February/March 2006 by Tim Walker

Volume 20 No. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; February/March 2006

Barra farm targets export tonnage Murray cod in floating raceways Suburban recirc farm fulfils promise Bed Rock Oysters wins accolades Fishout makes good business sense Sustaining Gippsland bait supplies Better breeding builds oyster profits Best aquaculture practice for prawns

February/March 2006

www.AustasiaAquaculture.com.au

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 Advertising Megan Farrer Graphic design Beverly Waldie Printing The Franklin Press 91 Albert Road, Moonah, Tas. 7009 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.

Cover photo: A montage of photos taken from stories contained in this issue. Captions and photo credits as per the details inside.

FA R M P R O F I L E S Market-driven barra farm targets exports... tonnes of them!

Murray cod grown in floating raceways in SE Qld

Suburban recirculation farm turns off 120 tonnes of barra a year... for a tidy profit

Sydney Show Gold Medal for bed rock oysters

Closeys Fishout offers wide range of native fish to catch

Frank Milito – Master Baiter!

Make sure you have 27-30 August blocked out in your diary!

Breeding focus to build oyster profits

Simple, assured management pays off for NSW silver perch farmer

F E AT U R E Best Aquaculture Practice Certification for Prawns

RESEARCH Diet savings in tilapia could help silver perch growers

TECHNOLOGY YSI introduces maximum-versitility handhelds for lab and field

BST oyster supplies French connection

Smo-King Ovens releases new Smokehouse

FISHENEWS

February/March 2006

www.AustasiaAquaculture.com.au

2006 Australasian Aquaculture Conference AGK Technology Ajay & Duraplas Tanks Alltanks Australia Aqua Assist Aquaculture Services Australia AquaFauna Biomarine Aquahort Aquasonic Aquaspex Aquatic Diagnostic Services International AQUI-S Austasia Aquaculture - subscription page Australian Monofil Company Baume Partners BST Oysters Cumminscorp Davey Pumps Dolphin Plastics Hanna Instruments JEYCO Mooring & Rigging MOS Plastics Murray Darling Fisheries Oblomov Trading Ocean Tech Industries Orion Solar Solutions Quinntech P/L Ray White Rural Ridley Aqua-Feed SED – Shellfish Equipment Smo-King Ovens Superior Fibreglass Tapex Technolab Marketing The Market Place – classified ads Tooltech Uarah Fish Hatchery UTAS - School of Aquaculture Waterco Wedeco Inserts: Elders Real Estate DAFF - Regional Food Processing Grants

34 21 33 35 50 50 17 51 (Inside Front Cover) & 25 51 14 12 52 17 17,33 23 29 35 49 31 29 38 40 45 31 39 33 (Inside Back Cover) (Outside Back Cover) 34 5 24 32-33 13 64 36 9 8 27 36

FARM PROFILE

Market-driven barra farm targets exports... tonnes of them! A five year-old recirculation farm – with an annual barramundi harvest of just 15-tonnes – tagged by Austrade as an ‘Export Champion? You’ve got to be kidding.

Handbag developed by the Brays made of barramundi leather and gold foiled kangaroo skin.

ope. Late last October, Andrew and Darren Bray of Barramundi Australia were invited (and funded) by Austrade to display their wares at a Parliamentary Showcase in Parliament House, Canberra. The aim of the showcase was to highlight the success of regional Queensland’s Export Champions to: • increase awareness amongst Parliamentarians of the role exporting plays in creating jobs in regional Australia; • engage local MPs as ‘champions’ of export companies in their respective electorates, and

• increase awareness amongst Parliamentarians of the work undertaken by Austrade and its partners as part of the Government’s export strategy.

contracts for whole fish – one into North America and the other into Asia.

The host of the Showcase was Senator Sandy Macdonald, Parliamentary Secretary (Trade).

And all of this from an operation of modest output. “Clearly we need to buy in from other farms to supply the balance,” he continues. “At this point in time, we produce just 10% of the product we sell.”

“I guess we got nominated because we’ve worked fairly closely with the Department of State Development for the past three years on developing markets overseas,” Andrew explains. This has seen their value-added product flying into Japan, Canada, South Korea and Singapore and the landing of two substantial supply

So why the emphasis on marketing so early in the life of the farm? “We’ve gone about this the right way. How many farms go broke in the first two years? People sink all this money into the farm and then find themselves in the middle of nowhere with 30-40 tonnes of fish to sell and no-one to sell it to. February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 3

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“So we looked at the marketing side of things before we even had a production system in place. And we started small, all funded from within the family.” That foresight came from experience. Andrew’s Dad has thirty years of animal husbandry (poultry) on his resume. And for the past twelve years the family has operated Hinterland Herbs, a substantial operation employing nine people supplying Woolworth’s Queensland and northern NSW supermarkets with freshly-packed herbs. “We’ve got a good background in how supermarkets and retail chains work,” Andrew offers. Having decided on aquaculture, Andrew 1:Darren Bray holding a sleepy cod.

put himself through the TAFE Certificate in Aquaculture III and the family invested in a small off-the-shell aquaculture system. Housed in two 11m circular sheds, that initial purchase comprised just five 10,000L tanks per shed. The first fingerlings hit the water in June 2001 and by Christmas that year markets had been found for the entire harvest.

