SCRC: Postdoctoral Research Fellow (SARDI) Quality
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
SARDI has strong capability in seafood physiology, seafood engineering and new product development but limited technical capability in the area of post-harvest finished product quality and quality management systems. This role will fill this capability gap and provide process and product quality improvements (e.g. freezing and shelf life extension activities) which should translate rapidly into improvements in industrial processes.
Projects where support in the maintenance of product qu ....SARDI has strong capability in seafood physiology, seafood engineering and new product development but limited technical capability in the area of post-harvest finished product quality and quality management systems. This role will fill this capability gap and provide process and product quality improvements (e.g. freezing and shelf life extension activities) which should translate rapidly into improvements in industrial processes.
Projects where support in the maintenance of product quality would provide significant value include:- - Research, develop and trial of new abalone products in China. This new position will provide the technical resource to the project to translate the quality criteria (customer requirements) into improvements of processing, packaging, product storage and transport through the distribution chain.
- Successful Sardines, This position will provide the necessary support to assist in the maintenance of product quality, particularly through the processing environment as well as in the implementation and ongoing application of HACCP and quality systems.
The post-doc will be expected to work closely with CRC industry participants to develop research projects to support the current market and product development research projects in program 2.Read moreRead less
Cumulative Impact Risk Assessment Tool For Aquaculture In Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$172,999.00
Summary
Difficulties with current legislation in Australia at State and Federal level make it challenging for marine farms to protect themselves, but equally for the community to have faith that aquaculture development is not harming the marine environment. An example from Tasmania is the recent contamination of Macquarie Harbour, whereby tailings from Copper Mines Tasmania (CMT) dam in Queenstown entered the harbour and undoubtedly caused environmental harm to salmon and other species. Because CMT and ....Difficulties with current legislation in Australia at State and Federal level make it challenging for marine farms to protect themselves, but equally for the community to have faith that aquaculture development is not harming the marine environment. An example from Tasmania is the recent contamination of Macquarie Harbour, whereby tailings from Copper Mines Tasmania (CMT) dam in Queenstown entered the harbour and undoubtedly caused environmental harm to salmon and other species. Because CMT and salmon farmers operate under different Acts CMT was not responsible for the incident but rather the government. Consequently, no investigation or clean-up ensued.
Additionally, the scope of statutory tools, such as EIS under the Tasmanian Marine Farm Planning Act 1995, is not regional and does not consider the compound interactions of and on production activities. A good example is the recent Storm Bay salmon farming expansion; while the EPBC listed handfish species in Tasmania were listed in the marine farming development plan, with a brief context, management of these species was not considered in the EIS because that process only includes direct impact of the lease position. Arguably, cumulative impacts from all development in the area will have varying impacts on the species, impacts which are not being considered under current government legislation, but are potentially the source of public ire.
For aquaculture to pursue sustainable efforts environmentally, economically and socially in the increasingly crowded near shore space requires proactive planning and transparency that is not currently possible given existing assessment tools. In particular, assessment of cumulative impacts must be addressed. Cumulative impact assessments (CIA) are gaining momentum across multiple industries due to a recognised need to apply them in the pursuit of sustainable management. CIAs are being undertaken with the protection of marines resources at front of mind, but so far there has been little consideration of aquaculture. An approach to CIA that makes aquaculture the centre point is required if we are to consider its impacts or conversely, its effectiveness. Objectives: 1. Identify the risks of multiple actions or impacts on the environment and social values of a marine production matrix in Australian waters. In order to do this a comprehensive literature review is required to develop the CIA approach and ensure the methods and gaps in aquaculture CIA are addressed to meet the needs of Australian aquaculture, the community and the consumer. 2. Develop a risk assessment tool that can be utilised by the public realm (governments at all levels, NFPS, community) to better understand the complexities of regional marine waters and user impacts to maximise current and future economic, social and environmental benefits. To do this requires identification of valued environmental and social components first, whereby such components are characterised, from this a framework is build on each valued component. 3. Assess aquaculture in the context of broader social and environmental issues within the marine production matrix, by performing an aquaculture specific cumulative impacts assessment for regional Australia Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Training Centres - Grant ID: IC220100050
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,508,426.00
Summary
ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance (ARC CEA-StAR). The ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance aims to develop industry-led solutions and train a new generation of researchers to combat the impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on agribusiness and the environment.
AMR is a global health and economic threat that epitomises the need for a ‘One Health’ collaborative approach encompassi ....ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance (ARC CEA-StAR). The ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance aims to develop industry-led solutions and train a new generation of researchers to combat the impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on agribusiness and the environment.
