Aquafin CRC - SBT Aquaculture Subprogram: a risk assessment of factors influencing the health of farmed southern bluefin

Funded Activity Summary

While the economically valuable tuna aquaculture industry has not been affected by major disease outbreaks to date, further development and possible intensification of not only tuna aquaculture, but aquaculture in general in the tuna farming regions, will increase the risk of fish health problems in the future. Significant disease related mortality are best prevented by recognising and managing risks before they become a major issue.

At present there is a wide range of information from TBOASA SBT heath surveys and the provision of a diagnostic service to industry, however, this information has not previously been used to identify and reduce risks. Published scientific literature also contains reports on SBT fish health issues, as well as other finfish health risks relevant to SBT aquaculture and there is a clear need to review all the information available.

The economic value of this project is difficult to quantify, but the extensive tuna mortalities in April-May 1996 due to the effects of a storm, highlight the potential impact and cost of a serious disease outbreak. In 1996, 70% of the tuna held by the industry died within a few weeks, this equating to a 1999/2000 market value of $141 million. Such a loss would result in serious economic and job loss to a major regional area of South Australia, with flow on effects elsewhere.

Objectives:
1. To provide a qualitative fish health risk assessment for the tuna aquaculture industry in Australia.
2. To review tuna health information from the industry (including their database), research organisations and scientific literature.
3. To identify areas of highest risk and propose management control measures for the industry, as well as research priorities.
4. To disseminate the results of this SBT health risk assessment project.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 31-01-2002

End Date: 01-07-2003

Funding Scheme: Funding Scheme not available

Funding Amount: $87,038.00

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

Animal Health | Animal Welfare | Aquaculture | Biology | Disease | Health And Safety | Mortality | Offshore

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