June 2008 by Tim Walker

Volume 22 No 2 – June 2008

Anatoki Salmon innovates to profit Queensland’s soft shell crabs The promise of Tassie’s sea urchins Prawn farm diversifies into barra Singapore’s dragonfish goldmine NZ redfin an Irish off-season hit Caged silver perch for cotton dams Australasian Aquaculture 2008 preview

P RI NT P O S T A P P ROVED NO 768108–00002

I SSN 0818– 5522

Contents

www.AustasiaAquaculture.com.au

62 Editor-in-chief Dr Tim Walker Regular contributors David O'Sullivan John Mosig Dave Field

Subscription/editorial Austasia Aquaculture PO Box 658, Rosny, Tas. 7018 Ph: 03 6245 0064 Fax: 03 6245 0068 Email: AustasiaAquaculture@netspace.net.au

CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW PREVIEW

Advertising Megan Farrer Design/typesetting Coalface Production Pty Ltd Prepress & Printing Geon Group

Cover photo A montage of photos supplied courtesy of Skretting Australia.

Skretting – Feeding your passion for fish!

F E AT U R E

Copyright © by Austasia Aquaculture. Contents cannot be reproduced without permission. Statements made or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Turtle Press Pty Ltd (ABN 98 506 165 857). Austasia Aquaculture magazine (ISSN: 0818 552) is published by Turtle Press Pty Ltd (ABN 98 506 165 857) for the promotion of aquaculture in the Australasian and Asian regions – inclusive of farming in marine, freshwater, brackish and hypersaline waters. Reader's contributions are encouraged on the clear understanding they will be subject to editorial control and, if accepted, will appear in both printed and online versions.

Brisbane conference to bring whole industry together

50 FA R M P R O F I L E S From marginal to profitable: New Zealand’s Anatoki Salmon

Soft shell sand crabs produced in Queensland

Organic Aquaculture – The Way Forward?

Aquaponics in Sub-Saharan Africa, is it a Sustainable Hope?

NSW oyster industry looks to better water quality

NEWS Australian prawn farmers upping their training focus

New Zealand’s redfin an off-season hit with the Irish

Pioneer’s vital role keeps cod in the upper Darling

There’s money in those sea urchins!

Growing silver perch in cages

Wild River Farmed Seafood diversifies into barra

TECHNOLOGY

Enter the Dragon!

Discover the Aero-TubeTM Oxygen Advantage.

RESEARCH 67

Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 1

www.AustasiaAquaculture.com.au

Advertisers Index AGK Technology / Fresh By Design AirEng Ajay & Duraplas Tanks AMC (Australian Maritime College) Aquaculture Supplies WA AquaEd 2008 AquaFauna Biomarine Aquahort Aquasonic Aquaspex Aquatic Diagnostic Services International AQUI-S Austasia Aquaculture - subscription page BGB M arine – Underwater Light & Vision BST Oyster Supplies ECDC (Eastern Cape Development Corp) Elders Fisheries & Aquaculture Brokers Elders- Maitland / Crayfish Farm for Sale Fisheries Research Development Corporation Hanna Instruments HR Browne & Sons Jeyco - Mooring & Rigging Murray Darling Fisheries Namoi Valley Aquafarming Oblomov Trading Plastic Fabrications Quinntech P/L Seapa SED - Shellfish Equipment Silver Water Technology Skretting Spectrum Aquaculture / INVE / Primo Aquaculture Sunbelt Business Brokers – SA Oyster Farm Sunderland Marine Mutual Insurance Company Ltd Superior Fibreglass Sure Water Systems Sydney Fish Market Tasmanian Govt - Dept Economic Development & Tourism Technolab Marketing The Market Place – classified ads Tooltech P/L (Aquatray & Aquapurse) Tooltech P/L (New product range) Trade Show Exhibitor Profiles Tuckaway Engineering Uarah Fish Hatchery Ultra Violet Products (Aust) Inserts 2008 Skretting Australasian Aquaculture Conference & Trade Show

2 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

17 57 53 35 45 16 71 61 Inside Front Cover 5 19 71 26 16 49 65 7 23 43 9 48 4 61 11 24 48 34 59 65 64 36,37 31 53 33 15 69 Outside Back Cover 40,41 21 Inside Back Cover 43 55 29 - 44 19 51 61

FA R M P R O F I L E

From marginal to profitable: New Zealand’s Anatoki Salmon T

ourism and New Zealand go together like the sun and the moon. One of the most scenically stunning countries in the world, it attracts 2.5 million visitors a year, not bad for a country of 4.1 million. Some stay bringing their entrepreneurship and capital with them.

Kim Duff preparing salmon fillets for the smoker.

Jan Dissel had worked as Financial Manager for British Petroleum for 30 years when his wife Gerda reminded him that you only live twice: the first 50 years and the next 50 years! This led to a search for a lifestyle change that finished up in picturesque Takaka on the South Island’s Golden Bay. Situated 10 minutes drive out of Takaka, Anatoki Salmon has been converted from a commercial farm producing an annual harvest for the wholesale market to an award-winning fish-out. The angler has the choice of taking his catch away fresh or, at extra cost, having them smoked in a range of flavours. The wall of Jan’s office is lined with certificates paying tribute to the value this operation has brought to the region. Water is diverted from the Anatoki River and goes through a settlement process before returning to the main stream. The Dissels are allowed to take up to 50% of the river flow. As the average flow is 2,700L/sec and the farm’s requirement is between 700L/sec and 900L/sec there has never been a water problem. Water temperature during summer never goes above 15°C. Hatchery water is supplied from a spring on the farm at between 9°C and 10°C. The region is famous for its spring-fed rivers and some of the world’s purest water runs across the fertile plains of Golden Bay. Salmonids are not indigenous to New Zealand and the history of Chinook salmon acclimatization in New Zealand had its origins between 1875 and 1907 when millions of ova were transhipped from California. The species has had limited success acclimatising and its main relevance is as an aquaculture species. Other salmonid species were introduced about the same time, the best known of which is the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) which has become the mainstay of the country’s inland sports fishery.

Jan proudly stands beside his Qualmark endorsement.

The layout of the farm is simple. There are four raceways plus the one hectare catching pondage. A hatchery, feed storage, processing room, smoke house and office complete the infrastructure. And of course there’s a dining area for those who can’t wait to get their smoked salmon home. Production cycle The production cycle is also straightforward. Ova are purchased from the National Institute for Water & Atmosphere’s (NIWA) Silver Streams hatchery south of Christchurch during the May to June spawning season and hatched on the

The idea is to make it easy for the visitors to catch fish. The main pond is replenished four to five times a season. The four raceways shown here are an integral part of the supply line.

Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 3

FA R M P R O F I L E 1

1. Salmon fillets being marinated before smoking. 2. Demonstrating that anyone can catch a feed at Anatoki Salmon. A couple of satisfied customers land a beauty. 3. Some of the awards Jan & Gerda have earned for their efforts in making Anatoki Salmon one of the premier tourist attractions of the region.

farm. The eggs aren’t cheap – 20c each – but the hatch rate is around 90%. The salmon are reared in three stages. Once hatched, they are nurtured in the nursery for eight weeks to a size of 30mm to 40mm (approx 1g). From there they are stocked for nine months in the fry raceway at 40,000/140m3 and grown out to 150g.

Hand fed at first, Jan says they soon learn to activate the paddle on the self feeders. Once the fry have reached the size at which they would normally smolt and run to the ocean they are transferred to the next raceway (500m3). The numbers have been reduced by natural attrition and 35,000 are fed here until they reach 500g before being entering the final grow-out stage. This stage takes six months. At this point the salmon are split between the two growout raceways and the fish-out pond. Sixteen thousand are stocked evenly between two 150m3 raceways and the remainder range free in

JEYCO AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS

Jeyco have been catapulted into the Aquaculture market over the last three years off the back of our Stingray Mooring Anchor.

Fusion Marine – suppliers of cage solutions

Jeyco have now been involved in the supply of equipment to Aquaculture operators that has seen us provide solutions in Mexico, Spain, Italy, Malaysia, Scotland, Japan, New Zealand and domestically to Fin Fish Farmers working with Tuna, Kingfish, Salmon, Sea Bass, Barramundi etc

What we have focused on is reducing the thinking on size and weight being the only way to looking at more efficient equipment offers that allow the operators to reduce boat and install times. An example is we recently supplied a Salmon farmer in the south of Tasmania, Huon Aquaculture, two grid systems of 30 cages and using 160 meter circumference cages. In the past they had used up to 1500kg anchors and some slump weights as well. Our system used Stingray Anchors of 375kg and 250kg, this cut their install time down by half.

We have been working to provide engineered Grid Systems to ensure that there is a responsibility on us to our client and to the insurers. In house we have the capability to provide detailed analysis that will show the loads on a single cage as well as a total system in the worst case scenario in storms and in high energy sites.

Given that we do full engineering and design around the known site conditions we are then matching equipment to a load requirement. We have worked with two manufacturers of ropes to produce higher strength Poly Olefin ropes that are less in size, again providing efficiency with out diluting the need for holding powers.

We work with a number of partners to allow us to bring to the table a turnkey solution if required, some of these partners include:-

If we are supplying a total grid we supply these pre made with a complete Vendor Data Book and drawings on assembly with an install methodology, this way there is no splicing or fabricating needed at site only putting the system together as the grid is installed.

We are also working with a large engineering firm to provide rock substrate securing methods where the bottom does not allow use of our Stingray.

Australian Marine and Offshore Group – specialize in deep sea and high energy mooring analysis, they are well respected in the Offshore Oil and Gas Sector.

Universal Nets – a supplier of netting and system solutions for over 20 years to the Aquaculture Markets. Aquaculture Engineering Group – specialise in Feed Barge Systems.

4 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

We also have access to a Marine Scientist that has a lot of experience in determining site suitability for the various species. Our strength is in working with local partners and providing turn key solutions by involving people that are experts in particular parts of the fish farm process.

FA R M P R O F I L E

the pond. The fish are fed a maintenance ration from here in. Jan works on the theory that, especially for salmon in the fish-out ponds, treating them mean keeps them keen. It certainly seems to work ... there’s a constant stream of people coming from the ponds to the smokers with bucket fulls of freshly caught fish. All Pacific species of salmon die after spawning. That means Jan and Gerda have to clean out their stock before maturity – and the various hormonal and physiological changes that make the fish unpalatable – sets in. They have it timed to a tee. At the end of each March they hold a Harvest Picnic and the fish are removed to make way for the next cohort to come through the farm. Feed Growth is not the prime issue at Anatoki once the fish have reached the optimal size; as soon as the fish reach a kilo they are ready to catch. Jan quickly worked out that large fish, at $18/kg, make the outing too expensive. With fish between 1kg and 1.5kg the whole family can catch one. A mixture of feeds is used. The local manufacturer, Reliance, make a steam pressed pellet. Transport is always an added cost in NZ as the mountainous terrain and reliance on imported fuel makes moving bulky items such as stock food expensive. The steam pressed ration costs $2,400/t to land on the farm. The farm also uses Skrettings starter feed which, being a higher protein extruded imported diet, is 25% dearer. Savings come by being able to mince and freeze the fish frames and waste from the processing room. Free labour & cost recovery As with all small farms production capacity is limited. So Anatoki Salmon have had not only to add value to their product, but cut down on their expenses. What easier way to do that than on the labour costs? They have “poo scrapers” modelled on the dredges used to clean out the drains and that keep the Netherlands afloat. After the local market gardeners discovered the benefits of pond waste, they use the “poo scraper” to clean the raceways and

Smolt waiting to be moved along the production line. The self feeder and trigger paddle can be seen.

pond free of charge. Then there’s the oldest one in the book ... selling pellets to the tourists and letting them feed the fish! Value adding But the big earner at Anatoki is the smoking. Jan and Gerda are continually experimenting with marinating recipes and doing (onsite) market research on their customers. There are now eight flavours to choose from: plain smoked, Cajun, lemon pepper, basil & garlic, tandoori, ginger & coriander, curry and the house specialty built around a sweet paprika base. Then there’s the flagship product: the Classic brand smoked salmon in vacuum packs. It is cured over apple tree roots and prunings and glazed with Manuka honey. Jan says it’s sensational and a great seller. Another product is salmon burgers. Made from the minced wings and trimmings, this pure salmon product is deep fried and served with salad and chips for a hearty seafood meal.

Roger McDonald smoking salmon caught in the ponds and consumed on the premises.

Anatoki salmon. Their packaging carries the Qualmark logo as testament to the quality of the product. Supermarket sizes vary from plate size to 2kg. At the end of the season Jan and Gerda open the farm for the Harvest Festival, an annual event for the district with live music and tasting of some excellent NZ whites. All the fish are harvested and sold to clear the way for the next batch. Jan says there hasn’t been a moment when he and Gerda regretted moving across the globe to settle in New Zealand. Anatoki salmon is an example of a family aquaculture operation that has taken a marginal farming undertaking and turned it into a viable and enjoyable enterprise. By John Mosig Jan & Gerda can be contacted by email on Anatoki Salmon on salmon@anatokisalmon.co.nz

Marketing The farm produces 25t to 30t a year with 70% of that sold through the fish-out. The balance goes to local restaurants and supermarkets under the Anatoki and Classic label. Jan is brand conscious and gives a discount to restaurants that describe his salmon on the menu as Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 5

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Main pic: Aerial view of the farm adjacent to Littabella National Park. The largest production pond (top left corner) is 4ha, settlement pond and outlet are on the right. Beyond the pond area are several freshwater lakes. Inset: Small blue swimmer crabs, harvested from the ponds and ready for stocking into the moulting system. Photo by Krystal Huff.

Soft shell sand crabs produced in Queensland An innovative farm has just started producing and selling soft shell sand crabs. Located near Bundaberg the operation was able to link into two existing but unused facilities to undertake the whole production cycle from hatchery through to sales and distribution.

oral Coast Mariculture Pty Ltd (CCM) was formed in 2005 to explore the potential for the commercialisation of the Blue-swimmer Crab (Portunus pelagicus). Managing Director Dr Clive Keenan the company says a $500,000 grant through the Sustainable Regions programme of the Department of Trade and Regional Services assisted the company’s establishment and provide local employment in seafood and infrastructure development (see AAM Vol 20.6, Dec-Jan 2006 page 3), following the 6 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

massive downturn in the fishing industry after the declaration of Green Zones. Soft shell crabs command a high price and fresh product is selling in Australia at A$5.50 to A$6.50 per soft shell crab – equating to A$55-65/kg. According to Clive this product is unique in the seafood industry: the smallest crabs command the highest prices as they are sold by the dozen, not by weight. “For example,” he explains, “in the USA the smallest available grade averages 70g which retails for US$35 per dozen, whilst

the largest size (av. 167g) sell for US$70 dozen. The smaller crabs are worth US$6.20 more per kg than the larger ones. So there’s a profit incentive in getting large numbers of smaller crabs through.” The first of the company’s two sites is a 142 ha freehold farm, including hatchery, nursery and processing facilities, at Littabella Creek, some 50kms northwest of Bundaberg, SE Queensland; the second is a seafood processing factory located at the Port of Bundaberg, some 1.5kms upriver from the mouth of Burnett River.

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The farm was purchased in November 2007. Clive says the original plan was to build a farm on a leased site at the Bundaberg Port. ‘We had obtained DPI&F Aquaculture Development Approval for 17 ha of ponds and a hatchery and had begun planning for construction,” he explains. “However, while the lease was under negotiation the Littabella Creek farm was put on the market. After some serious deliberations, the farm was purchased as it was already constructed, had almost twice the licensed area and included many facilities suited to crab production such as refrigerated holding systems, 25ha of sandy ponds with steep concrete banks, excellent sea water quality, and over 700 crab traps!” The farm was originally developed in 1993 by the Japanese feed company, Higashimaru, to produce live Kuruma Prawns (Marsupenaeus [ex Penaeus] japonicus) for the Japanese market. It last harvested Kuruma Prawns in 2004/2005 and was in a poorly maintained state when purchased by CCM. It has three 0.1ha concrete nursery ponds, two 2ha intake settlement ponds, five 1ha growout ponds, four 3ha growout ponds and a single 4ha growout pond. All are around 2m deep. There is also a 12ha discharge settlement pond. As Kuruma prawns need to burry in sand during the daytime, all ponds were built with a thick sand bottom over clay with a centre drain. Most ponds have concrete lined walls. The farm’s seawater intake is in Littabella Creek which drains into Hervey Bay between the Kolan River and Baffle Creek. There are four 150hp axial flow pumps, each capable of delivering ~1,000L per second. The farm also has three large freshwater lakes (total area around 8ha, some up to 10m deep) and a bore that

1. Two of the large intake pumps in operation. Photo by C. Keenan. 2. A market ready crab. 3. The renovated hatchery. A new sloping floor was installed and painted with epoxy. Photo by C. Keenan. 4. Recently constructed dome with moulting trays and recirculation system including foam fractionator. Photo by C. Keenan.

supplies potable water for the houses and processing room. Saltwater supply is through canals (10m wide and 1m deep) and enters the ponds through a range of inlets (10-30cm diameter); some gravity feed pipes with valves, some variable speed pumps. Littabella Creek has very good water quality and is just 3km upstream from the mouth. Salinity remains high even during periods of high rainfall; in the 12 months we have been operating,

pond salinity has fluctuated 34-42 ppt. Consequently a feed from a freshwater lake has been installed via a high pressure centrifugal pump and lay flat pipe so that salinity can be reduced during periods of low rainfall and high evaporation. Maximum temperature in the ponds last summer was 28°C with a winter minimum of 13.4°C. That means good crab growth for about nine months of the year (the crabs grow best at water temperatures >18°C).

E L D E R S F I S H E R I E S & A Q U A C U LT U R E B R O K E R S Elders are the brokering specialists. If you want to buy or sell commercial fishing licenses or aquaculture licenses/leases in South Australia, you need the experience, service and right advice that you will only get by choosing Elders Fisheries and Aquaculture Brokers. Elders offers: • A powerful brand name and extensive buyer base • World wide exposure via the internet and targeted marketing • Dedicated Fisheries and Aquaculture email and website Contact: Rob Field on t:08 8425 4776, m:0438 882 770 or f:08 8231 9393 27 Currie Street, Adelaide SA 5000 e: fisheries@elders.com.au web: www.elders.com.au/fisheries

ERE243344 2/07

The seafood processing factory – originally built in 1994 –closed in January 2003 due to a severe downturn in the fishing industry. Built on land owned by the Bundaberg Port Corporation, it consists of a land lease of 7,935m2 and a deep water (4.5m) lease of 7,036m2, complete with office, shop, large seafood processing room, vessel mooring and refuelling facilities and AQIS-registered 170 pallet blast freezer facilities.

Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 7

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Management Metrics Key Management Decisions for Coral Coast Mariculture include: • Utilisation of existing facility for start-up and piloting phases significantly reduced financial requirements and reduces risk • Stocking of Black Tiger Prawns to get a cash flow as the production and marketing of the soft shell crabs are developed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Sand Crab culture include: • Culture System utilised: sandy based ponds • Growth rate (from stocking to market): <4 months (60g to 100g) • Survival rate: 10% from first stocking to sale size • Annual harvest: up to 100 tonnes • FCR: still being investigated

Water exchange rates for crab ponds are much lower than that required for prawns, so the water inlet requirements are much less than their licence permits. All pond effluent is collected in a 12ha settling pond prior to release through a canal close to the inlet. “Not all of the ponds are operating at the moment, but the licensed exchange rate is very high, so we have plenty of water. We could reuse water if needed,” Clive adds. For optimal growth and survival of the crabs, dissolved oxygen needs to be above 5ppm. So 2-3hp water movers (submersed motors with 70cm diameter propellers that cut the water surface) ensure the pond water circulates and aerates. Infrastructure upgrades “Taking over two run-down facilities was always going to be a challenge,” Clive admits. “Finding out how all the systems used to work, identifying problems and working out how to solve them, has been an interesting exercise. We have had some help from previous staff and local contractors who helped to build and run the original facilities. The

amount of equipment that’s no longer serviceable is considerable but every so often we find nice little surprises (e.g. new equipment that were not used or installed). Reconstruction is an ongoing process as we discover what was installed and how to improve it.” He says they rebuilt the hatchery by installing a sloping floor for improved drainage, sealing the floor with epoxy, new plumbing and airlines, new filter system with UV sterilization, new laboratory and purchasing new tanks (5m3 parabolic fibreglass). Although it is only a small hatchery, Clive considers it sufficient for production of crabs as well as a planned extension into fish. “In total there is about 90 tonnes of tank capacity for larvae, broodstock and algae. There’s also five 50 tonne concrete tanks under cover and three concrete lined nursery ponds about 0.1 ha each for fish broodstock and fingerling production.” In addition to upgrading the existing facilities, a recirculation moulting system has been constructed. Currently it

American size grading for soft shell crabs Grade

Average Weight

min CW (mm)

max CW (mm)

Medium

50g

87.5

Hotel

70g

100

112

Prime

93g

112.5

124

Jumbo

127g

125

137

Whales

167g

137.5

CW = carapace width 8 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

consists of one row of 32 fibreglass tray tanks in a 34m x 12m igloo greenhouse. When completed there will be 96 trays in 3 rows. The unique moulting tanks and recirculation system were designed and constructed by company staff. Water drains from the moulting tanks into two large storage tanks with a 200,000L per hr foam fractionation system used to clean up and recirculate the water. Crabs and Prawns Clive says that ten people are currently employed full time or part-time on the project. “There is still a lot of construction to complete, including another two moulting sheds. As production increases, more processing staff will be employed.” In late 2007 Coral Coast stocked two ponds for a total of seven hectare at low density with Black Tiger Prawn (P. monodon) using PL21s from their own hatchery as well as some PL15s from another hatchery. “We have conducted research on fish species including Mullet (Mugil cephalus) and Barramundi (Lates calcarifer). We expect to harvest around 25 tonnes of prawns from Easter onwards.” A rotational stocking and harvesting program has been undertaken with the crabs. “Depending on water temperatures and feed levels, the crabs can reach market size in around three months in summer and lot a longer in winter. We have stocked 4ha of crab ponds with stocking densities of 300,000 megalopae (12-14 day old) per ha. As the crabs get to around 100g the stocking density has to be lowered to prevent cannibalism.” A number of commercially available prawn feeds are being trialled to determine suitability for crabs and a R&D project to look at organic feeds with the DPI&F. Clive adds : “We are also looking at reducing the amount of fish meal and oil used in our feeds.” There is no need for Cormorant control of crab ponds as the crabs bury during the day time. However, there’s been a few problems with water rats and some light predation by Brahminy Kites, both at night.

