Creating a sustainable, healthy, and equitable food system. This project aims to develop a whole-of-food system approach that will result in a more healthy, sustainable, and equitable food environment. A multi-disciplinary approach, based on the US Vermont Farm to Plate initiative, will bring together key stakeholders to collectively increase availability and access to locally sourced food, increase consumer awareness of sustainable food choices, accompanied with a retail “Love Local” campaign. ....Creating a sustainable, healthy, and equitable food system. This project aims to develop a whole-of-food system approach that will result in a more healthy, sustainable, and equitable food environment. A multi-disciplinary approach, based on the US Vermont Farm to Plate initiative, will bring together key stakeholders to collectively increase availability and access to locally sourced food, increase consumer awareness of sustainable food choices, accompanied with a retail “Love Local” campaign. Knowledge created by this research will inform policy and legislative reforms that will empower local governments and communities to respond to food system challenges. This case study in regional NSW will demonstrate the effectiveness of a framework that can be upscaled to other areas and countries.Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Improving Efficiency In Generating Submissions And Consistency Of Outcomes For MSC Based Assessments
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$63,939.00
Summary
The Government of WA, in collaboration with industry, has initiated an ambitious program to have all commercial fisheries in Western Australia undergo MSC certification. All commercial fisheries will undergo pre-assessment by the end of 2014. Any fishery that chooses to undergo full MSC assessment will have the initial certification costs funded which will begin in 2014. A number of issues have arisen during the establishment of this process that need to be addressed prior to the end of the pr ....The Government of WA, in collaboration with industry, has initiated an ambitious program to have all commercial fisheries in Western Australia undergo MSC certification. All commercial fisheries will undergo pre-assessment by the end of 2014. Any fishery that chooses to undergo full MSC assessment will have the initial certification costs funded which will begin in 2014. A number of issues have arisen during the establishment of this process that need to be addressed prior to the end of the pre-assessment process and especially before many fisheries move to full assessment.
Direct experience with MSC assessment process for the rock lobster fishery, plus reviews of the MSC process (MRAG, 2011) have shown that once initial ‘scores’ or opinions have been established for a fishery, these scores and opinions strongly dictate the outcome and the subsequent level of conditions established for the fishery to either gain or maintain certification. In going from pre to full assessments, the scores may go down, but almost never go up (MRAG, 2011). Lower scores that require undertaking activities to ‘close off’ conditions, especially for Principle 2 (ecological) criteria is where the costs of MSC certification can become prohibitive These costs can be significantly greater than the direct MSC assessment or audit costs; for rock lobster this has run into many $millions. It is essential, therefore, that the number of 'unecessary' conditions, particularly those requiring collection of more information (which is the most common condition applied, MRAG, 2011) are minimised to avoid unnecessary costs for industry and government.
An additional complexity is the Fishery Standard Review (FSR) currently being undertaken by MSC. This has proposed changes for P1 and P2 whcih could significantly alter how we approach MSC assessments and therefore need to directly test the impacts of these proposed changes. Objectives: 1. Increase the efficiency of generating submissions for MSC assessments. 2. Minimise the likelihood of unnecessary conditions being imposed during MSC assessments Read moreRead less
SCRC: RTG: Hands-on Operational Experience And Training At The Port Stephens Research Institute (PSRI) Marine Finfish Hatchery, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach, NSW (Fisheries Technician: Trevor Borchert, DEEDI)
The Biological Oceanography Of Western Rock Lobster Larvae
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$614,243.88
Summary
Lack of knowledge of Western Australia’s fisheries oceanography fundamentally limits understanding of the recruitment of Western Rock Lobster, Panulirus cygnus, in a fishery worth $200-300 million/year to Australia. The life cycle of P. cygnus includes a planktonic “phyllosoma” larval stage that can be transported ~1500 km offshore, via ocean currents. Development then continues at sea for up to 11 months, before juveniles (“puerulus”) cross the shelf to recruit to coastal reef areas. Critical t ....Lack of knowledge of Western Australia’s fisheries oceanography fundamentally limits understanding of the recruitment of Western Rock Lobster, Panulirus cygnus, in a fishery worth $200-300 million/year to Australia. The life cycle of P. cygnus includes a planktonic “phyllosoma” larval stage that can be transported ~1500 km offshore, via ocean currents. Development then continues at sea for up to 11 months, before juveniles (“puerulus”) cross the shelf to recruit to coastal reef areas. Critical to improving management of this fishery is an understanding of oceanographic mechanisms driving coastal recruitment. The last three years of puerulus settlement have been low, with the latest (2008/09) the lowest in 40 years. This recent low settlement remains unexplained by environmental drivers previously identified as important, so its cause represents a key unknown for managers assessing the fishery’s sustainability. We will test the hypothesis that variation in settlement is driven by variation in food availability during the open-ocean stage of the phyllosoma larvae. We suggest that ocean productivity, particularly the nitrate-driven classic food chain supporting diatoms, and copepods, (as the ultimate prey of phyllosoma), limits phyllosoma growth and survival in their oceanic phase. Our work targets the peak autumn/winter plankton bloom in the Leeuwin Current, quantifying oceanographic parameters crucial to modelling rock lobster larval dynamics and attempting to link these directly to the food chain on which the phyllosoma as active predators, rely very heavily upon for survival. Objectives: 1. Analyze phyllosoma densities, sizes, genetics at four latitudes (Rottnest-Shark Bay, WA) 2. Analyze offshore food web structures supporting phyllosoma growth at sea 3. Assess potential for Leeuwin Current autumn/winter bloom to support phyllosoma growth Read moreRead less
The western rock lobster fishery prides itself on being one of the best-managed and demonstrably sustainable seafood resource in Australia. It is a substantial industry. Forecasts of catch for the 1999/00 season are 14,000,000kgs. The product is almost all exported, and a potential average selling price of $30.00 suggests direct revenue to Australia of over $400 million next year.
