Factors Affecting The Toxicity Of The Dinoflagellate, Gambierdiscus Toxicus, And The Development Of Ciguatera Outbreaks
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$22,600.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Define factors influencing ciguatoxin production by cultures of Gambierdiscus toxicus. 2. Examine reef disturbance effects & significance of genetic heterogeneity in G. toxicus in toxin production. 3. Establish requirements for growth & bloom formation by G. toxicus & other dinoflagellates
Production Of Antibodies Against Toxins Involved In Ciguatera Fish Poisoning
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$87,050.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Develop method of detection of ciguatoxin (CTX) to extract & purify sufficient CTX to service requirements of program. 2. Develop an en enzyme imunassay for measuring anti-CTX production. 3. Develop method of schedule immunisation to allow production of monoclonal antibodies
Tactical Research Fund: Revision Of The Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program Manual - In Light Of The FRDC Funded PST Review Report
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$39,000.00
Summary
The updating of the ASQAP manual is urgently needed to ensure that guidance on shellfish management is up to date, sufficient to allow consistency in interpretation and risk assessment and is in line with best practice. The ASQAAC committee represents the Australian bivalve shellfish producers, the program managers from the relevant food safety jurisdictions and the national legislative agencies (Department of Agriculture and FSANZ). It is the key consultative group with regards to bivalve shell ....The updating of the ASQAP manual is urgently needed to ensure that guidance on shellfish management is up to date, sufficient to allow consistency in interpretation and risk assessment and is in line with best practice. The ASQAAC committee represents the Australian bivalve shellfish producers, the program managers from the relevant food safety jurisdictions and the national legislative agencies (Department of Agriculture and FSANZ). It is the key consultative group with regards to bivalve shellfish safety in Australia.
The PST event that occurred in Eastern Tasmania and Bass Strait over the last 24 months, and the FRDC funded review report into the PST incident has highlighted the need to get this national guidance manual updated. It is expected that an updated manual will be outcome focused and provide clear guidance that is internationally robust and meets best practice approaches. The updated ASQAP manual will provide the framework to the relevant state agencies in running their state shellfish safety programs.
The current ASQAP manual is outdated and it was clear from the FRDC PST review report that it urgently needs revision. This position has been accepted by ASQAAC.
Objectives: 1. An updated ASQAP manual will be produced in consultation with all members of ASQAAC 2. The updated manual will be internationally peer reviewed 3. The updated manual will be endorsed by the ASQAAC for agreement by ISC Read moreRead less
Seafood CRC: Understanding And Reducing The Risk Of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins In Southern Rock Lobster
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$417,984.00
Summary
As noted in the background section, Paralytic Shellfish Toxins pose a significant economic risk to the rock lobster industry, the Tasmanian algal bloom in 2012/2013 resulted in losses to the seafood industry in the vicinity of $20million AUD and scientific data is critically needed to assist in minimising losses in future years.
Knowledge on the how rock lobsters accumulate PSTs (e.g. trophic pathway) is crucial to underpin future management strategies, including validating the use ....As noted in the background section, Paralytic Shellfish Toxins pose a significant economic risk to the rock lobster industry, the Tasmanian algal bloom in 2012/2013 resulted in losses to the seafood industry in the vicinity of $20million AUD and scientific data is critically needed to assist in minimising losses in future years.
Knowledge on the how rock lobsters accumulate PSTs (e.g. trophic pathway) is crucial to underpin future management strategies, including validating the use of species which may be more readily gathered to indicate risk (e.g. the use of farmed or wild caught mussels). Additionally, there is limited information on the elimination of PSTs from Jasus edwardsii. This data would assist industry in an event where large volumes of product have been harvested and are being held in live-containment facilities, particularly in Australia where animals can be held for several weeks in tanks. Information on persistence in the wild will also underpin decisions on potential re-direction of fishing effort to non contaminated areas.
Objectives: 1. To provide management options for industry to reduce the impacts of algal blooms. These options will potentially include: in-tank elimination conditions, testing of sentinel species to obtain early warning etc 2. To reduce technical barriers to trade for Australian rock lobsters in key markets through using the risk assessment output of the project to negotiate risk based standards. 3. To enhance R&D capability on marine biotoxins and market access in Australia. Read moreRead less
Developing Clam Aquaculture In Australia: A Feasibility Study On Culturing Donax Deltoides And Katelysia Sp On Intertidal And Subtidal Leases In South Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$296,960.00
Summary
The need for development of an Australian clam aquaculture industry comes from the fact that a large international market is prepared to pay a premium price for quality Australian clams, demand cannot be met by the wild fishery, and clam aquaculture has been successfully developed on a large scale overseas.
