Development of sponge (Spongia Spp.) farming as a viable commercial enterprise for remote Aboriginal communities

Funding Activity

Website
https://www.frdc.com.au/project/2001-225

Funding Status
Closed

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Funded Activity Summary

There is an urgent need for employment and income generating projects within remote communities of northern Australia.

Despite there being several excellent sites for aquaculture near indigenous communities, there is currently no significant indigenous involvement in aquaculture in Northern Australia. This is partially the result of cultural norms in communities not being compatible with the intensive and high technology farming systems now in common use. There is a need to develop small-scale projects with a level of technology that will allow the participation of indigenous groups.

Such projects will form the basis for a diversified aquaculture industry in the NT which will be inclusive of both indigenous and non-indigenous groups in remote areas. Such projects have the capacity to generate income from a comparatively low investment and collectively form a significant export for the NT.


The proposed project will:
*meet a well-defined need and contribute to the public good.
*Form the basis for the development of a viable, community based aquaculture industry that will enhance the aquaculture industry of the NT and provide employment and income to remote communities.
*Provide a basis for future research into the establishment of appropriate sponge farming systems in the NT.
*Involve members of indigenous communities in the identification of options and related research
- direct involvement of community members will be a primary method of extension

Objectives:
1. Determine commercially viable sponge species in Northern Territory waters.
2. Identify markets for bath/cosmetic sponges.
3. Complete an economic evaluation of potential sponge farming systems in the NT.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 22-07-2001

End Date: 01-12-2003

Funding Scheme: Funding Scheme not available

Funding Amount: $15,000.00

Funder: Fisheries Research and Development Corporation

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

There are no FoR codes available for this funding activity

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Aquaculture | Bycatch | Community | Consumer Health | Disease | Indigenous | Market opportunities | Pharmaceutics | Stock Assessment

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