Accordingly, any modest improvements in the production processes or in customer perceptions can lead t ....The western rock lobster fishery prides itself on being one of the best-managed and demonstrably sustainable seafood resource in Australia. It is a substantial industry. Forecasts of catch for the 1999/00 season are 14,000,000kgs. The product is almost all exported, and a potential average selling price of $30.00 suggests direct revenue to Australia of over $400 million next year.
Accordingly, any modest improvements in the production processes or in customer perceptions can lead to substantial extra revenue to Australia.
Innovation in the industry has been slow due to high entry costs into the processing section of the industry and the exposure of processors the volatile beach prices and overseas demands and prices. This combined with the strong presence of processing co-operatives has minimised the attractiveness of the industry to new participants.
Without external assistance such as NSC, the potential benefits to the industry of changing production systems may not be realised for some time.
The sensory evaluations will seek to identify whether the consumers prefer the steamed product or are indifferent between steamed and traditionally cooked product. A marked preference for the steamed product would indicate the possibility of premium product positioning and special branding. Consumer indifference would suggest the commercial benefits could arise only from better yields in the production processes. A consumer preference for the traditionally cooked product would suggest the change in techniques would not be successful. Objectives: 1. To identify commercially relevant differences between Western rock lobster cooked by steam processes and Western rock lobster cooked by traditional boiling methods, with particular reference to differences of appearance, taste, processing yield, micor biological safety and responses to freezing and chilling. 2. To identify optimal steam processing techniques. Read moreRead less
Growing A Profitable, Innovative And Collaborative Australian Yellowtail Kingfish Aquaculture Industry: Bringing 'white' Fish To The Market - RnD4Profit-14-01-027 - SA Component
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$2,642,603.00
Summary
YTK farming is identified nationally as the greatest opportunity for new aquaculture development in the next few decades through substantial increases in farmed area and product, and use of aquafeeds, resulting in growth in regional economies and employment. Within 10 years, YTK production is expected to increase by 34,000 tonnes, worth $440 million, and using 68,000 tonnes of aquafeed worth $136 million. The key challenge to achieving this growth is for industry to diversify its focus from su ....YTK farming is identified nationally as the greatest opportunity for new aquaculture development in the next few decades through substantial increases in farmed area and product, and use of aquafeeds, resulting in growth in regional economies and employment. Within 10 years, YTK production is expected to increase by 34,000 tonnes, worth $440 million, and using 68,000 tonnes of aquafeed worth $136 million. The key challenge to achieving this growth is for industry to diversify its focus from supplying only the relatively small volume, high price sashimi market to the larger volume, lower price Australian ‘white fish’ market, while enhancing farm productivity and reducing operating costs to maintain profitability.
This project will enable industry to grow its position by developing more cost effective, sustainable feeds and feeding strategies to enhance YTK growth and health; the industry’s highest common R&D priorities as feed and feeding strategies comprise 60% of operating costs. It will also network three key Australian YTK aquaculture companies and their aligned research institutions (SA, NSW and WA). Aquafeed companies are also likely to participate. As such, this project will meet the designated ‘Rural Research & Development for Profit Programme’ objectives: 1. “Generating knowledge, technologies, products or processes that benefit primary producers", 2. “Establishing and fostering industry and research collaborations that form the basis for ongoing innovation and growth of Australian agriculture”.
The key Activities wil address the YTK industry's common R&D priorities through three components/themes: 1. Economically sustainable feeds and improved diet formulation (NUTRITION); 2. Improved FEEDING STRATEGIES to increase profit; and 3. Improving nutritional HEALTH to boost productivity.