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Due to the newness of the project, work schedules are long and staff are on-site 24/7. Most feeding and harvesting is done after dark because that is when the animals are active. Harvesting and marketing “With the faster time to harvest size, we expect that the crab production cycle will be much more continuous compared to prawn farming,” says Clive, “with ponds being stocked and harvested on a rotational basis all through the year. We have had good harvests so far and we will be doing a lot more this year. We use opera-house type traps with prawn food for bait.” The harvested crabs are transferred to the shedding system where they are sorted into moulting trays, depending on their progress through the moult cycle. “Our fibreglass moulting trays are of proprietary design and are working well. We manufactured them ourselves using local boat builders.” According to Clive at 60g the crabs moult around every 3-4 weeks. “At that size the males and females spilt moult cycles due to their maturation status. The early moulters are males, then more females are moulting then some more males again. For spawning the male holds the female for a few days while she moults and then inserts sperm packets before her shell hardens around them. The sperm fertilise the eggs when they are extruded and transferred to under the female’s abdomen; the crabs are then said to be ‘in berry’.” Soft-shell crabs are harvested from the moulting trays by staff walking around the trays every two hours day and night. The crabs are then chilled before vacuum packing on trays and snap frozen whole at -35°C. “We use the American size grade system (Table 1) which works on size per piece and they are usually sold in half and dozen lots,” Clive explains. “The soft shell crabs should have both claws and all legs. An advantage for our sustainably cultured crabs is the smallest size class (Medium – av. 50gm) is no longer available in the USA due to minimum size restrictions in the fishery.”

Initially Coral Coast Mariculture only have four hectares in operation for crab production but the harvest is forecast to climb to 100 tonnes within the next three years. At full production the farm will supply both fresh and frozen product. FRDC recently approved a research project to look in detail at the best methods for processing and packaging. For the moment, given the limited supply, only the larger local and interstate markets will be supplied. Future expansion Asked about any problems experienced, Clive smiles his reply: “You will need to write a book! It’s a tragic comedy. “We have been fortunate (in some respects!) to have purchased going concerns for a portion of their construction cost. To date $2.5 million has been invested in the company. We intend to sell the lease or sublet all/part of the Bundaberg Port site this year so that we can access capital to focus on increasing production from the Littabella Farm.” While the main focus on the company will be to continue and expand production of soft-shell crabs, Clive says they

have spare pond capacity to develop other aquaculture species. “We are already are doing monodon (Black Tiger Prawns) and other possible candidates include Brown Tiger Prawns (Penaeus esculentus), Mud Crabs (Scylla serrata), and Tropical Abalone (Haliotis asinina). “At the Bundaberg Port site, there is an opportunity to expand into commercial fish culture of approx 300 tonnes pa and species under consideration include Barramundi (Lates calcarifer), Cobia (Rachycentron canadum ), Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi) and Mulloway (Argyrosomus hololepidotus). The Bundaberg climate is amenable to all four species, which are all found naturally in Hervey Bay.” By Dos O’Sullivan with Jennifer Savage. For more information contact Dr Clive Keenan, Coral Coast Mariculture Pty Ltd, 146 Buss Street (PO Box 9046), Burnett Heads Qld 4670, Tel: 07 4159-5691, Fax: 07 4159-5692, Mobile: 0402 482-588, Email: clive@coralcoastmariculture.com

Affordable Water Quality Meters from HI9147 Dissolved Oxygen meter designed for Aquaculture Features - Water Resistant - Automatic Temperature Compensation - Adjustable Altitude & Salinity Compensation - Backlit LCD - Galvanic Probe - Optional Inductive Battery Charger - Supplied with Protective Rubber Boot Tel: Fax: Email: Web:

+61 3 9769 0666 +61 3 9769 0699 hannains@hannainst.com.au www.hannainst.com.au

Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 9

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Ray Mephan with the marker commemorating his contribution to the industry and the region.

Pioneer’s vital role keeps cod in the upper Darling T

he word pioneer is bandied about quite a bit, but in Ray Mephan’s case it is used justifiably. Ray was breeding Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) in the mid 1970s before all but a few of us knew that aquaculture was spelt without a K. But the respect of his peers comes from more than simply the technology he developed. The upper McIntyre, depleted of cod when he started his breeding program, is now one of the premier cod fishing grounds in Australia ... all due to his restocking efforts, His passion for and understanding of the symbol of the Murray Darling Basin has seen the big fish re-established in 10 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

the upper tributaries of the Darling. Any angler posing with his 40kg trophy cod should be saying a silent prayer of gratitude to the Mephan family for their nearly four decades of dedication to aquaculture and angling. Situated 750m up in the New England ranges in the Elsmore district of north eastern NSW, the hatchery is well watered from natural runoff. Over the years Ray and his son Kevin have established a reputation as suppliers of quality fingerlings. Ray reckons he’s reared a million cod for restocking in private dams and public waterways since 1970. The Mephans do yellowbelly as well

and Ray says he’s done a million of those too since they started breeding them in 1990. Eel tail catfish (Tandanus tandanus) are also bred to order. The operation is low key, having been built up over many years. Ross says they’ve reinvested back into the farm whatever they’ve made from it. The hatchery itself is flow-through. Water is gravity fed from the 40ML storage reservoir through a black polypipe laid across the ground (to warm the water: at night the water is turned off to prevent the reverse effect). Airstones are used to maintain oxygen levels overnight. There are five broodstock ponds and

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female and the remainder split between the males. Ray feels that heavy doses are not necessary if the broodstock are well conditioned. Yellowbelly broodstock are replaced after five seasons. After injection the breeding teams are placed in a tank and the water raised to 25°C. After 30 hours in the post spawn tanks the eggs hatch, and once the yolk sack has been absorbed and the jaws of the larvae begun to operate they are put out into the plankton ponds. This is generally three days after hatching.

The golden olden days. A much younger Ray Mephan catching his first cod along with the passion that is aquaculture.

twenty larval ponds on the farm. Water is either used on the farm or held in a settlement pond for re-use if necessary. The smaller pond sizes enables them to drop a pond and harvest fingerlings for a particular order. Given Ray’s experience and standing in the industry his comments are worth noting. “Farming fish comes down to the astuteness of the managers, observation and experience. But above all is water quality. It’s essential to have good water quality.” Production cycle The nesting boxes usually have eggs in them by late September and they keep the checking the boxes until late October. Ray has found that they can get up to three spawnings per box in this time. Once the cod have spawned, the eggs are collected and taken to the hatchery where they are incubated. After hatching the larvae are stocked in freshly flooded plankton ponds that have been fertilized to produce a bloom. Harvesting takes place from February to May. Ray likes to have everything out of the way before the frosts start as it can knock the young fish about, particularly the yellowbelly. The cod are more robust. But there’s the human element to it as well. He says working in a wet environ-

ment in the cold is nobody’s idea of fun. Yellowbelly are injected in November once the water reaches >25°C and the egg stage is right for hormone inducement. Breeding teams consist of two males per female. One capsule of gonadotrophin hormone is used per breeding team. Ray has found the smaller females to be more productive with a preferred size of 1.3-1.8kg. Males are generally half that size although males down to 0.5kg or less can have motile spermatozoa and be running ripe. A breeding team is made up of one female to two males. The 1,500i.u. capsule is split roughly a bit over half to the

Ray echoes the view of many good hatchery operators when he says that getting the eggs is the easy part. “The real skill is timing the plankton bloom so it’s ready for the larvae when they’re ready to feed. It takes observation and experience. We’ve had some bad years, especially in the early days. But we’ve got it down pretty pat now.” Sure do. Their reovery rates per pond are now 50-60%. Ray allows the fry grow out to between 50mm and 100mm. Whilst the ponds aren’t netted, Ray believes the small amount of natural predation helps cull the weaker fish and runts from the batch, just like in nature. Catfish The catfish begin making their nests around the same time as the yellowbelly become gravid. Ray locates the nests in the ponds and collects the eggs which are incubated in the hatchery. The hatched larvae are stocked in freshly flooded

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Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 11

FA R M P R O F I L E

plankton ponds in the same way as the perch and cod. Ray has made several interesting observations about the catfish. He stocks the breeders in ponds with the broodstock cod and perch. There can be up to eight catfish nests per pond. They breed in the broodstock ponds without any trouble and male cod – who like the male emu, incubate the eggs – have even been known to drive off their opposite number and proceed to guard the nesting site while the eggs hatch. Ray’s also seen catfish in ponds without nesting pebbles that have worked clay into balls to use as substitute nesting pebbles. Hatchery QA Hatchery Quality Assurance is about to be introduced in NSW causing much debate in the industry. Whilst Ray has had to modify parts of his facilities to accommodate the new requirements he is philosophical about it. He says it will bring uniformity into the industry but he can’t see how it will boost production of fish. “In the early days it was all about encouraging development. Now it’s all about regulating,” he says. A group of overseas tourists as pleased as punch with their catch.

Marketing Marketing takes care of itself. Over the years Ray has built up a network of regular customers amongst the angling community based on the quality of the fish he breeds and sells. Angling bodies in NSW receive a dollar for dollar grant for cod and yellowbelly purchases for restocking impoundments and river systems. Ray’s fish are left in the ponds for 12 to 16 weeks and are quite advanced by the time they go out. The cost is 25¢ for yellowbelly and 77¢ for the cod. Time is drawing on for Ray and the hatchery will probably stop with his generation, but the memory of what he has contributed to the industry will live on, particularly in the upper reaches of the west flowing tributaries of the Darling River. By John Mosig

A sample of cod fingerlings ready to be re-stocked.

12 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

Ray Mephan can be contacted by phone on (02) 6723 2338.

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Sampling during enhancement is difficult as Aquamec Marine are dealing with a product where they can’t see the quality of the roe, till they crack it open. Regular sacrifices are necessary as with wine to determine these stages of development.

There’s money in those sea urchins! How often have you seen a sea urchin and wondered “what use are they?” A Tassie company is now growing these in baskets and harvesting them for their valuable roe (eggs).

ocated at Triabunna, on the east coast of Tasmania some 2.5 hours drive north east of Hobart, is some of the most beautiful coastline for fishing, diving and other activities. More than five years ago Aquamec Marine embarked on an ambitious project to develop an integrated sea urchin and seaweed farming system that will enable the production of high quality sea urchin roe. A welcome byproduct is increased areas of kelp forests.

Unfulfilled fishery potential According to Will attempts to develop a wild sea urchin fishery in Tasmania over the last twenty years have failed. “Early assessments (1988) of the product for the Japanese market by Daito Guiro suggested the product had real potential. The quality of the Tasmanian roe was reported to be up with the best Japanese roe which sells at auction as high as $1,200kg per kilo (wholesale).

Aquamec’s founder Will James says that sea urchins feed on seaweeds; the better the seaweeds quality, the better their roe. “We have identified several species that contribute significantly to the quality of our product. These seaweeds will be naturally grown on a rope system on a 6ha marine farming lease and fed to sea urchins contained in cages.”

“Lobbying by diver groups had failed to excite the regulator to the need of a sensible management plan. Results of research conducted by the divers and funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) have been overlooked.”

“Unfortunately this management plan was conceived as a quick fix to appease a requirement of the Living Marine Recourses Act 1994 and to ensure on going export approvals for the product as required by the World Trade Organisation,” says Will.

Will notes that most coastal states in North America now have viable sea urchin

“Stock assessments and analysis of catch records have not been done. For example,

fisheries with California’s sea urchin fishery peaking at an annual export figure of US$170million with an inferior product (large roe). In 2006 a management plan for the Tasmanian fishery was implemented by the Department of Sea Fisheries introducing quota, size limits, tool usage, zones, closed seasons and transferable licenses. Since then the wild sea urchin fishery in Tasmania has withered and died.

Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 13

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3. Roe taste, colour and texture are excellent in good quality crops. 4. The roe is firm and dry, giving excellent shelf life following processing. Will’s expects to produce urchins with a roe recovery in excess of 15% by holding them in cages and feeding with specific seaweeds. “An example of a typical consignment of our premium grade roe may consist of 100kg of roe taken from 800kg of whole urchin that are no more than five years old and have been feeding predominately on brown and green algae (seaweed). These will have been processed and packed on 100g trays and presented for auction in the Japanese fish market system.”

Management Metrics Key Management Decisions for Aquamecmarine.com include: • Selection of a fast growing sea urchin species that is well accept din the market place • Use of extensive techniques for growing seaweeds, possibility of utilising exotic Undaria • Management of seabeds by removing sea urchin and fattening them in floating cages

catch rates for the previous five years have been reported to be around 100 tonnes per annum. This is a questionable figure, as the DSF had no way of auditing this data. It is well known that divers have fudged figures, worried that they may not retain their license. To gain access to the wild fishery now means that an interested person would probably need to pay a license holder who has never harvested urchins, in excess of $25,000.” Will says that Tasmania’s sea urchin numbers have increased considerably over the last decade to the detriment of inshore marine environments. “Added to this there have been massive declines of kelps and sea grass populations in estuarine and inshore reef systems over the last few decades caused by various events. The result is now urchin barrens (urchin dominated reefs ) persist and are increasing around the coastline. The quality of urchins in these areas is generally poor and, as such, they have no 14 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

Regular sampling is carried out to asses the quality of the roe. Male roe is gold, female is orange colour.

commercial or environmental value. “Our plan is to solve this problem and ongrow sea urchins using selected cultured seaweed.” Superior species Sea urchins produce eggs and sperm in five sacks called roe. This is considered a delicacy around the planet and treated as such by numerous cultures. The main market for urchin roe is Japan, where urchins are one of only a few species that are auctioned. Other markets such as European countries trade in whole live urchin, frozen or canned roe. For the Japanese market the roe is extracted, rinsed several times in specific sea water solutions and packed fresh on traditional wooden trays. They are then sent to the auction markets. To be commercially viable the roe recovery rate needs to be in excess of 12% of total body weight. The Tasmanian Urchin (Heliocidaris erithrogramma) is the most common sea urchin found in the coastal waters of southern Australia. This species has several main attributes that make it a good candidate for commercial exploitation: 1. The shell is easy to open and process. 2. Roe length is 3.5 cm average, perfect for sushi markets.

Reef & seacage operations According to Will the environmental health of our estuaries and inshore habitat is poor, generally attributable to European settlement. He says that the Aquamec Marine culture system could deliver huge benefits to the marine environment and the community. “We have three Special Marine Farm leases comprising of some 120 hectares of hard reef to develop sea urchin husbandry and roe enhancement techniques to the levels required to make this industry viable. The reefs are severely overgrazed by urchins. This indicates good productivity but the quality of the roe is low. By thinning these populations a noticeable improvement in algae abundance and roe quality the following season becomes apparent. Saleable urchins on the leases at present represent about 10% of total stock.” Will says that the lease areas were selected because of the large kelp beds they previously supported. “Macrocystis or String Kelp beds on Tasmania’s east cost have declined by some 95% in the last 30-40 years. This is a serious environmental problem. Our leases are in some of the last areas where beds of Macrocystis or String Kelp occurred. In fact the whole Mercury Passage-Maria Island area has been devoid of String Kelp for some ten years.” A program to re establish these beds on the leases is being considered. “Over the years we have been successful in re-

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planting String Kelp beds. However it takes years for them to mature. A trial in 1995 at Hope Island in the Dover area south of Hobart proved successful. “The basic fundamentals of our farming idea came from the knowledge that, in nature, the best quality sea urchin are generally found in well-balanced habitats. We know that the habitat restoration work being implemented on our special leases does improve sea urchin quality and ensures future production. “There are no structures on our leases. These areas are left in a natural state and other user groups can enter the areas. But we own the urchin. This gives us security of tenure over the product.” A permit has been issued by the DPIEW to allow trialling of a seaweed farming system. Poor quality urchin harvested from the special leases will be transferred to the 6ha Horseshow Reef growout lease, placed in 3m x 1m growout cages (holding capacity of 250kgs) and fed a combination of brown and green seaweeds. “A fairly simple cage system has been designed using proven aquaculture materials and construction principals,” Will continues. “Currently we are installing 40 holding cages to give us a 10t holding capacity. The cages are tied to mainlines and float on the surface, seaweed grow out ropes are set around this area.” With a maximum water depth of around 4m and a low tide minimum of 1.5m, the sites are dominated by the cool clean waters of the Southern Ocean. Water temperatures are very predictable varying seasonally from a mid-winter 12°C to a summertime 18°C. The operation is similarly seasonal with urchins spawning in summer at about 18°C. Harvesting for enhancement begins in mid winter. Handled carefully, sea urchins are very resilient in captivity; however, extreme weather conditions can cause problems in the cages. So too can Pacific Gulls who pluck urchins from the top edge of the floating cages. Nevertheless, the work so far has proven successful and ongoing development will be a priority. “It may be that we will need to harvest some of the seasonal kelps such as Undaria (Wakame) an intro-

Many generations of urchins are present in wild stock, regular sampling helps Aquamec Marine identify these generations.

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Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 15

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duced species that has established itself on the east coast,” Will adds. “A wellknown commercial seaweed in Japan, our trials have shown that urchins benefit from feeding on the Wakame particularly during their growth period.” Processing & marketing Although the target are the Japanese auction markets, there is a potential live market in France too. “We are currently discussing market strategies with Seafood Services Japan,” Will says. “Processing is a highly labour intensive process, requiring skilled labour.” The project has benefitted from Government assistance with an FRDC grant of $250,000 to maximise Tasmania’s sea urchin fishery and current support from

3 1. Stage 1 grow out area is under construction and will eventually have a holding capacity of approx 10tonnes. 2. Premium grade roe on 100 gram tray. A consistent supply of this quality will ensure success for Aquamec Marine. 3. Stapleton Point lease area 239 was selected because of the large number of urchins in this area. By carefully managing these zones Aquamec Marine can improve the quality of the urchin and the environment.

16 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

DAF Fishing Futures ($64.000) to develop the seaweed farming system. Will and his associates are very excited about the potential of the idea. “The system we are designing has the potential to be adapted to various fish farming operations such as mussel and oyster farms. To ensure a strong presence in the A grade sea urchin roe market we need commercially viable quantities and this is our primary focus. “A pâté -paste product is also being considered which would utilize second grade and damaged roe that would other wise be discarded. “The future will see us develop an onshore hatchery /nursery turning out juvenile urchins and seaweed plants for outgrowing. There is a lot of interest in seaweeds for use in biofuel production which may give us another string in our bow.” By Dos O’Sullivan Contact: Will James, Aquamecmarine.com, Marine Farming Division, PO Box 34, Franklin Tasmania 7113. Tel/Fax: 03 6266-3260, Mobile: 0417 494-223, Email: aquamec1@bigpond.com

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Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 17

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Wild River Farmed Seafood diversifies into barra A NT prawn farm has undertaken nursery and growout trials on barramundi and is now converting much of its farm, hatchery and processing facilities for the species. 1

A 4

renaissance in Australia’s tropical marine aquaculture industry in recent years has seen many operations reap efficiencies from vertical integration and/or diversification in order to achieve efficiencies through consistent product output and economy of scale.

Situated on a tributary of Darwin Harbour in the Northern Territory, Wild River Farmed Seafood is one such operation. After a eleven year construction process, the farm was completed four years ago. It was originally designed as a prawn farm (Penaeus monodon) to take advantage of the local climate and supply fresh Black Tiger Prawns to east coast markets year-round. To capture as many production efficiencies as possible, Wild River built a vertically integrated operation with a hatchery, growout and full processing facility. Wild River has now diversified into barramundi (Lates calcarifer) production. Farm manager, Matt Seccombe explains: “Barramundi seemed the obvious choice as they are well suited to NT conditions. Plus we have the added bonus of a good support centre at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre. “We also believed the move would counter

18 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

1. Matt Seccombe and hatchery manager Colin Shih inspect fingerling production in the green water culture system. 2. Farm manager Matt Seccombe inspecting Barramundi size and quality at harvest time. 3. Fingerlings are transferred from the hatchery to the nursery and released passively into net or direct into the ponds. Note the oxygen bottle on the transport tank. 4. Harvest time at Wild River involves seining and crowding the fish and then scooping through the school. 5. A simple seine net system is used to crowd fish for partial harvest. A final drain harvest is used to empty the ponds.

some of the labour issues faced in intensive prawn farming – long hours, multiple shifts (feeding 4-5times per day) – with a lower labour requirement and increased ability to mechanise.” Given Wild River was designed for best practice in prawn production, it combined a fairly standard layout with innovative features to minimise erosion, reduce seepage (dykes were keyed due to honeycombing in the soil) and use electricity efficiently (running high voltage lines to avoid voltage drop). The farm took 18 months to build with 22 ponds covering a total of 27ha in the required 1:1 ratio of settlement and bioremediation. The 1.2ha ha ponds range from 1.2m to

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2.0m in water depth with an 80cm fall along the floor to the drain via a standard dual screen monk outlet. Nursery trials Since the move into Barramundi production, eight 0.1ha nursery/trial ponds have also been added, each with a 40m x 25m x 1.5 m deep with a 40cm deep concrete harvest sump. To obtain water for the farm a solid (concrete and steel) jetty structure was built stretching 30m from the shore into Darwin Harbour. The main pump station is located at the end of the jetty to limit the amount of head loss, thereby making the pumping operations as efficient as possible. The on-jetty location also allows the operation over a greater tidal range than if it was shore-based. The pump itself, rated at 180HP can move up to 800L/second from the Blackmore River. The jetty is 5m wide which means fork lifts or other heavy machinery have easy access so maintenance or replacement of pumps and fittings can be carried out in a safe environment. Water is pumped into a 400ML storage reservoir from which transfer pumps (180HP) distribute water around the farm via a channel network which is regulated to the ponds by control valves and weir structures. Freshwater, pumped from a separate 400ML reservoir filled by natural runoff, allows the ponds to be maintained at a maximum salinity of 36ppt through the dry (it can drop to 15ppt in the wet. Initial growout trials for Barramundi commenced in 2006, with the harvest completed in late 2007. The results were so encouraging – with good production rates, growth rates, survival and FCR – that a decision was made to switch the farm’s focus to barra before the 18 month trial had even finished. The decision to try barra has been wellsupported by the nearby Darwin Aquaculture Centre (DAC). Without DAC’s technical support and fingerling supply, Matt believes the transition would not have been as smooth.