CCPL and other cockle fishers are finding that further expansion of their businesses is severely limited by the level of wild catch and as such are actively exploring aquaculture, th ....The need for development of an Australian clam aquaculture industry comes from the fact that a large international market is prepared to pay a premium price for quality Australian clams, demand cannot be met by the wild fishery, and clam aquaculture has been successfully developed on a large scale overseas.
CCPL and other cockle fishers are finding that further expansion of their businesses is severely limited by the level of wild catch and as such are actively exploring aquaculture, the basis of this project proposal, to realise the potential of the markets they have developed. Their level of commitment is demonstrated by their contribution of $75,000 cash and $51,160 in-kind towards this project.
We believe that the potential viability of a clam culture industry compares well with the South Australian oyster industry: - the price per kilogram is as good or better than for oysters; - stocking levels are likely to be much higher per unit area of a lease, or per cylindrical basket on a longline; - infrastructure costs are likely to be less if cultured in the sediments, or similar if using a longline system; - handling, including rumbling and grading are likely to be less frequent; and - the development of a clam culture industry is likely to occur in a shorter time frame due to the technical, biological and resource management experience gained from the shellfish industry.
Intertidal waters currently identified as being suitable for oyster culture are fully allocated in South Australia and the opportunities for growers to increase business revenue are limited. Clams can offer a new income stream from the same leases, from leases that have proven to be unsuitable for oyster culture, and from new areas. Objectives: 1. Desktop study of previous research and international clam farming techniques and with a view to adopting existing technology where practicable to ensure project efficiency. 2. Determine suitable species using field and laboratory based trials. 3. Successful production of clam spat from hatchery reared larvae. 4. Production of a hatchery production manual for possible use by commercial hatcheries wishing to participate in the proposed clam culture industry 5. Undertake field evaluations for identification of likely commercial culture methods and site characteristics 6. Communication and technology transfer between industry participants and researchers in the form of workshops and written reports Read moreRead less
Pearl Oyster Aquaculture: Health Survey Of NT, WA And Qld Pearl Oyster Beds And Farms
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$266,135.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Detect and document the serious diseases and significant pathogens of farmed pearl oysters in WA, NT and QLD 2. Develop a database of pearl disease, location and prevalence that can assist both government and farmers in making informed decisions about translocation of stock
9th International Conference On Harmful Algal Blooms, 7-11 February 2000, Hobart
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$25,000.00
Summary
Starting in the mid 1980s, Australia has experienced an increased public awareness of harmful algal blooms, especially their suspected involvement in causing fish kills and feared public health risks following consumption of contaminated seafood products and drinking water supplies. If not adequately monitored and managed, the economic impacts on Australia's developing aquaculture industry and on both domestic and export markets could be devastating. An example o .... Starting in the mid 1980s, Australia has experienced an increased public awareness of harmful algal blooms, especially their suspected involvement in causing fish kills and feared public health risks following consumption of contaminated seafood products and drinking water supplies. If not adequately monitored and managed, the economic impacts on Australia's developing aquaculture industry and on both domestic and export markets could be devastating. An example of the first problem is the 1989 bloom event by the golden-brown flagellate Heterosigma akashiwo in Big Glory Bay, New Zealand, which killed NZ$ 12 million worth of cage-reared chinook salmon. An example of the second problem is the 1993 New Zealand outbreak of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning by the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium cf. breve (NSP; 180 illnesses, no deaths) which led to export losses of NZ $ 4.5 million in the first quarter of 1993 and a 25% decrease in domestic shellfish demand . Similarly, positive test results are now available from Australian shellfish products for paralytic shellfish poisons (NSW, TAS,VIC,SA), diarrhetic shellfish poisons (TAS), amnesic shellfish poisons (VIC) , neurotoxic shellfish poisons (VIC) and cyanobacterial peptide toxins (WA). While algal biotoxins only in extreme cases lead to human fatalities, it is the so-called "halo"-effect of bad publicity resulting from a few human poisonings that can devastate aquaculture industries. Compared to our neighbour New Zealand, which spends $3.2 M per year in biotoxin monitoring efforts (most comes from the Ministry of Health, with industry providing $750,000 per year via an industry levy), Australian efforts in this area of quality assurance and environmental protection of aquaculture operations are unsatisfactory. Objectives: 1. To host a successful international conference dealing with: (1) Ecology and oceanography of harmful algae events; (2) Taxonomy of the causative organisms; (3) Chemistry of the toxins involved; (4) Management of toxic and harmful events; and (5) Pharmacological and epidemiological aspects. The conference will comprise: Keynote lectures, Oral and poster presentations, Round table discussions; Workshops; as well as a Social Programme including excursions to key Tasmanian aquaculture operations. A conference web site on the internet will also be created. Read moreRead less
Commercialising The Production Of Cobia In Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$308,990.00
Summary
There is a need to build on the work conducted under the auspices of the Seafood CRC and address the issues that have arisen in commercialising cobia. A number of unforeseen circumstances, in both seed supply and grow-out of cobia, arose during the Seafood CRC project,that limited the commercial development of this species.
