Colonisation Of New South Wales By Non-indigenous Marine Species: Baseline Studies At Twofold Bay, NSW
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Provide an inventory of the fauna of Twofold Bay that is subject to regular discharge of ballast water. 2. Ascertain if any exotic species have become established in the Bay
Aquafin CRC - Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture Subprogram: Development Of Novel Methods For The Assessment Of Sediment Condition And Determination Of Management Protocols For Sustainable Finfish Cage Aquaculture Operations
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$467,269.00
Summary
Both State and Commonwealth governments in Australia strongly appreciate the need for ecologically sustainable development. A guiding principle of the Coastal Policy, initiated by the Commonwealth government and developed by the States, is that the coast shall be used and developed in a sustainable manner. The Tasmanian government recognises the economic and social benefits associated with a productive aquaculture industry and is highly supportive of its further development. In 1997, in the T ....Both State and Commonwealth governments in Australia strongly appreciate the need for ecologically sustainable development. A guiding principle of the Coastal Policy, initiated by the Commonwealth government and developed by the States, is that the coast shall be used and developed in a sustainable manner. The Tasmanian government recognises the economic and social benefits associated with a productive aquaculture industry and is highly supportive of its further development. In 1997, in the Tasmanian Premier’s direction statement, sustainable aquaculture development was listed as one of the highest priorities. To this end the Tasmanian State government is actively engaged in facilitating development by ensuring that sufficient area of state water is made available to accommodate industry expansion.
Similarly the finfish aquaculture community is acutely aware of its reliance on the environment and is keen to ensure that future development is sustainable. Salmon farming industry representatives have recently identified an urgent need for clear information on the effectiveness of fallowing as a means of rehabilitating sediments. This information is vital for the optimal management of lease areas and to ensure that production is sustainable.
The development of guidelines for fallowing of sediments associated with marine fish cages, requires further information on the changing sedimentary conditions over smaller spatial and temporal scales than have previously been studied. It also requires that environmental parameters are assessed in relation to conditions prior to each stocking as well as at reference locations. The literature regarding the length of time required for complete sediment recovery is inconclusive; Lumb (1989) and Johannessen (1994) both found significant residual effects 12 months after cessation of farming whereas Ritz et al. (1989) and Wu & Lu (1998) observed what appeared to be more rapid recovery rates. However, these studies all considered recovery to be a return to control conditions, which are representative of areas unaffected by farming. With regard to farm sustainability, it may be more appropriate to determine whether sediments have recovered sufficiently that they can withstand further inputs without undergoing any cumulative progressive deterioration. If fallowing protocols fail to return sediments to this condition, then there is a danger of long-term additive deterioration of the sediment, which may eventually lead to sediment degeneration to such an extent that farming operations become unviable.
References: · Johannessen, P.J., Botnen, H.B. & Tvedten, O.F. (1994) Macrobenthos: before, during and after a fish farm. Aquaculture and Fisheries Management. 25: 55-66. · Lu, L. & Wu, R.S.S. (1998) Recolonisation and succession of marine macrobenthos in organic-enriched sediment deposited from fish farms. Environmental Pollution. 101: 241-251. · Lumb, C.M. (1989) Self-pollution by Scottish Salmon Farms? Mar. Pollut. Bull. 20: 375-379. · Ritz, D.A., Lewis, M.E. & Ma Shen, (1989) Response to organic enrichment of infaunal macrobenthic communities under salmonid seacgaes. Mar. Biol. 103: 211-214. Objectives: 1. To determine the degree of progressive degeneration of sediments associated with cage aquaculture operations. 2. To develop novel techniques for farm-based evaluation of sediment degradation associated with ongoing marine cage aquaculture both by adapting existing techniques (as identified by TAFI and CSIRO in recent studies on the Huon estuary) and by investigating new techniques. 3. To incorporate these techniques into farm management protocols as tools for the evaluation and management of sediment condition in order to maximise sustainable aquaculture production. Read moreRead less
TSGA IPA: Understanding Dorvilleid Ecology In Macquarie Harbour And Their Response To Organic Enrichment
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$87,135.40
Summary
Previous research has shown a clear impact gradient associated with cage salmon farming operations, and that presence of bacterial mats (Beggiatoa) and proliferation of opportunistic species are features commonly associated with high levels of organic enrichment (e.g. Pearson & Rosenberg, 1978). The presence of opportunists, such as Capitellid worms, being classified as representative of “unacceptable impact” (Macleod et al., 2004). This premise has been validated in SE Tasmania and underpins r ....Previous research has shown a clear impact gradient associated with cage salmon farming operations, and that presence of bacterial mats (Beggiatoa) and proliferation of opportunistic species are features commonly associated with high levels of organic enrichment (e.g. Pearson & Rosenberg, 1978). The presence of opportunists, such as Capitellid worms, being classified as representative of “unacceptable impact” (Macleod et al., 2004). This premise has been validated in SE Tasmania and underpins regulatory monitoring requirements statewide (DPIPWE, 2004).