Initially seedstock was supplied from DAC as 100mm fingerlings. However, wanting to make full use of their own facilities, Matt has begun purchasing fertilised eggs and putting these through the prawn hatchery. “We could basically use the hatchery as is, so it was a relatively easy transition,” he says. “As a prawn hatchery we had the capacity to produce 10 million PL’s per run while as a barramundi hatchery we can produce 500,000 fingerlings per run.” Fingerlings are released from the hatchery into nursery ponds at 25mm. Approximately 500,000 fingerlings are stocked into each 0.1ha pond where they remain for a varying number of weeks depending on environmental conditions until they reach an average size of 100mm.

Early fish care important The nursery ponds are very closely monitored as Matt believes the quality of care they receive there specifies the overall performance of the fish through the growout. “Look after the fish well at the start and you will be rewarded at harvest. We are experimenting with different management systems in the nursery ponds and are currently evaluating at the pros and cons of free ranching or caging the fingerlings.” Water exchange through the nursery ponds is undertaken on an as-required basis. Aeration is supplied via Futi paddlewheels and aspirators and a centralised air blower system with PVC distribution pipes through each pond. The nursery ponds are also being evaluated for their ability to extensively rear

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Management Metrics Key Management Decisions for Wild River include: • Diversification into barramundi. • Use of DAC, Ridley and other Barramundi farmers for advice on ideas. • Focus on husbandry of young fish with close attention to grading to allow cohorts to go through growout without handling. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Barramundi include: • Culture System utilised: earthen ponds with concrete sumps in nurseries, concrete monks in growout ponds • Growth rate (from stocking to market): <16 months (10g to 2,5kg) • Survival rate: 80% from first stocking to sale size • Annual harvest: 90 tonnes in 2007 • Production rate: 20,000kg per ha (growout system area) per year • Water use: 2ML per tonne product per year • FCR: 1.5:1 (number of kg of food to produce 1kg stock).

larvae rather than utilising the hatchery. “We are not trying to reinvent the wheel but we are trying to determine which methods best suit our particular location and situation. The nursery ponds will enable us to evaluate our production methods on a smaller scale by running fully replicated trials ... for example feed trials.” Juvenile barramundi are graded by hand and stocked directly into nursery cages (19mm wire netting 8m x 4m) in the growout ponds. From then on the fish are not graded again until harvest as Matt believes that rigorous grading in the hatchery and nursery, means that cohorts should remain fairly consistent in size and growth rates during growout. That leaves only minimal grading at harvest time. Water quality is monitored on a regular basis and parameters are controlled via water exchange and aeration. To achieve the desired harvest density a minimum of 16HP of aeration is required towards the end of the growout. That aeration is split between paddlewheels (4 x 2HP) and aspirators (4 x 2HP). “We are at present using standard aeration equipment but are looking at switching to Aire-O2 equipment for reliability and efficiency.” Aeration is also applied on a timed basis to take advantage of off-peak rates that happpily coincide with oxygen mini20 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

mums in the ponds. However, levels are monitored and additional aeration is applied when required. “We have no primary production discounts for power so with an average cost of $0.18/kwhr, we need to be as efficient as possible with electricity use,” Matt explains. Depending on market requirements, fish will remain in the growout ponds for 12-18 months to achieve 2-2.5kg+ fish. The NT location does allow pond temperatures to generally remain within barramundi’s optimum growth band, ensuring quite predictable growth rates. Wild River utilise Ridley Aquafeed for all pond based stages. “Ridleys have been very proactive in their support for all of the NT Barramundi farmers, and their technical support and backup is second to none,” Matt sauys. “This is really important for us given our relative isolation.” Matt believes record keeping is of vital importance and the farm is currently going through a very intensive record collection period (water quality, growth rates, feed rates etc). The data from this will be used as the basis for a production program aimed at efficient production and minimising the time spent in growout ponds. Harvesting At harvest the fish are first crowded by using a seine net before the required

volume is removed, sorted and sent straight into an ice slurry. The fish are transferred to the processing factory for a final grading before packing. “We completed initial growout and harvest trials last year,” Matt continues. “Since then we have been building and consolidating our stocks so that when we start harvesting again in August this year, we will be able to harvest on a weekly basis. We are predicting eight to ten tonnes per week of 2.5kg+ whole, saltwater farmed fish.” As with the original concept for the prawns, Matt wants to take advantage of the year round growing conditions and supply fish on a weekly basis as well as target the peak Christmas and Easter periods. As for predator losses, he says birds can be an issue in the dry season. “We have located the nursery ponds in a higher traffic area and this seems to keep it under control. The birds also don’t seem to be as attracted to the smaller bodies of water as they do to the growout ponds. If it becomes an issue we will look at netting the nursery ponds.” As for the growout, the farm’s practice of only releasing larger fish into the growout ponds helps to reduce the risk of stock loss through bird predation. “We also schedule our hatchery runs to occur during periods of rising water temperatures to maximise growth rates and fish health. Consequently birds are not a major issue.” Being right on Darwin Harbour, crocodiles may have been a problem – for fish and staff – but numbers in the harbour are controlled by wildlife officers. In fact there is a trapping station directly opposite the farm. One of the greatest challenges faced by Wild River is that of employees. Currently the company has a workforce of eight: four fulltime and four casual. As with many primary industries in the around Australia, the lure of high salaries in the mining sector is making it difficult to hold good quality and skilled people. “The mining boom is

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pushing all wages up; we need to offer competitive packages. We can’t match wages in general but we can offer a wages and lifestyle package,” Matt explains.

existing facilities before we expand.” The decision to switch to barramundi production could not have been timelier. Wild fresh fish production is on the decline and distributors are turning to aquaculture to fill the gap. As such Matt would like Wild River to concentrate on the production of quality barra and leave distribution and processing to those who are better equipped to do so.

“The location of the farm close to Darwin is also an advantage. However, when you are trying to staff hatchery, nursery, growout and processing operations it is an endless challenge.”

“We do have a very good and well equipped prawn processing facility. But it is a total different skill set required to process fish and at this stage we are not ready for that. Whole, graded fish packed in bulk bins is the easiest way to sell at this point in time. That’s not to say it will not change in future as I’ll always look at ways to maximise returns on investment.”

This is another reason that Wild River likes to work in close connection with the DAC and other bodies within the NT. “The more closely we can align ourselves with facilities training aquaculture graduates the easier it is for us to access people who are well trained and willing. Currently we have three employees enrolled for Certificate III in Aquaculture through CDU (Charles Darwin Uni).

So, for now, maximising efficiency seems to be the path to success for Wild River, achieved not through economies of scale but also by seeking advice on equipment, products and techniques and implmenting this knowledge in an ordered manner. Thus the involvement

As the farm is licensed for 115Ha of pond area, expansion is well and truly on the cards although Matt will approach that very much ‘step by step’. “We need to get the barramundi harvest profitably to full capacity within our

An aerial shot of Wild River in full operation, with aerators positioned to provide maximum circulation of the pond.

of companies and organisations such as Ridley’s and the DAC has been vital. With this management mindset it seems Wild Rivers will be producing good levels of premium barramundi well into the future. By Tim Graham with Dos O’Sullivan Contact: Matt Seccombe, Wild River Farmed Seafood, PO Box 3078 Palmerston NT 0831, Tel:08 8988-1333, Fax: 08 8988-2788, Mobile: 0419 274-862, Email: sales@wildriver.com.au

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Enter the Dragon!

Stalwarts of the Singaporean ornamental fish industry, the Yap family are overflowing with passion for their business to succeed and they have guided it into a multi-million dollar enterprise. The spectacular Arowana or dragonfish is their flagship species.

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ranslating as “a thousand lakes” in Chinese, Qian Hu began as a property stripped of its pig-producing capacity due to the Singaporean government’s policy to eradicate ‘dirty’ industries and free up land for continued residential development. Mr Yap Tik Huay (the father of current Executive Chairman Kenny Yap), his three sons and his brother, Yap Hey Cha converted their property into a guppy (Poecilia reticulata) breeding facility that provided local wholesalers with this popular aquarium fish. However, the entire facility’s stock was washed away during a heavy thunderstorm in 1989. After this first set back, Kenny and his two cousins, Alvin and Andy, went on to breed and supply high fin loaches (a member of the Cyprinid family), but due to a lack of knowledge, again they lost all of the stock on the farm. For the business to survive, they transformed themselves again into an exporter of local and imported fish and in 1992 went global. Today the Yap family have an estimated 10% share of the Singapore’s global export market for 22 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

ornamentals, comprising over 70 countries with major destinations in North America and Europe. The operation, now based at the Agrotechnology Park for Ornamental Fish Farming on a 20 year lease, has wholesale and quarantine facilities in China, Malaysia and Thailand and further plans for international expansion.

42,000m2

The farm has a land area of and is landscaped to redirect rainfall away from fish stocks and breeding facilities and into water recycling systems. Selling over 500 species, Qian Hu ship out about 500,000 fish per month. But there is one species that they take great pride in breeding, growing and researching themselves ... the highly prized Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus). Indeed the species now accounts for 25% of Qian Hu Corporation’s total annual fish revenue of S$27.5 million dollars. Also called the dragonfish, the Arowana’s natural habitat is in tanninstained, slow moving rivers and lakes throughout South East Asia. It can be found feeding in shallow waters of

1. The concrete tanks used for the breeding and raising of the tropical fish 2. The fry’s egg sacs do not fully disappear until the fish reach about 8.0 cm in length. 3. A large net and a team of three are used to gather all of the Arowana at one end of the breeding pond for harvesting. 4. The adult Arowana is captured and scanned for its microchip information that will be recorded and allotted to any fry gathered.

FA R M P R O F I L E

1.5m in depth near riverbanks and shaded areas. The fish is characterised by having a long body, large pectoral fins, dorsal and anal fins positioned far back on its body and a much larger caudal fin than other fish of comparable size. It has scales that are mostly over 2.0 cm in length and are highly patterned as well as mandibular barbels that grow out of the tip of its lower jaw. Individuals grow between 60 and 90 cm long with males exhibit the mouth brooding habit when raising their young. The pearl arowana (S. jardini) and the spotted arowana (S.leichardt) are found throughout similar habitats in Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea, but are not endangered, making them more affordable to the aquarium enthusiast. However they are not as highly prized as the Asian Arowana. The Asian Arowana is a symbol of luck, wealth and prosperity in Asian culture, a status heightened by its increasingly endangered status. This threat resulted in the species being listed on the CITES treaty (see insert box) in 1990 but has also encouraged research into the cap-

tive breeding for commercial sale of second-generation fish. The Asian Arowana has now been bred in captivity for over 15 years and more than 16 farms throughout Asia are registered for breeding Arowana for commercial sale. Pond breeding Qian Hu’s breeding facilities consists of 20 planted outdoor breeding earthen ponds – each measuring 30m x 100m and 6m deep – protected from predatory birds by extensive netting. The ponds collect natural rainwater and are changed every 2-3 months after the harvest (lowering the water level also makes it a lot easier to collect and handle the fish). The preferred water quality parameters of the fish are a pH range of 7.0 to 7.5 and a water temperature of 24-30°C. The pond bottoms are left dry and exposed to the sun for 1-2 weeks, allowing them to be cleared up of debris and minimising the survival of water borne parasites. The pond, when refilled, is stocked with 20-30 parent arowanas, although the company is considering using filtration methods to enable an

1. As the mouth opens, the young Arowana are caught in a net held under the father’s mouth. 2. The fish are counted into bags in quantities depending on the amount ordered, their size and the length of time taken to reach their end destination. Between 4000 and 6000 boxes are sent out every month.

FOR SALE ♦ ♦

Situated Nth of Newcastle 180 acres aquaculture and cattle ♦ Established client data base ♦ Ideal family operation Enquiries Paul Myles 0417426983 www.elders.com.au/maitland Property Code ID: NSW 5525673

AQUACULTURE CRAYFISH FARM

$1,295.000 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 23

FA R M P R O F I L E

Management Metrics Key Management Decisions for Qian Hu Corporation include: • Embracing technological developments in microchipping and other areas of their business • Focus on high value, high quality fish breeding progam • Constant scientific research into improving colour varieties and individual quality of arowanas • Constant staff development and feedback to management on potential problems Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the Asian Arowana include: • Culture System utilised: earthen ponds and glass aquaria • Growth rate (from juvenile, 10cm): 3.5 - 5cm per month • Survival rate: 80-90% from first stocking to sale size • Annual harvest: 10,000 – 20,000 per year.

Restrictions on the Asian Arowana trade The United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) provides for the commercial trade of the Arowana, provided certain requirements are met. Under this convention, no fish can be harvested from the wild for sale. In addition, first generation fish must not be sold but are only kept in registered breeding facilities and breeding programs. All fish must be tagged and identified, a need now met by the use of implanting microchips. When sold, the buyer must be given a certificate of authenticity as well as a birth certificate.

increase in stocking density. The adults are fed on frogs and small fish that are brought in from Malaysia and raised for a period of time to ensure they are disease-free. These are hand fed to the ponds along with small pieces of meat (beef, pork or chicken) to ensure that the carnivorous Arowana gains a diverse source of nutrition. This enables the well conditioned fish to have a longer breeding season, in which they may breed 3-4

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times unlike their wild counterparts which will breed only once per year. This farm has its spawning season ranging from September through to March. To maximise breeding potential, the sex ratio of males to females is very important. However, the arowana is not sexually dimorphic and determining males from females is very difficult. Even when brooding, distinguishing a fish as ‘male’ due to its bulging mouth (from to the presence of fry) can be misleading as small broodfish may not produce this tendency. Qian Hu management and Mr Alex Chang of Ngee Ann Polytechnic have collaborated in research in this area to produce the Arowana Gender Index (AGI), a model to determine females from males using height and width measurements of the head area. To utilise this model, the fish must be more than a year old, have no deformities

and be in good condition (so that the results are not compromised by inaccurate measurements). When the details are put into the index, the model can yield over 70% accuracy of sex determination without the use of DNA studies or extensive ‘wait and see’ methods. Females are usually 3-4 years old and males 2-3 years old before they reach breeding capacity. The sex of individual fishes is stored on a microchip inserted under their scales called a passive integrated transponder (PIT), along with any other revellent information such as genetic heritage. Colour varieties There are three colours recognised form the wild varieties – silver/green, gold and red – with the latter being the most valuable. Many variations on these colour patterns are available due to cross-breeding and constantly selecting individuals with superior colourings. When setting up a breeding pond, the potential parents are selected depending on if they are required to produce a pure strain or a cross bred strain. Qian Hu Corporation now only keeps the undue (meaning solid body colour) red and undue golden individuals for pure breeding and is concentrating on stabilising the genetic lines of new colour varieties. These varieties are made possible by the yellow, blue and black pigments that are present in the scales, giving rise to new forms such as the violet fusion red arowana and the electric-blue, cross-back arowana. When breeding, the female lays the eggs on the bottom of the pond where they are immediately fertilised by the male and then scooped up into his mouth as the female will frequently eat any eggs she finds. Eggs are 12 to 15mm in diameter and will remain in the father’s mouth until hatching in 2 months time. An average yield is between 20 to 35 young although it can number anywhere between one and 80, depending on the age and condition of the parents, weather conditions and the quality of the water. After hatching the fry will leave the father’s mouth for short periods and return for protection. Once they start leaving the mouth, the fry can be col-

FA R M P R O F I L E

lected anytime, although they are fragile to handle at a very young stage. At harvesting, the water level is lowered and a net dragged through to collect the adults. When a male is caught, the mouth is opened and the fry are emptied into a net and transferred to a rearing tank along with a card outlining information held on the microchip. This will in turn be programmed into a chip that is to be inserted into all fry to be sold. It is company policy that information, its storage and easy accessibility are the foundation for future business growth. The emphasis placed into areas of scientific research undertaken, such as with marking and tracking Arowana colour genes, is truly staggering. The typical setup of the farm sheds.

Fry husbandry The fry feed from a very prominent egg sac which is generally used up 2-3 weeks after hatching. Fry are most vulnerable when first hatched as they cannot swim and the sac is fragile and will rupture easily. About 5 to 20% of the hatch can be lost at this stage. As the they grow, the sac can also be damaged by the fry biting each other. Therefore avoiding overcrowding now that they are more active is crucial. At a length of 6.5cm the fry are able to feed on small sized feeds such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and occasionally, algae. At this stage they begin to outsize the egg sac, making it easier for them to swim and feed. They can also produce growth inhibiting hormones that need to be removed from the water by daily 50% water changes to lessen their overall effect on the brood. The yolk sac completely disappears at about 8.0cm in length and the fry will feed easily 3-4 times per day. The increased feeding regime and continued water changes can produce a growth rate of between 3.5cm and 5.0cm per month. The 10cm+ juveniles are raised indoors in either ponds or glass aquaria with external filtration systems located on the side or top of the tank; there is also a semi automatic water change system used to manage water quality. At this stage, they are the preferred size for Asian buyers and are microchipped and prepared for shipment.

A potion of the Quarantine facility where all imported fish are housed to serve the quarantine period

The microchip is injected into Arowana as small as 1cm long at a cost of S$6.50 each. When a fish is scanned, the information can be sent via a wireless local area network to a computer in the packing room and also to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central database and accounting system. Thus, all the genetic information available of an individual fish is instantly available as is when it was sold, to whom and when it was sent. In Australia, a young adult (10-15cm long) can sell for between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on its colour and quality. The high price means they are not routinely stocked in aquarium stores or offered on wholesale price lists. However, their popularity is increasing,

due to its high value status within the Asian community. The Asian Arowana is also being more highly regarded as a prize specimen fish for aquarium enthusiasts throughout the world. Consequently, the industry will be hearing more success story of the Qian Hu Corporation and their Arowana breeding and research program. By Louise Willis with Dos Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan For more information contact Andy Yap, Qian Hu Corporation, No. 71 Jalan Lekat, Singapore 698950. Tel: +65 6766-7087, Fax: +65 6766-3995, Email:andy_yap@qianhu.com Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 25

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CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW PREVIEW

Brisbane conference to bring whole industry together Aquaculture in Australia and the Asia Pacific region is a thriving part of a global growth industry worth more than $USD86billion, according to the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation. Australian aquaculture also has an enviable reputation as being clean and innovative – leading the world in tuna farming. It is now an established industry in this country, well supported by government and science.

sessions for growers has been a priority. The now renowned trade show will also be a highlight.

This bright and positive picture will be explained in detail at the third major gathering of the Australasian aquaculture industry in Brisbane in early August.

The federal Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, will remind delegates that while aquaculture is a promising industry with strong growth and trade prospects in this region, it is also a boost socially for Indigenous communities.

According to the conference steering committee it will be a truly representative forum, with strong registrations coming from growers. While science and marketing will be headline acts at the conference – practical

Following from the previous conferences this event is truly international too, with registrations from 40 countries expected.

The conference, being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, will be an opportunity for Queensland to showcase its finest – with

technical tours and workshops organised in conjunction. The conference kicks off with a welcome reception on Sunday evening at 6pm. This will again be a place to meet old friends and colleagues and work out who’s who at the 2008 premier aquaculture industry gathering. Catering to a very social industry, there is also a drinks reception planned for the trade show poster session in the BC&E Great Hall and the formal conference reception on day two which will be held in the ballroom. Each of the three days will begin with two plenary speakers in an effort to bring all parties together to explore the Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 27

CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW PREVIEW

and update new challenges in sustainability as they see it. A report will be compiled for submission to the National Aquaculture Council and the FRDC detailing findings of this important session.

Conference speakers from left: Viggo Halseth, Peter Bender and Jason Clay

theme “innovation”.

growth with positive projections.

Day one (Monday August 4) will present sessions about innovations in global marketing. One of the plenary speakers will be Viggo Halseth, from Norway. Viggo, a leader of the world’s largest fish feed supplier Skretting, will give a concise wrap-up of the global aquaculture market and where it is going – including important consumer trends. He will comment authoritatively on Australasian activity, compared to other regions of the world.

Other sessions of the conference will explore such hot topics as open ocean aquaculture with specific reference and relevance to Australian conditions. Speakers from Australia and overseas will present practical and scientific observations.

Day two will present sessions about innovations in sustainability. One of the plenary speakers on this topic will be Jason Clay from the World Wildlife Fund. Jason will give an update on the environmental challenges which lay ahead for the aquaculture industry, as well as accolades for successes in this area. The WWF’s engagement with the aquaculture industry in this region, rather than confrontation, is yielding benefits for all parties and is ahead of the industry in other regions of the world. Day three is about innovation in production. One of the plenary speakers on this topic will be Peter Bender who founded and runs the Tasmanian salmon production company, Huon Aquaculture. Peter has built a leading business in his industry with a focus on R&D and water quality. Peter is more than a grower, with a vertically integrated operation producing 10,000 tonnes of salmon per year. He won a Ernst & Young ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ award last year. The Tasmanian salmon industry is also a new success story for aquaculture in Australia as it has undergone a self-rescue process during recent years to a point where it now experiences strong 28 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

Australian native freshwater fish such as Murray cod, silver perch, jade perch and golden perch could be the “sleeping giant” of Australian aquaculture because of the availability of sites with good quality water, the relative ease of effluent management and the potential to combine this aquaculture farming with irrigation industries. An update will be given at the conference on the status and potential of this sector. Organic farming, ornamental fish farming and aquaculture engineering will also be outlined and discussed in separate sessions. And it seems fitting that in the state leading the nation in prawn farming, attention will be paid to that sector, with updates on the scale and spread of prawn farming in Australia. As with other sectors, discussion will cover the spectrum from farming to science, government support and marketing to hungry consumers locally and in markets overseas. International expert Dr Jim Wyban will also explain the phenomenal expansion of the white shrimp (P.vannamei) industry. A sustainability opportunity search workshop will be held during the conference to provide a forum to explore ideas about the risks and positive opportunities in sustainable practices. A panel presentation will talk about specific issues and then a round-table session will invite participants to identify

In the days before the conference (Aug 2-3) a technology workshop will be held on the topic of reconditioning and re-using water in farming. This workshop will be held at the QDPI&F’s Bribie Island Research facility and will be presented by world recognised expert Dr Tom Losordo, from the USA. Bribie Island is an easy trip from the city of Brisbane and transport is included in the cost. An education and training workshop will also be held before the conference (Aug 1-2) for teachers in the seafood sector – and particularly aquaculture – from primary schools to post-graduate university in the Australasian region. This workshop will be held in Mooloolaba, at the nearby Sunshine Coast. Two technical day-tours are organised for the days following the conference (Aug 7-8) and will depart from the Brisbane Convention Centre at 8.30am each day. These tours will showcase Queensland aquaculture facilities such as the Bribie Island Research facility, Ecofish, Ridley Agriproducts, Watermark Seafood and Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture. The workshops and technical tours have historically been very popular, so act quickly if you intend to register. Queensland is a great place to visit, with Brisbane being a safe and friendly city. Many tourist activities are on offer by day and at night the restaurant scene is worth trying! AA08 is sponsored by Skretting the FRDC and DAFF, and is hosted by the National Aquaculture Council. For more information please contact conference organiser Sarah-Jane Day on 0437 152 234 or email sarah-jane.day@aquaculture.org.au Up-to-date conference sessions matrix and booking information can be viewed at www.australian-aquacultureportal.com.

