The Feasibility Of A Financial Safety-net: Investigating Financial Mechanisms To Protect Oyster Growers From Disease Outbreaks
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$100,000.00
Summary
The oyster industry have long recognised their exposure to the unpredictable nature of the environment. Considerable time, effort and resources have been invested in risk mitigation activities. Examples such as Selective Breeding Programs, Quality Assurance Programs, Environmental Management Systems and innovations in growing techniques and animal husbandry are all designed to improve the attritubes of stock and to mitigate the likelihood & severity of a disturbance. It has been identified howev ....The oyster industry have long recognised their exposure to the unpredictable nature of the environment. Considerable time, effort and resources have been invested in risk mitigation activities. Examples such as Selective Breeding Programs, Quality Assurance Programs, Environmental Management Systems and innovations in growing techniques and animal husbandry are all designed to improve the attritubes of stock and to mitigate the likelihood & severity of a disturbance. It has been identified however, that there has been minimal investment in last resort options that support growers through worst-case scenarios.
While state & federal disaster arrangements are well established to support primary producers following declared natural disasters, the same mechanisms do not exist for disease outbreaks. Attempts to establish an aquatic deed (officially known as the aquatic EADRA - Emergency Aquatic Disease Response Arangement) have so far failed, and traditional stock insurance (such as that available to cattle producers, or ranched tuna) is not readily available to oyster farmers.
This situation has escalted following the Qx outbreak in Port Stephens, NSW. Despite suffering catastophic losses, oyster farmers in this estuary have received little support, beyond fee waivers and assistance associated with flooding events in the region. In 2019, the estuary hosted ~45 oyster farming businesses with an annual GVP of well-over $10m. Almost all of these businesses are now operating part-time, and even the most productive and profitable of growers have needed to find off-farm work to supplement their income. With considerable infrastructure in the water, farmers are unable to walk away from leases, as tipping fees alone are estimated to exceed $5m.
Understandably growers around the state have been rocked by the outbreak, the associated response and lack of financial support, and as a result have been reassessing their own exposure to risk. One thing that has also become clear, is that industry needs to take charge of their own future and look at measures to support their recovery, reestablishment or dignified exit following disease incursions.
This application seeks funding support for NSW Farmers to drive this process. This will involve the development and administration of a tender and contracting process to deliver an options document exploring the advantages and drawbacks of various financial support mechanisms current available and their appropraiteness for implementation in the oyster industry. This will include the investigation of solutions that are estbalished in other states, and other agricultural sectors. It is anticipated that recommedations put forward will be broadly split into 1) mechanisms that can be implemented at the farm/enterprise level, 2) mechanisms that may be implemented at the state/sector-wide level.
The options paper will provide valuable information which may inform the actions of fishing & aquaculture sectors around the country. Objectives: 1. By October 2024, obtain insights into potential financial support mechanisms, and their suitability for implementation in the NSW oyster industry. Read moreRead less
Assessing The Potential Of Translocation To Increase Vongole Productivity And Fishery Catches
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$199,808.00
Summary
There are three commercial Vongole fisheries in South Australia: Port River (Section Bank), Coffin Bay, and the West Coast (Streaky, Smoky, and Venus Bays). Total catch is ~70 t per year, with a value of ~$2.5 M annually. The Port River fishery is closed due to very low stock abundance and recovery has not occurred despite a 10-year closure since 2011. Based on biomass surveys in 2020/21 the Coffin Bay fishery, which has fishing areas that have historically contained Vongole that grow quickly an ....There are three commercial Vongole fisheries in South Australia: Port River (Section Bank), Coffin Bay, and the West Coast (Streaky, Smoky, and Venus Bays). Total catch is ~70 t per year, with a value of ~$2.5 M annually. The Port River fishery is closed due to very low stock abundance and recovery has not occurred despite a 10-year closure since 2011. Based on biomass surveys in 2020/21 the Coffin Bay fishery, which has fishing areas that have historically contained Vongole that grow quickly and can be readily harvested, had a 20% quota reduction in 2021/22 in response to the low abundance of Vongole above the minimum legal length. Although, in 2021/22, this fishery has since recovered and is classified as sustainable.
In the Coffin Bay and West Coast fisheries, three Katelysia species are harvested: greys, yellows, and whites. In both fisheries, commercial fishers have reported areas with Vongole density so high that it might be supressing growth and productivity due to competition for space and resources. Vongole in these high-density areas seldom reach the legal minimum length of 30/35 mm and are rarely fished. The commercial Vongole fishery has therefore highlighted the need to understand factors influencing growth rates and to test whether translocation of sub-legal Vongole from these high-density areas can be used to increase Vongole growth and productivity within these areas, and improve less productive fishing grounds elsewhere, thereby raising overall fishery profitability.
