Oysters Australia IPA: Development Of A National Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) Response Plan
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$25,000.00
Summary
POMS affects all Pacific Oysters growing states. there is a need for a coordinated national response plan. Objectives: 2. Develop a national POMS response plan
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Development Of A DNA Microarray To Identify Markers Of Disease In Pearl Oysters (Pinctada Maxima) And To Assess Overall Oyster Health
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$213,043.00
Summary
In October 2006, unexplained high mortalities of Pinctada maxima oysters were reported. The disease associated with these mortalities has been termed Oyster Oedema Disease (OOD). It is likely that OOD is caused by an infectious agent and it is possible to cross-infect oysters with infected tissue. The disease spread rapidly and there are no known control measures, no knowledge of a causative agent, no understanding of how widespread the disease was, and no way to test for it. This proposal seeks ....In October 2006, unexplained high mortalities of Pinctada maxima oysters were reported. The disease associated with these mortalities has been termed Oyster Oedema Disease (OOD). It is likely that OOD is caused by an infectious agent and it is possible to cross-infect oysters with infected tissue. The disease spread rapidly and there are no known control measures, no knowledge of a causative agent, no understanding of how widespread the disease was, and no way to test for it. This proposal seeks to develop DNA microarray technology to detect abnormal levels of stress response genes in pearl oysters. These genes will be used as markers in new, rapid diagnostic tests for diseased pearl oysters. The requirement for such rapid diagnostic tests for the detection of OOD is well acknowledged. The spread of the disease could have been limited had there been a test available to differentiate sick animals from healthy ones. Such assays also have applications in routine translocation testing and the assessment of general oyster health. Translocation samples are treated as high priority and current methods report results after several days. With rapid tests derived from DNA microarray analysis it may be possible to report results within 24 hours. The attraction of molecular stress-response markers is that their expression levels change dramatically during times of stress. This can act as an indicator of disease susceptibility. A DNA microarray to target such stress markers in P. maxima could also be used to investigate disease in other shellfish and it will be able to detect effects of other pathogens in addition to those involved in OOD. Our main goal is to use the P. maxima microarray to identify key stress-response genes that can be used to develop a new generation of rapid, inexpensive tests of environmental stress, infection and overall oyster health.
Objectives: 1. To construct a cDNA library using healthy, stressed and OOD-affected oysters. We will use oysters exposed to a range of environmental conditions to make sure that a broad array of stress-response genes are represented in the cDNA library. Cloned cDNAs will be analyzed by PCR to confirm that a broad range of different sized cDNA is also included in the library. 2. To design and print DNA microarray slides for the analysis of diseased states in pearl oysters (P. maxima). cDNA clones to print will be based on sequence analysis. cDNA's will be printed onto the slides in duplicate or triplicate to increase the statistical robustness of subsequent analyses. 3. To use the DNA microarray to identify molecular markers that differentiate pearl oysters that are diseased (including OOD-affected oysters) from those that appear to be healthy. 4. To use the DNA microarray to test for markers of adverse health in pearl oysters that appear to be affected by environmental stressors other than OOD. This will be done using archived samples and oysters that do not fit the case definition for OOD. Read moreRead less
Cumulative Impact Risk Assessment Tool For Aquaculture In Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$172,999.00
Summary
Difficulties with current legislation in Australia at State and Federal level make it challenging for marine farms to protect themselves, but equally for the community to have faith that aquaculture development is not harming the marine environment. An example from Tasmania is the recent contamination of Macquarie Harbour, whereby tailings from Copper Mines Tasmania (CMT) dam in Queenstown entered the harbour and undoubtedly caused environmental harm to salmon and other species. Because CMT and ....Difficulties with current legislation in Australia at State and Federal level make it challenging for marine farms to protect themselves, but equally for the community to have faith that aquaculture development is not harming the marine environment. An example from Tasmania is the recent contamination of Macquarie Harbour, whereby tailings from Copper Mines Tasmania (CMT) dam in Queenstown entered the harbour and undoubtedly caused environmental harm to salmon and other species. Because CMT and salmon farmers operate under different Acts CMT was not responsible for the incident but rather the government. Consequently, no investigation or clean-up ensued.
