest variable cost factors in most fisheries and has proven to be highly volatile in price over the last few years; extensive evidence suggests that fuel prices will continue to rise at rates significantly faster than most other costs. Third, the economic flows from fuel consumption tend to provide a lower contribution to GDP than other variable costs such as labour (due to the export nature of the cost); consequently disproportionate increases in fuel prices may result in a lower fishery contribution to GDP.Read moreRead less
ASBTIA: SBT Research Program - Coordination, Facilitation And Administration
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$349,999.00
Summary
This Project is essential for the development of a cohesive research and development approach aimed at meeting the priority needs of the SBT Ranching Industry. The industry has developed rapidly since its initiation in 1990 and has the opportunity to continue to do so; however targeted research and development is needed to underpin this development and to assure the long-term sustainability of the industry in an increasingly competitive international market.This project provides the basis ....This Project is essential for the development of a cohesive research and development approach aimed at meeting the priority needs of the SBT Ranching Industry. The industry has developed rapidly since its initiation in 1990 and has the opportunity to continue to do so; however targeted research and development is needed to underpin this development and to assure the long-term sustainability of the industry in an increasingly competitive international market.This project provides the basis for the reinvigorated SBT Research Program.
The SBT Research Programincludes a management structure to oversee the active research projects and ensure they 1. achieve the desired outcomes; 2. provides a focused strategy for disseminating research results to industry and obtaining feedback; 3. define research priorities 4. ensures that the minimum level of duplication occurs in the provision of research services; 5. provide a focus for SBT ranched research and sucessional planning of key persons; 6. addresses industry priorities by establishing a mechanism to empower industry's involvement in their research; 7. establishes a framework to ensure that SBT ranched research is orderly and targeted; 8. disseminates, where appropriate, research information to stakeholders.
Opportunities also exist for the development of further research proposals targeted at other research and development funding agencies (eg. ARC Linkage, AusIndustry and DAFF 9Program to replace Food Processing Regional Australia Program ). These research proposals will address research priorities as defined in the FRDC SBT Aquaculture (Wild- Capture) Strategic R&D Plan – Towards 2012: Striving for a Profitable and Sustainable Future.
Objectives: 1. Strategic Planning: provide a coordinated research and development program addressing the focus areas of the FRDC SBT Aquaculture (Wild- Capture) Strategic R&D Plan – Towards 2012: Striving for a Profitable and Sustainable Future. Review and update the R&D Plan on an annual basis. 2. Administration: coordinate and manage project, subprogram and program milestones, variations, budgets, communications and meetings relevant to the SBT Aquaculture Subprogram. 3. Information Technology Transfer: disseminate information to faciliatate the uptake and commercialisation of research outcomes via newsletters, an annual industry conference (including published Conference Proceedings), industry workshops, meetings with individual companies and a regularly updated website. Read moreRead less
Feasibility Assessment Of Commercial Production Of Two Important Shellfish (abalone And Scallops)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Feasibility of culturing abalone using existing facilities and existing longline technology; examine the economic feasibility of a scallop farming venture based on traditional methods of culture
Develop The Non-maxima Pearl Industry At The Abrolhos Islands (Pinctada Imbricata/fucata)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$461,157.59
Summary
Research is needed to investigate the development of an Akoya industry in WA Limited trials of seeded wild Akoya shell have shown promising results and market feedback lead us to believe there is a very real opportunity for slightly larger Akoya of better quality. Port Stephens has built a successful Akoya industry and we would like to assess the commercial viability of this model in the Abrolhos area. The economics of farming Akoya appear attractive in terms of total cycle and husbandry ....Research is needed to investigate the development of an Akoya industry in WA Limited trials of seeded wild Akoya shell have shown promising results and market feedback lead us to believe there is a very real opportunity for slightly larger Akoya of better quality. Port Stephens has built a successful Akoya industry and we would like to assess the commercial viability of this model in the Abrolhos area. The economics of farming Akoya appear attractive in terms of total cycle and husbandry costs when compared with black pearls and offer the ability to leverage our existing infrastructure into the new species creating economies of scale.
Part of the project involves developing broodstock selection protocols to choose desirable broodstock and create a broodstock conditioning system both on farm and in the hatchery. Research into the use of hatchery bred stock and development of broodstock selection protocols and broodstock holding and conditioning systems will be very beneficial to this developing industry.
The BCMI has a full time hatchery technician that will assist in developing these protocols. This technician has limited experience of other hatcheries and the project proposes to build the knowledge base of the technician through hands on supervised experience at 2 East Coast hatcheries. This will improve the technical capacity of the hatchery facility to increase quality spat production.
There is a need to assess the impact of the environmental conditions at various farm sites on animal health, growth rates and pearl quality. Production costs must be managed carefully for the species to be commercially viable so site selection at various stages of the life cycle is important. Objectives: 1. Develop broodstock selection protocols for Abrolhos pearl oysters both on farm and in the hatchery to identify desirable broodstock (P.imbricata = P.fucata= P.martenesii) with the qualities demanded by the market; and establish a broodstock conditioning system for these oysters. 2. Transfer and integrate accepted knowledge to key BCMI staff from established hatcheries to improve technical capability at the facility, improving quality spat supply services for WA industry. 3. Produce spat from the selected Akoya host and saibo donor oysters in the hatchery and grow out in spatially diverse sites at the Abrolhos Islands to assess the viability of developing the industry on a commercial scale. Pre-seeding conditioning trials will also be undertaken. 4. To investigate the impact of environmental factors on key pearl characteristics including growth rate, mortality, shell size, lustre and nacre for Akoya (P.imbricata = P.fucata= P.martenesii) by monitoring spatially diverse growout sites at the Abrolhos Islands. 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