Our study aims to 1) assess the viability of translocating sub-legal Vongole in Coffin Bay from areas with high densities of Vongole to areas with low/no densities of Vongole using two release and two tagging methods, and comparing predation, growth, and survival of relocated/translocated animals to provide fishers with the knowledge and tools underpinning translocations; 2) build on existing cost-benefit analysis knowledge and tools (i.e. FRDC 2005-217, FRDC 2008-076, FRDC 2016-213, FRDC 2020-116) to quantify the economic/productivity outcomes of Vongole translocation; and 3) build fisheries research capacity and capability through a 'supplemental’ student project. The aims of the ‘supplemental’ student component (PhD, Flinders University) are to assess the biological aspects of Vongole recruitment (e.g. size of maturity, egg production, viability of larvae) and evaluate environmental triggers that influence Vongole recruitment, metamorphosis of eggs to larval phase, and larval substrate settlement.
This project directly addresses the Vongole industry’s high-priority research needs and will showcase the potential for translocation to increase fishing yield, value, and profitability. The ‘supplemental’ student project will evaluate Vongole recruitment and will occur in parallel with, but independent from, the core project.
Objectives: 1. Assess the viability of translocating sub-legal Vongole in Coffin Bay from areas with high densities of Vongole to areas with low/no densities of Vongole using two release and two tagging methods, and comparing predation, growth, and survival of relocated/translocated animals to provide fishers with the knowledge and tools underpinning translocations 2. Build on existing cost-benefit analysis knowledge and tools (i.e. FRDC 2005-217, FRDC 2008-076, FRDC 2016-213, FRDC 2020-116) to quantify the economic/productivity outcomes of Vongole translocation 3. Build fisheries research capacity and capability through a 'supplemental’ student project Read moreRead less
Safeguarding Our Sydney Rock Oyster Industry Against QX Disease
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$200,000.00
Summary
Outbreaks of QX disease in Port Stephens in 2022 and 2023 mark the continued spread of this disease into Sydney rock oyster (SRO)-producing estuaries in NSW and QLD over the last 50 years. In severe years, QX can cause up to 90% mortalities in affected stock, therefore this disease poses a major threat to an industry that is of substantial economic, historic and cultural value. Despite the apparent presence of the causative agent (M. sydneyi) in nearly all estuaries undertaking SRO produc ....Outbreaks of QX disease in Port Stephens in 2022 and 2023 mark the continued spread of this disease into Sydney rock oyster (SRO)-producing estuaries in NSW and QLD over the last 50 years. In severe years, QX can cause up to 90% mortalities in affected stock, therefore this disease poses a major threat to an industry that is of substantial economic, historic and cultural value. Despite the apparent presence of the causative agent (M. sydneyi) in nearly all estuaries undertaking SRO production, disease only occurs in some, and biosecurity protocols further complicate SRO farming as stocks from high-risk estuaries cannot be moved into estuaries that have a lower QX disease risk profile.
Reasons behind the expression of QX disease in some estuaries but not others currently remain unknown. In France, a related parasite, M. refringens, was originally thought to be a widespread cause of marteiliosis in the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) as well as mussels belonging to the genus Mytilus. M. refringens O (oyster) type and M (mussel) type, which were originally described due their differential pathogenicities in the respective hosts, have more recently been found to constitute separate species, with M type being renamed as Marteilia pararefringens. A similar situation may exist in Australia with M. sydneyi constituting more than one species and with the more pathogenic strains being responsible for QX disease outbreaks. Historically these questions could not be meaningfully answered due a lack of genetic information about M. sydneyi; however NSW DPI has recently undertaken a genome sequencing project on M. sydneyi that can facilitate strain comparison. Therefore, one aim of this project is to characterise Marteilia strains from estuaries where disease occurs, and compare with those from estuaries where disease does not occur, to better inform biosecurity policies. If the M. sydneyi strains are identical across estuaries, then this may enable biosecurity policy to be modified to allow oyster translocations across so called “high” and “low” risk estuaries. However, if strains do differ across high and low risk estuaries, then any biosecurity policy will be aimed at protecting estuaries not currently experiencing QX outbreaks from the introduction of high pathogenicity strains.