AQUATIC DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES INTERNATIONAL P/L

ADSI (Aquatic Diagnostic Services International P/l) provides disease diagnosis,

Booth No: 10 Contact: Dr Darryl Hudson will be available ailable to discuss your aquatic animal health needs Tel: 0409 727 853

ADSI has also formed strategic alliances with international leaders in the fields

treatment and strategies to reduce the impact of disease for all aquatic species. of aquatic anaesthetics (AQUI-S NZ), fish spawning products (Syndel Canada) and hatchery feeds (Aquafauna Bio Marine USA). This allows ADSI to bring to the Australian aquaculture industry quality proven products backed by local scientific knowledge.

AGK TECHNOLOGY LOGY / FRESH BY DESIGN ESIG Show Specialss IInclude: > Belt Feederr 3Kg 12 Hour ou FIAP > TPS Water Q Quality Monitoring n Equipm Equipment > Adjustable Box Graders > Faivre Drumfilters > Oxygen and Air Diffusers > Biomedia Booth Nos: 75 & 76 AGK: 0407 007 410 FBD: 0419 288 712

chnology & Fresh By Design teamed up over 3 years ago go and continue working AGK Technology together to provide tthe Australasian aquaculture industryy a complete eq equipment and rvice. A special thank you to our entire tire customer network n rt advice supply service. for your support th Pe ing with this union. Both Peter Koller and Ben Pope will be at this yyear’s trade show and coming wer yyour technical questions ns will be rep along with us to answer representatives from: > Peter Oakley from Toy Toyesi – manufacturer of the t/C quaculture ‘Fresh By Toyesi’ Heat/Chill pump for aquaculture m Future Fisheries Veterina > Dr Matt Landos from Veterinary Services ity Mon > Scott Misener from TP TPS Water Quality Monitoring Equipment bby Aquaculture e > Australian Blue Yabby om Aqua A stribu > Tim Jacobson from Blue Distribution ance will be available able for your > Aubert Faivre from Faivre Sarl France grad pin questions. ions. filtration, fish grading and pumping aul Van der Werf of Flinders rss Redclaw/Fresh By Design. > Mr Paul lay stock will w be reduced to sell at end of trade show – All display come make us an offer!!

AIRPAK PAK PACKAGING Airpack Packaging is the GREEN alternative to polystyre polystyrene and cardboard packaging.. packaging... and there are many more adva advantages!! Booth No: 85 Tel: +61 8 9443 7188 Web: www.airpakpackaging.com

Airpak Packaging ckaging manufactures and markets polypropylene packaging for co commercial air freight and all other forms of transport and storage, particularly seafood and p perishable products. ts. A vast amount of effort fort has gone into the research and design of a prod product that is innovative, ovative, cost effective tive and environmentally fr friendly and will to a large extent re replace the conventional onventional (and d environmentally unfriendly) po polystyrene foam and cardboard containers ne currentlyy in use. k Packaging products include: Snapperpak, erpak Tunapak, Salmonpak, Atlantic Salmonpak, Salmonpa Airpak wnpak, Scall ak. W d Lobsterpak, Prawnpak, Scallopak, Freezerpak. We will also economically design and ng solutions to suit a client’s individual requirements. So whether it’s one on produce packaging ce boxes, self locking, water tight or heat welded, we will customize the e piece or two piece packaging to suit you. There is also a complete range of HDPE and LDPE liners to ackaging range. complement the packaging eakproof, non-toxic, impervious to water, Airpak Packaging is: leakproof, ring greater payload capacity than lighter and stronger ensuring alternative packaging. It’s also re-usable and 100% recyclable recyclable.

Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 29

AJAY DURAPLAS All tanks are covered by a proven and reliable 20 year warranty. Thousands of satisfied customers ears of tra and 24 years trading prove Ajay ks are na & Duraplas Tanks names to be trusted. Booth No: 31 0 655 938 38 Freecall: 1800 b: www.durap au Web: www.duraplas.com.au

AQUASONIC PTY L LTD Manufacturerss a and Suppliers liers o of Quality Products uc for Live eA Aquatic Life. In addition o to Aquasonic’s as technical techn staff being on h hand, we will also lso have representatives representtatives from overseas companies manning our booth, including Pacific Trading Co, International Filter Solutions, Point Four Inc, Colorite and others. The Aquasonic team look forward to seeing you at the show. Booth Nos: 44,45,50 & 51 61Tel: 61-2-6586 4933 Web www.aquasonic.com.au Web:

ATSA – SEAEYE DISTRIBUTOR ATSA is the distributo distributor for the Seaeye eaeye range of Remotely Re Operated Vehicles. View the ‘Falcon’ ROV and discuss an onsite demonstration! Booth No: 33 Contact: Jennylee Taylor Email: Jenny.Taylor@atsa.com.au Tel: 0422 310 998

Ajay & duraplas tanks are leading the ‘aquaculture’ industry into the 21st century. Polyethylene, composite fibreglass, breeding, storage and transport tanks as well as a custom design service ensure there’s a tank for every application. Ajay & Duraplas Tanks has been the market leader in the tank industry – supplying tanks to Australian and international markets for over 24 years. Superior and unique tank design and computer controlled manufacturing processes ensure that Ajay & Duraplas Tanks stand out from the rest. Important features include: > no vertical joins (parting) line – ensuring extra strength with no resulting defects. > strong self-supporting domed top and d > correctly designed ribs

ha been supporting the Aquaculture Industry in Aust Aquasonic Pty Ltd have Australia since almost Aquaso its beginning. Aquasonic’s founders (Richard & Susan Carson) began their involvement 967 and since under the same ownership, have ha grown to what you see ee with fish back in 1967 otally Australian owned and based comp today. We are an totally company, manufacturing manyy of ang at Wauchope NSW W and also rrepresent over 40 overseas the products in our range companies. Stocking an and supplying many of the wo worlds leading aquaculture equipment, ffe pecifically for live aquatic life which h are available to totalling over 5,000 different products specifi me ch will incorpo you our valued customers. Aquasonic will hav have a working display, which incorporate d innovative in mponen as well as some of the tried and te many of our new and components tested ones. olet st one generators, oxygen From water quality mon monitors, ultraviolet sterilisers, books, ozone ets, filtration equipment, men heaters, pumps, ps, air pumps, b concentrators, nets, blowers, diffusers to n play, including PPolygeysers (innovative name a few. Many new products wil will be on display, s), Colorite Colorit Aero-Tube™ aand Airlift Systems (r (revolution in aeration), YSI bioclarifiers), Professional ional Series Meter and Multi ulti l Parame Parameter Monitoring Control Systems. Also now WaterCo o have made m Aquasonic the exclusive agents to supply the aquaculture e indu industry, giving uss access acces to many more products.

werful, portable and versatile Seaeye Falcon is ideal for coastal and inshore operations The powerful, s opera to 300 metres. Applicationss can include diver support, inspection and survey operations. In ulture ROVs are contributing to opportunities for increased efficiencies, cost-saving cost-sav aquaculture afety. New techniques hniques for in-water cleaning can allow fish farm nets to remain in and safety. acement for extended periods. Together Tog place without replacement with other factors, this can ts to be used to hold increased ased fish stocks. st enable larger nets ch as inspection inspec (w can n be b Routine tasks such of larger nets (which can be up to 25 metres deep) ca Falc ROV as an efficient and economic alternative to o divers. diverss. completed by thee Seaeye Falcon ore effectively deployed providing cleaning and Divers can be more th a special adaption ada repair services. With an ROV can also be also be orts’ contributing to the overall health of the fish used to remove ‘morts’ stock. All operations with the ROV are conducted from the sea surface without the risk off diver deployment or limitations due to diver fatigue.

30 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

Oxygen & Air Delivery at a Discount Are you using the right equipment?

Specialists in live fish transport aeration

Quality pumps airstones & fittings

www.spectrumaquaculture.com.au

A new world of enrichment for larval fish culture Introducing combined Protein and Lipid liquid enrichment for rapid 6 hour boost of artemia and rotifers

Available from Primo Aquaculture Call 1800 024850 Australian & New Zealand Distributor

Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 31

BST OYSTER SUPPLIES PTY LTD Call in and see us at the conference tto discuss your needs with our onsite sp specialists. Farmers are now w able tto provide relief from heat at stre stresses sses an and winter mo mortality, control trol of mud worm and othe other parasites. asites. oth No: 87 Booth Tel: +61-8-8629-6013 @bigpond.co o Email: bst.oysters@bigpond.com oysters.com Web: www.bstoysters.com

DEPARTMENT R OF AGRICULTURE, R FISHERIES S AND FORESTRY (DAFF)

For more information on our programs and policies come and see us at Australasian Aquaculture 2008.

BST is a company originally developed by three oyster farmers from Cowell, Franklin Harbour – South Australia, who found that the traditional rack and basket method of growing oysters did not suit the rough and weedy conditions experienced in the Harbour. They realised there was a need to design an alternative system which could manage the conditions which they were presented with, hence the B.S.T Adjustable Long Line System. The heart of this system lies with the use of Bayco monofil line to support specially designed baskets which are free to move with tidal currents and can be easily adjusted for height. This ability to raise and lower a line of baskets enables oyster farmers to farm their product in a way that has not been possible before. Whereas the traditional rack and basket method uses fixed timber racks; the oysters are at the mercy of nature’s elements. With this cap armer has the capability of adjusting the height of the oyster in the water, the farmer opportunity to g gain more control over the growing techniques. They are now able to enhance meat condition, produce clean strong shellll and opti optimise the meat to shell ratio.

stra tries to enha fitability DAFF works with Australia’s aquaculture industries enhance competitiveness, profi FF includes the Australian lian Quaran ce (AQIS), and sustainability. DAFF Quarantine and Inspection Service ien e Australia the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) and the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE). e in national and intern icy issues, with a focus DAFF takes a lead role international aquaculture policy mestic and expo on encouraging the com competitiveness of Au Australia’s broader domestic export-based seafood industries..

h No: 60 Booth Web: www.daff.gov.au/fisheries/ aquaculture

DONAGHYS AGHYS P/L The Donaghys name is synonymous with quali quality manufactured goods fo for the Aquaculture sector. Booth N No: 30 Web: www.donaghys.com

32 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

Donaghys has a world class reputation for manufacturing mussel cultivat cultivation and spat collection n ropes. Independent tests have proved Donaghys ropes to be the h highest yielding compared ed with aany comparative system. Donaghy’s hy’s products are now w being used in The Netherlands, Spain, Chile, Greece, Norway, Ireland d and further trials als are underway in several ot other countries around the world. Donaghys systems: ghy - world leaders in yield enhancement syste > High h yield mussel sel cultivation ropes > Spat collection n ropes > Backbones > Anchor systems ms

Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 33

EIMCO WATER TECHNOLOGIES The water treatment division of global gro group GLV Inc – is the Australian n distribu distributor for Atlantium UV Disinfection isinfect Systems. Booth No: 56 K n, Regional Contact: Paul Keegan, es Manager – HOD H hnology Sales Technology Tel: 02 9542 2366 Fax: 02 9542 2433 Mob: 0488 242 802 eega om Email: paul.keegan@glv.com m m.a Web: www.ajmenviro.com.au im co Web: www.eimcowater.com.au

KM FISH MACHINERY A/S Prawn grading, cooking and freezing equipment. KM Fish provide expert advice for all requirements – ashore or afloat, and their engineers supervis supervise final final installation and trials to ensure complete customer satisfa satisfaction. Booth No: 39 Contact: Gorman act: Terry Gorma Tel: 02 9979 7269 Web: www.km-fish.dk W

Atlantium’s unique ‘lamp out-of-the-water’ design (Hydro-Optic Disinfection) dramatically improves disinfection performance, is environmentally friendly, leaves no disinfection byproducts and is simple to operate and maintain. HOD applications include flow-through or re-circulation systems for sea water, brackish water or fresh water. In flow-through systems the HOD acts as a firewall, inactivating even the toughest pathogens, such as Vibrio, Flavo bacteria & Francisella. In re-circulating systems the HOD maintains a low microbial load in the tanks while providing complete microbial protection to the make-up water. Atlantium’s HOD systems have been adopted by some of the world’s leading aquaculture co companies to provide production stability – HOD treated water leads to a healthier growth environm environment and improved fish welfare and maximises production by: > Increasing Fish Densities Gr > Increasing Growth Rates ncreased Survival Surv > Increased Rates ing Food Conversion C > Improving Rates ntibiotic Usage > Reducing Antibiotics 0 highly high experienced staff, EWT can n provide With more than 40 fices conveniently conven comprehensive sales and service support from offi ties in Australia and New w Zealand. located in all major cities

Danish company, KM Fis Fish Machinery manufac manufactures prawn and fish handling andling and processing equipment nt ffor fishing vessels sels an and land-based processing ing factories. C Customers who choose KM Fish sh M Machinery equipment uipme are assured of buying proven rreliability, low maintenance, high gh qu quality equipment. ent. sland and the N wn KM Fish has provide provided prawn farmss in Queensland Northern Territory with prawn ng lines ca g six grades of prawns at either 1000kg per hourr or processing capable of grading g per hour 1500 kg hour, depending upon the type of grader, as well as fully automaticc ous and batch cookers. continuous e following equipment: KM Fish prov provides the a lines for moving prawns or fish to processing equipment equip > Raw material matic grading, peeling, weighing, icing and or freezing line > Fully automatic lines ooking or continuous water cooking lines which can be > Batch cooking ed in the raw r included material or fully automated lines ng machines are available e for main > Glazing maintaining product quality freez nt is available for the finished n and freezing equipment product from auto the automatic lines..

Healthy Stock = Healthy Profits

Certified surface area: 14075mm2 per unit

34 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

ly ent nd epe ured y d In as or me borat a la y b

Bio Filtration

QUINNTECH PTY LTD Trading as Quinn Plastics Ph: 08 8262 6460 Fax: 08 8262 6461 Email: quinnplastics@senet.com.au

PROAQUA Proaqua is an Australian owned and operated company specialising in a concise range of products and services directed at a providing essential aquaculture ulture n needs. Booth N No: 46 sa Contact: Nick and Lisa 1 Tel: 0407 366 212

PROTECTIVE E STRUCTURES URE AUSTRALIA A PTY LTD (Formerly VP Structures) is an Australian owned ow & operated manufacturing and wholesale distribution plant, operating from a 10,000 square metre site in Yatala (30mins from central Brisbane), Queensland. Since 1969 PSA has been involved in designing and manufacturing g Environmental Control trol Buildings, with reliab reliability, operability and maintainability being be key features in our proven design. Bo Booth No: 55 C ct: Matthew Swan Sw Contact: 07) 3382 9100 910 Tel: (07)

It is our aim to provide high quality products and identify, develop and introduce new products and technologies to the industry as it progresses. The Proaqua team offer practical on-farm and scientific knowledge and skills that complement the product range ensuring a high level of technical support if required. Products include: > Aeration Equipment > Filtration Equipment > Open water Sea Cages > Growout feeds for prawns and fin fish Hatch > Hatchery feeds (including a range of algae concentrates, die shellfish diet and artemia) rotifer diet, w > Polychaete worms

ctured and installed buildings across ss Australia in jjust about every industryy We have manufactured re, Primary Pr cial, Car Protection, Prote g to sector – Aquaculture, Industry, Commercial, even Boat Building nd stand firmly rm behind the products that at we name a few. We are prou proud of our structures and A buildings have been een designe manufacture and sell. All designed as multi purpose, cost efficient hs eather conditions con structures that can withstand extreme weather with very minimal maintenance nge of versatile buildings ildings that th can be constructed for or the purpose of o required. PSA has a range ha tion or as a 100% protective structure which can be obtaining maximum shade/hail protection ion All structures res can tailored to specific applications. PSA PS has been fitted with many options. plying Aquaculture e Equ uaculture Indus involved with supplying Equipment to the Aquaculture Industry from the mercial land-based fish farming. f y, PSA has the enviable en g infancy of commercial Today, position of being ure equip hoice to many sectors s an aquaculture equipment supplierr o of first choice of the industry. We tly work on improving our aq quaculture equip mands of constantly aquaculture equipment to match the changing demands astruct one of Australia’s primary developing industries. Responding to the high initial infrastructure ent involved invo o off investment with any new Aquaculture vventure, PSA has been able to offer costsin of above effective solu solutions to major building projects. Whether it ha has been the housing an covering overing in-ground ponds or ground tanks, constructing a new hatchery, PSA has been involved in erators achieve the right growing conditions. helping operators

Throw the small jobs back. AMC is oﬀering a Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in aquaculture at its National Centre for Marine Conservation & Resource Sustainability. Make sure your career isn’t the one that gets away. Call today. AMC - your ticket to the world.

1300 363 864 | www.amc.edu.au

AMC9024rj

The AMC is an institute of the University of Tasmania

Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 35

Skretting - passionately supporting the blue revolution Skretting are the major sponsor of the 2008 Australasian Aquaculture Conference to be held in Brisbane from August 3-6, 2008. At the conference, we will be showcasing our innovative range of aquaculture feeds and services. The entire Sales and Marketing team will be in attendance to ﬁeld questions, while our international guests will present the latest news about global aquaculture. Our stand will be our most striking and informative to date, perfectly located in the heart of the trade show. Skretting - who better to talk to about ‘Innovation in a Global Market’?

www.skretting.com.au • +61 (0)3 6216 1200

www.skretting.com.au â&#x20AC;˘ +61 (0)3 6216 1200

QE & AUSTRALIAN ROPE AND TWINE PTY LTD We are proud to say our products are used by many of the most successfull Aquacu Aquaculture Farmers in Australasia and beyond beyond. N 61 Booth No: oe Scata S Contact: Joe 4 Tel: 0402 277 4422

SCANZ TECHNOLOGIES I LTD Visit our ffriendsly staff –we can cover all subjects, fresh and seawater. Combined Booth Nos: 19/29 Contacts: Tony Rumbold, Louie Owens, Aubert Faivre and Bruce Erickson Web: www.scanztech.com

SEAPA SEA From design to manufacture, our products are developed develope and produced uced by a dedicate dedicated team to world class standards. We W are always interested in partnering pa with the aquaculture industry i in developing new and innovative products ducts that of offer solutions to farming issues. Booth No: 54 Tel: 08 8357 6611 Web: www.seapa.com.au

QE, Quality Equipment Ltd, NZ, and it’s Australian division, Australian Rope and Twine Pty Ltd are the market leaders in Mussel Farming and Pearl Farming Rope Technology. Our Mussel Rope technology has taken on global proportion with many major Mussel Framing communities world wide insisting on QE Mussel Cultivation Ropes over any other brand where continuous farming system are employed. ‘We know it’s the best…because it is our clients who prove it is the best.’ We also back our other clients with some of the best high tenacity 3 strand Rope products produced today. These Ropes are ideally suited to all Professional Aquaculture users. We also offer an extensive range of other products and services such as Sub Sea Floats, Cotton Socking and Aquaculture Equipment. > > > > > >

Mos Most Successful range of Mussel Cultivation Ropes. Spat and Hatchery Ropes. W Mainlines, Warps, and Lashings. Sub Surface Fl Floats. ton Socking and a associated Equipment. Cotton arming Technology Te Mussel Farming experts.

g term te supplier of some of the best Aquaculture Aqu Scanz has been a long equipment in thee world. tin since 1988. Installations lations extend exte from the Northern Territory ritory to They have been exhibiting he Tasman into New w Zealand. Beyond standalone equipment pment Scanz Tasmania and across the te atcheries and Industrial Grow Outt facilities. also specialises in RAS technology for Hatcheries w be: On display in Brisbanee will Pum from Aqualife life Products Pr > A Biostream Fish Pump of the USA lter > A Faivre Drum Filter Vertic Incubation System Sys > A Marisource Vertical d Scale S > A Marelecc Motion Compensated

ouse team is able to assist with part and tooling design, desig efficient manufacturing Our in-house t farm. and marketing in order to get the idea out of your head and on to the e Since being established in 1998, SEAPA has continued to grow from a fledgling ure supplier with one product offering into a company with a constantly consta aquaculture ng product range and market reach. With extensive knowledge of the aquaculture a expanding uct innovation, SSEAPA is able to provide quality aquaculture aquac industryy and continued product cts designed to exacting xacting standards that mee wh products meet our customers’ requirements whilst ding superior value alue for money. providing Operating facility in Adelaide, South ting from parent arent company Garon Plastic’s production produ Australia, aquaculture products that are lia, SEAPA uses state of the art technology ology to provide p of the highest quality. pursuit uality. This continued c uit of eexcellence has resulted in the production uctio ction n method being certifi ertified to the th AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000 standard. SEAPA is committed ted to o only marketing products which whic are produced using a production method and materials erials which are of the highest standard. ts range of products produc and strives to provide its SEAPA is proud of its tion that best meets their needs. We will customers with a solution stand by our products oncee they hit the water and endeavour to cond to none. offer after sales service that is second

38 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

SILVERWATER TECHNOLOGY Silverwater Technology is a group of professionals dedicated to the treatment of o water. Visit us and discuss with ith our re representatives how this technology ology w will improve the water yourr fish live in. 12 Booth No: 121 4 Tel: 03 9600 4443 ail: silverwatertech@bigpond.com silverwater pond.com Email:

This state of the art environmentally friendly and world patented water purification technology destroys disease causing bacteria, E-coli and prevents contamination and biofilm from forming due to its ability to maintain water bacteriostatic 24/7. A.G.A.L. (Australian Government Analytical Laboratory) reports, together with E.P.A (USA) approval ensures the safety aspect of this revolutionary, simplistic and fail-safe technology. Highly cost effective, inexpensive to maintain, and chemical free, Silverwater Technology is currently used in a range of industries -agriculture, horticulture, hydroponics etc. as well as commercial and domestic situations. Developers are now focussed on promoting the be benefits to the aquaculture sector. Silverwate Silverwater Technology are so confident they’re offering fish-farmers u up to sixty days ‘FREE’ trial of their system.