Additionally, the scope of statutory tools, such as EIS under the Tasmanian Marine Farm Planning Act 1995, is not regional and does not consider the compound interactions of and on production activities. A good example is the recent Storm Bay salmon farming expansion; while the EPBC listed handfish species in Tasmania were listed in the marine farming development plan, with a brief context, management of these species was not considered in the EIS because that process only includes direct impact of the lease position. Arguably, cumulative impacts from all development in the area will have varying impacts on the species, impacts which are not being considered under current government legislation, but are potentially the source of public ire.
For aquaculture to pursue sustainable efforts environmentally, economically and socially in the increasingly crowded near shore space requires proactive planning and transparency that is not currently possible given existing assessment tools. In particular, assessment of cumulative impacts must be addressed. Cumulative impact assessments (CIA) are gaining momentum across multiple industries due to a recognised need to apply them in the pursuit of sustainable management. CIAs are being undertaken with the protection of marines resources at front of mind, but so far there has been little consideration of aquaculture. An approach to CIA that makes aquaculture the centre point is required if we are to consider its impacts or conversely, its effectiveness. Objectives: 1. Identify the risks of multiple actions or impacts on the environment and social values of a marine production matrix in Australian waters. In order to do this a comprehensive literature review is required to develop the CIA approach and ensure the methods and gaps in aquaculture CIA are addressed to meet the needs of Australian aquaculture, the community and the consumer. 2. Develop a risk assessment tool that can be utilised by the public realm (governments at all levels, NFPS, community) to better understand the complexities of regional marine waters and user impacts to maximise current and future economic, social and environmental benefits. To do this requires identification of valued environmental and social components first, whereby such components are characterised, from this a framework is build on each valued component. 3. Assess aquaculture in the context of broader social and environmental issues within the marine production matrix, by performing an aquaculture specific cumulative impacts assessment for regional Australia Read moreRead less
Aquafin CRC - SBT Aquaculture Subprogram: Tuna Environment - Development Of Regional Environmental Sustainability
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$292,923.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Establish a steering committee of stakeholders and hold a SCFA-ESD reporting workshop to develop a set of operational parameters for regional scale ESD assessment. 2. Develop a set of methodologies for measuring and evaluating each of the parameters in order to provide an ESD assessment. 3. Using knowledge gained through this process and in consultation with stakeholders develop target levels for key parameters as a basis for effecting management responses. 4 ....Objectives: 1. Establish a steering committee of stakeholders and hold a SCFA-ESD reporting workshop to develop a set of operational parameters for regional scale ESD assessment. 2. Develop a set of methodologies for measuring and evaluating each of the parameters in order to provide an ESD assessment. 3. Using knowledge gained through this process and in consultation with stakeholders develop target levels for key parameters as a basis for effecting management responses. 4. In collaboration with researchers involved in the development of ecosystem scale models for salmon farming identify the key information/data required to parameterise and validate these models for the tuna industry. 5. Integrate the field and remote data collection systems, necessary to provide the data required for the parameterisation of these ecosystem scale models, into the regional ESD assessments. Read moreRead less
Assessing The Ecological Impact Of The Western Rock Lobster Fishery In Fished And Unfished Areas
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$1,117,932.00
Summary
Continuation of the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) accreditation of the Western Rock Lobster Fishery (WRLF) depends on the fishery addressing issues outlined within the 2006 re-certification action plan. This plan states “no substantive evidence has been presented for assessment about the impacts of the fishery on ecosystem structure, function, diversity, productivity or habitats caused by the removal of target stocks.” The re-certification plan also identified the need to understand ....Continuation of the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) accreditation of the Western Rock Lobster Fishery (WRLF) depends on the fishery addressing issues outlined within the 2006 re-certification action plan. This plan states “no substantive evidence has been presented for assessment about the impacts of the fishery on ecosystem structure, function, diversity, productivity or habitats caused by the removal of target stocks.” The re-certification plan also identified the need to understand the impacts of the fishery on trophic linkages between lobsters and their predators and prey, at each of the main stages of lobster life history.
The need for these types of ecological data was highlighted by the most recent risk assessment, where the effects of removing lobster biomass in deep water was given a “moderate” risk. Re-assessment of the level of risk will require the gaps in the knowledge of deep water ecosystems to be addressed.
Research undertaken during FRDC 2004/049 increased the understanding of the relationship between lobster and their deepwater habitats, however the approach was ineffective in addressing MSC requirements. Therefore the EcoSRG have concluded that there is a need for future research in deep water to use research closures.