QX disease remains as the primary known threat for SRO production. Due to significant knowledge gaps in how this disease is transmitted, the use of selectively bred QX resistant oysters is the main management tool used to enable cultivation to continue in estuaries where the disease is enzootic. QX survival is a quantitative and a responsive trait where applied breeding offers a good solution to increase QX survival with significant economic benefits for industry. QX survival breeding is reliant on field challenges however, this method works well to increase resistance. Best results for improving QX survival are achieved through a combination of breeding and management practices to minimise impacts. It is recommended to use oysters selected for QX survival as a risk management strategy to reduce stock losses before a QX disease outbreak occurs in an estuary. When oysters selected for QX survival are used in estuaries affected by QX, it is important to deploy spat when M. sydneyi infections have ceased and harvest these oysters prior to a second disease exposure. This relies on specific timing of commercial hatchery production and fast oyster growth which is a trait under selection in combination with QX survival. Field exposures that run over two seasons of QX disease are now used to increase survival following consecutive outbreaks. Other diseases or factors that compromise SRO health prior to or during M. sydneyi infections also reduce the effectiveness of breeding.
Increasing genetic gains for QX survival has been the primary objective of the breeding program since its inception. A genomics project is currently underway which aims to identify genetic markers for QX disease resistance to increase genetic progress for this trait. Batches of Richmond River Rock oyster (RRRO) produced by NSW DPI have shown high levels of of QX disease survival. Prior studies on RRROs suggest that genetically they are classified as SROs but they appear to have developed significant resistance, presumably due to years of exposure to QX in the Richmond River estuary where the disease in enzootic. Preliminary experimental evidence suggests that RRROs display enhanced survival when exposed to QX disease, justifying their inclusion in the selective breeding program. Therefore, the second aim of this project is to assess QX survival of current RRRO families across multiple years of QX exposure and compare these results to other QX-resistant families in the breeding program. This information will be used in this project to formulate a breeding plan to create additional families using batches of RRROs that have been assessed for QX survival. Objectives: 1. To use previously generated genomic data from M. sydneyi to develop a multilocus sequence typing scheme for Marteilia strains from SROs 2. To screen samples collected from low-risk estuaries for M. sydneyi using qPCR 3. To compare Marteilia MLST profiles of qPCR positive samples from low-risk estuaries with those from M. sydneyi MLST profiles from high-risk estuaries. 4. To create 10 additional families (in addition to the families produced for the 2023 year class breeding run) that have a parent sourced from the Richmond River 5. To assess the QX survival of the 10 additional 2023 year class families as spat, adults and over two seasons at multiple sites 6. To generate QX spat survival estimated breeding values (EBVs) for families with RRRO parents produced for the YC2022 and 2023 year classes 7. To collect performance data (QX survival and growth) that allows comparison of RRROs and commercial families from the Sydney Rock Oyster breeding program over two consecutive seasons of QX disease. Read moreRead less
Detecting Paralytic Shellfish Toxins In Oysters - Initial Assessment Of AquaBC Rapid Test Kit
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$29,845.00
Summary
Reliable detection of marine biotoxins is a critical requirement for any effective biotoxin monitoring program, requiring any analytical technique to be properly validated. The Neogen rapid test kit for the detection of paralytic shellfish toxin (PSTs) was successfully validated in both single lab and inter-lab validations for use in oysters, offering rapid (within 20 min) on farm results. The test was used in Tasmania to reduce business risk, (i.e. frequent testing of shellfish that can rapidly ....Reliable detection of marine biotoxins is a critical requirement for any effective biotoxin monitoring program, requiring any analytical technique to be properly validated. The Neogen rapid test kit for the detection of paralytic shellfish toxin (PSTs) was successfully validated in both single lab and inter-lab validations for use in oysters, offering rapid (within 20 min) on farm results. The test was used in Tasmania to reduce business risk, (i.e. frequent testing of shellfish that can rapidly accumulate PST within a week) and employed in South Australia for regulatory purposes (low frequency of PST detection in this region).
A key factor influencing the suitability of antibody based rapid test kits is the PST profile present in the sample to be analysed. The term PST profile describes the relative concentrations of different PST analogues that might be present in each seafood sample. These profiles differ between toxic algal species, different seafood species and their tissues. Not all PST analogues are equally detected by the antibodies of different test kits (quantified as the % cross-reactivity). These cross-reactivities are critical for ensuring reliable detection across different combinations of PST analogues that might be present in shellfish.
