Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: The Production Of Nodavirus-free Fish Fry And The Nodaviruses Natural Distribution
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$222,356.00
Summary
Nodavirus in wild barramundi populations
* There is a need to address concerns about the effect of stocking hatchery-reared barramundi on the level of unapparent nodavirus infections (that is, the prevalence) in wild barramundi. * The first step is to determine the prevalence of nodavirus in wild populations of barramundi (that is to say the natural level of nodavirus-carrier status – an infection without disease). * The baseline nodavirus prevalence data will permit: - c ....Nodavirus in wild barramundi populations
* There is a need to address concerns about the effect of stocking hatchery-reared barramundi on the level of unapparent nodavirus infections (that is, the prevalence) in wild barramundi. * The first step is to determine the prevalence of nodavirus in wild populations of barramundi (that is to say the natural level of nodavirus-carrier status – an infection without disease). * The baseline nodavirus prevalence data will permit: - comparison of barramundi populations in areas where stocking has or has not occurred, - assessment of changes in prevalence of nodavirus in future years, - effective decisions about appropriate sources of replacement broodstock for breeding programs.
Nodavirus in freshwater fishes
* There is a need to address concerns about the risk of possible lethal transmission of barramundi nodavirus to freshwater fishes. * Recent investigations have shown a possible susceptibility of freshwater fishes to barramundi nodavirus and that nodaviruses naturally occur in species other than barramundi in Australia, including the freshwater species, sleepy cod. * There is a need to determine if there are nodaviruses in freshwater fishes as a risk analysis for translocation should include disease-status information in the receiving population.
Are the nodaviruses found in freshwater fishes related to barramundi nodavirus?
* If nodaviruses are detected in freshwater fish an analysis of relatedness (sequence analysis of PCR products) could indicate an association to previous stocking in that area of hatchery-reared barramundi. This information would support effective risk analysis for future translocation considerations.
A testing protocol for hatchery production of nodavirus-free fish fry.
* Broodstock screening protocols to identify nodavirus-free broodstock have been described from overseas but the detection tests used then are not as sensitive as the two-step or nested RT-PCR, and the protocols include a requirement for egg/water disinfection and repeat testing of larvae. * There is a need to evaluate and validate the sensitivity of the two-step or nested RT-PCR to identify nodavirus-free broodstock and to determine if one or more tests are required to confirm the nodavirus-free status. * There is a need to confirm in barramundi that larvae/fry become infected by nodavirus through the vertical transmission route (ie., from their parent(s)). * There is a need to determine if fry can become infected via nodavirus-contaminated water once they are stocked into nursery systems. * If the vertical infection route is the same for all fish species, the information on the testing protocol required to produce nodavirus-free barramundi fry will be a model testing protocol applicable to all fish species in breeding programs in Australia. Objectives: 1. To determine the natural level of nodavirus infection in wild barramundi. 2. To determine the presence or absence of nodavirus infections in freshwater fish species. 3. To describe the relatedness of any nodaviruses isolated from freshwater fishes. 4. To define the best testing protocol in barramundi hatchery production systems to ensure nodavirus-free fry production. Read moreRead less
Oysters Australia IPA: Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) – Closing Knowledge Gaps To Continue Farming C. Gigas In Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$463,700.00
Summary
POMS, caused by OsHV-1, has devastated C. gigas farming in two estuaries in NSW. Australia’s other growing areas are free (survey 2011). Expert opinion is that the virus will spread, but the time frame is unpredictable; TAS and SA are at great risk. Research to find a solution to continue farming is an immediate priority to protect the ~$53M pa industry.
Farming C. gigas in the face of POMS requires improvements in both husbandry and genetics. Genetically resistant stock will not be av ....POMS, caused by OsHV-1, has devastated C. gigas farming in two estuaries in NSW. Australia’s other growing areas are free (survey 2011). Expert opinion is that the virus will spread, but the time frame is unpredictable; TAS and SA are at great risk. Research to find a solution to continue farming is an immediate priority to protect the ~$53M pa industry.
Farming C. gigas in the face of POMS requires improvements in both husbandry and genetics. Genetically resistant stock will not be available commercially until 2018, with partial resistance (POMS R&D Coordination Committee report).
Improved husbandry is needed at all stages of the production cycle. It is addressed by this application, which builds on research in FRDC projects 2011/053 and 2012/032 that led to breakthroughs in understanding the epidemiology of POMS: mortality can be completely prevented in hatcheries using relatively simple water treatments, and reduced by 50% in adult stock (but not juveniles) by raising the growing height. However, many growers do not have infrastructure for this.