Based on the outcomes of FRDC 2004/049, the risk levels and the EcoSRG workshop, this proposal will use closed areas to examine the potential impacts of the rock lobster fishery in deep water, providing baseline information essential for the assessment of the impacts of the fishery on the ecosystem in the future.
This proposal will be conducted in two phases. Phase one will establish fished and unfished areas within deep water in collaboration with industry. Phase two will establish baseline information on lobster stocks, habitat and community structure. If at the end of phase one there is no agreement to establish closed areas, the second phase will not proceed.
Objectives: 1. Indentification and assessment of suitable unfished reference areas to exclude rock lobster fishing in deep water 2. Development of a qualitative trophodynamic model that will provide a conceptual framework for determining sampling protocols, indictors and targets. 3. To provide cost effective methods to measure deep water ecosystems in both fished and unfished reference areas Read moreRead less
Environmental Risk And Impact Assessment Of The Pearling Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$119,358.00
Summary
Based on the Government ESD and Oceans Policies the pearling industry is currently facing several significant concerns. These include the need to:
- demonstrate objectively that pearling activities have minimal, if any, adverse ecological impact on the marine environment. - identify challenges and threats to the fishery's continued variability from an ESD perspective - demonstrate objectively that the fishery is environmentally sustainable - obtain broad ecological informat ....Based on the Government ESD and Oceans Policies the pearling industry is currently facing several significant concerns. These include the need to:
- demonstrate objectively that pearling activities have minimal, if any, adverse ecological impact on the marine environment. - identify challenges and threats to the fishery's continued variability from an ESD perspective - demonstrate objectively that the fishery is environmentally sustainable - obtain broad ecological information to assist the industry in identifying what environmental characteristics are key elements of successful pearl farming; and - identify what areas of research are required to substantiate the pearling industry's claim of ongoing ESD. Objectives: 1. Identify key environmental issue and risks facing the pearling industry. 2. Identify gaps that would need to be addressed in current pearling udnsutry procedure in order to develop a PPA Environmental Code of Practice in line with the requirements of an Environmental Management System (EMS) such as ISO 14001. 3. Source and obtain ecological information to assist the industry in identigying what environmental characterstics are key elements of successful pearl farming. 4. Recommend what environmental parameters should be used in monitoring programs to ensure that any potential environmental impactof pearl farming on the marine environment is detected. 5. Recommend research prorities on pearl oyster fishing/farming environmental issues. 6. Provide information that is transferable to similar types of aquaculture, eg black lipped pearl oyster and abalone hatchery. 7. Position the pearling industry to satisfy the Environment Australia/SCFA ESD assessment processes. 8. To develop an Environmental Research Strategy for the PPA, and a subsequent research programme proposal to FRDC in December 2003 for funding to implement the strategy. Read moreRead less
Implications Of Current Spatial Management Measures On AFMA ERAs For Habitats
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$191,289.19
Summary
In response to the EPBC Act, related regulations and international obligations, AFMA has moved beyond target species to an ecosystem-based approach to managing Commonwealth fisheries — aiming for broader environmental sustainability including for bycatch species, habitat and communities. Typically, a risk based approach is being taken for this purpose. Research has demonstrated that demersal fishing gears can impact seabed habitats and communities, which consequently are considered potentially ....In response to the EPBC Act, related regulations and international obligations, AFMA has moved beyond target species to an ecosystem-based approach to managing Commonwealth fisheries — aiming for broader environmental sustainability including for bycatch species, habitat and communities. Typically, a risk based approach is being taken for this purpose. Research has demonstrated that demersal fishing gears can impact seabed habitats and communities, which consequently are considered potentially at risk. Accordingly, ecological risk assessments (ERAs) for habitats have been conducted for the major Commonwealth fisheries. However, these ERAs were interim in nature, and non-spatial, largely due to inadequate data for most fisheries. More recently, new data and methods have become available that would permit an advancement of these assessments; and further, new management has been implemented — including effort management, fishery closures and the Commonwealth Marine Reserve System (CMRS) — that may change the level of potential risk. Thus, AFMA has identified a need to extend the ERAs covering habitats and communities, taking into account the new information, methods and management. In particular, AFMA has specified a priority