To determine if the AquaBC rapid test kit is suitable replacement for routine monitoring, a full validation for each seafood tissue matrix would normally be conducted to determine the probability of detection curve (probability of detection across a range of PST concentrations) for multiple PST profiles, ideally followed by an inter-laboratory validation (as was conducted for the Neogen test). However, a full validation study requires repeat testing of hundreds of samples and is therefore expensive. From our previous work with the Neogen test kit, we have identified some key performance indicators that would allow for a quick initial assessment of the new AquaBC test kit, using much reduced sample numbers. These small pilot trials would include testing the most commonly encountered PST profiles (i.e. which PST toxin analogues are present) and their relative concentrations (i.e. can we reliably detect the presence of PST at the regulatory level without obtaining too many positive results at PST levels below concern?). Rather than conducting a full validation, this project will provide an initial assessment of these parameters in regard to the PST profiles commonly encountered in TAS, SA and NSW. Should this assessment be positive, a full follow up validation may be recommended. Objectives: 1. Review & identify different PST profiles that may be encountered in TAS, SA and NSW oysters. 2. Challenge the AquaBC test kit against a range of different PST concentrations and profiles to provide an initial assessment of its suitability for detecting PST in Australian oyster tissues. Read moreRead less
Pipi Hatchery Production Techniques And Optimal Restocking Strategies
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$454,253.00
Summary
We propose a multi-stage project that will cumulate in a feasibility study that directly addresses the identified research priority, namely of understanding how spat seeding could enhance NSW’s pipi stocks. Our proposal will provide detailed information towards FRDC’s strategic outcome 1 (Growth for enduring prosperity) and strategic outcome 2 (Best practices and production systems). This project would benefit all states with existing and emerging pipi fisheries.
Developing cost-effect ....We propose a multi-stage project that will cumulate in a feasibility study that directly addresses the identified research priority, namely of understanding how spat seeding could enhance NSW’s pipi stocks. Our proposal will provide detailed information towards FRDC’s strategic outcome 1 (Growth for enduring prosperity) and strategic outcome 2 (Best practices and production systems). This project would benefit all states with existing and emerging pipi fisheries.
Developing cost-effective techniques that can enhance wild capture fisheries offers industry greater surety of catch and even fishery growth potential as inter-annual variation and longer-term catch trends can be managed. In turn, stock enhancement can lead to greater economic security to industry. Indeed, feedback from pipi fishers in NSW and VIC has emphasised how the current high variability in catch coming from a low catch base greatly impacts their capacity to supply customers and make positive longer-term business decisions. Fishery enhancement can also play a vital role in helping to manage the ecological impacts of wild harvest as stock depletion is less likely to occur. Our proposal explicitly includes an assessment of regulatory frameworks and biosecurity regulations to help facilitate the sustainable implementation of any proposed large-scale pipi seeding. Objectives: 1. Ground truth of current pipi larval production protocols, and produce 100 000s of competent to settle larvae 2. Develop nursery protocols and produce 10 000s of spat 3. Produce a preliminary beach seeding protocol that incorporates ecological understanding and appropriate efficacy auditing methods (tagging) 4. Assess the efficacy of pipi spat seeding on beaches and optimise protocol 5. Provide a review of fishery and biosecurity regulations relevant to future pipi stock enhancement activity 6. Develop a comprehensive hatchery and seeding protocol for industry Read moreRead less
Building Capability In Food Safety In Australian Shellfish
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$351,147.00
Summary
The Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Advisory Committee (ASQAAC) is a volunteer organisation comprised of members including state regulators, industry representatives and associated stakeholders including researchers, Safefish, seafood importers and laboratories. As the program sets the requirements for market access in Australia through the Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (ASQAP), and influences industry's ability to grow and further develop our low input, carbon friendly a ....The Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Advisory Committee (ASQAAC) is a volunteer organisation comprised of members including state regulators, industry representatives and associated stakeholders including researchers, Safefish, seafood importers and laboratories. As the program sets the requirements for market access in Australia through the Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (ASQAP), and influences industry's ability to grow and further develop our low input, carbon friendly and job intensive industry. The ASQAP is best practice, and ASQAAC strives to include safe and appropriately innovative and validated measures to ensure market access is maximised - important for both COVID recovery and future proofing the national shellfish industry. There is an on-going need to provide national guidance on ASQAP interpretation and delivery for our industry that has been highlighted by both the succession needs of the well-established programs in SA, Tas and NSW, and by the emerging shellfish industries in WA, NT, and Qld. The market failure for systemisation and training material and continuous improvement stems from the underpinning knowledge of this topic being niche and highly specialised. In the words of the ASQAAC Chair Phil Baker: “The last decade has seen the exit of significant knowledge and history with long-term regulators being replaced with new recruits to the technically complex shellfish regulatory role. Currently there is little to guide them, particularly as ASQAP has transitioned to an outcome-based program. The vital knowledge required is often learned through experience.” This program aims to take advantage of the pool of experts that do exist in Australia, to the benefit of all existing and developing programs.
