Rock Lobster Post Harvest Subprogram: Quantification Of Shell Hardness In Southern Rock Lobster
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$86,403.70
Summary
A new, simple and quick solution to the ambiguity of current measures of shell wear is to quantify shell hardness with a durometer, which is a small, hand-held device originally designed to measure the flexibility of plastic sheeting (Hicks and Johnson, 1999). This system of standardisation has recently been introduced in Alaskan crab fisheries. Before these devices can be used for Australian rock lobster stock-assessment, a series of short experiments are needed to calibrate hardness reading ....A new, simple and quick solution to the ambiguity of current measures of shell wear is to quantify shell hardness with a durometer, which is a small, hand-held device originally designed to measure the flexibility of plastic sheeting (Hicks and Johnson, 1999). This system of standardisation has recently been introduced in Alaskan crab fisheries. Before these devices can be used for Australian rock lobster stock-assessment, a series of short experiments are needed to calibrate hardness reading to the moult cycle. These experiments will allow future research sampling to record more useful measures of moult stage and thus provide more effective stock assessment.
This calibration will have immediate application in Tasmanian research for assessing the effect of September and November harvests on mortality of discarded lobsters. Processors in both South Australia and Tasmania anticipate that this project will provide a valuable tool for industry to use in setting acceptable levels of shell hardness for the landing of export-grade lobsters. That is, fishers will be able to establish a quantitative shell hardness grade that a processor will accept prior to landing the catch. This eliminates the current problem of the landing of lobsters that are ambiguously classed as “hard” by a fisher but “soft” by a processor – with resultant negative impacts on economic yield and markets.
Hicks, D. and Johnson, B.A., 1999. A device to measure shell hardness of Dungeness crabs and trial application in the Kodiak Island, Alaska, commercial fishery. Nor. Amer. J. Fish. Man. 19: 581-590.
Objectives: 1. To calibrate the rate of change in shell hardness before and after the moult of southern rock lobsters relative to lobster size, sex, region and temperature. 2. To identify the region of the exoskeleton that is most suited for measuring hardness. 3. To develop a prototype gauge for industry use that can be used to measure shell hardness of lobster with precision in industry conditions. Read moreRead less
Objectives: 1. To identify needs for post harvest technology on a national basis, in collaboration with State and Territory based Fisheries Research Advisory Bodies, and other relevant sources 2. To facilitate post harvest research and development with potential for high return 3. To ensure the commercialisation and technology transfer of post harvest research results
Tactical Research Fund: Developing Postharvest Capability At The Lakes Entrance Fishermans Coop
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$83,500.00
Summary
Although some 4,000 tonnes per annum of mixed seafood – predominately scale fish – is landed by the fleet LEFCOL provides services to, the volume of this catch which is directly purchased, converted and marketed by LEFCOl is less than 150tonnes pa.
The majority of the catch is traded via traditional trading channels, being Melbourne and Sydney based commission agents and buyers. In what could be described as a ‘supply push’ channel strategy,the fish is caught and sent to market with no ....Although some 4,000 tonnes per annum of mixed seafood – predominately scale fish – is landed by the fleet LEFCOL provides services to, the volume of this catch which is directly purchased, converted and marketed by LEFCOl is less than 150tonnes pa.
The majority of the catch is traded via traditional trading channels, being Melbourne and Sydney based commission agents and buyers. In what could be described as a ‘supply push’ channel strategy,the fish is caught and sent to market with no definitive knowledge of what the returns will be. This opportunistic, short term and disjointed approach has limited the opportunity for a structured yield improvement for the catchers and stifled growth for LEFCOL and the region.
There is a real possibility to build a vibrant post-harvest value adding operation at LEFCOL, particularly given its strategic location, its membership, the size, likely/potential quality and consistency of the harvest and the existing facility.
The development needed at LEFCOL will only be achieved by improving the capacity and capability of the people who deliver the services.
Having a structured approach to building the capacity of the workforce will therefore positively impact and improve the services delivered The extra facilities and professional workforce created will offer many openings – some may not be seafood related as by creating a regional processing hub to this order may well support other ideas and interests.
From a Workforce development structure there would need to be an increase in staffing. Currently, there is no suitably skilled seafood processing resources available in Lakes Entrance to develop a pilot programme.
The intention is that this proposed activity would be a proof of concept to 'unlock' Victorian Government funds to take this pilot to a commercialisation phase. Objectives: 1. Assessment of the commercial and culinary capabilities of various seafood species including by-product 2. Development of suitable product specifications and grades per the above assessment and market opportunity knowledge 3. Development of suitable post harvest handling protocols and packaging requirements to meet the designed specifications 4. Development of cost/price metrics by product, form, pack and market 5. Development of suitable channels to market by product type 6. Development of suitable logistics solutions per market channel and product type 7. Development of quality assurance and process control protocols by product Read moreRead less