Cobia is typically regarded as a gonochoristic species. However, a relatively high incidence of intersex individuals in captive-reared broodstock populations has o ....There is a need to build on the work conducted under the auspices of the Seafood CRC and address the issues that have arisen in commercialising cobia. A number of unforeseen circumstances, in both seed supply and grow-out of cobia, arose during the Seafood CRC project,that limited the commercial development of this species.
Cobia is typically regarded as a gonochoristic species. However, a relatively high incidence of intersex individuals in captive-reared broodstock populations has occurred in recent years. This appears to have reduced reproductive output and therefore the regularity and quantity of seed supply. The mechanism behind the intersex individuals, early identification of the anomaly and the potential impact on reproductive output and commercial hatchery production warrant further investigation. There is a need to capture and maintain wild cobia to provide contingency for the occurrence of reproductive abnormalities in captive-reared fish and to facilitate comparative developmental trials. There may also be a need to provide wild fish for the development of a broodstock facility at PRF’s hatchery.
PRF has faced a number of challenges in commercialising cobia production. Predation and fish health have had major impacts on productivity over earlier production seasons. Whilst a number of innovative techniques have been implemented to reduce these impacts, there remains a need to improve and refine these further
There are currently no commercial hatcheries producing cobia; as such there remains a need for support from DAFF to supply juvenile fish for on-growing. Small-scale hatchery production at PRF was successful in producing juvenile cobia; however, there is a need to increase this to a commercial scale over the course of this project. DAFF will also supply larvae to continue the development of hatchery capability at PRF and to support PRF’s anticipated development of broodstock holding and maturation facilities.
Objectives: 1. Transitioning to independent commercial productiona. Provide juvenile cobia for commercial grow out to further develop commercialisation of the speciesb. Further develop commercial larval rearing capacity through seed supply, technology transfer and staff exchange c. Technology transfer and staff exchange to develop capacity to maintain and spawn broodstock cobia 2. Expand cobia production to the wider industry 3. Improve production efficienciesa. Refine stocking rates and production densitiesb. Improved health management through routine sampling and early diagnosis, disease investigation and health trainingc. Implement methods to reduce predation 4. Analysis and identification of reproductive disorders in broodstock Read moreRead less
A Biochemical, Pathological And Behavioural Study To Assess The Protective Effects Of Selenium And Vitamin E Against Mercury
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Examine the premise that the natural accumulation of methyl mercury in association with selenium and/or vitamin E in fish reduces or abolishes the potential toxicity of methyl mercury in food for mammals
The Toxicity And Sub-lethal Effects Of Persistent Pesticides On Juvenile Prawns And A Common Inter-tidal Seagrass Species
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$123,475.12
Summary
Four of the eight fishing industry sectors have identified pollution as one of the priorities for improvement. Although the pollution types and sources were not further defined, the impacts from persistent organic pollutants are becoming more common worldwide. Toxic effects arising from exposure to chemical pollutants are frequently reported. In addition, contamination by these chemicals can lead to discrimination and/or rejection of the product in the marketplace. The need is for a properly f ....Four of the eight fishing industry sectors have identified pollution as one of the priorities for improvement. Although the pollution types and sources were not further defined, the impacts from persistent organic pollutants are becoming more common worldwide. Toxic effects arising from exposure to chemical pollutants are frequently reported. In addition, contamination by these chemicals can lead to discrimination and/or rejection of the product in the marketplace. The need is for a properly funded study that examines the quality of inshore seawater in a defined area and from which links can be established between cause and effect. For the reasons set out below, the study proposed is seen as Stage 1 of a multi-stage process which will enable the Fishing Industry to understand where it stands currently as far as water pollution by organic chemicals is concerned and the impacts these chemicals might have on specific ecosystem components.