AMR is a global health and economic threat that epitomises the need for a ‘One Health’ collaborative approach encompassing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
Expected outcomes of this collaborative program include a cohort of researchers trained in industry-relevant techniques, furnishing solutions to partner-defined AMR challenges, and providing significant benefits by positioning Australia as a global leader in reducing AMR.Read moreRead less
A Preliminary Assessment Of The Prevalence Of Marine Micro Plastics In Australian Fish, Crustaceans And Molluscs
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$145,666.00
Summary
Plastic pollution has become a significant environmental issue worldwide. World plastics production has increased from around 1.9 million tons in 1950 to more than 330 million tons in 2013 (Worm et al. 2017). Although governments are looking to reduce use of plastics, it is still appearing in marine environments. Besides plastic objects entering the ocean and being broken down into smaller pieces, waste water and runoff also carry microplastics (plastics <5mm) into the ocean. These plastics have ....Plastic pollution has become a significant environmental issue worldwide. World plastics production has increased from around 1.9 million tons in 1950 to more than 330 million tons in 2013 (Worm et al. 2017). Although governments are looking to reduce use of plastics, it is still appearing in marine environments. Besides plastic objects entering the ocean and being broken down into smaller pieces, waste water and runoff also carry microplastics (plastics <5mm) into the ocean. These plastics have the ability to take up toxic compounds from within seawater and are often mistaken for food by marine organisms. Constituents in the plastics ingested may then leach into tissues of organisms, and transfer through the food chain. Recently, concerns have been raised about how anthropogenic debris (including plastics) ingested by animals may impact human health. These concerns have led to governments and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) such as Greenpeace (particularly in Europe and the USA) investing in research and virtually all have concluded that further research is required. Here in Australia we know that microplastics are found in coastal seafloor sediments, and a recent study suggests plastics are found in some Australian fish from Sydney Harbour. First, we will determine whether plastics are present in Australian fish and shellfish caught and sold for human consumption across Australia, then place this information in the context of international studies identifying which species, habitats or trophic groups are most likely to contain plastics. This study will be an initial investigation to ascertain if plastics are found in seafood in Australia – depending on the outcome of this research subsequent work may be required to investigate linkages between plastics in seafood and human health, identifying the main sources/types of plastic contamination entering the marine environment, as well as considering plastic contamination in seafood risk assessments. Objectives: 1. Determine how widespread the presence of plastics in Australian seafood sold for human consumption is and how this varies across the country including from metropolitan and non-metropolitan markets 2. Place the presence/absence of plastics in Australian seafood into the international context Read moreRead less
Plant-mediated arsenic-iron mineral transformations. The project goals are to advance our understanding of molecular-level iron-arsenic transformations induced at plant-mineral-atmosphere interfaces as influenced by remediation actions and future environmental change. The project aims for this to be achieved through an innovative experimental infrastructure combined with isotopic, spectroscopic and advanced synchrotron-based tools. Intended outcomes and benefits are the generation of new knowled ....Plant-mediated arsenic-iron mineral transformations. The project goals are to advance our understanding of molecular-level iron-arsenic transformations induced at plant-mineral-atmosphere interfaces as influenced by remediation actions and future environmental change. The project aims for this to be achieved through an innovative experimental infrastructure combined with isotopic, spectroscopic and advanced synchrotron-based tools. Intended outcomes and benefits are the generation of new knowledge, which will improve current understanding of arsenic and iron fate impacted by remediation actions, plant growth and planetary changes induced via the atmosphere-plant-soil interface.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100338
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,155.00
Summary
Barking up the right trees – A microbial solution for our methane problem. This project aims to unveil the microbial diversity and metabolic capabilities of bark-dwelling microbial communities in Australian forests. Trees perform an important climatic function in sequestering atmospheric carbon, however the role of tree bark-associated microbiome in regulating other climate-active trace gasses such as methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide is unknown. Combining cutting-edge molecular and biogeoch ....Barking up the right trees – A microbial solution for our methane problem. This project aims to unveil the microbial diversity and metabolic capabilities of bark-dwelling microbial communities in Australian forests. Trees perform an important climatic function in sequestering atmospheric carbon, however the role of tree bark-associated microbiome in regulating other climate-active trace gasses such as methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide is unknown. Combining cutting-edge molecular and biogeochemical approaches, this project aims to characterise and quantify trace gas oxidation rates of forest bark microbiome. The anticipated outcomes include fundamental knowledge surrounding bark-associated microbial trace gas oxidation within global biogeochemical cycles, and insights into their response to climatic variables.Read moreRead less
Investigation Of The Direct And Indirect Role Of Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) On Western Rock Lobster Settlement Processes: With Consideration Of The Potential Role Of Contaminants