In June 2014 industry stated it would benefit from information about consistency of seasonal infection, changes in the virus, hatchery biosecurity, and whether spat can be certified free from infection.
Growers at SAOGA August 2014 reiterated that they urgently need a strategy for juvenile grow out and rack and rail systems that can't easily be elevated.
Priorities were confirmed in a face to face meeting with TORC members on 28th August 2014. Objectives were reviewed by Oysters Australia R&D committee on 1/12/14, and modified accordingly, leading to this full application.
This project fits within the FRDC 2015 Environment Priority 5: development of robust methodologies for investigation of mollusk disease outbreaks; integrated health management for commercial molluscs, which flow from priorities of the Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram. Objectives: 1. To determine methods for the conditioning/husbandry of spat and juvenile oysters to obtain survival after exposure to OsHV-1 based on improved scientific understanding of exposure, pathogenesis, immunity, tolerance or latency 2. To confirm i) the consistency of seasonal patterns of POMS, ii) the periodicity of infection within season, iii) inter-estuary temperature variation, and iv) predict POMS seasonal behaviour. 3. To identify changes in OsHV-1 DNA sequence over time (2010-2016) to understand infection and disease patterns 4. To investigate the mechanisms of survival of Pacific oysters after exposure to OsHV-1, including assessment of exposure dose and using biosensors 5. To determine whether water treatments prevent OsHV-1 infection of spat or merely prevent mortality, and whether they can be applied for biosecurity of hatchery effluent 6. To describe an integrated disease control strategy based on complementary use of genetically resistant oysters (when available) and husbandry methods throughout the production cycle: hatchery-juvenile-growout to market 7. To build capacity in aquatic animal health for Australian industry through training a post graduate student Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Development Of A National Translocation Policy Using Abalone And Prawns As Templates For Other Aquatic Species
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$24,391.00
Summary
To maximize gains from the breeding programs they need to cross best performing stock. Where the stock is located in different States, there is a need to move the animals across state borders - preferably as animal or seed, but the ability to move gametes or larvae would be viewed as significant progress towards achieving the objectives of the program. The project leaders are also requesting that the business of selling genetically enhanced stock not be restricted to customers within state bor ....To maximize gains from the breeding programs they need to cross best performing stock. Where the stock is located in different States, there is a need to move the animals across state borders - preferably as animal or seed, but the ability to move gametes or larvae would be viewed as significant progress towards achieving the objectives of the program. The project leaders are also requesting that the business of selling genetically enhanced stock not be restricted to customers within state borders as this limit would make the program economically unviable.
This need for national translocation policies is becoming urgent with the steady but unpublicized increase in the number of aquatic animal hatcheries across Australia. To make the hatcheries viable, sales across jurisdictions in some industries are essential in some industries. Considering all aquatic animal species, not just abalone, Western Australia alone has in excess of seventeen aquaculture production hatcheries (as at August 2003) and this pattern is similar in other jurisdictions. Objectives: 1. To develop a single consistent translocation policy document for live temperate abalone, involving Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia, which is based on scientific risk assessment principles; recognizes that the disease status of wild abalone populations is still unclear; may recognize different zones of “risk” and is consistent with Australia’s international obligations. 2. To develop a single consistent translocation policy document for live prawns, involving Queensland, Northern Territory, New South Wales and Western Australia, which is based on scientific risk assessment principles; recognizes that the disease status of wild prawn populations is still unclear; may recognize different zones of “risk” and is consistent with Australia’s international obligations. 3. To indicate how these policies can be a template for other translocation issues. Read moreRead less
BCA - Ecologically Sustainable Development Of The Fishery For Patagonian Toothfish (Dissostichus Eleginoides) Around Macquarie Island: Population Parameters, Population Assessment And Ecological Interactions
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$5,445.45
Summary
The Patagonian toothfish fishery is expanding worldwide and it may play a pivotal role in the development of an Australian fishing industry in the Southern Ocean. The recommended TAC for toothfish in other Southern Ocean regions was revised upwards by the 1996 CCAMLR scientific committee. For example, in the CCAMLR area 58.5.2 (primarily the AFZ around Heard and McDonald Islands) a TAC of 3800 metric tonnes of toothfish was set. As a result considerable national and international interest in the ....The Patagonian toothfish fishery is expanding worldwide and it may play a pivotal role in the development of an Australian fishing industry in the Southern Ocean. The recommended TAC for toothfish in other Southern Ocean regions was revised upwards by the 1996 CCAMLR scientific committee. For example, in the CCAMLR area 58.5.2 (primarily the AFZ around Heard and McDonald Islands) a TAC of 3800 metric tonnes of toothfish was set. As a result considerable national and international interest in the fishery is expected.
