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
Understanding The Health Effects Of Biomass Smoke In Australian Towns And Cities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$172,392.00
Summary
Wildfires have become more frequent and severe the world over and the health impacts of the associated air pollution is a major gap in the current evidence. Working with lead agencies in air quality regulation, public health and fire management I will examine and compare the health effects of air pollution from deliberate burns, bushfires, wood heaters and other sources of air pollution. The research will focus on respiratory and heart disease to inform public health and individual patient care.
Air Pollution And Mortality And Morbidity In Adult Australians (APMMA Study): A Large Population Based Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,041,410.00
Summary
This study will investigate the link between respiratory and cardiovascular disease and mortality and exposure to long-term air pollution. We will use cutting edge methods to assign neighbourhood air pollution levels to a large cohort of NSW adults (n>265,000) previously recruited in the 45 and Up Study. The study results will be of utmost importance in setting outdoor air pollution standards and informing cost benefit analyses of air pollution control strategies.