The focus of stage 2 would be to examine the impact of bio-available inorganic chemicals and, separately, increased levels of nutrients on specified key ecosystem components. A subsequent stage could examine the impact of identified industrial chemicals on appropriate indicator species. The aim must be to appreciate the sensitivity of (South) Australian marine ecosystems to pollution from a variety of sources and the impact on market share.
Stage 1. There is increasing evidence from other States in Australia, and worldwide, that persistent herbicides arising from terrestrial activities are impacting on the growth and productivity of inshore seagrass beds. The toxicity of agricultural chemicals, principally insecticides, has been demonstrated on fish species that are indigenous to the Northern Hemisphere but no study has looked at the toxicity of persistent agricultural chemicals to species found in Australia. And, more importantly, the toxicity of widely used persistent agricultural chemicals to species of commercial importance in South Australia has not been studied.
Recruitment of juveniles from the inshore nursery areas where persistent agricultural chemicals are most likely to be found could be significantly compromised. Modern pesticides, intended for terrestrial use, are toxic at extremely low concentrations.
The levels of persistent herbicides found in marine environments elsewhere in the world are significant, and similar levels would be expected to occur in Australian inshore waters given the extensive use of herbicides in Australian agriculture. The toxicity of persistent herbicides to inter-tidal seagrass species has not been studied in Australia.
A study linking the concentration of a key persistent organic insecticide in the soil, its concentration in the adjacent marine environment and its toxicity to a key marine indicator species such as the prawn, represents a good model for the study of the impact of a non-point source pollutant over a relatively small area.
The contribution by wind-blown topsoil from adjacent farm areas, which can act as a carrier of considerable quantities of adsorbed persistent organic pesticides has not been examined in South Australia. The role of dust-storm events in the transport of toxic chemicals elsewhere in the world is recognised. The concentration in seawater of persistent organic pollutants such as insecticides has not been determined on a seasonal basis. Dose-response data for a major persistent insecticide and a key indicator marine species such as prawns, combined with knowledge of the concentration of the pesticide in seawater, will provide a scientific basis for proposing modification of land management practices.
The demonstration of significant levels of persistent pesticides in fine farm topsoil and identification of those pesticides in seawater, combined with demonstrated toxicity effects on a key marine species of commercial significance, would provide further support for proposing changes in land-care strategies designed to mitigate these inputs. Objectives: 1. The identity and concentration of insecticides in water samples taken seasonally from inshore nursery areas in Spencer Gulf, and also downstream from point sources such as creeks, will be determined throughout the duration of the project. 2. The levels of adsorbed residual insecticides and herbicides adsorbed onto the <200 mesh fraction of top-soil, sampled from selected farms adjacent to recognised marine nursery areas, will be determined. 3. To develop a GIS database identifying the land units adjoining Spencer Gulf likely to contribute wind borne soil to Gulf waters, together with point sources such as creeks and other discharge points that have the potential to contribute pollutants into recognised nursery habitats. 4. The toxic and sub-lethal effects on juvenile prawns of the common persistent insecticides used in broad-scale agriculture and in local government pest-control programs will be determined. Other juveniles, such as blue crabs and an indicator scalefish, may be tested if time and availability of test organisms allows. 5. The toxic and sublethal effects of a major persistent herbicide used in broad-scale agriculture on Zostera, a common inter-tidal seagrass species, will be determined. 6. Having determined what organic pesticide pollutants are in the seawater and in conjunction with the toxicology data and the residue levels in soil, to then establish the probable mechanisms for their appearance in seawater and to recommend ways of mitigating the impacts. The objective here is to prepare and implement an extension program which communicates effectively the results and recommendations of the project to local coastcare groups, local government and appropriate agricultural industry groups and other stakeholders. Read moreRead less