Given the conservation value of Macquarie Island it is expected that operation of the fishery will be closely scrutinised -- the scrutiny is already clear at the national ( MACSAG, AFMA, DPIE and conservation groups) level. Development of the Macquarie Island fishery provides a great opportunity as a demonstration project to illustrate that fishery development can be achieved while protecting conservation values -- a demonstration of Ecologically Sustainable Development in action. Furthermore, much of what will be learnt will also be relevant to the emerging Heard Island toothfish fishery.
To date little research has been done to establish the basic biological parameters of the toothfish necessary to develop sound management policies. As recognised by both the Macquarie Island Fish Stock Assessment Group and the Sub-Antarctic Ecosystem Assessment Group there is a real need to develop a comprehensive program of research which not only addresses basic biological parameters such as age and stock structure, but also examines the distribution and abundance of this species so that effective management of the fishery can proceed. As the Macquarie Island area is likely to be sensitive to possible ecosystem changes brought about by a developing fishery, there is also a need to understand where toothfish 'fit into' the broader offshore Macquarie Island ecosystem, and likely ecosystem effects. Objectives: 1. Determine the key population parameters (age validation, growth, age of maturity, mortality of fished cohorts, and population structure after age validation), distribution, movements and relative abundance of the Patagonian toothfish around Macquarie Island. 2. Assess the usefulness of DNA micro satellite markers for determining stock structure. 3. Assess the biological and physical oceanographic effects on catch rates, toothfish availability, and interactions between the fishery and non-target species. 4. Assess the magnitude and composition of the fishery bycatch, and identify the food chain linkages between the fishery, the toothfish, the main bird and mammal species. 5. Develop population models for the Patagonian toothfish fishery and provide strategies for developing and managing the fishery. Read moreRead less
Expert Consultation To Develop A Common Methodology To Determine Status Of Undefined Species
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$31,852.83
Summary
The SAFS assessments have provided assurance to seafood buyers regarding the stock status of many key Australian species and is a respected source of information used by the broader Australian community, including third party certification schemes,environmental NGOs, government, seafood retailers and food service companies.
However, the undefined status poses a problem for these stakeholders as they would like to buy many of these species but are constrained by how the interpretation o ....The SAFS assessments have provided assurance to seafood buyers regarding the stock status of many key Australian species and is a respected source of information used by the broader Australian community, including third party certification schemes,environmental NGOs, government, seafood retailers and food service companies.
However, the undefined status poses a problem for these stakeholders as they would like to buy many of these species but are constrained by how the interpretation of "undefined" may be viewed. The risk is that the stock may be overfished, underfished, it has no access to certification and there is no evidence base for the community to make an informed option.
There are also other stocks not included in the SAFS and falling under state jurisidictions which are also classified as undefined or unknown.
Given the variety of methods available, there is benefit of gaining agreement amongst scientists working in this area of methods to assess undefined stocks based on (a) the data and (b) the resources available. In some cases catch data may be available, but the resources required for catch only models may not be available. Also important is to increase focus on testing the performance of methods proposed for the assessment of data deficient fisheries (not a shortage of methods so much as a shortage of rigorous tests) . Gaining agreement on a risk based approach with agreed understanding on the interpretations of this approach would benefit SAFS users.
Objectives: 1. Undertake a workshop to progress the development of assessment methods for undefined species in the Status of Australian Fish Stocks report and other data limited species/fisheries Read moreRead less
Marine Scalefish Sector - Seafood Services Australia Food Safety Pilot Project
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$14,900.00
Summary
With the establishment of state based networks it is increasingly important to ensure that the products and services developed and delivered by Seafood Services Australia are relevant to and driven by local needs.
The original SeaQual food safety guidelines for harvesting, processing and retailing seafood were developed specifically to meet the requirements of Victorian legislation. Since then there have been changes in the development of the ANZFA national food safety standards as w ....With the establishment of state based networks it is increasingly important to ensure that the products and services developed and delivered by Seafood Services Australia are relevant to and driven by local needs.
