Development of a stock protection system for flexible oceanic pens containing finfish

Funded Activity Summary

In the financial year 1997/98 all Tasmanian fin fish farms experienced increased levels of seal interaction resulting in tangible losses of around $1.5 million. 164 seals were trapped and relocated in 1996/97 compared with 37 the year before and 10 when this form of management was first introduced. In response to the increase in interactions, the industry spent an estimated $ 1 million on upgrading predator nets over the last financial year. Licensed shooting, trapping and relocation of seals have been used by the industry, in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Land Management, in previous years, but these methods are not considered to be either acceptable (because of risk of spreading disease, animal ethics concerns and fishery management issues), or cost effective.

The Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon industry is set to expand substantially in the short to medium term, with production projected to double within 5 years. With this expansion, new areas, both near shore and off shore will be developed for marine farming. Seal predation will be at least, if not more significant in these areas. The development of some aquaculture projects in other states, notably Western Australia, has been postponed due to perceived potential problems with seals, and the inadequacies in current stock protection systems.

The Southern Bluefin Tuna farming industry in South Australia, while relatively new already suffers large losses due to predation by sharks and seals. Losses due to predation by sharks and seals have a substantial impact on the industry, with annual direct losses estimated at $1.2 million and growing rapidly. Existing predator deterrent methods have not proven to be effective for the farming or towing conditions experienced by the industry. This project will contribute directly to the tuna industry by providing reviews of predator systems and designs of new nets to restrict predators affects on farms.

Objectives:
1. Design one or more passive"combined" (above and below water) anti predator system models, based on industry experience, anti predator expertise and operational / mechanical suitability
2. Performance evaluation of (a) combined model systems under various flow and wave conditions, and (b) aerial anti predator system designs under commercial conditions in SA and/ or Tas
3. Provide plans/guidelines for the production of a commercial scale anti-predator system for testing under Tasmanian & SA conditions

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 07-09-1999

End Date: 04-12-2002

Funding Scheme: Funding Scheme not available

Funding Amount: $83,139.13

Funder: Fisheries Research and Development Corporation

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

There are no FoR codes available for this funding activity

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Aquaculture | Finfish Fisheries | Fishing Gear | Modelling

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