Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development - Grant ID: DI100100130
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,834.00
Summary
Developing predictive tools for rapid assessment of multiple impacts, including climate change, on the marine ecosystem of Torres Strait (Australia). This project will underpin Australia's long-term commitment to maintain environmental biodiversity and sustainability in the face of synergistic effects from multiple threats. We will describe the consequences of threats and stressors on marine processes, harvested resources, and ecosystem functioning by identifying vulnerable species and habitats. ....Developing predictive tools for rapid assessment of multiple impacts, including climate change, on the marine ecosystem of Torres Strait (Australia). This project will underpin Australia's long-term commitment to maintain environmental biodiversity and sustainability in the face of synergistic effects from multiple threats. We will describe the consequences of threats and stressors on marine processes, harvested resources, and ecosystem functioning by identifying vulnerable species and habitats. We will provide management advice on balancing cultural and ecosystem integrity, economic efficiency, and ecosystem resilience under scenarios of climate and environmental change. This information is of immediate use by Australian government agencies. The project will put Australian scientists at the forefront of research focused on the adaptation of marine ecosystems to synergistic effects.Read moreRead less
Two-Eyed Seeing – A Framework For Cultural Fishery Assessments Supporting Equitable And Sustainable Access To Shared Resources In NSW Inland Rivers
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$1,460,500.00
Summary
Fish are totemic and a primary food source; and so are part of the deep cultural, spiritual and economic connections Aboriginal communities have to their waterways that are part of ‘Country’. Cultural knowledge tells us that when there’s more water availability cultural fishers experience increased total catches and greater diversity of target species, and they fish more (e.g. increase in recreational and subsistence fishing). These narratives also suggest that as a result of these improved cult ....Fish are totemic and a primary food source; and so are part of the deep cultural, spiritual and economic connections Aboriginal communities have to their waterways that are part of ‘Country’. Cultural knowledge tells us that when there’s more water availability cultural fishers experience increased total catches and greater diversity of target species, and they fish more (e.g. increase in recreational and subsistence fishing). These narratives also suggest that as a result of these improved cultural fishing opportunities, there are flow on socio-economic benefits to household budgets, diets of communities, social behaviours and mental health and well-being.
Water is sacred and living; and central to the cultural, social and spiritual identity of Aboriginal people, as well as to their livelihoods. Conceptual models underpinning western water management frameworks and decision making do not incorporate Aboriginal/First Nations socio-cultural complexity, local knowledge and governance arrangements. These are critical – Aboriginal/First Nations people have strong connections with fish, water, rivers and knowledge to contribute to planning, as well as a fundamental right to participate. Water and fish are central to the way of life, two-way knowledge and planning frameworks will support reciprocity in engagement and participation.
Two-Eyed Seeing Frameworks (Ganma, Yolgnu for two-ways) provide a way forward for cultural fishery assessments supporting equitable and sustainable access to shared resources. In this framework, knowledge systems (western and cultural) contribute in parallel, on an equal footing, and both serve as evidence bases to produce an enriched picture of mutual understanding. Application of this framework can empower Aboriginal communities to participate more equitably and negotiate by using their science and values and providing a method for inclusion.
The overall objective of this proposed project is to empower Aboriginal communities through application of a “Two-Eyed seeing framework” (Reid et al. 2020) to participate more equitably and negotiate for cultural fishing practices and water allocation and management. This project will define the cultural fishery and quantify the socio-economic value of cultural fishing in two NSW river regions, and assist communities to identify water management needs for key cultural fish species to support ongoing planning and negotiations. It will improve our current fishery and water management by providing a pathway for cultural fisheries and cultural science to be included. Overall, it will increase our current knowledge of fish and fisheries, by bridging the gap between cultural science and western science practitioners and knowledge holders to share understandings, insights and skills. The application and extension of this framework to a national project will be considered for future use in addressing cultural fishery allocations and management.
