Direct Age Determination With Validation For Commercially Important Australian Lobster And Crab Species (western, Eastern, Southern And Ornate Rock Lobsters, And Crystal, Tasmanian Giant And Mud Crabs)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$279,927.16
Summary
Australia’s crustacean fisheries generate over a billion dollars annually. Age information is necessary for calculating growth, mortality, recruitment and productivity, and is a critical component for any sustainable fisheries management plan. Until recently, direct age determination was considered impossible for crustaceans and only indirect methods existed (e.g. size frequency distributions). However, recent publications (Leland et al., 2011; Kilada et al., 2012) have rejected this paradigm ....Australia’s crustacean fisheries generate over a billion dollars annually. Age information is necessary for calculating growth, mortality, recruitment and productivity, and is a critical component for any sustainable fisheries management plan. Until recently, direct age determination was considered impossible for crustaceans and only indirect methods existed (e.g. size frequency distributions). However, recent publications (Leland et al., 2011; Kilada et al., 2012) have rejected this paradigm and demonstrated that direct age determination of crustaceans is possible. Clear growth marks have been identified in ossicles from several key Australian species – e.g. western rock lobster (de Lestang, unpublished data), redclaw crayfish and mud crab (Leland et al., 2011; Leland et al., in prep). This project is needed to produce validated ages for mostly long-lived slow-growing species, across their full size range and in climatic regions other than the cool temperate conditions assessed previously. Validated age information will facilitate the sustainable management of Australia’s crustacean fisheries.
This project aligns with three FRDC Strategic Priority Areas: Theme 4 (Ecologically sustainable development), Theme 13 (Innovation skills) and Theme 14 (Extension and Adoption). All FRDC stakeholders will benefit by: i) ensuring the sustainable management of Australia’s relevant crustacean fisheries (e.g. through improved growth modelling and age-based stock assessments), ii) improving knowledge of key biological attributes (i.e. age and growth), iii) developing a national network of Australian fisheries and academic scientists capable of applying innovative crustacean age validation methods, iv) achieving change in crustacean fisheries management, while v) improving social license and vi) reducing uncertainty.
Objectives: 1. to validate growth mark periodicity for western and eastern rock lobsters and crystal crab by vital staining and long-term grow-out 2. to determine absolute age and longevity for western, southern, eastern and ornate rock lobsters, Tasmanian giant, crystal and mud crabs -- validated with laser ablation induction-coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (LA-ICPMS) 3. to assess the relationship between estimated age and size and the appropriateness of existing growth models for western and eastern rock lobster 4. to establish a network of Australian government and academic fisheries researchers who can consistently apply direct ageing methods to decapod crustaceans Read moreRead less
Objectives: 1. The workshop will provide training in general pathology of molluscs and crustacea. It will also focus on characterisation of major disease in these animals. 2. It is envisaged that this training will provide a sound sufficient basis for further development of expertise in Australian workers within the local setting
The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project: A Longitudinal Intervention Study To Reduce The Risk Of Ageing-related Cognitive Decline And Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,792.00
Summary
It has been proposed that engagement in purposeful complex mental stimulation provides protection against dementia. The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project (THBP) is a unique, large-scale prospective trial that examines whether university-level study in older adult population reduces ageing-related cognitive decline and risk of dementia. This project will also examine how an individual’s genetic profile may influence the potential benefits of complex mental stimulation as well as risk of dementia.