Once the project is initiated the Steering Committee will develop an agreed approach to engage with aquafeed companies to maximise participation in and contribution to the project.
Objectives: 1. NUTRITION: Greater understanding of the conditional dietary requirements for fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and cholesterol in large YTK at summer water temperatures 2. NUTRITION: Improved utilisation of land animal protein to reduce fish meal content in production diets for large YTK during winter 3. NUTRITION: Improved knowledge of the effects of emulsifiers on lipid digestibility and gut health in large YTK at winter water temperatures 4. NUTRITION: Greater knowledge of alternative high n-3 vegetable oils for large YTK at winter water temperatures 5. FEEDING STRATEGIES: Optimise winter feeding strategies for large market size YTK 6. FEEDING STRATEGIES: Understanding the effect of variable oxygen levels in tanks on feed utilisation of large YTK at summer water temperatures 7. HEALTH: Develop and validate a challenge model suitable for assessing health of YTK provided with different diets using different feeding strategies 8. HEALTH: Examine, understand and improve gastrointestinal function and health to enhance YTK performance 9. EXTENDING YTK CAPABILITY: Build the capability of industry and its service providers through increased awareness, education & training Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Addressing The Urgent Need To Identify Viable Refrigerant Alternatives For Use In The Northern Prawn Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$80,908.22
Summary
High capacity, reliable refrigeration systems are essential for provision of quality seafood, particularly from remote areas of the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF). Recent policy changes by the DSEWPaC to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets will result in phasing out of the most commonly used refrigerant, R22. The proposed shift towards use of natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practic ....High capacity, reliable refrigeration systems are essential for provision of quality seafood, particularly from remote areas of the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF). Recent policy changes by the DSEWPaC to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets will result in phasing out of the most commonly used refrigerant, R22. The proposed shift towards use of natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.
Adaptation to natural refrigerants may be a viable option for land-based refrigeration systems, however the size, complexity, location and purpose of refrigeration systems used aboard NPF vessels are likely to prevent adaptation or modification of existing systems without significant safety, operational and/or cost implications which are impractical and unsustainable for NPF operators.
Significant seasonal/spatial variability in availability of target prawn species can radically influence refrigeration load requirements in the NPF. Consequently, NPF systems are uniquely designed with capacity to snap freeze 5 tons of 25°C product down to -18°C in 8–12 hours, with a holding capacity at -35°C of 30–40 tonnes. This freezing and storage capacity is uncommon among refrigeration systems, particularly among vessel-mounted systems. Consequently, alternative options are likely to significantly limit freezing capacity of NPF vessels, impacting on the economic value of Australia’s most valuable Commonwealth-managed fishery.
Additional factors including the significant distance between fishing grounds and ports, limited ability of vessel engineers to maintain complex refrigeration systems, and significant dangers associated with use of highly volatile refrigerant alternatives also necessitate use of safe, simple, reliable refrigeration systems, further limiting adaptive options able to be applied to NPF vessels.
There is an urgent need to review options able to be applied to NPF fishing systems and identify an uncomplicated, reliable, high capacity, compact and inexpensive solution.
Objectives: 1. Undertake detailed review of refrigerant alternatives to R22 that are able to be applied on NPF vessels. Evaluate associated advantages and disadvantages of each, including an estimate of the costs per vessel associated with implementation of alternatives. 2. Identify a simple, cost effective, reliable solution to the impending phasing out of R22 in Australia 3. Extend key findings to target audiences - particularly NPF operators, government officials and political representatives Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Trial Of An Industry Implemented, Spatially Discrete Eradication/control Program For Centrostephanus Rodgersii In Tasmania
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$133,200.78
Summary
Over the last three decades the distribution of long-spined sea urchin has extended from its native range in NSW down the east coast of Tasmania and west through Victoria. The impact of this range expansion is expected to intensify. This large sea urchin overgrazes seaweeds and invertebrates on rocky reefs, causing catastrophic regime shifts in the coastal ecosystems. The 'barren' habitats that are left after the establishment of an urchin population are unable to support commercial or recreati ....Over the last three decades the distribution of long-spined sea urchin has extended from its native range in NSW down the east coast of Tasmania and west through Victoria. The impact of this range expansion is expected to intensify. This large sea urchin overgrazes seaweeds and invertebrates on rocky reefs, causing catastrophic regime shifts in the coastal ecosystems. The 'barren' habitats that are left after the establishment of an urchin population are unable to support commercial or recreational fisheries for abalone or rock lobster among other species. Therefore the incursion of this species into non-endemic regions pose a significant threat to the integrity of shallow reef ecosystems and the associated biodiversity and fisheries these regions support. Objectives: 1. Determine the effectiveness of divers physically destroying urchins in situ to either eradicate or control spatially discrete aggregations to allow the re-establishment of native flora and fauna 2. Determine the cost effectiveness of objective 1 in regard to lost production for commercial, recreational and customary harvests. Read moreRead less
New Product Development: Reformed Fish Products From Fish Processing Waste
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$38,200.00
Summary
Australian fisheries production has been declining in recent years, and there appears to be little potential to significantly increase this production in the medium term. Most of Australia's commercial fisheries are operating at their maximum (available) capacity, and the commercial imperative now is for these groups to maximise the value of production from the limited and in some cases, declining resources.