Objectives: 1. Identify suitable NSW riverine cultural fisheries, engage with Aboriginal Communities, Traditional Owners, codesign the project and confirm move to phase 2. 2. Define and quanitfy the cultural fishery and associated totemic, cultura and social values 3. Identify and describe fish objectives and water management needs for cultural fish species using the Fish and Flows Framework. 4. Determine if changes in (2) are related to changes in water availability, policy and operations and/or river restoration activities (e.g. fish passage restoration, cold water passage, screening), if possible. 5. Objectively assess the efficacy and utility of the “Two-Eyed Seeing framework” in assessing the totemic, culutal and social fishing values and linking them to the fish and flows framework, including consideration of National applicability. Read moreRead less
Molecular and genetic analysis of epigenetic components in a model plant. Australia is a major exporter of agricultural food crops thus producers must maintain their competitive advantage in order to compete on the world stage. Food crops unfortunately have large, complex genomes that are not sequenced and a generation time of months that makes research outcomes slow to achieve. This project proposes to utilise a model plant that has a small completely sequenced genome and a short generation tim ....Molecular and genetic analysis of epigenetic components in a model plant. Australia is a major exporter of agricultural food crops thus producers must maintain their competitive advantage in order to compete on the world stage. Food crops unfortunately have large, complex genomes that are not sequenced and a generation time of months that makes research outcomes slow to achieve. This project proposes to utilise a model plant that has a small completely sequenced genome and a short generation time making it ideal to study the fundamental biological process of RNA silencing. Discoveries and outcomes from this project may have the potential to benefit Australian crops, ecosystems and human health.Read moreRead less
ARC Centre of Excellence - In Plant Energy Biology (CPEB). Plant cell metabolism underlies the synthesis of important products in crops, and subtle changes in metabolism can enhance germination rates, early seedling vigour, biomass/yield, and tolerance to harsh environments. Research in CPEB will focus on control of this metabolism. Its expertise will enhance Australia's participation in major international research efforts directly relevant to sustainable agriculture in a country with fragile/ ....ARC Centre of Excellence - In Plant Energy Biology (CPEB). Plant cell metabolism underlies the synthesis of important products in crops, and subtle changes in metabolism can enhance germination rates, early seedling vigour, biomass/yield, and tolerance to harsh environments. Research in CPEB will focus on control of this metabolism. Its expertise will enhance Australia's participation in major international research efforts directly relevant to sustainable agriculture in a country with fragile/degrading ecosystems. The research will provide new approaches for enhancing quality metabolite traits important for human health. It will further strengthen our international leadership in plant energy science, and will strengthen Australia's research training in systems biology to influence plant function.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989986
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$230,000.00
Summary
Hybrid Fourier Transform Dispersive Raman Micro-Spectrometer. This facility will be used in a wide range of existing and new research projects in government priority areas such as the development of new materials, frontier technologies for building and transforming existing industries, better understanding of diversity and functioning in mycorrhizal and other fungi in forest soils and plant roots and developing new characterisation methods for forensic investigations. The proposed equipment aims ....Hybrid Fourier Transform Dispersive Raman Micro-Spectrometer. This facility will be used in a wide range of existing and new research projects in government priority areas such as the development of new materials, frontier technologies for building and transforming existing industries, better understanding of diversity and functioning in mycorrhizal and other fungi in forest soils and plant roots and developing new characterisation methods for forensic investigations. The proposed equipment aims to provide outstanding opportunities for the training of research students, expanding research in the fields of materials, minerals, geological, environmental and forensic science enabling to maintain Australia's lead and competitiveness in cutting edge research and technology. Read moreRead less
SCRC: PhD : An Investigation Of The Microbiology And Biotechnical Properties Leading To Extended Shelf-life In Goldband Snapper (Pristipomoides Multidens)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Tropical snapper species are have a highly variable shelf-life during chilled storage. The overall aim of this project is to determine why Goldband Snapper (Pristipomoides multidens) has a greater shelf life than some similar fish species and to use this knowledge to produce some practical applications to increase shelf-life in other species with shorter shelf-life. To do this we will investigate the microbiological and biochemical properties of Goldband Snapper and, using a control species for ....Tropical snapper species are have a highly variable shelf-life during chilled storage. The overall aim of this project is to determine why Goldband Snapper (Pristipomoides multidens) has a greater shelf life than some similar fish species and to use this knowledge to produce some practical applications to increase shelf-life in other species with shorter shelf-life. To do this we will investigate the microbiological and biochemical properties of Goldband Snapper and, using a control species for comparison, determine if any of these properties are responsible for the long shelf life observed with this fish species. The control species for this project, the Saddleback Snapper (Paracaesio kusakarii), was chosen because it is a similar fish but with a much shorter shelf life. If any significant differences are detected, the possibility of transferring or replicating these properties onto other fish will be investigated. This project will impact greatly on the fishing industry if particular bacteria (or lack of bacteria) or other properties which promote long shelf life are able to be identified and replicated on other fish species.