Biology, Management And Genetic Stock Structure Of Mangrove Jack (Lutjanus Argentimaculus) In Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$418,751.00
Summary
Mangrove jack are an essential component of Queensland recreational and commercial fisheries, and one of the icon species for recreational fishers in tropical rivers and estuaries. Community stocking groups are keen to stock mangrove jack to create recreational fisheries in impoundments and to address perceived declines in natural riverine stocks. Despite this, knowledge of the biology of the species is incomplete and a genetic assessment of population structure has never been attempted. The e ....Mangrove jack are an essential component of Queensland recreational and commercial fisheries, and one of the icon species for recreational fishers in tropical rivers and estuaries. Community stocking groups are keen to stock mangrove jack to create recreational fisheries in impoundments and to address perceived declines in natural riverine stocks. Despite this, knowledge of the biology of the species is incomplete and a genetic assessment of population structure has never been attempted. The efficacious management of natural populations of mangrove jack and the future development of effective stocking programs requires information on all aspects of their life cycle, instream habitat requirements, reproduction and maturation, mortality, recruitment into and emigration from river systems. Managers of wild fish species accept that genetically distinct sub-populations of fish may possess novel genetic, physiological, behavioural and other characters that lead to distinct differences in life-history traits including growth rates, fecundity, disease resistance and abundance (Gold and Richardson, 1998). These differences theoretically contribute to the long-term adaptability, survival and resistance to human-induced or other environmental perturbations and can be jeopardised by inappropriate management. It would be imprudent to proceed with the expansion of stocking and aquaculture programs for this species without a comprehensive knowledge of the genetics of the populations. The genetic study will pre-empt potential conflict between management agencies and commercial and recreational interests. Information from the genetic analysis of the species will provide geographic detail for the sustainable use of the resource across State boundaries. Objectives: 1. Investigate the biology of mangrove jack in coastal rivers including habitat preferences, reproduction, recruitment, and movements 2. Determine the genetic stock structure of mangrove jack in Queensland and other parts of their range Read moreRead less
Which Mental Activities And When For Dementia Prevention? The Four Nations Longitudinal Collaboration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$183,218.00
Summary
We will examine the link between lifetime participation in complex mental activities and long term dementia risk in a level of detail not previously possible. Four major studies of brain health from around the world will join forces for the first time to determine which mental activities are most closely linked to protection from dementia, and when during the lifespan these are most important. Mental activity will be assessed using our recently published Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire.
Using Health Outcome Data From Pooled Longitudinal Studies Of Ageing To Develop Statistical And Microsimulation Models T
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,162,630.00
Summary
This project draws together data from nine Australian Longitudinal Studies of Ageing (LSAs), including 53484 participants, that will be used to identify factors capable of preventing disease, reducing ill-health, and promoting engaged and successful ageing for Australians. The focus is upon conditions that significantly contribute to the burden of disease including cognitive decline and dementia, sensory impairment, impairment in mobility and common mental disorders such as depression. Although ....This project draws together data from nine Australian Longitudinal Studies of Ageing (LSAs), including 53484 participants, that will be used to identify factors capable of preventing disease, reducing ill-health, and promoting engaged and successful ageing for Australians. The focus is upon conditions that significantly contribute to the burden of disease including cognitive decline and dementia, sensory impairment, impairment in mobility and common mental disorders such as depression. Although individual studies contain rich data on particular topics, there is only a small number of individuals in each study with specific medical conditions, or combinations of different conditions, especially at the older ages. Pooling data from nine studies will overcome this problem. This innovative and interdisciplinary study also involves development of the first Australian dynamic micro-simulation model of the health and social outcomes of the baby boomer and older cohorts. The simulation will allow for evaluation of the impact of modifying risk factors, and costs associated with different trajectories of health and ageing. Our program takes an interdisciplinary life course approach, incorporating interdependencies among demographic, behavioural, social, economic and health factors. Our multidisciplinary team and collaborative pooling of existing studies adds value and builds upon experience, as recommended in the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council 2003 report. The outcomes will direct health and social policy to promote health behaviour, and social and medical interventions to compress morbidity and optimize healthy ageing in Australian society over the next 40 years.Read moreRead less
Empowering Industry R&D: Improving Profitability To Industry Through The Identification And Management Of ‘tough’ Fish Syndrome In Tropical Saddletail Snapper
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$125,058.00
Summary
The biomass of tropical red snapper in northern Australian waters has been estimated at 24,000t. A conservative management trigger point has set annual harvest levels at 2,400t. Current catches are well below this level. The majority of red snapper is caught by trawl, but there is also a potential to target them in trap and dropline fisheries.
Tough fish from these fisheries are identified on occasion at the point of cooking. Currently it is not possible to identify this syndrome at the ....The biomass of tropical red snapper in northern Australian waters has been estimated at 24,000t. A conservative management trigger point has set annual harvest levels at 2,400t. Current catches are well below this level. The majority of red snapper is caught by trawl, but there is also a potential to target them in trap and dropline fisheries.
Tough fish from these fisheries are identified on occasion at the point of cooking. Currently it is not possible to identify this syndrome at the point of capture or wholesale. There is an urgent need to identify the cause of TFS to minimise impact of the syndrome on the value of the resource and enable appropriate handling methods to be implemented where applicable.
TFS is causing a huge loss of revenue from the reef fish fishery due to strong negative reaction from the end-supply chain sectors with this phenomenon reducing the overall value of this, and other species in the fishery. The magnitude of such losses was made apparent recently when one of Australia’s largest retailers cancelled a very large supply contract from a major fishery operator. Another major stakeholder in the fishery has had export orders rescinded.