The future of the industry shall be largely related to how well the industry ....Australian fisheries production has been declining in recent years, and there appears to be little potential to significantly increase this production in the medium term. Most of Australia's commercial fisheries are operating at their maximum (available) capacity, and the commercial imperative now is for these groups to maximise the value of production from the limited and in some cases, declining resources.
The future of the industry shall be largely related to how well the industry is able to adjust to new market conditions under such environmental and resource constraints.
At present, large amounts of fish waste occur in the industry due to either waste material such as fish frames or low commercial value species and ‘incidental' bycatch material.
There is a need for the industry to maximise its yields and commercial returns for the limited industry resource. Industry profitability and sustainability depends upon key issues such as maximising commercial yields, value-adding and product development.
Similarly, recent industry reports (eg, Retail World, BIS Shrapnel) have confirmed that while retail fresh seafood sales are growing, canned and frozen seafood products account for the majority of sales with $360 million in retail sales in Australia.
The frozen segment is dominated by frozen fillets and fish fingers which is primarily sourced from imported frozen fish. Indeed it has been reported that Simplot and I&J which control over 50% of the Australian market by volume and value, are about to commence aggressive expansion plans for their frozen products. Similarly Sealord which is Simplot's brand for fillet product is rebuilding its market with new species and product development.
These sources confirm that the Australian food service and retail market are major growth areas for value-added, ‘reformed' food products.
This proposal for ‘product development' however is not aimed to develop 'another fish finger' or to be a 'me too' product. Rather it aims to be a new differentiated product using low value resource material to capitalise on defined market opportunities and international market experience. Clearly market research for these product opportunities shall be a key part of the proposal.
The focus shall be on identifying market opportunities and available resources of Australian fish waste to capitalise upon existing international product development experience . Objectives: 1. To evaluate the feasibility of developing reformed fish products from Australian processed fish waste. 2. To develop new products for the fish waste material in association with industry and researchers. Read moreRead less
Governance, Social And Economic Sustainability Of WA's Western Rocklobster And Finfish Industries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$292,886.72
Summary
The WA rock lobster and finfish industries are in transition. Contraction of catches and consequent management changes have made long term economic sustainability an issue that now needs to be addressed within Integrated Fisheries Management (IFM).
Achieving this requires:
(1) An assessment of economic sustainability across all sectors in the supply chain. Decreasing volumes mean unit costs will likely rise. Rationalization will be required that reflects the optimal economic s ....The WA rock lobster and finfish industries are in transition. Contraction of catches and consequent management changes have made long term economic sustainability an issue that now needs to be addressed within Integrated Fisheries Management (IFM).
Achieving this requires:
(1) An assessment of economic sustainability across all sectors in the supply chain. Decreasing volumes mean unit costs will likely rise. Rationalization will be required that reflects the optimal economic scale in catching, processing and marketing. Optimizing the supply chain processes requires a better understanding of demand and pricing in domestic and international markets, including estimates of future prices and mechanisms to encourage greater efficiencies and better pricing outcomes. An essential component of long term economic sustainability is the assessment of potential opportunities to "value add" and to increase prices received by producers through coordinated value adding and marketing activities.
(2) Industry governance, funding and management arrangements that encourage long term sustainability based on optimizing the whole of the fishery. There is a need to "audit" governance structures to determine consistency with achieving long term economic sustainability and identify opportunities to make improvements.
(3) Assembling the best available information for managers to make the application of IFM consistent with long term sustainability of all parts of the industry. The governance process (management regimes, data collection, funding, allocation) needs to be part of a long term pathway to economic sustainability.
These broad needs were indentified in discussions with Heather Brayford and Lindsay Joll at DoF. Auditing governance structures to determine an optimal structure for long term economic sustainability was recognized as the area where this project would interact positively with DoF work going on to design integrated governance and management practices across fisheries generally and these fisheries in particular. They have agreed that Dr Lindsay Joll could be nominated as a co-investigator. Objectives: 1. Determine the optimal feasible strategies for sustaining industry profitability. 2. Determine the optimal Governance structure to secure regulatory objectives at least cost 3. Identify the relevant management information necessary to deliver sustainable commercial outcomes over time. Read moreRead less