Attracting The Next Generation - Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia Membership 2022-2023
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$52,550.00
Summary
Engaging with and educating the next generation is challenging and competitive, given the range of opportunities available to teachers and students in terms of topics, development opportunities and careers locally, nationally and globally.
Providing awareness, access and support to educators and students is critical to attracting and retaining people across fishing and aquaculture. Through curriculum aligned resources and aligned interventions, activities and experiences, FRDC can spar ....Engaging with and educating the next generation is challenging and competitive, given the range of opportunities available to teachers and students in terms of topics, development opportunities and careers locally, nationally and globally.
Providing awareness, access and support to educators and students is critical to attracting and retaining people across fishing and aquaculture. Through curriculum aligned resources and aligned interventions, activities and experiences, FRDC can spark the curiosity and also provide access to a range of people in fishing and aquaculture through partnering with PIEFA.
This project builds on the strong relationship with PIEFA to conduct research to understand the current level of engagement, barriers and opportunities to position fishing and aquaculture with students and educators. This research will position FRDC for success through utilisation of established, trusted channels and networks. Providing opportunities to showcase the wide variety careers through interactive activities and self directed learning provides the fishing and aquaculture community a direct connection with the next generation.
PIEFA provides a mechanism to showcase fishing and aquaculture, and food and fibre more broadly in Australian schools.
This includes accessing multiple platforms, newsletters, exclusive invitations to members meetings and PIEFA AGM. Invitation to 2023 PIEFA Conference and events. Objectives: 1. Understand and improve teacher awareness, confidence and knowledge to effectively implement food and fibre education in Australian schools 2. Utilise and leverage trusted, valued PIEFA networks and channels 3. Food and fibre education resources are accessible and are accessed by a growing number of Australian schools 4. Inform and engage with a national strategic framework that supports schools awareness and delivery of food and fibre education and careers 5. Food and fibre education initiatives and messages in the wider media and industry spheres are identified and shared between PIEFA and FRDC Read moreRead less
SCRC: PhD: Reducing The Taint In Barramundi Farmed In Recirculating Freshwater Systems
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Inconsistent quality of farmed barramundi (pond or recirculation system) in the marketplace has been identified by ABFA as a major issue causing buyer resistance and negative market impacts. This is limiting realisation of full revenue return for farmed barramundi. The inconsistency in quality is mainly associated with the presence of ‘earthy’ or ’muddy’ taints derived from planktonic and benthic algae (particularly cyanobacteria), fungi and actinomycetes which are known to p ....Inconsistent quality of farmed barramundi (pond or recirculation system) in the marketplace has been identified by ABFA as a major issue causing buyer resistance and negative market impacts. This is limiting realisation of full revenue return for farmed barramundi. The inconsistency in quality is mainly associated with the presence of ‘earthy’ or ’muddy’ taints derived from planktonic and benthic algae (particularly cyanobacteria), fungi and actinomycetes which are known to produce geosmin (GSM) and 2-methyl isoborneol (MIB). These compounds impart muddy, earthy, musty odour, detectable by the human palate when present at extremely low concentrations in water and fish, and not favoured by consumers (Percival et al., 2008). This project aims to develop an algae-taint production model for recirculation systems. This innovative approach will provide clear and measurable direction for reducing taint compound levels through provision of a practical management tool. Its use will significantly improve knowledge of the balance between water quality, algicide use and purging time and conditions, and taint variability.Read moreRead less
Enabling Land-based Production Of Juvenile Yellowtail Kingfish In NSW
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$325,000.00
Summary
This application addresses the NSW FRAB and FRDC Subprogram Priority 2 INDUSTRY 25 – Developing Marine Finfish Aquaculture in NSW.
NSW imports approximately 85% of its seafood and needs a substantial increase in investment and production, most notably, new marine based aquaculture development is required. However, marine aquaculture development is fundamentally constrained by the lack of background biological and economic information. To develop marine finfish production, the NSW govern ....This application addresses the NSW FRAB and FRDC Subprogram Priority 2 INDUSTRY 25 – Developing Marine Finfish Aquaculture in NSW.
NSW imports approximately 85% of its seafood and needs a substantial increase in investment and production, most notably, new marine based aquaculture development is required. However, marine aquaculture development is fundamentally constrained by the lack of background biological and economic information. To develop marine finfish production, the NSW government has invested significantly in establishing a 20 ha Marine Aquaculture Research Lease (MARL) off Port Stephens with approval to produce up to 998 t fish/annum. Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) is the primary species of interest. This interest in YTK is in part driven by a shortfall of Kingfish and Barramundi from aquaculture in local markets – of the order of 460 t at the Sydney Fish Market alone in 2013.
This project will complement the DoA project "Growing a profitable, innovative and collaborative Australian YTK aquaculture industry: bringing ‘white’ fish to the market - RnD4Profit-14-01-027". The end users are the Public, Regulators and Industry. Research will address short term needs to develop marine fish farming in eastern Australia and to provide a platform for ongoing research.