Industry believes that if TFS in red snapper could be managed the current price of around $4.50/kg could be increased up to $8.00/kg, in line with other tropical snappers. This would lead to an estimated additional $3.0 M/year revenue from this species under current catch levels. If the value of this species increased, there is potential to significantly increase sustainable catch levels and subsequent return to the community.
Objectives: 1. To determine whether incomplete rigor mortis resolution and 'cold shock' play a role in development of tough fish syndrome (TFS) in tropical saddletail snapper. 2. To identify links between TFS and specific physiological factors in tropical saddletail snapper. 3. Communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders and assist with implementation of any changes to fishing or handling practices required. Read moreRead less
Evaluation Of Selectivity In The South-east Fishery To Determine Its Sustainable Aggregate Yield
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$103,407.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Determine size(age) at capture for the main commercial species in the SEF that would maximise their biologic and economic yield, especially for the quota species. 2. Determine selectivity of the major fisheries in the SEF, taking account of the mix of gear types and the areas fished. 3. Evaluate success of alternative gear mixes (type and configuration) in maximising overall biologic and economic yield for selected fisheries. 4. Identify fisheries that contai ....Objectives: 1. Determine size(age) at capture for the main commercial species in the SEF that would maximise their biologic and economic yield, especially for the quota species. 2. Determine selectivity of the major fisheries in the SEF, taking account of the mix of gear types and the areas fished. 3. Evaluate success of alternative gear mixes (type and configuration) in maximising overall biologic and economic yield for selected fisheries. 4. Identify fisheries that contain mixes of gear types and species that lead to a grossly undesirable selectivity of some species, and that could profit from the development of specialised selective techniques 5. Help to coordinate and present results at SEFAG workshop to assess the potential of adapting selectivity of the SEF to promote sustainabilty and economic returns. Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Enhancement Of Emergency Disease Management Capability In The Queensland Department Of Primary Industries And The Redclaw Crayfish (Cherax Quadricarinatus) Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$11,755.00
Summary
Few major disease incidents have occurred in Australian aquaculture, and as a result, State/Territory departments and industries have relatively little experience in incident management for emergency aquatic animal diseases. No jurisdiction to date, has conducted a large scale response to eradicate an exotic disease in aquaculture, and thus expertise in these areas is limited. In the absence of real-life emergency events to provide "on-the-job" training, simulation exercises provide a practica ....Few major disease incidents have occurred in Australian aquaculture, and as a result, State/Territory departments and industries have relatively little experience in incident management for emergency aquatic animal diseases. No jurisdiction to date, has conducted a large scale response to eradicate an exotic disease in aquaculture, and thus expertise in these areas is limited. In the absence of real-life emergency events to provide "on-the-job" training, simulation exercises provide a practical alternative to expose staff to aspects of emergency management.
The need for these exercises can be summarised as follows: 1. Both government and industries have relatively little experience with real emergencies 2. In some jurisdictions, there are no emergency plans extant and there is a lack of clarity about the roles and responsibilities of various individuals and departments especially where fisheries are managed separately from terrestrial animal industries. 3. The lack of previous disease incidents has lead to complacency within several industries 4. Lack of experience with emergency management will invariably lead to a delayed response to a disease emergency, and that in turn may lead to a greater spread of the disease, loss of Australia's disease free status and severe impacts on export industries.
All simulation exercises are initiated by requests from clients - both industry and government. Both the QDPI and the redclaw crayfish industry have requested the proposed exercise and actively support this proposal. The proposed exercise has also attracted interest from the NSW Department of Fisheries, the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries and the New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries, all of whom have requested to send observers to the exercise. Objectives: 1. To examine and test the skills and abilities of the participants in group problem solving and decision making skills. 2. To increase the participants' knowledge of the communication routes to be used in an emergency disease response by working through a scenario which mimics a real emergency situation. 3. To improve the participants' ability to manage tasks by prioritising a number of competing demands during the operational phase of an emergency response. 4. To increase participants' understanding of the operational effects of specific requests to field staff operating at infected premises. 5. To familiarise participants with operating practices on a redclaw crayfish farm and to enhance the identification of methods of disease control applicable to this industry. 6. To identify key issues for future development of emergency management in a range of subjects including planning, communication, staffing and resourcing. Read moreRead less