SKRETTING TING

chno Web: www.silverwate www.silverwatertechnology.com

Skretting is the world leader a in the production and supply of feed for farmed d fish. h Total T t l annuall production of high quality feeds is more than 1.3 million tonnes. Skretting has operating companies on five continents to produce and deliver feeds from hatching to harvest for more than 50 species of farmed d fish.

Booth No: 52,53 63,64 Tel: 03 6216 1200 We Web: www.skretting.com.au

SPECTRUM AQUACU AQUACULTURE It doesn’t matter wher where you are in Australia you’re o on our delivery ry netw network. Booth No: 98 Web: www.spectrumaquaculture. com.au

The diversity of aquacu aquaculture operations in Australia and nd New Zealan Zealand has created a challenging and rapidly pidly evolving industry. Among the species re reared on Skretting feeds are Abalone, Barramundi,i, Southern So Bluefin Tuna, Yellowtail Kingfi Kin sh, Mulloway, Pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon, Rainbow Specialist feeds for Broodstock programs, bow trout and Murray Cod. Specia live feed replacements and the immune system of fish are an feeds formulated ted to enhance enh examples of innovativee diets d offered by Skretting Skretting. b the major sponsor ponsor of o the 2008, Skretting Australasian Skretting are proud to be nce in Brisbane from rom August A econd consecuti Aquaculture conference 3-6. It is the second consecutive retti have committed mitte to be the naming g rights sponso conference that Skretting sponsor. M am will w be on hand nd to discuss our ou entire range of feed Skretting’s Saless and Marketing team wil also facilitatee a numberr of technical workshops w gates and services.. We will in order for delegates to makee the week as rewarding ass possible. courage all a new and existing customers to start planning We encourage wa an now to attend the event. Thee 2006 conference was ding success and our intention is to make the outstanding co ence even better! Come and find the Brisbane conference m in the heart of the trade show Skretting team

As the name ssuggests, Spectrum rum Aquaculture provides a full range e of solutions. W We access the best st qu quality feeds and nd aquaculture specific equipment equ from around d the world, of offer them to yyou at very competitive prices and deliver th them to your door. Even n though we keep ou our costs down wn as low as possible, we always m maintain the highest levelss of service service. We understand n the he challenges you need to over overcome and know just what it takes es to extract the maximum mum performance from your our hat hatchery, aquarium store or research facili facility. y. ulture has been structured around your needs. Saving you time and money mo oney Spectrum Aquaculture is central to the way we service our customers. Our affordable pricing, cash sales and special deals will certainly help yyour bottom line. By having tock we are also able a ample product in stock to respond quickly ed. when orders are placed.

Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 39

FA R M P R O F I L E

Tasmanian Aquaculture Expertise and Innovation on Display Australasian Aquaculture 2008 International Conference & Trade Show 3-6 August 2008 Brisbane, Queensland

Australia’s Island State of Tasmania Tasmania is well-known for its rich maritime heritage and we have a reputation for excellence in the industry. The State’s temperate maritime environment, and its proximity to the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, has seen the relatively small island (68,300 square kilometres) become home to major industries including aquaculture, fisheries, Antarctic science and ship building. At Aquaculture Exhibition 2008 we will showcase our world-class production facilities, products and services.

AQ1 Systems Pty Ltd

AQ1 Systems is a market leader in feeding control technology and services to optimise production in the aquaculture industry.

VISIT BOOTH 28

For the remote management of feed intake in aquacultured species we develop, manufacture and market a range of sensors that use wireless control platforms with dedicated user software. We also specialise in accurate underwater, in situ fish sizing and counting using stereo camera measuring systems.

Represented by: Peter Blyth Phone +61 3 6231 5588

MEET THE COMPANIES

Email Peter.Blyth@aq1systems.com Fax +61 3 6234 1822 Web www.aq1systems.com

Fiomarine Industries Pty Ltd VISIT BOOTH 26

Represented by: John Fiotakis

With connections to standalone feeders and centralised feeding systems – we have technology to maximise production performance for sea and land based farms. See our range of solutions for feeding control including infra-red pellet detectors, underwater camera systems, hydrophone sensing systems (using the sound of fish/crustacea “eating” as an indicator of feed intake) and dissolved oxygen sensors that can be used to regulate feed intake.

Fiomarine develops leading edge underwater technology. Its signature product, the Fiobuoy, is a robust submersible marine marker buoy and retrieval system. Fiomarine offers the aquaculture industry security, as well as efficient and economical access to farms and underwater assets. Its proven technology can assist in accessing moorings, protection from poachers, monitoring and R&D. In environmentally sensitive areas or areas of high vessel traffic, Fiomarine can also support increased waterway access. As an alternative to diving teams, Fiomarine can save farmers time and money as well as increased safety and easy access to deeper waters. The Fiobuoy is security coded, computer programmable and is triggered by a pre-programmed Time/Date setting, or via an ‘Acoustic Command’ signal. At this time, it releases itself from its underwater mooring and floats to the surface to fulfil its marking function.

Web www.fiomarine.com

Currently, Fiomarine is looking towards the future and is collaborating with other organisations to develop completely submerged aquaculture farms which could potentially revolutionise the industry. It is also in the process of designing a smaller release system based on the Fiobuoy technology, that will be suitable for an even wider variety of applications in the aquaculture and fishing industries.

Imbros

Imbros have been established in Tasmania for over 34 years, and are the leading Australasian supplier of oceanographic, marine, scientific and environmental instrumentation and laboratory products.

VISIT BOOTH 18

Imbros supply all types of instrumentation to the aquaculture industry, for research, laboratory, hatchery and field use.

Phone +61 3 6272 6167 Email john.fiotakis@fiomarine.com Fax +61 3 6272 6264

Products include a huge range of water quality/monitoring instruments, underwater video and sonar inspection, microscopy, weighing and laboratory equipment. All products are service backed by our engineering team. Represented by: Simon Hills Phone +61 3 6216 1500 Email info@imbros.com.au Fax +61Aquaculture 3 6216 1555| June 2008 40 Austasia Web www.imbros.com.au

Imbros also supply all types of consumable science requirements, including chemicals, glass and plasticware, tubing and about everything used in a laboratory. We will have an Interactive display at the 2008 Australasian Aquaculture International Conference & Trade Show, with lots of hands on equipment available to "play with".

FA R M P R O F I L E

Six Tasmanian companies will accompany the Department of Economic Development and Tourism to exhibit at the Australasian Aquaculture 2008, held in Brisbane on 3 - 6 August 2008.

Plastic Fabrications Pty Ltd VISIT BOOTHS 15 & 25

Plastic Fabrications Pty Ltd was established in 1974 as a manufacturer and supplier of plastic products. In the ensuing years the company has undergone considerable expansion and has significantly diversified its manufacturing capacity and product base. Plastic Fabrications has two branches, Hobart Tasmania (Head Office) and Port Lincoln, South Australia. Currently there are 53 employees 35 full-time and 18 casual. Plastic Fabrications supply a wide range of aquaculture products to all parts of the world: • Seacages

• AquaTRUCK Vessels

• Aquaculture Components

• Corner Markers

• Buoys and Floats

• Net Weights

• Moorings

Represented by: Ric Murdoch Phone +61 3 6274 0222 Email admin@plasticfab.com.au Fax +61 3 6274 0234 Web www.plasticfab.com.au

Plastic Fabrications is the largest fabricator of polymer based equipment and products in Tasmania. The company also specialises in rotomoulding PE products and product components used by the Aquaculture Industry. The company has been an aquaculture supplier since 1985. Currently Plastic Fabrications constructs AquaSURE seacages from 20m diameter to 50m diameter flotation units to meet the needs of fin fish farmers worldwide.

SED Shellfish Equipment

SED Shellfish Equipment (ShellQuip ) is recognised as a leading supplier of innovative grading solutions for the aquaculture industry.

VISIT BOOTH 16 Represented by: Kent Lyon Phone +61 3 6442 1563 Email kent@sedesign.com.au Fax +61 3 6442 1564 Web www.sedesign.com.au

Technolab Marketing Pty Ltd VISIT BOOTH 27

Represented by: Scott Powell Phone +61 3 6244 1330 Email scott@technolab.com.au Fax +61 3 6244 1338 Web www.technolab.com.au

Plastic Fabrications plans to develop a larger network of agents /distributors in the Asia pacific region.

Automatic Shellfish Grading - ShellQuip is an international supplier of grading systems which use a video camera to size shellfish. The system is fully automatic - oysters can be loaded into a hopper straight from a barge or punt. Then depending on options they can be washed, separated, measured, sorted, counted and bagged at the push of a button. It will even shut the system down if a full bag or basket is not replaced with an empty one. The grader is revolutionising the industry with: • process Speeds (1200 – 1800 doz/hour) • count accuracy of around 99 per cent • low labour requirements (a single operator replaces 13 hand graders) • low cost and higher profits. ShellQuip representatives will have a fully functioning sorter to demonstrate the system and answer any questions. Technolab is a supplier of products and services to the Science and Technology industries. The company has its warehouse and service department located at Mornington, on the eastern shore of Hobart. Technolab distributes a wide range of on-line and discrete monitoring and control systems for aquaculture and general water treatment applications, such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, conductivity /salinity flow, level, turbidity and carbon dioxide. Through OxyGuard International, Technolab is a specialist in continuously monitoring and or controlling dissolved oxygen in fish road transport vehicles or at the hatchery and grow out facilities. Single and multichannel systems are available and they are custom designed to suit each application. For isolated applications where water quality and other data are required to be transmitted to other locations, Technolab can supply the Datacall remote transmitter unit, which uses cellular technology. Datacall can replace traditional hard wired telemetry systems With Datacall and your mobile telephone, you can control pretty much any remote telemetry application. For example with Datacall you can send a message over your mobile telephone to start stop an electric pump, motor or to monitor just about any remote device. Contact Technolab for a quotation to suit your budget and application.

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism, incorporating the Tasmanian Development Board and the Tourism Tasmania Board, leads economic and industry development in Tasmania. Tasmania offers opportunities for investment, value adding processes and trade in a wide range of sectors in particular aquaculturebased industries. Tasmania has rich and varied marine resources and a sophisticated aquaculture industry. Aquaculture products now challenge the wild fisheries in terms of economic performance. Tasmania’s premium aquaculture products include: • farmed Atlantic salmon • trout • pacific oysters • abalone • mussels. VISIT BOOTH 17 Opportunities exist for other species to be commercialised. Economic Development and Tourism provides a range of assistance to industry and businesses including: • providing general information on the Tasmanian business environment and industry sectors helping business enter and expand Represented by: Export and markets outside Tasmania Market Development Unit • helping business become more internationally competitive • working with the Tasmania industry and other government agencies in industry Phone +61 3 6233 5888 development planning Email info@development.tas.gov.au • assisting business investment into Tasmania Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 41 Fax +61 3 6233 5800 • referrals to potential suppliers, customers, local experts and infrastructure providers Web www.development.tas.gov.au • helping businesses commercialise innovative products and services.

Department of Economic Development and Tourism

SUNDERLAND MARINE MUTUAL INSURANCE The world’s leading Fishing Vessel and Aquacul Aquaculture Insurer, Sunderland have been n providi providing cover to fish farmers in Australia ralia for 20 years. We look forward ard to discuss discussing your insur insurance requirements, rements, wi with yourself orr you your broker. ker.

SYDNEY E FISH MARKET ET

oth No: 32 Booth Tel: 03 9650 6288 uk Web: www.smmi.co.uk

Aquaculture tips the scales for sydney fish market’s record result.

Contact: Gus Dannoun at Sydney Fish Market for further information on aquaculture opportunities. 2 9004 1104 Tel: 02 Email: gusd@sydneyfishmarket. com.au

A true Mutual, the company is owned by and works solely for insured members. With no independent share holders we are able to provide the most competitive of terms, a level of technical service second to none and an excellent claims settlement capability. Our Insured throughout Australia and New Zealand include Salmon & Trout Farmers, Tuna Farmers, Pearl Farmers, Abalone Farmers, Barramundi, Eel and Perch Farmers with new species and new farms constantly under consideration. Insured systems include off shore cage farms, sub surface long line culture, land based pump ashore sea farms and enclosed fresh and saltwater recirculation systems. Wit offices now in Perth, Melbourne, Cairns and Nelson (NZ), the Company are well With positione ed with positioned to contend with the wide geographic spread of risks that we are involved all throughou throughout Australasia.

ts position as the Southern Hemisphere’s re’s Sydney Fish Markett (SFM (SFM) continues to reinforce its h se cea, tallying record sales of $93.6 million on for premier seller of fresh seafood and live crustacea, the last financial year. pp Manager, Gus Dannoun According to SFM’s Supply Dannoun, aquaculture was a key driver of this outstanding result. d tr apture product, supply of aquaculture uaculture produ “Unlike the downward trend in wild-capture product to the ed to t grow. In the e last twelve months, the volume of aqu Market has continued aquaculture rose epre 16.5% to a total of 1,5 1,562 tonnes, representing 17.5% of total annual sseafood sales. ales val ltur rose by 30.6%,” .6%,” he said. Significantly, sales value of aquaculture ar unt importance to SFM and its Dannoun says aqua aquaculture is of paramount tment to m ng deman commitment meet the growing demands of its buyers. Aquaculture providess us with consistency in supply, volume and price, as well as offering ustaina ative across an increasing numb a truly sustainable alternative number of species.”

AUSTASIA ST AQUACULTURE QUA

sh Market et are proud supporters of the 2008 Skretting Sydney Fish Australasian Aquaculture Conference and Trade Show.

Proud ssupporters of the 2008 Skretting Australasian Aquaculture Conference and Trade Show.

Booth No: 2 Contacts: Megan Farrer (Publication Manager), and writers Dos O’Sullivan and John Mosig

42 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

Three Day Con Conference specials als include : > Earlyy bird discounts on 2009 Trade Directory ad b bookings % discount d > 20% on new ‘Premium’ subscription % discount on new $85 subscription s > 20% A t’s the proven Advertise with Austasia Aquaculture - it’s a d way to spread the word about your products and services to the fish-farming industry. tion call Megan on 03 6245 0064 or For more information culture@netspace.n email: austasiaaquaculture@netspace.net.au ww.austasiaaquaculture.com.au or visit us online at: www.austasiaaquaculture.com.au

TOOLTECH Tooltech always welcome inquiries from companies or individuals who are seeking assistance in developing polymer made pro products. Whilst special design requirements equirem can present a challenge, enge it is a cchallenge the Compa Company welcomes. mes. To assis assist in meeting any ny p productt design task is their ability to make a model to scale ale using 3D da data for Fused sed Deposit Moulding, (F (FDM) M) thu thus saving considerable e time and ccost. As well as exhibiting biting at h he forthcoming Aust Australasian Aquaculture Co Conference and Trade Show in Brisbane, ba they w will also be presenting a C Conference e session, titled ‘Fro ‘From Concept to Reality’, in keeping with the Conference theme of ‘Innovation In A Global Market’. Booth No: 89 & 90 Contact: Reg Breakwell Tel: Tel: 07 3271 1755 Web: www.tooltechservices.com.au

U ULTRA VIOLET PR PRODUCTS P/L ((AUST) ST) P/ Australia’s ralia’s leading Ultra violet LLamp specialist, Ultra V Violet Products Pro (Aust) P/L will be displaying their range of Water Treatment reatment Equipment Equipme and Ultra Violet Lamps. Booth No: 84 Consultants: Peter James and Paul Ellul will be pleased to answer any queries you may have.

44 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

Extensive association with the world Aquaculture Industry over the past fourteen years has presented many interesting and exciting opportunities for Brisbane based company, Tooltech Pty. Ltd. who have been involved in product design, toolmaking and plastic moulding using a range of commodity and engineering polymers since 1965. They first produced the Aquatray® a most versatile shellfish grow-out unit in 1994, after consultation and design work with Australia’s foremost subtidal oyster farming company, Cameron of Tasmania. This product, with its nine version System, has proved to be the most versatile and comprehensive type of shellfish grow-out unit in the world, able to be us used in numerous intertidal and subtidal farming modes. The Comp Company continued to meet other shellfish farming demands, by designing and producing the Aquapurs he recent release Aquapurse® System, with its several mesh versions, culminating with the of two new prod products – the Aquapurse MarkVI® and the 3mm mesh Aquapurse. ark VI is uniq o assembly other than just to The Mark unique in that it is a one piece unit, requiring no e only accessory required is fold up and clip toge together – and this includes the ends. The whatever type of susp suspension device that the grower would need in intertidal mode. It ories for subtidal use. requires no accessories s, and Over the intervening yea years the Company have produced a number of other products, e ve n the desig in particular they were very much involved in design of a special trough and bin for he soft shell crab. They hey tooled and moulded this for Watermark atermark extensive farming of the pu controlled farming arming sy Seafoods, whose computer system is a world leader. esign o Currently Tooltech is ass assisting in the design of an exciting new type of unit for a lar large scale arm deep water scallop farming concept. They will later be tooling and moulding tthis product. al ne To meet the special needs of oyster grow growers who had forr many een usin ted timber and mesh trays on rrails, generations been using 8ft tar-coated dm they were able to de design, tool and mould their 8ft (2.4m) tray in nmentally fr o a sig environmentally friendly plastic providing significant saving on both labour and cost ffor the grower.

UVP are the Australasian distributor for Atlantic UV Corporation, one of the world’s largest lamp manufacturers. ufacturers. UVP carry a huge range of UV lamps and quartz thi thimbles and sleeves which fit most low pressure UV water treatment systems. These lamps are of high quality and output tput and can confidently be used as replacements. Performance is as lea least as good as original inal lamps. UVP also supply replacemen replacement parts for most makes. released range of Hanovia Water Trea Ultra Violet Products will also display the newly rele Treatment ge features high volume capacity with the use of high output Amalg Units. The AF3 range Amalgam type UV lamps. Hanovia have been a world leader in UV water treatment technology and ce and application have resulted esulted in the design and manufacture of the years of experience ures include IP rating, volt free co AF3 range. Features contacts and UV monitors. Also on display will be the new mode P.E. Polyethylene unit which is extremely popular in Aquaculture applications. ications.

CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW PREVIEW

Skretting – Feeding your passion for fish! Skretting’s international mission statement – Feeding your passion for fish – says it all. Skretting is all about feeds and feed formulations to provide growers with the highest quality formulated feeds possible. Dos O’Sullivan reports how this company is improving its products and services.

lobally, Skretting remains the leading aquafeed supplier, with the provision of feed for more than 50 species of fish. During 2007 Skretting produced more than 1 million tonnes of salmon feed, representing more than a 40% market share of global salmonid feed production. Skretting Australia is the largest manufacturer of aquaculture feeds to the Australian and New Zealand markets. Managing Director of Skretting Australia James Rose said that despite some troubled times for aquaculture, particularly in large salmon producing countries like Chile, aquaculture growth in Australia and New Zealand continues to rise. “In order to meet this growing demand, Skretting Australia is investing heavily in capital expenditure to increase plant capacity, and in our staff to continue to offer outstanding service,” explained James. “For our plant in Tasmania we are investing more than $10 million over the next three years. Our business tonnage grows at more than 10% annually and we are well on the way to achieving our target of 100,000 tonnes of feeds per annum within the foreseeable future. With increasing demand, a second extruder will be installed during the years 2009 and 2010. This has the potential to double capacity as well as allowing us to formulate speciality diets for industry. “Currently, we are improving the plant throughout by the development of a new packing line that will improve efficiencies, package quality, and enable a greater potential range of packaging sizes. Additionally by the end of 2008, Skretting Australia staff will be housed in new modern office facilities at our Hobart base.

“As well as growth in infrastructure, personnel at Skretting Australia has grown significantly and we have now more than 50 staff. This has enabled us to develop specialised teams to make up our business, including Production, Logistics, Maintenance, Research and Development (R&D), Sales and Marketing, HR, Finance and Administration.” Sales and Marketing Manager Stephen Scott said that growth in the business has meant the Sales and Marketing team has been expanded in order to best serve the growing Skretting customer base. “The technical team consists of five research higher degree graduates from what was the School of Aquaculture at University of Tasmania,” he said. “Dr Rhys Hauler is the resident nutritionist; Dr Matthew Bransden manages several Tasmanian salmonid producers and national abalone customers; Ben Wybourne resides in New Zealand and manages customers within that country, principally those farming Chinook Salmon; Dr Gavin Shaw manages mainland ‘marine’ customers, including Yellowtail Kingfish, Barramundi and Southern Bluefin Tuna; and, just recently, Alasdair Bradley has re-joined the team after a spell of six years. Alasdair will become involved in working with our salmonid customers. “Each of the S&M technical team is also part of the global network,” explained Stephen. “Rhys with the nutritionists and product managers, Matt with the global fish health team, Ben with the global tools and modelling team, Gavin with the global marine finfish hatchery team and Alasdair with the flesh quality group.”