Industry need: YTK production within Australia has been challenging and further research is needed, particularly when entering new farming environments. It is essential to identify supply chains from broodstock to market. In particular, culture of the largest juveniles possible on land before transfer to seacages is essential to optimise survival and production. Land-based techniques need to be developed for viable production of advanced juvenile YTK.
Public need: Extensive public consultation identified key concerns with respect to the sustainable operation of the MARL. Keys concerns related to viable operation of marine fish farming and need to be investigated.
Regulatory need: There is a need for NSW DPI to develop a Marine Waters Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy for NSW (MWSAS) to streamline investment pathways and promote sustainable seafood production. Data from this project will be an essential component of the MWSAS. Objectives: 1. to validate the feasibility of the PSFI hatchery to produce commercial quantities of YTK fingerlings 2. to determine the feasibility and logistics of large-scale, land-based systems for production of advanced juvenile YTK Read moreRead less
Capability And Capacity Building - Scientific Networking & Early Career Development (Australian Society For Fish Biology)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$115,050.00
Summary
We submit this EOI as a non-competitive sponsorship application.
The ASFB is the premiere professional Society promoting research, education and management of fish and fisheries in Australasia. Our capacity to facilitate these goals is dependent on the amount of financial support generated from ASFB members (via membership fees), conference sponsorship (from Government and industry stakeholders), and the FRDC.
We request a new round of funding support from the FRDC to allow us ....We submit this EOI as a non-competitive sponsorship application.
The ASFB is the premiere professional Society promoting research, education and management of fish and fisheries in Australasia. Our capacity to facilitate these goals is dependent on the amount of financial support generated from ASFB members (via membership fees), conference sponsorship (from Government and industry stakeholders), and the FRDC.
We request a new round of funding support from the FRDC to allow us to continue delivering our annual conference and supporting students and early career researchers (ECRs) at a high level. We also request support from FRDC to help facilitate the following: i) real advancement in our Society’s engagement with, and inclusion of, First Nations peoples; ii) recognition and promotion of the value of the core principles of equity, diversity and inclusion in the fish and fisheries sector; iii) better engagement of fisheries managers with scientists; and iv) closer ties with our neighbouring Asian Fisheries Society.
Students and early career researchers represent the future of Australasia’s fish and fisheries sector. ASFB has a long and successful history of promoting and supporting student and ECR members as they undertake their research training, showcase their discoveries and ideas, and begin a career working with fish and fisheries. For the last 10 years, FRDC has been an invaluable partner in this endeavour through the provision of travel bursaries that enable students to attend our annual conference and awards that recognise outstanding achievements. We request FRDC funding to continue supporting our students and ECRs.
ASFB has been making steady progress in ensuring our Society actively supports and facilitates an equitable and inclusive environment that promotes the value of diversity. In 2014, our 40th annual conference (held in partnership with the Australian Society for Limnology; FRDC 2013-404) was built around the theme of ‘Indigenous participation in research and management of aquatic ecosystems’. We facilitated a workshop on Indigenous cross cultural awareness, and throughout the meeting, delegates had the opportunity to explore ways of meaningfully including indigenous peoples in the design, delivery and interpretation of scientific work. Ten years on, we believe there is still a clear need for ASFB to better engage with and include First Nations peoples in our Society. We seek financial support from FRDC to form an independent working group that includes strong indigenous representation, alongside ASFB representatives, to advise our Society on how we can enact meaningful actions that help achieve these goals. Whilst we do not seek to pre-empt the working groups recommendations, we see great opportunity for ASFB to promote the primacy of Indigenous Peoples around water and fisheries rights, facilitate the inclusion of cultural practices and knowledge into western science and management paradigms, and to build capacity of Indigenous Peoples in the sectors of fish, fisheries and aquatic natural resources.
Our Future of the Society Committee is currently drafting a policy document that promotes the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion in ASFB. At our 2016 conference, we held an important event titled ‘Women in Ichthyology’. This was borne from the acknowledgement that, while in recent decades we have made great strides in achieving higher representation of women in research, the job is far from done. Women are often equally represented at lower tiers of the research sector, such as postgraduate students and early career levels, but rapidly dwindle as the professional hierarchy increases to senior leadership roles. The 2016 event celebrated the key contributions of women to fish and fisheries science, and explored how we can all encourage gender equity in this area. We have seen a steady increase in the representation of women in senior roles in our Society (e.g., three of our last six presidents since 2012 are women; three of the last six winners of the prestigious K. Radway Allen Award were women). We believe that more can and will be done to address gender equity in our Society.