Objectives: 1. Understand the training needs to support the continued development of Australian shellfish industries covered by ASQAP 2. Develop technical training modules for regulators and industry in bivalve shellfish food safety risk management 3. Deliver the training modules in a manner that suits both industry and regulators, and supports learning from existing Australian experts and adoption of successful risk management strategies 4. Provide a pathway for longevity of the training Read moreRead less
Transport and productivity, a study on Australia's largest trading partner. This project aims to study how transport infrastructure supports innovations, productivity gains, and industrial development. This project will study the effects of this development on productivity and resource allocation in the manufacturing sector, output and efficiency growth, and the spatial allocation of capital and labour inputs. The project expects to build a geospatial database covering China's full transportatio ....Transport and productivity, a study on Australia's largest trading partner. This project aims to study how transport infrastructure supports innovations, productivity gains, and industrial development. This project will study the effects of this development on productivity and resource allocation in the manufacturing sector, output and efficiency growth, and the spatial allocation of capital and labour inputs. The project expects to build a geospatial database covering China's full transportation network from 1993-2014, merge this database with manufacturing plants’ longitudinal data, and apply (quasi)-natural experiments for analyses. Knowledge derived from this project will be significant for Australia because China’s productivity, resource allocation, and competitive advantage directly impact Australia’s industrial development, employment and sustainable economic growth.Read moreRead less
Solving and estimating dynamic models of strategic interaction. This project aims to investigate how firms interact with each other through time and how these interactions drive both the operation of, and value created in, economic markets. While recent theoretical models predominantly capture the complexity of these dynamic interactions, the methods for testing these models’ predictions against observed data do not. Instead, they are based on a range of simplifying assumptions that undermine th ....Solving and estimating dynamic models of strategic interaction. This project aims to investigate how firms interact with each other through time and how these interactions drive both the operation of, and value created in, economic markets. While recent theoretical models predominantly capture the complexity of these dynamic interactions, the methods for testing these models’ predictions against observed data do not. Instead, they are based on a range of simplifying assumptions that undermine the reliability of their analysis. This project will develop statistical and computational methods to better understand observed economic behaviour. By allowing the effects of proposed economic interventions and regulations ex ante, this project will support the development of more efficient and better-targeted policies in every area of the economy.Read moreRead less
Heartbeat of Australia: Tracking, Understanding and Engaging News Audiences. This project aims to address the existential crisis of local news by developing a barometer of the health of local news ecosystems informed by longitudinal audience surveys, stakeholder in-depth interviews and case studies of marginalised audiences. Expected outcomes include a robust evidence base to assess the value of local news to audiences and wider society, and innovative new strategies to better address the challe ....Heartbeat of Australia: Tracking, Understanding and Engaging News Audiences. This project aims to address the existential crisis of local news by developing a barometer of the health of local news ecosystems informed by longitudinal audience surveys, stakeholder in-depth interviews and case studies of marginalised audiences. Expected outcomes include a robust evidence base to assess the value of local news to audiences and wider society, and innovative new strategies to better address the challenges the news industry faces in adapting to the digital environment. By devising strategies to produce and deliver quality local news that is financially sustainable, the project aims to deliver significant benefits to the news industry and the wellbeing of individuals and communities across Australia. Read moreRead less
Small firms' finances: effects on employment, wages and growth. The project aims to estimate how difficulties in accessing financial and credit markets affect small and medium enterprise (SME) decisions about employment, wages, entry and exit. Although the SME sector is Australia’s largest employer, the extent to which financial constraints affect these firms' market performance and their ability to create and sustain employment is unknown. The project plans to use an econometric analysis of fir ....Small firms' finances: effects on employment, wages and growth. The project aims to estimate how difficulties in accessing financial and credit markets affect small and medium enterprise (SME) decisions about employment, wages, entry and exit. Although the SME sector is Australia’s largest employer, the extent to which financial constraints affect these firms' market performance and their ability to create and sustain employment is unknown. The project plans to use an econometric analysis of firm level panel data to fill this gap. The intended outcome is micro-econometric findings tailored to improve targeted labour and financial policy. The expected benefit is to provide input to policy responses that support employment, productivity and wages in volatile market conditions.Read moreRead less