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R&D undertaken at Skretting’s Aquaculture Research Centre (ARC) at Stavanger in Norway. “For example, we have invested considerably in the means to modulate health and nutrition. This is a major future direction for us as it is now well known that we can enhance things like the gut villi and linings with certain feed ingredients; these in turn lead to better feed uptake and fish growth. This work is based on the significant advances in terrestrial animal nutrition and a number of key developments have occurred over recent months for our feeds.” “Customer Service Coordinator Tim Tayler continues to be the first contact for Skretting Australia, fielding customer enquiries and orders. “We have recently appointed Sophie Noonan to act as Marketing and Communication Assistant. One of Sophie’s key responsibilities will be to provide materials to our customer base to keep them continually informed of local and global Skretting activities.” James noted that there was growing global pressure on raw material prices due to falling supply levels, growth in demand from Asia, advent of bio fuels and global climate changes. “The industry is currently going through difficult times, as fish oil is very scarce and other raw materials continue to rise in price. We are sourcing more local product and undertaking specific R&D to understand how best to utilise our raw materials. We are confident this R&D will result in well priced quality feeds.” “Skretting continues to have a very strong focus on sustainability,” Rhys said. “Globally, we invest more than AUD$13 million on R&D; 50% of these monies are used for R&D on replacement of fish meal and oil, identifying new raw materials and understanding nutritional requirements of various species of aquatic animals under different environmental conditions.” Product development Rhys said that Skretting collaborated with many institutions around the world on fish production and feeds. He also pointed to the huge amount of 46 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

Rhys continued: “As well as the research undertaken at the ARC, we also continue to invest heavily in local R&D projects on topics specific to Australian and New Zealand aquaculture.” In April 2007, Skretting launched the global product, Spirit, to their salmon producers. “This is a starter diet for salmonids during the first phase of their saltwater growout (usually from around 80g up to 1kg). Any growth gains you can obtain during this period are magnified just like with compound interest through the rest of the growout. For example in Australia we can expect that an increase of 40g during this growth period can result in gains over 200g in the 4.2kg (HOG) harvested fish. We are now in the process of applying the Spirit concept to other species, such as Chinook Salmon and Rainbow Trout.” Rhys said that Spirit worked on two levels. “The first is through a different processing method which ensures an increase in the feed’s palatability. This in turn leads to faster growth. Spirit also contains some diet additions that target gut health and overall feed uptake.” Further product development is underway for the remainder of Skretting’s product range. According to Matt, Australia’s only commercially available extruded abalone feed, Halo, was launched in mid-2006. “Halo has very successfully entered the Australian and New Zealand abalone markets. The way it is manufactured means it has some key characteristics, such as improved nutrient retention and better water stability, not offered by conventional aba-

lone feeds. Reports back from abalone farms also indicate improvements in feed conversion ratios on Halo.” Matt continued, “Globally, Halo is now being sold in several other abalone producing countries, and we are working on a number of new products to expand the Halo portfolio.” Gavin said that they were currently testing an innovative, patented tuna diet for use in the Port Lincoln industry. “We are working with the industry to trial the novel diets which have been produced by special equipment developed at the Skretting ARC.” “Globally, Skretting recently launched the Active Nutrition concept,” said Matt. “This portfolio of feeds form part of a unique health and production strategy for finfish, with feeds specific to normal farming conditions, as well as for times when environmental extremes or disease situations are imminent or occurring that necessitates diets with specific health supplements to help support fish welfare and growth.” This Active Nutrition portfolio will be launched at Skretting Australasian Aquaculture Conference ‘08 (Brisbane 3-6 August) for which Skretting Australia are the major and naming rights sponsor. “Our full Sales and Marketing team and other members of Skretting Australia will be in attendance,” said Stephen. “We will be joined by our international guests from Skretting, including Viggo Halseth (Managing Director Skretting Trout and Marine), Eamonn O’Brien (Sales Manager, Global Marine Hatchery Feeds), and Arjen Roem (Product Development Manager, Skretting Asia). The Skretting stand in the heart of the trade show will attract plenty of attention, so come along and see us for the best feeds and feeding advice.” by Dos O’Sullivan For more information contact Tim Tayler on 03 6216-1212, email: tim.tayler@skretting. com, web: www.skretting.com Feed sheets, samples and other technical information will be available at the stand, so come along and meet the crew.

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Organic Aquaculture – The Way Forward? A

s consumers are becoming more quality conscious in their quest for safe to eat food, there are increasing numbers of products on the market labelled ‘Organic’. Dr Piers Hart, who worked in Australian aquaculture for more than ten years, reviews what is developing in the European Union and makes some observations on opportunities for organic production by Australian aquaculturists.

What does organic mean? The word organic was coined in the 1930s for food produced by small farmers without artificial fertilisers or pesticides. Since then a number of books have publicised the damage to human health and the environment caused by intensive farming. Modern organic agriculture is a counter to conventional agriculture which, since the agricultural revolution, has been using more and more chemicals to intensify production. The organic movement advocates a return to traditional farming methods encompassing the whole farm site and the minimisation of inputs and waste outputs. Food products from organic systems are considered more natural, contain less harmful chemicals and taste better than those produced by conventional agriculture.

to protect the consumer, the environment, the stock and the community. While organic food accounts for only 1 to 2% of total food sales worldwide, organic is growing more rapidly in developed and developing nations than the rest of the food industry. World sales of organic produce jumped from US$23 billion in 2002 to US$40 billion in 2006. The world organic market has grown by 20% a year since the early 1990s with growth predictions of 10-50% annually (depending on the country).

What are the benefits to the producer? As a producer, the benefits of organic certification are access to exclusive markets and premium prices (offsetting increased costs of production). The former is becoming increasingly important as some large supermarket chains require certificates of sustainability for seafood products. For example, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) provides certification for wild products but there is no equivalent for farmed product. This means that non-organic

1. A selection of organic fish including Cod and Brook Trout. Photo by Piers Hart. 2. A display of organic seafood including Cod, Seabass, Tilapia and Pangasius Catfish. Photo by Piers Hart. 3. Organic Trout caviar at BioFach in Germany. Photo by Piers Hart. 4. An organic Cod farm in Scotland. Photo by Piers Hart. 1

The inclusion of aquaculture has been controversial because external sources of food and power are normally required and effluents are not normally recycled. However, organic aquaculture standards have now been developed. Modern organic production is highly regulated and rapidly expanding throughout the world. It is driven by the desire for healthier contaminant-free food produced using methods that are: 1. not harmful to the long term future of the environment (sustainable); 2. are mindful of the wellbeing of the farmed stock, and 3. are socially beneficial. Modern regulatory ‘standards’ are designed Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 47

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products may be excluded from the markets wanting MSC certified products. Who produces and manages the ‘standards’? The USA, EU and Japan have comprehensive organic regulations. The latest EU regulations being developed for 2009, will include organic aquaculture for the first time. Certification is carried out by non-profit organisations such as the Organic Food Federation (OFF) and the Soil Association (SA) in the UK who produce their own standards to meet the regulations.

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What do organic standards mean for fish farmers? In general, organic standards for aquaculture contain a series of regulations that: • restrict the use of chemical treatments; • specify sustainable or organically certified feed ingredients; • ensure animal welfare standards are maintained through production and slaughter, and • minimise environmental impacts of effluents and escapees. Production enhancements such as artificial lighting and heating are prohibited unless they are essential for animal welfare (as in the case of cod) and water quality must be maintained within strict limits. Production records must be strictly maintained and audited annually by the certifying body. All staff must be technically competent and understand the principles of organic aquaculture. The OFF has standards for Salmonids, Gadoids (cod) and Molluscs and certify a number of farms in the UK. The following is a detailed assessment of the Salmonid standards used by the OFF in the UK (http://www.orgfoodfed.com/). Conversion Site conversion to organic is strictly regulated and must take place on a timescale that ensures all stock on the site are managed to organic standards by the time the first batch are ready for sale as organic (usually one production cycle). Organic, converting and non-organic units must be separated and clearly identified to avoid cross-contamination or accidental mixing and all stock on the same unit must be managed to the same standard. In practice this usually means that organic fingerlings are stocked into a new site and managed as organic thereafter. All new stock entering that site must be organic. No movements from an organic to a non-organic site are allowed thereafter without losing organic status. Breeding and seedstock Local stock should be used with good adaptation to local conditions and producing a high quality food product. In practice the term ‘local’ is fairly loose. Both broodstock and seedstock must be reared on organic units. New brood-

48 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

stock must be managed to organic standards for 12 months prior to being used for breeding. Stripping must be undertaken with particular care for the welfare of broodstock which must be anaesthetised and if there are any signs of trauma or suffering they must be stunned and slaughtered after stripping. Alternatively, they can be humanely slaughtered prior to stripping. Minimal interference with breeding is required and low intensity rearing methods must be used. Heating of water is only allowed up to 10°C and only for salmonid fry up to 5g. Triploids, genetic engineering and all female stocks are prohibited. Transport of juveniles must only be undertaken if they are fit and healthy. Minimal journey times, low transport densities and oxygen supply and monitoring are required. Environmental impact An Environmental Management Plan must be prepared to establish environmental loadings and methods for reduction, initiatives for positive enhancement and measures to prevent escapes. Negligible environmental impact and conservation of local wildlife is the aim. Composting of organic waste is desirable and for sea cages, minimal impact on the sea bed. Water and holding facilities Provisions must be made for the maintenance and monitoring of water quality. Stock welfare is paramount and minimum water requirements for good health must be provided. Contamination from pollution sources and conventional farms must be minimised by correct siting. Oxygenation systems to enhance production are prohibited, as well as copper-based anti-foulants and covered ongrowing areas (thus prohibiting intensive recirculation systems). Diet and nutrition Diets must meet the needs of the species. Feed ingredients should be from materials that are not directly used for human consumption. At least 50% should be derived from by-products of food for human consumption such as trimmings from fish processing. The balance must

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be from certified sustainable fisheries. Agricultural ingredients must be organic.

ments and when and how they should be used.

Phaffia yeast-derived astaxanthin is normally approved, but only to supply physiological requirements (10-100 ppm). Fishmeal from non-certified fisheries, farmed salmonids or terrestrial animals are prohibited as are growth regulators, hormones, appetite stimulators, GMO’s, synthetic binders and high energy diets (>28% oil).

Treatments where necessary, must be directed at complementing the animal’s natural powers of recovery and correcting the imbalance that created the original disorder. Treatment must be given even if the stock will lose its organic status; otherwise it becomes a welfare issue and might lead to loss of status anyway. Prophylactic use of veterinary medicines, genetically engineered vaccines, hormone treatment of fish for human consumption, malachite green and synthetic pesticides are prohibited.

Fish welfare and management Management is based on the five freedoms: freedom from malnutrition, thermal and physical discomfort, injury and disease, fear and distress and unnecessary restrictions of behaviour. Minimising stress must be the aim of all handling procedures on the farm.

Harvesting Fish must be killed by a method that renders them insensible immediately they are taken from the water. This means by electrical or mechanical stunning.

Health control A health plan must be prepared with an appointed veterinary surgeon. It should: • identify the main health issues and measures to eliminate them; • minimise disease outbreaks, and • identify approved veterinary treat-

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tional to organic. The Quality Manual must also contain all the details of how the integrity of the organic system is to be maintained right through to procedures for product recall and dealing with customer complaints.

Record keeping A Quality Manual must be prepared containing an environmental management plan, a fish welfare plan and a health plan as well as detailing the method of conversion from conven-

Conclusion As you can see, this is a very strict set of procedures, but in my view this is how all fish farms should be managed in future. In fact many farms are already very close to being able to fulfil the majority of these criteria as most procedures are already subjected to strict guidelines laid down by the authorities, industry codes of good practice and quality control systems required by wholesalers and distributors. This is the future, like it or not. By Dr Piers R Hart, Aquaculture consultant and Certified Organic Inspector For more information contact Dr Piers Hart, email: piers@hart9250.freeserve.co.uk

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Traditional integrated Extensive Tilapia Aquaculture Ponds in Rwanda – Animal manure fertilized culture ponds

Aquaponics in Sub-Saharan Africa, is it a Sustainable Hope? F

resh fish, vegetables -providing a nutritious food source and empowering people are core focus of the Sustainable Hope Aquaponics project initiative. In March 2008, planning and development began of a three-phase Aquaponics development in the Village of Hope, Rwanda – East Africa. This established community focused village is currently under expansion for in excess of 600 widows and orphans of the 1994 genocide. In excess of 1 million people were killed during a 100 day period during the Genocide, leaving the majority of children orphaned and the country in ruins. Based on the simplicity, efficient and effective production system design of the UVI Aquaponics model, 3 separate systems will be incorporated for Tilapia, vegetable, herb and medicinal plant cultivation over a three year plan. 50 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

A hatchery and nursery is to also complement the parallel development of an Agricultural Training Centre that will facilitate the delivery of vocational orientated Aquaponics, aquaculture, horticulture, agribusiness, organic production, export and import, HACCP/ quality control and assurance etc. Commercial Aquaponics production in the African continent is negligible and the development of a solid industry foundation in the sub-Saharan region is identified as a strategic approach to reduce reliance on the standard agricultural practices in use to-date. It is well documented that these practices and increased use of fertilizers are simply not facilitating required productivity output to alleviate basic hunger and food security in this region of the globe. The FAO estimate for Rwanda to alleviate food short-

ages in respect to meeting the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s), that 0.9ha of fertile arable land is necessary and the average in Rwanda per household is 0.8ha. Increased productivity above standard comparable agricultural yields as demonstrated and proven by using Aquaponics technology is to therefore permit expanded supply of food produce to reduce hunger, poverty and establish the ability to strategically meet the MDG’s. Selecting and appraising the UVI Aquaponics system for its simplicity, low capital and overhead costs and proven crop production history is the primary reason to its use in the rural landscape of a rapidly expanding Rwanda. The ability to replicate the culture system also provides Sustainable Hope strategic options to vocationally train the village and sur-

FA R M P R O F I L E

rounding communities, including the plan to expand the initial culture system into three replicates including a Tilapia hatchery and nursery. The initial system will incorporate direct food production for the Village requirements and provide a solid foundation for vocational training to operate and manage the culture system. The second culture system is to also cater for direct Village and local community food production including the supply of Tilapia, vegetables, fruits and culinary herbs to commercial buyers including major hotels and restaurants in Kigali, Rwandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital. Upon these commercial market avenues increasing and product demand fulfilled, the third culture system is to be built. This facility will operate as a commercial enterprise to supply these established and expanding market sectors including the production of herbs and medicinal plants for Essential Oil extraction production. An Essential Oil steam distillation extraction plant including steam distillation equipment is established already onsite to process Geranium flower crops currently being grown and harvested by the village community. The Village of Hope community currently consists of 18 houses with a capacity of 60 being built over the next 12 months. Included in the expansion of the village and overall concept vision involves a Medical Centre, Community Centre, School, Produce Market, Agricultural Training Centre and the Aquaponics culture systems. Electricity supply to the village is currently being reviewed including the implementation of sustainable energy use such as Solar Power and Wind Power initiatives to operate the Aquaponics culture systems. Conservative power demand of the 3-hp Aquaponics system including the incorporation of Windmill aeration pumps and the advantage of the equatorial location of Rwanda for effective and efficient solar energy harvesting is planned. Facility construction will also benefit from the village and community experience from establishing the Village to date. Similar materials used for the house construction in the village are to be utilized, combined with Poly aquaculture tanks and plumbing, HDPE liners and

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Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 51

FA R M P R O F I L E

One of 60 Houses under construction within the Village of Hope, Rugende – Rwanda.

Key management decisions for Sustainable Hope Aquaponics include: • Use of rain-water harvesting to supply clean water storage in remote rural area. • Proven Aquaponics model & simple technology allows easy modularisation and expansion. • Simplified culture techniques will maintain reduced capital & operating costs. • Environmentally management system orientated production focus toward ‘Organic’ certification & product labelling. • Establishment of a Tilapia hatchery & nursery will facilitate self-reliance of sex-reversed allmale seed availability. • Strategic links with Government, Educational & Non-Government Organizations.

The reason for Sustainable Hope Aquaponics Project, a sustainable and food secure future for Rwanda & the East Africa Region

52 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) include: • Culture System utilized: Poly tanks, brick raceways, Plastic Liners • Growth rate(50gm-500gm): 6 months • Survival Rate: 80% from juvenile stocking to harvest • Annual Tilapia Harvest: <3 tonne per culture system, 10-tonne annual overall.

FA R M P R O F I L E

floating rafts for the vegetable production. A strategic partnership with the National University of Rwanda and Ministry of Agriculture-owned Rwasave Fish Culture Station will permit availability of Tilapia juveniles, feed and nutrition resources, key staff and training opportunities and potential RandD links to compare extensive pond culture to Aquaponics productivity. Established links with USAID, WorldFish Center and several commercial and educational aquaculture operational facilities in Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe and South Africa are all positively supportive of the Sustainable Hope initiative. These entities are excited to assist in Sustainable Hope expanding both in Rwanda and throughout the East Africa Region. Sustainable Hope has also established a project fundraising group of individual and commercial entities known as, ‘100 Givers of Sustainable Hope’. In order for the project to fully establish and the vision come to fruition, one hundred $1000 tax-deductible donations are sought to raise the $100 000 towards the overall budget. This budget includes the construction and operation of three Aquaponics systems, the Tilapia hatchery and facilitates vocational training course delivery within the Village of Hope and local community. All donations are accepted and the project managers are also keen to expand their network of interested people and companies that want to make an innovative difference within the Industry. The Sustainable Hope Project team plan to both present an overview and update during the Aquaponics Session and exhibit at the 2008 Australasian Aquaculture Conference in Brisbane. At this stage, a return visit to Rwanda and oversee technical training and development of the system is to occur in October for those interested in making a difference! By Steve Magarry Steve Magarry can be contacted on 0407 211 905or at smagarry@yahoo.com.au and the pledges of support can be made at www.hoperwanda.org.

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NSW oyster industry looks to better water quality To tackle problems of variable water quality, pest and disease outbreaks and encroaching urbanisation of their catchments, NSW oyster farmers been collaborating with NSW government agencies, catchment management authorities and other stakeholder groups. Dozens of projects completed or underway are turning the tide allowing many of the farmers to direct harvest (without depuration) their oysters, a significant saving in operating costs! Last issue the mid and north coast efforts were profiled. Here’s the tale of the southern farmers.

yster farmers south of Sydney are working in partnership on many projects with Southern Rivers CMA (SRCMA) in several estuaries, including Pambula, Wapengo, Clyde and Shoalhaven. A proposed scheme for treated effluent reuse on the Pambula flats – and its implications for direct harvest classification – is one such issue. Oyster growers have vocally supported the need thorough testing and monitoring at the proposed reuse site, part of a broader upgrade of the Merimbula Sewage Treatment Plant, and Bega Valley Shire Council is commissioning more soil testing and drainage pathways at the 54 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

proposed reuse site. SRCMA will help develop appropriate buffers and riparian zone management. Following a SRCMA-organised community meeting on Pambula Lake’s future, the Bega Valley Shire Council, has secured funding for a Pambula Estuary Data Compilation and Processes Study, the first stage of the Pambula Estuary Management Plan. Pambula oyster growers are also seeking funds for a community monitoring regime to increase awareness of land use impacts on the estuary and build on the Pambula River Shellfish Program. This high level of community engage-

ment is paying off. John Dawson, an oyster farmer in Pambula for six years, is chairman of the NSW Food Authority Shellfish Committee for the Lake. “We now have World’s Best Practice in oyster quality control and oysters from Pambula Lake are exported to the Middle East and Hong Kong (see article on Andy Baker AAM Vol 20.). We can harvest direct (without a depuration stage) and the oysters can be almost anywhere in the world next day.” John says that top quality water helps everyone. “We have exceptional water quality in the Lake as there’s less population and development than estuaries further north. And we now have a voice

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in any catchment development. It’s a win/win situation for the community. For example, we had a development proposal for 50 house lots reduced to 27 yet the developer is still moving ahead. “At the Fine Foods Awards (held by the Sydney Royal Show) we are starting to get more Bronze, Silver and Gold medals. Our oysters are great because our water quality is protected by others in the community.” Following an approach by Wapengo Lake oyster growers, a rapid catchment assessment was undertaken by SRCMA staff on their waters. It identified a number of sediment and faecal coliform sources including cattle access to Wapengo Creek, runoff from unsealed roads and road crossings, and bank erosion. A Working Group is now initiating works for the identified hotspots with funding from SRCMA and Landcare. According to Helen Davies (SRCMA), Left: Rob Desoto & Rob Searl (Independent Sampler) in the Affrodizziac Queen (punt) sampling the depuration canal off Goodnight Island Harvest Area in the Shoalhaven to reopen the harvest areas & depuration canal after a rain caused a closure of all harvest areas and canal. Photo by Lyn Desoto-Southwell

the Roads and Tracks Program project will protect and improve coastal water quality by upgrading drainage and/or sealing roads and tracks which are contributing high sediment loads into sensitive coastal water bodies. A part-time project officer has also been appointed to the Wapengo Catchment Rehabilitation Project for raising awareness of how land use practices can impact the health of the lake. Thanks to these efforts there’s now a pilot program for community-based, catchment-wide water quality monitoring and community working bees to fence out cattle from Wapengo Creek. Clyde River and Estuary Due to catchment’s undeveloped status, the Clyde is widely recognised as a High Conservation Value (HCV) River. And the aim is that it remain that way with a SRCMA program (costing $300,000) of riparian weed control, regeneration of riparian vegetation, stabilisation of eroding banks and the installation of stock-exclusion fencing. Like the Wapengo River there is also a SRCMA sponsored ($164,000) Roads

and Tracks Program with works currently occurring at six sites where unsealed roads cross the river or one of its major tributaries. After the success of collectively cleaning up 50 tonnes of scrap metal in a Smorgon Steel-sponsored recycling program, the twenty Clyde River oyster farmers banded together to initiate an Environmental Management System (EMS) for their industry. An EMS identifies and manages environmental impacts, risks and opportunities on a continuous basis. As a result, several initiatives and projects have been developed by the farmers with support from SRCMA. On Budd Island, for example, oyster grower Kevin McAsh says more than 15 tonnes of old cultivation infrastructure has been cleaned-up by the farmers, extensive weeding has been carried out and growers have formed the Budd Island Landcare Group to oversee future remediation work. In additon, the SRCMA has provided $10,000 for a Lattas Point Sediment and Erosion Control Plan and engaged an environmental engineer to provide remediation options. Farmers are also

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depuration) for the Clyde River, a threshold regarded by farmers as too high. So they purchased and installed a salinity monitoring buoy to provide continuous monitoring. This data, together with results from oyster meat analysis, water testing during rainfall events and water flow in the river were used at a re-classification review. As a result the threshold for direct harvest has been reduced to 25ppt, a level at which direct harvest should be possible for around nine months of the year. This year, data on pH, turbidity, flow and wind direction will be also be added to program by locating a weather station alongside the salinity buoy. The data and the running costs ($12,000) will be shared amongst the SRCMA, DPI Fisheries, the Batemans Bay Marine Authority and the growers. Finally, farmers and DPI Fisheries are working to reduce the Pacific oyster population on abandoned leases and the foreshores along the river.