The original SeaQual food safety guidelines for harvesting, processing and retailing seafood were developed specifically to meet the requirements of Victorian legislation. Since then there have been changes in the development of the ANZFA national food safety standards as well as a number of SSA initiatives including the seafood food safety risk analysis, development of a draft seafood safety standard and the development of a national seafood food safety emergency management plan. The National Seafood Industry Training Package, released in March 2000, identifies food safety as one of the core competencies for anyone working in the seafood industry.
It is now timely to review the SeaQual food safety guidelines to ensure that they are pragmatic and relevant to various fishing industry sectors. In particular it is important to demonstrate that developing a food safety plan can be done at any level in the industry. To date there has not been much effort placed in relation to food safety in small, multi species, multi method fishing operations.
Demonstrating that the SeaQual food safety guidelines are useful pragmatic tools relevant to the whole industry will be an important aspect in developing the customer focus necessary to achieve an internationally competitive industry. The project will use the SeaQual food safety guidelines for harvesting and the associated template to develop specific fishery type models to further enhance the capacity of fishing businesses to understand and comply with their customer’s and the legislative requirements for production of safe food. Objectives: 1. Develop and implement food safety plans for selected marine scale fish enterprises using the SeaQual food safety guidelines for harvesting seafood and the accompanying food safety plan template. 2. Provide input and feedback to Seafood Services Australia on how to improve the SeaQual guidelines and template for use by other fishing operations. 3. Assist in developing capacity within the SA Marine Scale Fishery to identify and manage current and potential food safety risks. 4. Provide four model templates for the sectors within the SA Marine Scale Fishery, enabling all operators within this fishery to comply with required consumer and government standards. Read moreRead less
The Detection Of Ciguatera Toxins In NSW Spanish Mackerel
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$490,000.00
Summary
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) causes the largest number of seafood-related food safety incidents in Australia. In NSW and southern QLD waters, CFP is mostly related to Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson). Ciguatoxins (CTXs) produced by marine microalgae (Gambierdiscus spp), are polyether toxins that accumulate in fish and cause CFP when fish are eaten. CTXs are heat stable, odourless, tasteless, and toxic at low concentrations, therefore it is very difficult to distinguish toxic fish. In ....Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) causes the largest number of seafood-related food safety incidents in Australia. In NSW and southern QLD waters, CFP is mostly related to Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson). Ciguatoxins (CTXs) produced by marine microalgae (Gambierdiscus spp), are polyether toxins that accumulate in fish and cause CFP when fish are eaten. CTXs are heat stable, odourless, tasteless, and toxic at low concentrations, therefore it is very difficult to distinguish toxic fish. In NSW, since 2014, 31 people have contracted CFP after consuming Spanish Mackerel caught locally, mostly through recreational fishing.
Validated commercial monitoring methods for CTXs are unavailable internationally, although research tools for CTX measurement have been developed. Regulatory methods for CFP prevention are to avoid certain fish species, fish of certain sizes (ie >10kg), or fish from certain regions. In Australia, effective prevention methods have not been clearly evaluated. This results in Spanish Mackerel that are safe to eat potentially being excluded from sale, resulting in significant losses (ie > ~$200k p.a in NSW). This project addresses this issue, which was identified as high priority in the Australian ciguatera research strategy formulated at a recent workshop (27-28th March, 2019).
In 2014, FRDC (Tactical Response) and the NSW Recreational Fisheries Trust funded an initial study on the incidence of CTXs in NSW Spanish Mackerel. CTX was present in flesh and liver samples (1-7% incidence), and was not clearly correlated with the weight of individual fish. This information showed that CFP risk management may require reassessment. This project will advance knowledge by: evaluating methods of detection of CTXs; determining detailed predictive data on CTX incidence; and evaluating environmental and biological factors associated with CTX in Spanish Mackerel to allow for an evaluation of risk assessment strategies. This information will benefit industry by enhancing consumer safety and industry confidence, and enabling the sale of safe Spanish Mackerel.