The project is related to and arose as a result of FRDC 2006/209 “Developing targeted strategies for improving product quality through selected low value seafood supply chains.” and will continue working with currently estabished industry partners including WAFIC and WA Department of Fisheries. The project will be under the auspices of the WA Centre of Excellence for Seafood (CoES), and is particularly associated with the supply chain performance theme of the CoES.Read moreRead less
Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Phosphines, Arsines, and Stibines. There are now chiral phosphine-transition metal catalysts that rival enzymes in their efficiency for the asymmetric synthesis of important chiral drugs, fragrants, cosmetics, nutrients, vitamins, and pesticides. This project is aimed at a generalised asymmetric synthesis of the critical components of these enzyme mimics, notably enantiopure chiral phosphines, but also chiral arsines and stibines, by a highly innovative approach t ....Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Phosphines, Arsines, and Stibines. There are now chiral phosphine-transition metal catalysts that rival enzymes in their efficiency for the asymmetric synthesis of important chiral drugs, fragrants, cosmetics, nutrients, vitamins, and pesticides. This project is aimed at a generalised asymmetric synthesis of the critical components of these enzyme mimics, notably enantiopure chiral phosphines, but also chiral arsines and stibines, by a highly innovative approach that involves novel six-electron phosphenium, arsenium, and stibinium cations that are themselves stabilised by chiral phosphines so that chemical breeder reactions are possible. The use of chiral auxiliaries from the natural pool and from biotechnology will also be investigated.Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Development Of A National Aquatic Animal Health Curriculum For Delivery By Tertiary Institutions
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$39,980.00
Summary
The project will address the Aquatic Animal Health Sub Program priority (4) for the Development of a national aquatic animal health curriculum for delivery by tertiary institutions. Trained professionals in aquatic animal health are needed to support the continued development and sustainability of the aquaculture sector within Australia. The productivity and marketability of the aquaculture and fishing industries depend directly on the capacity to promote, monitor, manage, research, and reg ....The project will address the Aquatic Animal Health Sub Program priority (4) for the Development of a national aquatic animal health curriculum for delivery by tertiary institutions. Trained professionals in aquatic animal health are needed to support the continued development and sustainability of the aquaculture sector within Australia. The productivity and marketability of the aquaculture and fishing industries depend directly on the capacity to promote, monitor, manage, research, and regulate the health and welfare of a wide range of species in a wide range of aquatic environments. Currently training opportunities and resourceful corporate knowledge exist across the country covering only a subset of the core attributes required to meet industry, government and service needs. It is necessary to review available training capacities to develop a standard national curriculum to educate relevant veterinarians and other aquatic health professionals.
It will also fulfill the requirements of a number of FRDC priority Program themes. Theme 1 Biosecurity and aquatic animal health by enhancing the development of capability, systems, knowledge and technologies to detect and identify pathogens to mitigate their impact on aquatic animals, ecosystems, profitability and viability. Theme 12 &13 Workforce development by specifically planning through focused educational outputs for future workforce needs and Innovation Skills by aiding in the building of human capability to produce and adopt knowledge technologies and innovative practices Theme 14 Extension and adoption. Having consistently qualified scientific support for the fishing and aquaculture industries there will be timely delivery of accessible, accurate RD&E outputs to all stakeholders. This project plays a pivotal role in fulfilling Objective 5 of Aquaplan 2014-2019, Australia's National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health.
Objectives: 1. A review of the need, scope and end user market for a national curriculum in aquatic animal health 2. An understating of the current content and provision of aquatic animal health education within the tertiary sector in Australia. Read moreRead less