Top: Rob Desoto algal sampling. Photo by Lyn Desoto-Southwell. Above: Shucked Nursery Bred Single seed Shoalhaven Sydney Rock Oysters on ice. Photo by Lyn Desoto-Southwell

undertaking a once-off major clean up of land based depot sites and in-water infrastructure (abandoned leases) material that has accumulated over time. Funding from the Oyster Partnerships Program is assisting with costs associated with the transportation and dumping of the waste at the nearest waste management facility. Together with the NSW Food Authority, growers ahve been refining parameters defining the correct environmental conditions for harvesting oysters. The Authority had set a 30ppt salinity level for direct harvest of oysters (without 56 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

Shoalhaven Estuary After three consecutive sewage spills closed local oyster leases in August and September 2007, local oyster farmers through Shoalhaven River Oysters Inc (SRO) asked the Shoalhaven City Council to contribute to water quality sampling costs attributed to these infrastructure failures; a reimbursement of $7,000+ was provided. The Council is also implementing a $15,000 p.a. contribution for water quality monitoring under the Shoalhaven Shellfish Program. Following a trial period of two years, Council will consider the value of the water testing and decide if it continues to contribute. According to SRO Inc. chair Lyn DesotoSouthwell, the impact of declining water quality on oyster harvests has compounding effects on the entire region’s economy. “Just like the losses to the Forster and Tuncurry tourism and business in 1997, bad water quality has the potential to bankrupt businesses in Shoalhaven. There is a domino effect on hospitability, general retail, professional fishing, oyster farmers and recreational users of the area.”

Using the Clean Water Model, the SRO Inc. facilitated the ‘Shoalhaven Clean Water, Healthy Community Forum’ at the University of Wollongong Shoalhaven Campus on 15th November 2007. Over 60 people attended including representatives of the relevant government agencies, other stakeholder groups, the Director of Shoalhaven Water (Carmel Krogh), Manager Shoalhaven City Council Environment Dept (Dr Sandra Jones) and the local member for Gilmore (Joanna Gash). Lyn notes that oyster farmers have worked with the Sydney Catchment Authority on the ‘Shoalhaven Environmental Flows Knowledge Review, Environmental Flow Investigations and Water Supply Transfers and Environmental Flows Discussion Paper, August 2006.’ A fish ladder and an outlet gate in the top of the dam are to be built to let out surface waters better suited to life downriver. And a new environmental flow regime is planned to release three times more water, improving river ecology for the benefit of all user groups. As part of the Shoalhaven Dairy – Oyster Partnership project, SRCMA has provided funding ($100,000) for over 20km of stock exclusion fencing along the lower Crookhaven and Shoalhaven Rivers adjacent to local oyster leases. The fencing has resulted in improvements in local water quality conditions and the protection of over 210ha of valuable mangrove and saltmarsh communities. It is hoped that in time these Harvest Areas will classified as being eligible for direct harvest by the oyster growers. A once-off major clean up of land based depot sites and in-water infrastructure in the Shoalhaven/Crookhaven estuaries that has accumulated over time is being funded by the Oyster Industry Partnerships Project. Other projects New changes to the NSW planning system now put the oyster industry at the forefront when Councils consider developments that might affect an oyster growing estuary. As Pambula grower John Dawson says: “We now have a say in ensuring that any development in the

F E AT U R E

catchment is sensitive to oyster farmers.” Barry Allen and his employee Eric punting on the Crookhaven River.

The Oyster Industry Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy (OISAS) also has water quality objectives for all NSW oyster harvest areas set at the direct harvest standard. Under OISAS any development that might impact water quality in an oyster area must now meet these guidelines. If it doesn’t, the Council can refuse to give its consent. The Incident Response Protocol: Aquaculture Estuaries in NSW is for the coordination of the initial government response to specific situations where a decline in water quality triggers a downgrading or imminent threat of downgrading of an oyster harvest zone classification under the NSW Shellfish Program. The protocol was prepared and approved by the NSW Government’s Water CEO’s group. The Protocol appoints the Department of Premiers and Cabinet as the lead agency in developing and managing an appropriate multi-agency response if the protocol is triggered as happened in response to the Tilligerry Creek and Bellinger River closures. The Department of Environment and Climate Change began preparing a Diffuse Source Water Pollution strategy in late 2007. State and Local government stakeholders were consulted in the first instance prior to broader industry and community consultation in early 2008. NSW DPI and NSW Food Authority are contributing a specific component of this strategy relating to sanitary water quality as it affects the NSW oyster industry.

Photo by Lyn Desoto-Southwell.

quality (and safety) of local NSW oysters and other shellfish can only lead to higher demand, and in turn that is more dollars for this industry which through hard work is ensuring its future. By Dos O’Sullivan Many thanks to Tim Gippel (Senior Policy Officer, Aquaculture, Port Stephens Fisheries Centre) for providing background information and industry/government contacts for this story. For more information contact: Mark Bulley (NSWFA Oyster Section, c/- PO Box 443, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444) 02 6583-2444, 0419 832-444, marbul@tsn.cc

John Dawson (Pambula) 02 6495-6064, jjdawson@bigpond.com Lyn Desoto-Southwell (Shoalhaven) 0405 339-913, desotos@shalhaven.net.au Kevin McAsh (Clyde River) 0414 890-581, 02 4472-7565, mcashoysters@bigpond.com Southern River Catchment Management Authority, Coast and Marine Officers: Bega office - Helen Davies, 02 6491-8203, Helen.davies@cma.nsw.gov.au Batemans Bay office - Jillian Keating, 02: 4475-1004, Jillian.Keating@cma.nsw.gov.au Nowra office - Michelle Perry, 02 4429-4452, 0428 435-895, Michelle.Perry@cma.nsw.gov.au

Industry Putting Hands Up Mark Bulley, Chairman of NSW Farmers’ Association (Oyster Section), is proud of how the oyster growers are working hard to improve water quality. “We have a great indicator species and we know the health of the rivers. We aren’t putting our hands out for money, we are putting our hands up and saying ‘We’ll get stuck into cleaning up the rivers!’ But we need to have government support for healthier rivers and estuaries for this to reach fruition.” Healthier rivers and estuaries means faster growing and safe to eat oysters. Increased public confidence in the high Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 57

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• Improve the business skills of senior management, company directors etc.

Catherine Chen and David Lim with some of their beautiful prawns produced at the Monagold Pty Ltd prawn farm.

And to achieve those objectives, the Association has sought partnerships from all levels of Government. “To attract new staff we have created Careers Page on the APFA website (see box insert, www.apfa.com.au) which outlines the variety of jobs available on prawn farms,” says Scott. “We have also added links to educational facilities and have installed a CV (resume) deposit link. In addition we have information on industry staff incentives, bursaries etc.”

Australian prawn farmers upping their training focus “Building our capacity to produce World Class Aquaculture Prawns!” that is the mission statement of the Australian prawn farmer’s education and training plan. With the upturn in their industry and expansion on several farms, the prawn farmers are tackling the ‘skills shortage’ head on.

aving identified the retention of staff as one of their priority challenges, prawn farmers are taking steps to enhance their workforce’s skills and job satisfaction through improved training, both onfarm and off site. “The industry has come a long way in 20 years as a result of the industry’s existing leaders,” explains the Australian Prawn Farmers Association ‘s Scott Walter, “However, to continue this momentum, the industry needs depth within its people. Training must become a critical component of staff management programs; it is a great way of rewarding and retaining good staff. You might not be able to offer great pay packets but you can ensure that your staff stay happy by becoming skilled and motivated.” In 2006/07 the industry’s output was 58 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

4,000 tonnes worth approximately $60 million at the farm gate. Employment (full time equivalents) was an estimated 1,300 spread across tropical and temperate areas in three states and the Northern Territory. Yet staff turnover is high, with dozens of new people entering the industry each year as farm hands, technicians and processors or as support staff (drivers, mechanics, electricians, etc.). So, in August 2007, Australian Prawn Farmers Association (APFA) developed a training and education plan to: • Attract new staff; • Upskill of existing untrained staff; • Nurture leadership, communication and business skills for management/ supervisor level staff; • Provide incentive based training schemes; and

The APFA also partnered with Sunshine Coast TAFE to train 35 current farm employees to Certificate Three Level in Aquaculture competencies. This was undertaken on farm sites under the Government Traineeship training incentive scheme. As in other seafood people or businesses, training – other than compliance training (eg. forklift, First Aid, etc.) – has traditionally never been a strong emphasis for prawn farmers. Things are changing now and the APFA has implemented a number of innovative programs to nurture leadership, communication and business skills for management / supervisor level staff. This includes a ‘members only’ section of the APFA website with a farmer’s forum to discuss issues and exchange ideas, as well as information deposit link. Given the APFA‘s foundation member status on the new Seafood CRC, several options exist for incentive based training schemes. One will be the provision of four travel bursaries specifically for prawn farm employees to undertake study tours or technology transfer (ultimately international, but potentially a mix of domestic or international). Each bursary must be focussed on improving the industry’s position against an existing priority and to provide a rewarding experience to individuals. Finally the APFA plan addresses the issue of improving the business skills of senior management, company directors and farm owners. Appropriate opportunities, such as the Australian Company Directors Course or Food Executive

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Program (see below), are being identified and the APFA will seek funding for executive level members of the industry to undertake the training and report back to the industry.

Catherine Chen in front of one of he prawn ponds, note the paddlewheel in the left hand front corner.

Food Executive Program To start the process the APFA executive committee organised for their EO Scott to attend Monash University’s well credentialed Food Executive Program. First run in 1997, the five day (live-in) course is held at the Mt. Eliza Centre of Executive Education, Victoria. “This food program was targeted at the fast moving consumer goods supply chain,” Scott says, “Course participants included representatives predominantly from companies directly supplying supermarkets with fast moving goods such as confectionary, milk, bread and, from a seafood perspective, canned fish, along with representatives from the supermarkets that stock these products.” The course covers four key topics: the customer, the market, leadership and innovation. According to Scott the early focus was on leadership and innovative thinking. “This was effective in opening up the participants and building trust amongst us. The facilitators used group activities to improve our engagement, allowing growth in the understanding of differing personalities and the dynamics associated with working in groups. “The course teachings on the customer and market were very valuable, with a range of very experienced presenters passing on key global trends and sharing successful case studies. Of even greater benefit was the external expertise the course drew upon to address the participants, including the Chairmen of Johnston and Johnston and Goodman Fielder, and the CEO’s of Ritchie Supermarkets and Nestle New Zealand.” The group challenges were used to put the learnings from the lectures and case studies into practice. Each group participant was deliberately selected to ensure a mixture of representatives from the various links of the supply chain. “The five day course finished with a group challenge in which we had to design a new retail product and pitch the new Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 59

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to undertake challenges with people outside of the production component of a food supply chain was very rewarding.” He says that whilst the course he took had a core focus on the ‘fast moving consumer goods’ (FMCG) food category, the parallels that could be drawn with the seafood supply chain are very valuable. “The FMCG sector has a very strong focus on new product development, constantly adapting their products to reflect consumer desires. Nestle are a good example of this, having shifted their company focus from being solely confectionary style products to a more balanced portfolio of these traditional products along with a growing range of health and wellbeing products in a relatively short period of time. “From a prawn farmer perspective, this is clearly a weakness, in that we have had one main product, a whole cooked prawn, which has not truly changed or adapted in over twenty years. “With larger supermarkets representing such a significant proportion of the seafood retail business in Australia, it was very valuable learning how FMCG companies interacted with them.”

Developing our future leaders: Prawn farmers Matt West (top) and Agnes Vas (bottom) receiving awards from the former Australian Government Minister for Fisheries, the Hon. Eric Abetz. Source: APFA 2007.

product to a retailer. Identifying the product required us to use the innovative thinking tools we had learnt. Designing the product required incorporating what we had learnt about the customer, and preparing the product’s pitch to the retailer required us putting into practice the market teachings. Ultimately the leadership training allowed us to undertake this task successfully working as a group, and the quality of the presentations was surprisingly good given the short time frame with which to prepare them.” 60 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

Customer Thinking Scott reckons the course to be an excellent addition to the Advance in Seafood Leadership course, building on similar themes of leadership and innovation, but focussing more tightly on business issues related to the food industry. “It opened my eyes to the importance of ‘thinking like your customer’ and considering the key drivers for their businesses when making decisions on how to structure yours. My background has generally encouraged a very ‘producercentric’ way of thought, and being able

Scott was so impressed with the course that he has recommended the industry send representatives to both the Food Executive Program and Monash’s similiarly-designed Meat Executive Program on an annual basis. Indeed, a member of the APFA Executive, Catherine Chen, attended the Meat Program the very next month (November 2007). Catherine and her husband David Lin run the Monagold Pty Ltd prawn farm located 80km south of Mackay. “We sell our prawns through Warren Lewis into Woolworths,” she says. “I was the only seafood person in the meat course but I found much to learn. Whilst they have a lot of different products to ours, the production, processing and marketing processes are similar. The course results in good benefits for our industry as well as my company and my own personal development.” Hearing from buyers and consultants for international companies was a standout feature for Catherine. “One of these,

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John Glover Director of Food Buying for Metro Cash & Carry in Vietnam, described the Asian trends in food buying. It was great to get an informed insight into consumer buying behaviour, especially on the look and packaging of the final product. “The prawn industry needs to understand buying trends. For example, in Australia the majority of households are single or double person. Thus, smaller convenience packages (200-400g serves) are preferred so we need to move to offer those.” R&D is needed to study the consumer demand for whole versus value added product, she notes. “That might be simply headed, or headed-tailed prawns, but it could also mean marinated product. The prawn industry will need to invest a lot of money into value-adding and that is going to be a big hurdle, however, these developments will expand out markets.” Seafood Speciality Whilst Monash’s food and meat programs are of great value, Scott is a fan too of seeing one developed specifically for seafood. “I have recommended that the FRDC explore the possibility of a

specialised seafood industry executive program with the course operators. “The seafood industry traditionally has weak relations between all members of the supply chain. These courses were particularly effective at building those ties.” Both Scott and Catherine are doing their best to encourage industry people to find the time to undertake such training. “They will benefit at a number of levels, including improved business practices, wide marketing opportunities and at the personal development level.”

For more information contact Scott Walter, 07 3837-4777, 0417 006-639, info@ apfa.com.au or Catherine Chen, Monagold Pty Ltd, 07 4950-3028, monagold@bigpond.com

Ph: 08 8351 2822 Fax: 08 8351 2811

1. Established Industry Leaders: Nick Moore (left) and Noel Herbst. 2. Prawn Farm Staff Monitoring a Pond. All pics source: APFA 2007.

For more information on the Monash courses, contact Jade Neergaard, Manager, Executive Programs – Monash University, Faculty of Business & Economics, PO Box 527, Frankston Vic 3199, Australia. Tel: 03 9904-4172, Fax: 03 9904-4113, Email: seminar_manager@yahoo.com

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Adult redfin in a spawning tank.

New Zealand’s redfin an off-season hit with the Irish R

edfin (Perca fluviatilis) have a mixed reputation in Australia. First introduced along with the fox, the rabbit and the blackberry by homesick English migrants, they are highly regarded as a sporting and eating fish yet carry the stigma of over populating the waters into which they have been liberated. This leads to stunting, particularly in water with a limited food supply, and fish under 200g spawn further crowding the already-challenged habitat. Also suspected of spreading epizootic haematopoietic necrosis, the so called redfin virus, they have been declared a noxious species in most mainland states. Across the Tasman it is a different story. A New Zealand research and tertiary education facility – Mahurangi Technical 62 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

Institute of Warkworth (MTI) – are supplying redfin (or Eurasian perch as they called in Europe) to PDS Irish Waters Perch Ltd, in County Cavan, Ireland. This is the first delivery of out-of-season eggs to the northern from the southern hemisphere, thus reversing the flow of the 19th Century. Last September the first trial shipment was dispatched. It was unsuccessful: data loggers exposed a temperature glitch in the transport system. Once this was corrected, the second batch arrived safely. The success is expected to lead to further orders and MTI is hopeful that the interest from Europe will alert the local industry to the opportunity that exists to grow redfin in New Zealand’s abundant freshwater resource. Redfin are prized both as a coarse angling

fish and table fish in the northern hemisphere. Widely farmed throughout Europe and the USA, the species is blessed with firm flaking white flesh and a delicate flavour. Demand currently outstrips production and it is increasingly farmed in re-circulation systems. Switzerland is one of the major users of Eurasian perch and imports around 4,000 tonnes of fillets annually. Like most ‘firsts’ this seemingly simple operation was the result of several months of hard work, preparation and a considerable amount of paperwork to ensure legal compliance. In particular, an export protocol had to be developed to comply with EU Biosecurity’s complex and demanding import require-

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ments. MTI Special Projects Manager, David Cooper gives credit where it’s due: “The New Zealand Fisheries Department really pulled out the stops and under considerable pressure delivered the goods”. MTI’s aquaculture facility also had to be audited by Agriquality NZ to ensure compliance with EU standards. “Perch have been held in recirculation systems and bred using natural methods at MTI for a number of years,” David continues, “always with the belief that they had potential as an aquaculture species in New Zealand. “The request for cooperation from Ireland has simply opened a window of opportunity and justified our faith in the aquaculture potential of the species. Needless to say, the interest has driven the perch research ‘up the priority list”. MTI was approached early in 2007 by the Aquaculture Initiative EEIG (a cross border body established by the Irish Sea Fisheries Board, [BIM]) for the supply of fertilized perch eggs. The perch are seasonal spawners and BIM felt they could increase productivity by obtaining out of

season eggs. MTI have the only redfin hatchery licence in New Zealand and after an extensive audit process by the NZ MAF Biosecurity – on behalf of its counterpart in Europe – were accredited for NZ export and European Union import. The first trial order for fertilized eggs has been completed successfully and, all going well with the subsequent hatching and growing of the fry, succeeding orders will exceed millions annually. Ireland has a number of perch hatcheries and farms and is leading the way in terms of development of perch culture in Europe. In operation since 2001 the PDS site has has successfully spawned out-ofseason on a number of occasions. Some 1.2 million juveniles are required in Ireland annually and the link established with Mahurangi is aimed at providing a stable platform for further expansion of the industry. The New Zealand eggs have now hatched and are currently feeding on live zooplankton prior to being weaned on formulated diet. The Aquaculture Initiative’s Damien Toner who oversaw the importation and is Ireland’s Perch Development Officer is

optimistic about the potential for such trans national co-operation, “We have worked hard here over the years to develop the technology required to farm perch and this latest link established with MTI is another important step. Whilst we benefit from sourcing out of season eggs with specific strain traits of interest to us, Mahurangi will benefit from our expertise which should help fast track their progress in perch culture. This mutually beneficial arrangement will be of great importance to the development of the perch sector in both countries.” Remotely situated in the Southern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is free of the major diseases that cause problems to European fish farmers. Conscious of this, New Zealand has some of the most rigid quarantine barriers in the world. Redfin perch were introduced to New Zealand in the 1860s and, as is the case in Australia, are now widespread throughout the country. In some areas they are regarded as a ‘sport fish’ but they are also gazetted as an aquaculture species and can be legally farmed.

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Special Project Manager David Cooper packing off redfin eggs for Ireland.

Production cycle MTI’s scientist Dr. Tagried Kurwie says the females have a single ovary and no oviduct. “When the female ovulates the eggs are released in the body cavity and a temporary opening appears in the body where the eggs are released. The eggs are bound together with a gelatinous matrix which is unpalatable to other aquatic animals keeping it safe from predation from aquatic predators.

“The males have paired testes as in most other species of fish. However the perch are not dimorphic (it isn’t possible to tell the males from the females outside the breeding season) but they are sexually dimorphic in their growth as the females grow faster than males and it is claimed that more males die in early life than females. Tagried said that the broodstock undergo a chilling period of no less

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64 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

not will rm ha h fis

than three months for their gametes (eggs and sperms) to mature during autumn and winter and eventually spawn in spring when the daylight increase and the temperature rises to between 10°C and 14 °C. In a farm dam situation, their tendency to breed spontaneously is a major cause of their over breeding and consequent stunting. Tagried feels the New Zealand redfin have thermally acclimatised to a shorter chilling period and maybe a higher spawning temperature than their European ancestors. Should this be the case, it is suggested that a similarly evolutionary adjustment may have been made in Australia. However, the Australian genotype may be suffering from ‘evolutionary’ stress, making it susceptible to disease outbreaks. This, and the decrease in river flows and reduction in impoundments, large and small, may also be contributing factors for its demise over much of its traditional Australian range. Redfin’s spawning temperature also exacerbates its impact as a predator of juvenile native finfish: the carniverous redfin are already at the fingerling stage when the native species commence breeding (at temperatures greater than 16°C). Perch breed naturally in most parts of Europe, as is the case with its close relative, the yellow perch (Perca flavescens) found in the USA and Canada. European attempts to breed out-of-season by light and temperature manipulation and by hormone induction have had mixed results. The availability of out of season eggs from New Zealand has therefore been welcomed in Ireland. The females lay their eggs in gelatinous ribbons up to nearly two meters long on vegetation or on the bottom of the impoundment/river. Bigger females produce longer ribbons. Tagried says: “The eggs are arranged in the ribbon in a way that the micropyle (the pore where the sperm enters the egg) are facing inward which makes it a little bit tricky for the spermatozoa to enter the egg. Hence we use two or more males for each female

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depending on the size of the ribbon.” Quentin O’Brien preparing eggs for transport.

The eggs are just 1-2mm in diameter when they are released and increase to 2mm to 3mm after they harden. A young 800g female produces around 120,000 eggs. American hatcheries use a ‘rule-of-thumb’ formula of between 120 to 250 eggs per millimetre of female body length. Incubation is slow, more in line with northern hemisphere fish that have evolved in a relatively stable environment. It takes the larvae 10-15 days to hatch at incubation temperatures of between 12-16oC. The hatch rate is normally high, especially for females that have spawned previously. The larvae are quite active, feed on small zooplankton such as rotifers and artemia (brine shrimp) nauplii and are kept on this live diet for 3-4 weeks before being weaned onto a manufactured ration.

A mat of redfin eggs being prepared for transport.