The ASFB endeavours to be free from all forms of discrimination, and welcomes all members regardless of age, cultural background, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, physical or mental differences, politics, nationality, religious affiliation or beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family or caring responsibilities, socio-economic background, career status, and work experience. The ASFB aims to continue to foster an inclusive environment where a diversity of people, ideas and perspectives can inspire members to advance fish and fisheries science and management. We seek FRDC support to host a plenary presentation and/or special session on the equity, diversity and inclusivity challenges and opportunities we face in the fish and fisheries sector at the 2024 annual science conference in Newcastle, NSW.
The annual conferences of ASFB provide a fantastic opportunity for fisheries managers from around Australia and New Zealand to meet up and experience networking opportunities with their peers and fisheries researchers. Our conferences provide a forum for managers to hear about the challenges faced in other jurisdictions and work together to develop solutions and innovations. Feedback from our members who are fisheries managers is that it is difficult for them to attend our conferences due to low levels of support from their employers for travel and registration costs, which is a poor outcome for fisheries managers. In turn, our broader membership suffers because they miss the opportunity to engage with managers in an environment conducive to knowledge sharing and collaboration. Furthermore, our students and early career researchers are not exposed to employment opportunities in a valuable sector of our industry. Here, we propose a new travel bursary program, co-funded by FRDC, ASFB and employers, to address the major financial barrier limiting manager engagement with our Society’s activities.
Lastly, we need a vibrant and viable Society to deliver on our project objectives. ASFB is now 53 years old. Throughout this time, the Society has successfully served its membership, and by extension, the broader fish and fisheries community in Australia. Our executive council and sub-committee members are all volunteers and collectively dedicate thousands of hours in-kind each year to ensure we provide effective leadership and deliver on our responsibilities (conservatively valued at $100,000 pa of salary). More recently, we have sought professional support to administer membership databases, facilitate conference logistics (they work for local volunteer organising committees), handle internal and external communications and maintain our website. These are all essential roles and beyond what can be expected from our volunteer office bearers. We are reviewing our current membership fee schedule to help cover some of these costs. We seek FRDC support to contribute to the management and facilitation activities of our Society so that we can continue to deliver excellent opportunities for all our members and successfully deliver on the important objectives outlined in this proposal.
Objectives: 1. Provide a nationally and international relevant forum for researchers, managers and stakeholders to meet to discuss issues relevant to fish and fisheries science and management 2. Support, encourage and recognise achievements of early career researchers and students via sponsorship of targeted excellence and research awards 3. Support and encourage student participation at ASFB's annual science conference and key international conferences via sponsorship of travel bursaries, a specific networking event, and any other appropriate activities 4. Assist in setting up an independent working group with First Nations representation to help ASFB improve how we include and engage with First Nations peoples in our Society 5. Develop a co-funded bursary (alongside ASFB and home institutions) to support the attendance of fisheries managers at ASFB’s annual conference 6. Host a special session and/or plenary at a future conference addressing the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion in fish and fisheries Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Improved Fish Health Management For Integrated Inland Aquaculture Through Better Management Practices (BMPs)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$182,271.31
Summary
Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) aquaculture is a new and developing industry in inland Australia which features efficient and profitable use of natural resources (water and fish) in regional Victoria, NSW and Queensland. Farmed Murray cod is a premium product in domestic markets and small quantities are being sold in markets overseas. In north western Victoria the industry is centred around existing horticulture enterprises and aims to add value to large water holdings by applying mu ....Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) aquaculture is a new and developing industry in inland Australia which features efficient and profitable use of natural resources (water and fish) in regional Victoria, NSW and Queensland. Farmed Murray cod is a premium product in domestic markets and small quantities are being sold in markets overseas. In north western Victoria the industry is centred around existing horticulture enterprises and aims to add value to large water holdings by applying multiple use to this precious resource. Culture of Murray cod in agricultural dams has enormous potential.
Pathogens affecting Murray cod and silver perch have been previously documented (see attached). However the incidence of disease outbreaks relative to major events in the fish life cycle and horticultural water supply practices in integrated farming systems has not been addressed. Farmers without easy access to pathology services and veterinary professionals need to develop skills in basic gross pathology and interpretation of wet preparations. This project aims to equip isolated farmers with these skills and also to document temporally when major disease outbreaks are likely to occur, what the most likely cause is and how the effect of these events can be mitigated.
Further development of fish culture in horticultural enterprises requires some capacity to advise prospective farmers of the capital costs, suitability of their water holding and other features that would affect potential profitability. Combined with data from other work it is planned that a model will be developed that can guide farmer decision making on the feasibility of embarking upon aquaculture within their horticultural enterprise.
This project relates to R&D plans 7.2.2, 7.2.4, 7.2.5 and 7.2.6. There are elements of disease control and mitigation, best practice plan development and training across the 3 parts of the proposal. Objectives: 1. Determine risk factors and prevalence of diseases resulting in reduced production on inland integrated aquaculture farms. 2. Develop fish health and biosecurity better management practices (BMP) for inland integrated aquaculture industries Read moreRead less