Objectives: 1. Determine industry CTX needs and conduct of review of available CTX measurement tools (including cell based assays, ELISA kits, and LCMS) against these needs. Conduct an assessment of the currently available screening tools to determine which, if any, hold promise for industry use. Conduct a viability assessment for how a tool might be used in industry or, if none of the currently available tools are appropriate, make recommendations for future activities to develop a rapid screening tool that meets industry needs. 2. Obtain samples of flesh and liver from ~300 individual Spanish Mackerel of all sizes caught in Industry relevant regions of NSW waters over a period of 2 years, as well as length, weight, sex and site information, with the participation of the Sydney Fish Market and commercial fishing Cooperatives. Obtain samples from any individual Spanish Mackerel associated with illnesses in NSW or QLD. Measure CTX1B and other available CTX analogs using best practice methods identified in Objective 1. 3. Conduct statistical data analyses of all available data on CTX concentrations in Spanish Mackerel in comparison to biological and environmental variables.Develop recommended options for food safety risk management for Spanish Mackerel in NSW that will allow for a viable industry while protecting public health. Read moreRead less
Linking Ecosystem Services To The Profitability Of Prawn Fisheries Linked To 2017-188
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$145,000.00
Summary
Natural capital is the soil, air, water, habitat, land and biodiversity that sustains food and fibre production globally. Valuing these natural assets can improve industry profitability and improve natural resource management practices to increase environmental sustainability. Increased profitability might be achieved by (1) verified environmental sustainability and access to premium markets; (2) reduced risk to financial investors, with flow-on effects including finance discounts; and (3) capac ....Natural capital is the soil, air, water, habitat, land and biodiversity that sustains food and fibre production globally. Valuing these natural assets can improve industry profitability and improve natural resource management practices to increase environmental sustainability. Increased profitability might be achieved by (1) verified environmental sustainability and access to premium markets; (2) reduced risk to financial investors, with flow-on effects including finance discounts; and (3) capacity to engage in emerging markets for environmental services.
This project links the profitability of prawn fisheries to natural assets via the ecosystem services they provide, building on the methods and data developed in FRDC project 2013/006. By describing the causal links between the physical environment and fishing activities, and quantifying the condition of the biophysical environment and impacts of different land uses, management practices can be be optimised resulting in increased profits and environmental sustainability.
Objectives: 1. link the profitability of prawn fisheries in NSW to the ecosystem services provided by natural assets 2. identify and engage stakeholders related to prawn fisheries in NSW 3. increase stakeholders' awareness of and skills in natural capital accounting Read moreRead less
Effects Of Habitat Disturbances On Coastal Fisheries Resources In Tin Can Bay/ Great Sandy Strait
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$292,153.03
Summary
Objectives: 1. Characterise estuarine & marine faunas associated with disturbed, undisturbed habitats at selected sites within the Tin Can Bay/Great Sandy Strait region, southern Queensland. 2. Identify sources of variation and describe levels of variation in abundance of important finfish, crustacean and cephalopod populations and in community structure 3. Assess whether changes considered undesirable from a fisheries viewpoint may have resulted from disturbances 4. Pr ....Objectives: 1. Characterise estuarine & marine faunas associated with disturbed, undisturbed habitats at selected sites within the Tin Can Bay/Great Sandy Strait region, southern Queensland. 2. Identify sources of variation and describe levels of variation in abundance of important finfish, crustacean and cephalopod populations and in community structure 3. Assess whether changes considered undesirable from a fisheries viewpoint may have resulted from disturbances 4. Provide a basis for the preparation of guidelines for acceptable levels of disturbance to rrsult in minimal impacts on fisheries and habitats in northern Australia Read moreRead less
Guidelines For The Updated Harvest Strategy Policy
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$665,000.00
Summary
The Commonwealth first implemented a Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy (the policy) in 2007. In 2012 the then Department of Agriculture conducted a review of the policy which found the policy to be effective. The review also concluded that additional policy direction was required in some areas. An updated Harvest Strategy Policy is currently being drafted that builds on the successes of the 2007 policy and addresses the needs identified. Like the 2007 policy, this updated policy will require gui ....The Commonwealth first implemented a Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy (the policy) in 2007. In 2012 the then Department of Agriculture conducted a review of the policy which found the policy to be effective. The review also concluded that additional policy direction was required in some areas. An updated Harvest Strategy Policy is currently being drafted that builds on the successes of the 2007 policy and addresses the needs identified. Like the 2007 policy, this updated policy will require guidelines for its effective implementation.
In collaboration with experts and a broad range of stakeholders, this project will facilitate the development and delivery of updated guidelines for the updated policy. Every effort will be made to ensure that these new guidelines are as practical as possible and provide genuine guidance for fisheries managers (and the various experts that support fisheries management processes) whose jobs it is to operationalize the directives contained within the updated policy.
See attachment for further detail. Objectives: 1. Delivery of clear, practical guidance for implementation of policy directives by fisheries managers. 2. Address key information needs for implementation of the updated Harvest Strategy Policy 3. See attachment for further detail. Read moreRead less