The understanding that proliferation of opportunists represents deteriorating conditions was translated to monitoring protocols in Macquarie Harbour, but the relationship between opportunists and the level of enrichment was not explicitly tested in this region. However, video surveys suggest that in Dorvilleid worms rather than Capitellids were the species most indicative of organic enrichment effects(DPIPWE, 2004). Dorvilleids can tolerate anaerobic sediments and high levels of hydrogen sulphide (Levin et al. 2013) and are known to be indicators of the impacts of finfish aquaculture (e.g. Paxton et al. 2010).
However, Macquarie Harbour is ecologically very different to other farming areas in SE Tasmania; the sediments are inherently depauperate, largely epibiotic and spatially patchy. A recent study in Canada has highlighted the need to better understand the relationships and compliance thresholds for established enrichment indicators (i.e. Beggiatoa sp and opportunistic polychaete complexes) in systems where ecological patchiness may occur (Hamoutene et al 2014); suggesting that, where there is significant potential for small scale spatial variability, normal successional responses may not be as reliable. Consequently, the responses may not be consistent with expectations developed from southern Tasmanian regions.
In this context it is important to identify the relationship between Dorvilleids and sediment condition; determining the reliability of this species as an indicator of sediment condition, and characterising the environmental conditions associated with changes in Dorvilleid abundance.
Objectives: 1. Review the international literature to establish the current state of knowledge regarding Dorvilleid ecology, and in particular, their response to organic enrichment. This will include a review of their current use as indicator of the impacts of finfish aquaculture. 2. Carry out targeted field survey at selected leases to identify the relationship between Dorvilleids and sediment condition, characterising the environmental conditions associated with changes in Dorvilleid abundance. 3. Based on the finding of 1. and 2. determine the reliability of this species as an indicator of sediment condition in Macquarie Harbour 4. In conjunction with industry and government stakeholders make recommendations on the future use of Dorvilleids in regulatory monitoring of Salmonid aquaculture in Macquarie Harbour Read moreRead less
Objectives: 1. Collect background data on shipping operations to establish the incidence of magnitude of ballast water discharge. 2. Determine the influence of season on species composition and survival of the introduced organisms. 3. Establish practicable methods of control
There is an increasing trend for foods to be sold in a packaged format. These products are sold either as raw product, ready-to-cook (other food ingredients included) or ready-to eat. The explosion of packaged foods on supermarket shelves and other retail outlets has occured for a variety of reasons including consumer convenience, ability to engage the consumer and in some cases extensions in shelf-life. However, the packaging industry is a rapidly evolving area due to the development of new pla ....There is an increasing trend for foods to be sold in a packaged format. These products are sold either as raw product, ready-to-cook (other food ingredients included) or ready-to eat. The explosion of packaged foods on supermarket shelves and other retail outlets has occured for a variety of reasons including consumer convenience, ability to engage the consumer and in some cases extensions in shelf-life. However, the packaging industry is a rapidly evolving area due to the development of new plastics and films, new machinery and changing consumer trends.