requirement for a gap analysis to determine the extent to which individual fishery ERAs, and hence ERM, need to address habitats following the finalisation of the CMRS network and considering other fishery management measures in place, including effort reduction & closures. It is this latter priority need that this proposal addresses. Note that while there is some uncertainty around the timing and scope of the government review of CMRS, the need addressed by this proposal remains a priority for AFMA due to the significant fishery management measures that have been implemented in recent years. Objectives: 1. Capitalize on recently collated data and mapped distributions of predicted demersal assemblages and associated habitats — as well as data for Commonwealth demersal fishing effort, fishery closures and marine reserves — to provide: 2. - quantification of the overlap of fishing effort and intensity with each mapped assemblage/habitat, 3. - quantification of the overlap of each mapped assemblage/habitat with areas of spatial management that exclude fishing, such as closures and reserves, 4. - a gap analysis and prioritization of which mapped assemblages/habitats, and in which fisheries, may require future focus for AFMAs fishery ERAs. 5. - qualitative assessment of the potential risk implications for any habitat forming biota (if/where data available) in assemblages with high exposure to fisheries, given current spatial management. Read moreRead less
Identification Of Environmental Factors, With Particular Reference To Acid Sulfate Soil Runoff, Causing Production Losses In Sydney Rock Oysters
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$185,191.50
Summary
This research proposal developed from discussions with NSW and Queensland oyster growers who consider estuarine acidification is a cause of declining oyster health and productivity. A recently completed study of estuarine acidification and its role in fish kills, habitat degradation and outbreaks of EUS in estuarine fish, showed that the occurrence and duration of acidification events may be a potential threat to sessile organisms such as oysters (Sammut et al., 1996; 1996b; Callinan et al., 19 ....This research proposal developed from discussions with NSW and Queensland oyster growers who consider estuarine acidification is a cause of declining oyster health and productivity. A recently completed study of estuarine acidification and its role in fish kills, habitat degradation and outbreaks of EUS in estuarine fish, showed that the occurrence and duration of acidification events may be a potential threat to sessile organisms such as oysters (Sammut et al., 1996; 1996b; Callinan et al., 1996;1996b). The former study indicates that such associations between acidified water and poor oyster health are plausible. The proposed study is needed to test for putative associations between acidified water and oyster health and productivity problems. It will also generate other data that will be used to identify risk factors for QX disease. If an association between QX disease outbreaks and exposure to acidified water is confirmed, or other water quality variables are identified as causative factors, then appropriate water quality management can be developed. At present, attempts to manage acid sulfate soil drainage in NSW fail to recognise the water quality needs of oyster producers. Data from this study can be used to design acid sulfate soil management strategies to avoid secondary impacts on oyster health and maximise productivity. Objectives: 1. To identify associations between water quality conditions (with particular reference to acidified water and toxic metals), other environmental factors and reduced growth rates and disease outbreaks/mortalisties in oysters at selected sites on the Hastings and Tweed Rivers. 2. To identify specific environment and management related risk factors for reduced growth rates at selected sites. 3. To identify environmental and management risk factors for specific diseases with particular reference to QX on the Tweed River. 4. To effectively communicate the findings of this study to the oyster industry and relevant agencies Read moreRead less
Oysters Australia IPA: Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) – Closing Knowledge Gaps To Continue Farming C. Gigas In Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$463,700.00
Summary
POMS, caused by OsHV-1, has devastated C. gigas farming in two estuaries in NSW. Australia’s other growing areas are free (survey 2011). Expert opinion is that the virus will spread, but the time frame is unpredictable; TAS and SA are at great risk. Research to find a solution to continue farming is an immediate priority to protect the ~$53M pa industry.
Farming C. gigas in the face of POMS requires improvements in both husbandry and genetics. Genetically resistant stock will not be av ....POMS, caused by OsHV-1, has devastated C. gigas farming in two estuaries in NSW. Australia’s other growing areas are free (survey 2011). Expert opinion is that the virus will spread, but the time frame is unpredictable; TAS and SA are at great risk. Research to find a solution to continue farming is an immediate priority to protect the ~$53M pa industry.
Farming C. gigas in the face of POMS requires improvements in both husbandry and genetics. Genetically resistant stock will not be available commercially until 2018, with partial resistance (POMS R&D Coordination Committee report).