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$237,535.00
Summary
In Western Australia, the positive and negative effects of SGD in marine benthic communities remains unknown. In Marmion Lagoon, SGD is known to supply up to 50% of the nutrients required for the macrophyte growth rates observed (Johannes and Hearn 1985). Freshwater input has been observed to positively impact seagrass germination (Xu et al., 2016), and although no similar studies exist for temperate seagrass species in the southern hemisphere, SGD may have a role in the creation, maintenance an ....In Western Australia, the positive and negative effects of SGD in marine benthic communities remains unknown. In Marmion Lagoon, SGD is known to supply up to 50% of the nutrients required for the macrophyte growth rates observed (Johannes and Hearn 1985). Freshwater input has been observed to positively impact seagrass germination (Xu et al., 2016), and although no similar studies exist for temperate seagrass species in the southern hemisphere, SGD may have a role in the creation, maintenance and augmentation of seagrass beds. The direct influence of SGD on puerulus settlement rates is unknown but freshwater discharge has been shown to be positively correlated with crab larval abundance (Boylan and Wenner, 1993). An ongoing FRDC project (2016-260: Assess causes and implications of anomalous low lobster catch rates) has demonstrated post-puerulus western rock lobster exhibit a strong choice for the chemical signature of seagrass (Brooker et al. in prep). These findings suggest that SGD may affect puerulus settlement rates either directly through chemotaxis or indirectly by impacting the density of seagrass meadows. Hence, there is a need to investigate both the role of SGD and the presence of seagrass on puerulus settlement rates. Land derived contaminants potentially impacting puerulus settlement and survival could include heavy metals and endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as flame-retardants or pesticides targeting insects (McKenney, 1999). Adult lobster have been shown to be repelled by the presence of copper (McLeese, 1975) and both flame-retardants (polybrominated diphenyl ethers - PBDEs) (Davies and Zou, 2012) and various insecticides (Ghekiere et al., 2005) have been shown to disrupt moulting in marine crustacea. Alkylphenol pollution was implicated in a major die-off of the American lobster (Homarus americanus) population that occurred in Long Island Sound in 1999, with acute impact on post-puerulus mortality during moulting (Laufer et al., 2013). There is a need to investigate both the occurrence and concentration of likely contaminants at potential source locations within the Western Rock Lobster fishery and assess their impact on post-puerulus survival.
Objectives: 1. Identify areas of significant submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) nearby established western rock lobster settlement monitoring sites. 2. Investigate the direct role of SGD on western rock lobster settlement rates. 3. Investigate the link between SGD and the extent and condition of important lobster habitat (e.g. seagrass). 4. Identify and map input of contaminants by SGD in key fishery areas. 5. Investigate impact of contaminants on the survival of puerulus and post-puerulus lobster. Read moreRead less
Establishment And Maintenance Of A Quality Assurance Reference Service For The Seafood Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$43,069.00
Summary
The market research conducted in the Quality Chooser project highlighted a number of specific problems.
· There is a high level of ignorance, doubt and uncertainty about food safety and quality . It must be said that food safety is both fundamental and critical in all quality systems, even those complex and internationally certified systems.
· This is a very complex topic, and information provided must cope with complacency, limited literacy , numeracy and technical knowledge.< ....The market research conducted in the Quality Chooser project highlighted a number of specific problems.
· There is a high level of ignorance, doubt and uncertainty about food safety and quality . It must be said that food safety is both fundamental and critical in all quality systems, even those complex and internationally certified systems.
· This is a very complex topic, and information provided must cope with complacency, limited literacy , numeracy and technical knowledge.
· Policy is in a state of flux with authorities reluctant to give prescriptive guidelines and industry demanding a clear statement of requirements.
· There is a wealth of relevant information available from overseas sources which is not reaching the industry.
The needs addressed by this proposal are:
(1) Access to data on which to base food safety plans. Food safety plans will be required by all food producers. The VFIF project will generate information on this subject needed by all industry sectors. Producers will still require detailed technical knowledge on which to plan improve and benchmark their systems.
(2) Current awareness service on global trends in HACCP policy. Seafood is traded on a global market. FPA is already being required of exporters. Overseas authorities are increasing the surveillance and enforcement on imports, particularly at the level of point of entry. Changes in policy will be noted, and clients will be notified.
(3) Negotiation of second party QA requirements or vendor supplier programmes. A number of major corporate buyers of seafood, including supermarket and hotel chains, have shown interest in developing QA schemes for their suppliers. Both suppliers and their customers can benefit from access to a body of accurate, relevant data on which to base their negotiations.
(4) Information to assist in adoption of internationally recognised QA systems and continuous improvement programmes. References on implementation, auditing, and system review. Objectives: 1. To establish and maintain a reference collection of material on seafood safety and quality. 2. To Collate and update the reference materials to be included in the SeaQual Packs 3. To provide detailed customised information packages on quality assurance on both products and processes in response to requests from clients. 4. To liaise with SeaQual on matters relating to quality management for the Seafood Industry Read moreRead less