The seafood industry is interested in developing packaged seafood product. However, there is often poor information transfer to the seafood processors regarding developments in newer packaging technologies and machines. Seafood processors that are considering the introduction of packaged products or changing existing process lines need direct experience and knowledge of the types of equipment and packaging films that are available.Read moreRead less
Tropical Fish Traps – Addressing Ghost Fishing Impacts And Refinements To Catch Reporting/sampling
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
The negative impacts of lost fish traps ghost fishing are well documented and of concern to all parties involved with the sustainable harvest of seafood from the aquatic environment (Macfadyen et al 2009; Newman et al 2011; Vadziutsina & Rodrigo 2020). Essentially, lost fishing gears that continue to kill/harm fish represent an inefficiency in the fish production process, and in essence are a form of waste associated with the harvesting process, that ultimately reduces the yield and casts a bad ....The negative impacts of lost fish traps ghost fishing are well documented and of concern to all parties involved with the sustainable harvest of seafood from the aquatic environment (Macfadyen et al 2009; Newman et al 2011; Vadziutsina & Rodrigo 2020). Essentially, lost fishing gears that continue to kill/harm fish represent an inefficiency in the fish production process, and in essence are a form of waste associated with the harvesting process, that ultimately reduces the yield and casts a bad light on the fishery itself. This project does not meet any specific FRDC priority in the current round, hence the lodgment under (Other), although because of what it attempts to address and minimise, it is likely to gain strong support from those concerned with appropriate management of fisheries i.e., minimising the wasteful use of renewable food resources at a time when there is a food crisis in the world, with parties including the FRDC, AFMA, ENGO's and the fishing industry. Objectives: 1. Quantification of fish trap (various designs) loss rates, both in the distant past and more recently, together with the main factors influencing the loss rate. 2. Quantification of how well “dumped” or unattended traps catch fish, together with the main factors affecting the performance (including the presence of trap disabling mechanisms). 3. Apply refinements* to fishing practices/gear to address loss rates and ghost fishing and assess performance (*utilising observations made in the first year of project). 4. Apply refinements to fishing activity reporting to assist with the management of effort creep, trap loss, and ascertaining appropriate harvest levels for the target species. Read moreRead less
Investigation Of The Characteristics And Properties Of Mixed Function Oxidases (mfo) In Commercially Significant Fish From SA Waters And Assessment Of Their Induction As A Potential Early Warning And Hence Biomarker Of Organic Pollutant Linked Stress
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$9,145.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To adapt methods currently developed overseas and in Port Phillip Bay to South Australian commercial fish species to indicate pollutant linked stress in fish 2. To enourage the use of these methods (if acceptable) by the relevant authorities as part of a monitoring program
Impact Of Prawn Farm Effluent On Coastal Waterways
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$358,997.00
Summary
The need for the research described in this proposal was initially identified in two major reports instigated by the FRDC. · The Macarthur Report (1995), identified that "The industry and the key researchers do not yet fully know the effect of nutrient and suspended solids on specific coastal ecosystems and hence are unable to estimate sustainable loads." · The Queensland Fisheries Research and Development Strategy (1995-2005), recommended a strategy to "Assess the relative impacts of d ....The need for the research described in this proposal was initially identified in two major reports instigated by the FRDC. · The Macarthur Report (1995), identified that "The industry and the key researchers do not yet fully know the effect of nutrient and suspended solids on specific coastal ecosystems and hence are unable to estimate sustainable loads." · The Queensland Fisheries Research and Development Strategy (1995-2005), recommended a strategy to "Assess the relative impacts of different Aquaculture methods on the environment." (Strategies 1.2.4, p. 5), "Provide a scientific basis for the objective evaluation of sustainable fisheries and Aquaculture management options.", and to "Develop sustainability indicators for fisheries." (Strategies 2.1 and 2.3, p. 6).
The proposed research will provide the missing information, identified in these two reports as being "….the effect of nutrient and suspended solids on specific coastal ecosystems…", and will "Assess the relative impacts of different Aquaculture methods on the environment." This proposal is a logical and necessary step forwards for the research co-ordinated through the CRC for Aquaculture which, until now, has focused on optimising farm operations and minimising effluent loads.
The urgent need for a co-ordinated research program to investigate the environmental impacts of prawn farm effluent was identified in a series of workshops held in Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane from July to September 1996 (see Discussion Paper, Appendix 1). These workshops affirmed that the current research priorities are to determine the composition of prawn farm effluent, to determine the impact of the effluent in coastal waterways and to investigate methods to minimise levels of nutrients and sediment in effluent The research outlined in this proposal will begin the work necessary to determine the impact of prawn farm effluent in coastal waterways.
This research will deliver information required to estimate sustainable loads of nutrients and suspended sediments in coastal ecosystems, provide a scientific basis for the evaluation of aquaculture management options, and assist in the development of sustainability indicators for aquaculture. It will therefore be an essential component of a recent initiative of the QDOE to prepare a Regional Plan for coastal areas between Cooktown and Cardwell. This Regional Plan will contribute to the sustainability of, not just the prawn farming industry, but also the highly valuable commercial and recreational fisheries resources within this area, currently valued at above $200 million annually. Objectives: 1. 1. Quantify the assimilative capacity of the receiving environment for the major nutrients and sediments in prawn farm effluent by describing the dynamics of C,N,O,P pathways in the substrate and water column of discharge channels and creeks, and thereby determine the environmental impact of prawn farm effluent. 2. 2. Refine and extend existing hydrodynamic models of the Hinchinbrook Channel and Pt Douglas estuaries in order to predict the behaviour of prawn farm effluent entering coastal waterways, thus enabling simulation modelling of the carrying capacity of the environment for prawn farming. Read moreRead less