Improved husbandry is needed at all stages of the production cycle. It is addressed by this application, which builds on research in FRDC projects 2011/053 and 2012/032 that led to breakthroughs in understanding the epidemiology of POMS: mortality can be completely prevented in hatcheries using relatively simple water treatments, and reduced by 50% in adult stock (but not juveniles) by raising the growing height. However, many growers do not have infrastructure for this.
In June 2014 industry stated it would benefit from information about consistency of seasonal infection, changes in the virus, hatchery biosecurity, and whether spat can be certified free from infection.
Growers at SAOGA August 2014 reiterated that they urgently need a strategy for juvenile grow out and rack and rail systems that can't easily be elevated.
Priorities were confirmed in a face to face meeting with TORC members on 28th August 2014. Objectives were reviewed by Oysters Australia R&D committee on 1/12/14, and modified accordingly, leading to this full application.
This project fits within the FRDC 2015 Environment Priority 5: development of robust methodologies for investigation of mollusk disease outbreaks; integrated health management for commercial molluscs, which flow from priorities of the Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram. Objectives: 1. To determine methods for the conditioning/husbandry of spat and juvenile oysters to obtain survival after exposure to OsHV-1 based on improved scientific understanding of exposure, pathogenesis, immunity, tolerance or latency 2. To confirm i) the consistency of seasonal patterns of POMS, ii) the periodicity of infection within season, iii) inter-estuary temperature variation, and iv) predict POMS seasonal behaviour. 3. To identify changes in OsHV-1 DNA sequence over time (2010-2016) to understand infection and disease patterns 4. To investigate the mechanisms of survival of Pacific oysters after exposure to OsHV-1, including assessment of exposure dose and using biosensors 5. To determine whether water treatments prevent OsHV-1 infection of spat or merely prevent mortality, and whether they can be applied for biosecurity of hatchery effluent 6. To describe an integrated disease control strategy based on complementary use of genetically resistant oysters (when available) and husbandry methods throughout the production cycle: hatchery-juvenile-growout to market 7. To build capacity in aquatic animal health for Australian industry through training a post graduate student Read moreRead less
RFIDS: Implications Of Climate Change For Recreational Fishers And The Recreational Fishing Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$90,000.00
Summary
Climate change is manifesting in marine environments. Additional to climate variability there is documented shifts in ocean currents - temperature, behaviour and spatial impact. Biotic indications eg species changes in abundance and range suggest impacts are at a level greater than for terrestrial ecosystems and uses. Coupled with this is the common property nature of fisheries resources. Management imperatives are already upon Government and all key sectors - conservation, commercial and rec ....Climate change is manifesting in marine environments. Additional to climate variability there is documented shifts in ocean currents - temperature, behaviour and spatial impact. Biotic indications eg species changes in abundance and range suggest impacts are at a level greater than for terrestrial ecosystems and uses. Coupled with this is the common property nature of fisheries resources. Management imperatives are already upon Government and all key sectors - conservation, commercial and recreational fishery management and aquaculture.
The first two challenges are to - a) smartly adapt to biotic changes and variations in abundance b) foster a more flexible and responsive approach to marine management.
Climate change is a political issue - the public policy issue that has been most incompetently dealt with by Australia's political leaders. Community understanding of the complexities of climate change and how Australia should respond is varied with multiple areas for confusion and misunderstanding. Additionally, those promoting a mitigation response have been alarmist in their predictions - well beyond the science evidence. With this confusion as to the implications of climate change and options for adaptation and mitigation strategies, informed debate is extremely difficult. The recreational fishing sector is no different to the wider community.
Given the economic and social importance of recreational fishing in Australia, there is a national need and strong regional demand for strategies and adaptation activities and management systems that respond wisely to climate change.
The second two challenges are to: c) ensure accurate information on climate change information is available and is placed in context with other aspects such as habitat loss and water quality d) foster knowledge and adaptation strategies from within the recreational fishing sector so that the sector can play its role in advocacy and public policy development.
Objectives: 1. Through case studies of vulnerable species in each of the three regions this project will explore and propose activities and strategies such as improved fisheries management measures which could be adopted to assist agencies, recreational fishers and the recreational fishing industry adapt and deal with climate change impacts 2. Explore climate change adaptation responses and move towards regional arrangements that foster a more flexible and responsive approach to recreational fisheries and fisher needs. 3. Identify high priority mitigation opportunities so that the recreational fishing sector can contribute to the global issue of reducing greenhouse gas emissions Read moreRead less