Similar to golden perch, females grow faster than the males. While this is handy when selecting fish that are going to be spawners, it presents a problem on the farms. Tagried said limited research work is being done to circumvent this inconveniently dimorphism. “I found only one paper from Belgian researchers in 2003 who said the survival rate was 43%. The Americans have done some work in 1993 on triploiding their species the yellow perch (P. flavescens) I think

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The future At a time the rest of the world is apprehensively measuring the quantity and quality of its freshwater resource, New Zealand has it in abundance. MTI Director, Paul Decker, feels that this break through may trigger the development of a local freshwater aquaculture industry “It is our belief that perch farming, especially by small to medium sized operators on small blocks and in bio-secure re-circulation systems has great potential in New Zealand. With the expertise we have developed and our contacts in the European industry MTI is uniquely placed to be a provider of fingerlings and consultancy services to enable this industry to develop.” On the home front the status of the species is not clear-cut. The Department of Conservation regards them as a pest and want them banned, The Fish and Game Department regard them as a sport fish and Ministry of Fisheries regard them as an aquaculture species. The bottom line is that it’s legal to farm Perca fluviatilis in NZ. There are three licensed farms and it is MTI’s goal to see many more. David says so long as an applicant jumps through all the appropriate hoops then they should get a permit. “If not we would want to know why as it is a totally legal activity.”

Top: A 750g female with eggs. Redfin are extremely fecund and a 1kg female will produce 100,00 viable eggs. Photo: Robin Holmes Bottom: A close up of an ovary full of redfin eggs. Photo: Robin Holmes

“Perch farming of course also fits perfectly with the stated government aims of encouraging the aquaculture industry to develop new species that are already in New Zealand,” Paul adds. “This of course circumvents the bio-security issues surrounding the importing of any new species.” most people try to do it using a feminising technique rather than triploidy because the latter is time consuming, difficult and survival rates always low and deformities high.” Feminising entails exposing the fish at the early fry stage to testosterone. This leaves them with female X chromosomes but leaves their testes intact. When the pseudo females fertilize eggs they produce all female off-spring. While it seems a roundabout method, once breeding stock have been established the benefits are on-going.

66 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

He continues: “The development of Perch farming in New Zealand will surely help foster the wider exploitation of the hitherto unrealised potential for freshwater aquaculture in NZ and even pave the way for the development of other freshwater species that are already here such as trout.” By John Mosig David Cooper can be contacted by email on david@mti.net.nz Damien Toner can be contacted by email on toner@aquacultureinitiative.eu

RESEARCH

Growing silver perch in cages T

he quality of silver perch is indisputable. It has a medium to strong flavour, relatively few bones, firm white flaky flesh and abundant, health-giving omega 3 fatty acids. With the world’s and Australia’s wild catches diminishing the demand for fresh seafood is increasing. An opportunity exists to increase the market presence of silver perch by expanding on current production. However, water use, available land, infrastructure, production costs and the disposal of effluent are just some of the problems that hinder aquacultural expansion. With increasing pressure to ensure sustainable use of water in irrigation farming, aquaculture may be a means of returning a higher value from water used for irrigation. A solution to these problems may be to grow silver perch in existing farm irrigation water storages.

The Australian cotton growing industry has commissioned research aimed at developing cage culture methods for growing silver perch in farm storages. This could increase farm income from the land and water already used to store water and grow crops. The NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Grafton Aquaculture Research Centre (GAC) is conducting this research. It has been the lead agency in silver perch research since the early 1990s when they published Silver Perch Culture (1994). Their latest research project is gathering data that will be used to determine the best designs and methods for growing of silver perch in cages. Scientists and technicians involved include Project Co-ordinator Dr Stuart Rowland, PhD student David Foley and Fisheries Technicians Charlie Mifsud, Mark Nixon and Paul Winters. The project, called Evaluation of the potential for aquaculture on cotton farms – cage culture of silver perch is partly funded by the Cotton Catchment Communities Cooperative Research Centre. Experiments commenced in January 2007, and the project will run for at least two years. David, who had been living at Yamba, became concerned about declining fish

stocks and decided to retrain as a fish scientist (at the Australian Maritime College near Launceston). He came back to the Clarence River area well credentialed; with a 1st class honours degree in fisheries science, he also won the Ocean Wave’s Seafood prize for designing an off-shore abalone cage. He saw a position advertised for a PhD student attached to the University of New England and based at GAC and leapt at the opportunity. The project’s objectives are based on finding the optimal conditions for cage production, looking specifically at stocking density, feeding, production

strategies, disease management and cage design. The findings will be then be applied in an on-farm trial to determine the feasibility of integrating cage culture of fish on cotton farms. These trials involving commercial cotton growers are planned for the summer of 2008/09. The project also aims to identify existing cotton farms, water allocations and infrastructure with potential for aquaculture. Given the amount of water stored for irrigation and the need for increased efficiency of water use, the research lends itself to commercial development in that sector. If successful, integration Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 67

RESEARCH

Feed is held in cool storage top prevent the breakdown of ingredients susceptible to heat and humidity.

The elbow collects a measured amount of feed.

of fish farming will provide cotton farmers with a diversification that adds significant value to irrigation water and increased water-use efficiency and environmental sustainability. Traditionally the cotton dams are filled in late winter and early spring with surface and/or underground water. The stored water is then used to grow the crop over summer and most storages are at low levels or empty by the end of autumn. David says he is investigating some strategies to deal with seasonal water availability including over-wintering fish at elevated temperatures in re-circulation units. This could hasten growth during a normally slow growing and high stress period as well as reduce losses to diseases in winter. The stocking of large fingerlings (>100g) in spring should enable the production of market-size fish (>500g) within six months. The experiments Experiments are designed to provide answers to practical questions such as how many fish can you put in each cage and what is the best shape for a cage. Stocking density is a key question in cage aquaculture and has a bearing on feeding, fish health, disease management, growth, production and cage design. An experiment evaluating five different stocking densities in 1 m3 cages has been running for 10 months. Survival has been high at each density. An surprise was that fish stocked at lower stocking densities initially did not perform as well as those at higher densities ... but they caught up in winter. As a schooling fish the silver perch does not seem to suffer from overcrowding but there is a hierarchy evident within each cage so that a proportion of the fish grow slowly.

Technical innovation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; David fills the magazine of the feed deliver.

Lower the barrel and the measured amount of feed is delivered to the cage. To refill the measure, David simply lifts the barrel to the vertical position.

The experiments will continue until fish are well in excess of 500g . David says the results are more complicated than they might seem. He is waiting until the final data has been analysed before making any comments on commercial relevance. Feed trials Selection and application of the correct feed is a concern to any farmer. David is running a series of trials on the growth performance of several commercially

68 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

RESEARCH

available diets. He says: “Although the ideal diet for silver perch has been well researched, such a diet is not currently commercially available. The trial is looking at the cost effectiveness of some of the commercial diets on offer. Unlike most fish farms, high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen waste from high protein foods could be beneficial for irrigating crops so it is all about growth per dollar.” The project is also looking at ways to adapt the recently published health management strategy for silver perch for cage culture on cotton farms. “The secret to fish health is to keep them well fed but from time to time certain parasites build up,” David says. “The usual treatments are too expensive to apply to large water storages so we are looking at methods to ‘dip’ fish and if necessary treat large water bodies with copper sulphate. This type of treatment method is likely to have an effect on cage design.” Cage design is an important part of the project. “The optimum cage may be round or square, have soft or hard mesh and may be very big or very small”, David says. “The research should eliminate many of the unknowns in this area. The Australian cotton industry has a record of high efficiency and representatives have expressed a wish for farm cages to be manageable with mechanisation. Silver perch, unlike many marine species are pretty tough, and the freshwater environment is less harsh on mechanical equipment.

Smaller numbers of fish were sampled from each cage during the cooler months to minimise the handling stress. He’s impressed with the growth rates of the young fish. Between 20g and 200g at pond temperatures of greater than 20°C they were putting on at least 1g/ day and up to 3g/day. Over-wintering experiment As irrigation storage water is used to grow vegetation, there is a chance that it could be depleted by the end of the growing season, or at least the conditions could be sub-optimal for growing fish. David has been looking at overwintering fish as a possible management strategy to overcome this situation. Silver perch were grown in cages and fed Ridley’s Native Fish Grower pellets to satiation for 3 months in late summer and autumn. By early May, when the water dipped below 20°C, they averaged 40 g. David then split the fish into two groups; one was returned to 1 m3 cages in the pond and stocked at 200/m3, while the others were stocked at 200/m3 in 1m3 tanks in a re-circulating aquaculture system (RAS). During

winter, water temperatures in the tanks were maintained at 17-24°C whilst pond temperatures ranged 10-14°C. By November the RAS fish had reached an average of 147g while the fish in the cages in a pond were only 72g. Both lots of fish were then harvested, graded and restocked in cages. At the end of October the RAS fish were 204g against 115g. “At the end of winter the fish raised in indoor tanks were bigger and looked in a lot better condition. While both lots are now growing well, the over-wintered fish are showing a significantly better and more uniform specific rate of growth,” David notes. Condition While growth rates and pond yields are important, mature animal production industries such as pigs and poultry measure production costs against the finished product. Lean meat deposition (LMD) is a crucial arbiter and one that fish producers will have to take into consideration soon or later. With increasing competition from imported white flesh skinless boneless fillets it is likely to be sooner than later if the local

Water Temperatures Water temperatures at Grafton range from 10°C to 30°C. Anzac Day is the yard stick for water temperature in the Clarence region. Traditionally water temperatures dip below 20°C by then. Demonstrating the short winter in the NSW north coast, the pond temperatures started to move up off 10°C in mid July and by early August 2007 they were up to 14°C. By then the fish showed a marked increase in appetite. David prefers to avoid handling all the fish in each cage when water temperatures are below 20°C or above 30°C. He feels the related stress may adversely affect the overall results of the experiment. Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 69

RESEARCH

allocations and increase the efficiency of water in eastern Australia. The current drought has highlighted the need for better management of irrigation water in the Murray-Darling Basin. As with the barramundi industry, increased production of silver perch may not impact on the current markets and prices but instead provide opportunities for valueadding (processing); a vital new direction if the silver perch industry is to grow. With a competitively priced fillet, silver perch would have a wider appeal.

David with one of the circular hard Nylex mesh cages designed as part of the trial at GAC.

native fish sector is to expand into the mainstream market. David has included a condition factor in his regular assessments. A length-weight analysis found there was no significant difference between stocking rates; regardless of the time of the year the fish were always in a forward condition. Advantages David is a keen supporter of cage culture. Predation is a major problem in open pond systems. Fish eating birds from the ubiquitous and socially-organised cormorant to the nocturnal nankeen night heron are a constant consumer of stock. Small fish in particular take a hammering from birds but larger fish are also harassed. Stuart Rowland has reported that large black cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) can eat silver perch up to at least 373g. While attrition at this size is costly, the stress triggered by the presence of aerial predators in and around the ponds is also associated with loss of appetite and consequently, loss of production. Water rats and tortoises can be inconspicuous but just as damaging. Cages are less costly and more secure than bird netting. Another advantage is easy access to stock for health management, grading and harvesting. FCRs are easier to 70 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

record. In fact, from a farming point of view, being able to determine performance criteria from individual cages is a huge advantage when considering production drivers such as food efficiency and growth. Being able to accurately estimate biomass so that feeding rates can be set to minimise waste and maximise growth are an essential part of efficiency in one of the major cost areas in aquaculture. Having control over harvesting schedules is also a crucial element from a marketing point of view. With cotton farmers in the more remote regions of western NSW, as potential users of the methodology developed from these experiments, there is the possibility for a processing capability to be attached to the industry established in that region. From a processing aspect it is vitally important that raw material flows are able to be predicted and regulated. Stuart reckons thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an opportunity to increase production and lower production costs of silver perch by using water resources currently committed to the irrigation industries. Both aquaculture and agriculture could benefit. Integration of fish farming and irrigation industries would enable the production of more than one crop from irrigation

One of the problems with marketing native species has been the high cost of production. Intrinsically the fish is of excellent quality. Off-flavour in fish from ponds carrying blue-green algae and actinomycetes has made purging a necessary protocol to ensure the flavour of the silver perch is not compromised. It is a situation that occurs in all fish reared in freshwater. The channel catfish industry in the US produces 300,000 tonnes of fish a year and has problems with off-flavour. David says protocols could be developed for a silver perch processing industry to ensure quality of the finished product and a range of product types and the marketing and promotion necessary for future industry growth. Previous work Previously published data from work carried out at GAC1 suggested that silver perch grown in cages perform very well, but maximum densities and optimum conditions were not determined. Fish were grown at densities of 12, 25, 50, 100 and 200 fish/m3, and fed a 32% protein diet at rates up to 3% of their body weight Results indicated that the performance at the two higher stocking rates would be acceptable under commercial conditions. Stocking density had a significant effect on survival. Mortality rates at 100/m3 and 200/m3 were very low, 1.5% and 2.5% respectively. However, at the intermediate stocking densities of 25/m3 and 50/m3, where hierarchical aggression was regularly observed, the mortality rates were 50% and 35% respectively. The mortality rate of fish stocked at 12/ m3 was 12.5%.

RESEARCH

Naturally the poor survival rates showed up in high FCRs of 4.4:1 and 3.7:1 at the 25/m3 and 50/m3 densities. At the two high densities the mean FCRs were 2.3:1 and 2.4:1. At 12/m3, the higher survival rate is reflected in the FCR of 2.5:1. However, growth rates and average weight gains in grams per day were fairly even. The fish stocked at 12/m3 and 25/ m3 put on 1.6g/day while the others gained 1.7 g/day. But farmers get paid for what they produce and fish space cost is a key factor on any farm. By increasing the output per fixed cost plays a major role in the economics of an aquaculture operation. Although the high mortality rate from the unacceptable attrition rate played a part in the final figures, the outcomes from the two ‘successful’ treatment are revealing. Taken to the nearest whole gram the mean weights for each stocking density were 455g, 455g, 470g, 471g, and 460g. While there’s not a lot of difference there, the mean production rates were telling. Again keeping in mind the high mortality for the intermediate densities, the production rates were 4.8, 5.8, 11.9 46.4 and 88.5kg/m3 respectively. Production rates of 46.5 and 88.5kg/m3 achieved at 100 and 200 fish/m3 are similar to weights achieved in oxygen injected recirculation systems. The water around the cages was well aerated, but no more than you would expect in any open pond system. Management was professional and experienced, but that, you would like to think, was a given on any commercial operation. While it could be argued that the management found on a research station is more concentrated than would be found on a commercial operation, the figures suggest that silver perch grown in cages in open water storages such as those found in the cotton industry may have a future. The future At the moment production of silver perch throughout Australia is around 450 tonnes. The bulk of production is sold live through the various Asian seafood outlets in the capital cities. The remainder is sold fresh chilled. Lately

prices have firmed in line with food prices generally. Grown in static warmwater ponds, silver perch production has languished around that mark for a number of years. When production has moved upwards prices have moved downwards suggesting that the current market outlets for the product in its present form may be near saturation. In the past this price vulnerability, when challenged by production pressure, has seen a number of growers leave the industry. It is likely that other factors were also involved. Like any primary industry, some farmers are better suited to a particular sector than others. A degree of rationalization within the sector is also considered by some stakeholders to have had an influence on the market for silver perch. Over recent years the price has

remained firmly over $9/kg and with the current hike in food prices generally, the prices of $12/kg plus have been recorded. The large investment the NSW DPI has made in silver perch may be close to bringing a worthy aquaculture candidate to the mainstream fish markets throughout Australia through the efforts of the team at Grafton Aquaculture Centre. Reference 1 Effects of stocking density on the performance of the Australian freshwater silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) in cages (2006) Rowland et al. Aquaculture 253, 301-308.

By John Mosig David Foley can be contacted at GAC by phone on (02) 6640 1687, or by email on David.Foley@dpi.nsw.gov.au

HATCHERY FEEDS (Aquafauna Bio-Marine Ltd USA)

High Quality • Low Prices Live algae replacement diets Artemia & Rotifer replacement & enrichment diets Brine shrimp (Artemia) ex USA Buy direct from the Australian distributor Contact: Aquatic Diagnostic Services International Pty Ltd Fax: 07 5513 1113 Email: info@adsi.com.au www.aquafauna.com

Call: 0409 727 853 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008 71

TECHNOLOGY

Discover the Aero-Tube™ Oxygen Advantage. pared to paddle wheels. For example, where a pond might require a 2HP Paddle Wheel (rated at putting in around 1kg of O2 per hour, 48kg per day), you can alternatively apply a 2-Way Airlift Grid Unit where you only require a 1.2HP blower to operate it, plus you get an additional 10kg of O2 transfer per day (total O2 transfer of 58kg O2 per day).

quasonic are pleased to introduce Aero-Tube™ Aeration Tubing, manufactured by Colorite Plastics, the next major advance in aeration technology. Aero-Tube™ continuous-bubble aeration tubing delivers oxygen in volumes that are unmatched by conventional systems, and at an energy cost that is often less than half that of other systems.

There are many options for using AeroTube™, from tubing in made up diffusers, the hose itself and even a ready-made diffuser grids which can be made into an airlift system that is truly impressive. The 30cm (12”) Aero-Tube™ Diffuser Bars are available as a single diffuser 30cmL or double 60cmL (2 diffusers joined with a tee), are self weighted and include a 6mm (1/4”) barb for easy connection to a blower or air compressor (optimal air flow of 11-15 LPM for the single and 22-30LPM for the double diffuser). Unbreakable, highly efficient SOTR and easy to apply to just about any tank etc application. Aero-Tube™

aeration tubing is also The sold per meter or by 60m roll. 25mm 72 Austasia Aquaculture | June 2008

(OD), 12mm (1/2”) internal diameter (ID), next to no pressure resistance, non-clogging, yet provides a small, very even bubble size. Ideal for raceways or ring aeration in tanks etc. Ready-made “diffuser grids” are engineered to optimally use the Aero-Tube™. Each grid includes a 50mm (2”) air supply manifold and connection for the blower and 20m of Aero-Tube™. A single grid (1180mm x 1030mm) will transfer 1.21kg of O2 per hour (29kg per day). The performance of the same grid in seawater application is 2.5 times greater (resulting in 72kg O2 per day). Customers have applied the grid(s) only, along with a suitably sized blower for aeration of water bodies to degas or reoxygenate with great success. Field tests performed both here in Australia and overseas, have proven that when these grids are applied in an “Air Lift” configuration that they are more efficient and more cost effective to operate than paddle wheels. Save around 30% on power costs, and double your oxygen transfer rate com-

One of the most significant benefits of using this airlift system, is the resulting increase in your pond bottom circulation, meaning higher dissolved oxygen were you need it the most. Higher DO at pond bottom will increase oxidation of pond sediments; this will in turn, increase the capacity to handle greater fish biomass. Higher DO levels at the pond bottom – which is where the fish spend significant periods of time – will act to decrease FCR’s (food conversion ratio’s) and thus reduce the amount of feed it takes to grow your fish to market size (and reduce the growout times). Food, power, water quality, time to market are all factors that influence your costs of production and thus your profits. Aero-Tube™ aeration technology can be a part of your “tools of the trade” to help make profitability more of a reality. Complete “Airlift Kit Units” of various sizes are available or you can buy the grids and construct the airlift yourself. Aquasonic can provide the plans for home construction; you need just to purchase the ready-made grids. Contact us for more information, pricing and Aquasonic technicians can provide sizing assistance. Please contact Aquasonic Pty Ltd, Ph: +61 2 6586 4933, FAX: +61 2 6586 4944, Email: aquaculture@aquasonic.com.au, Web: www.aquasonic.com.au

FISH FARM FOR SALE – PORT MACQUARIE AREA

MINE LAKE AQUACULTURE FARM MANAGER/TRAINER

Farm is situated on 100 acres and includes a 3B/R cottage with open plan living, 720m2 colourbond shed with concrete floor, and 25,000 gallons water storage. The farm has 8 growout ponds and 3 large storage dams 35MGL fenced.

Applications are invited for the position of Farm Manager/Trainer at the Collie Aquafarm, Collie, WA. The successful applicant will manage a small freshwater crayfish farm, rear freshwater fish fingerlings and participate in the supervision of an Aboriginal training program in integrated mine lake aquaculture. The Farm Manager reports to an expertise based Leadership Group that has overall responsibility for project management. The position is initially for 1.5 yrs with the likelihood of contract extension after this period.

Was $890,000. Reduced to $750,000 For more information contact owner on AH: 02 6561 5255 or Mobile: 0417 660 086 COMPLETE AQUACULTURE PACKAGE For Sale – Hesy Recirculation System Producing 500 kg of Murray Cod per week or would be ideal for farming eels. Could produce 30 to 40 tonnes a year. This system works well & carries 200 kg per cubic metre.

Further information from: Dr L. Evans, Ngalang Boodja Council 74 Burgess Crescent, Belhus 6069 louis.evans@bigpond.com

FOR SALE – FLOATING RACEWAY SYSTEM

PLUS 1 fully insulated shed & all fish farm equipment including: power back up generator, fish tanks, drum filter, upflow & trickle filters, ultraviolet & oxygen reactor, oxygen generator etc

7 Floating modular plastic raceways and auxiliary components, 6 pontoons, shipping container housing an office section and 1 Air blowers (420CFM), Auto operation generator – 35 Kva, fully alarmed with 8 outputs etc.

Please call or email for a comprehensive list of the equipment. For more information call Bruce on 0418 278 838 or email: pickettl@optusnet.com.au

Nursery System: 9 X 2500L, 4 X 1000L Tanks, Sand Filters, Oxygen Reactors, Water Heaters, Pipes and fittings etc

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Contact Sam on 0439 011 879 for a full list of items ABALONE FARM FOR SALE IN TASMANIA

Land-based operation • Set up for 70 tonnes of production Long lease • Four year classes in production 75 grow-out tanks • 40 juvenile tanks • 18 nursery tanks

Contact: Dr Steven Nearhos 446 Enoggera Rd, Alderley QLD 4051 aquacult@baseline.com.au Phone (07) 335 66 111 Fax (07) 335 66 833

Baseline

Hatchery • Fully operational Visit: www.abalone-aquafarms.com.au for further information and contact details

OzBugZz © Biofilter Starter 1-2-3 Fast starts can be routine. Pure fresh-cultured OzBugZz© microbes nitrify & denitrify waste in marine & fresh water recirc. & purge systems. Quality + O.Night Del + Tech Support. Dr Steven Nearhos Baseline (07) 335 66 111.

YABBY TRAPS $4.30 each – in lots of 30 • $4.10 each – in lots of 60 $3.75 each – in lots of 90+ • Orders of 100+ POA All prices ex tax/ex store Melbourne

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Tailor made clips for pearlers, oyster and mussel farmers. Call us for your specific needs. T: 08 9582 3548 F: 08 9582 3579 E:

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