Originally the Brays supplied local restaurants. “This was a real pain in the butt because we were forever chasing accounts,” Andrew recalls. With the commissioning of the third shed, the bulk went to 2-3 local wholesalers taking live fish at 600-700 grams. Then they landed a contract with the Conrad Jupiter casino. “We supplied them for 18 months. But they just kept wanting more and more and eventually we ran out of product. We started at 20 kilos per week and by the time the arrangement ended it had ballooned to 300 kilos per week.”

“Even though we were only tapping into local outlets it wasn’t enough, even at that stage,” Andrew continues. “So we built a 14 x 35m shed to house another 17 tanks, bumping our output to a maximum of 15 tonnes. We haven’t quite hit that mark yet but we’ve not far away.”

All of that suggests that the family very quickly learnt to grow their fish in a sustainable manner. How did they do so? Andrew and Darren are the family members most involved with the day-to-day running of the company – although Mum does the books and Dad provides advice – and have split up the responsibilities between them. Andrew concentrates on growing the fish; Darren on selling them. So keeping the fish alive and happy is primarily Andrew’s domain. Asked how he refined his expertise so quickly, the reply is blunt: “I killed a lot of fish”.

2: Darren and Andrew with Federal Fisheries Minister Ian Macdonald at Parliament House, Canberra. 3: Andrew Bray 4: Sugar-cured barramundi 5: Darren and Andrew with Parliamentary Secretary (Trade) Senator Sandy MacDonald 1 3

“That’s the honest truth,” he continues. “Anyone who gives you a different answer isn’t levelling with you. The fact is that there were significant limitations on the system we bought and we had to get a handle on those and overcome them with certain modifications. 4

“It took us two years to get to the point where we are really happy with the system. Only experience can find you (for example) the optimum stocking densities and feed rates. “The suppliers of a recirculation system can show you how it works but to actual5

4 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

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ly get to know it you have to put fish in the water and see how it and the fish react. “And whilst the supplier came out for a while when we had a problem, many of those initial inquiries were mechanical things that you only need to be shown once. “What really needs to be learnt by experience are the inputs the system can handle and what happens to the water as a result. You need to know and understand when the nitrite spikes happen, how much stock the aeration system can handle, the behaviour of the fish as an indicator of how things are going ... and so on. “I can walk into a shed right now and know just by looking at the water if everything’s OK. It’s simply that I’ve worked the system six or seven days a week for four years.” In fact, the two brothers share the duties on weekends so that there is some relief from the constant demands of fish husbandry! But the time is approaching when some additional help will be required. Happily, any hiccups due to disease are now well under control. “For the past two

years we’ve seen a real drop-off in mortalities,” Andrew says. “There’s been no outbreak of viruses or bacterial infections.

markets, they have little intention of entering that sector for their value-added product either.

“The bore water that we grow in is about 10ppt salt, a salinity between fresh and saltwater so we seem not to get the problems that entirely fresh or marine systems do. We’ve never had white spot, for example.”

“They really want a lot for almost nothing. Currently they import single-serve, ready-made meals – generally South African hake or something similar – which contain about 20% fish; the rest is primarily milk powder and water. The profit margins on them are excellent.

Given the family’s familiarity with the poultry, Andrew has no hesitation comparing the two industries. “Chicken has become industrial-scale animal husbandry in the past few decades after being around for many years before that. Barramundi farming is much more recent but the technology is available for it to take the next step. “Fish are arguably better than chicken due to their Omega-3s. In future there’s no reason why people won’t buy barra just like they do chicken at the supermarket.” He notes that Coles and Woolies are now being supplied with barra fillets by the big farms. However it’s not a market the Brays will tackle. “We don’t produce a large enough fish to do a good fillet.” And given their understanding of super-

“So they baulk at paying extra for our portion-cut meals containing 95% fish and a marinated sauce. These retail at about a dollar more and their profit margins are thinner.” In fact, Andrew contends that exporting such products to world markets is easier. “People overseas are more willing to look at us because Australian produce has such a good name.” Such onsite value-adding was prompted by the results of a Bond University study – funded by the Brays – into the seafood buying habits of Australian consumers. “The student we sponsored looked at how people buy seafood, what they like and don’t like, who makes the purchase deci-

February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 5

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now at a standstill from lack of product. “We simply don’t have enough fish,” Andrew bemoans. What Barramundi Australia needs most is to ramp up production to an industrial scale. And it knows how to do it. With the assistance of Austrade and State Development, the brothers have researched aquaculture systems in a number of countries, notably Denmark and New Zealand and now know what system they want to buy. “There are recirculation farms churning out a thousand tonnes of eels in Denmark,” Andrew says.

sion and how it is cooked,” Andrew says. “It found that women make 90% of the decisions on what goes in the shopping cart. However they don’t want to have to prepare the fish – or even touch it.” Barramundi Australia worked closely with Pacific Foods at nearby Yatala to develop the sauces for their two innovative value-added products. Given Pacific Foods’ expertise in Asian-influenced sauces and condiments, the Brays approached the company with an idea of the flavours they were after and paid for development of a recipe. “The product is called Australian Wild Spice Barramundi,” Andrew continues. “It’s a single-serve, cook-in-the-bag meal. You buy a vacuum-sealed, ready-to-cook portion of barramundi topped with a marinated sauce. All that’s needed is to take it out of the freezer and put the bag into a pot of boiling water for four minutes. Or simply poke a hole in the bag and microwave it for 2-3 minutes.

“We’re talking a proven system here. So for two years we’ve been talking to banks, investment bankers and private investors. The return on funds is better than that on offer anywhere else, I believe. It’s doubly frustrating that capital is much harder to raise on a sound, proven business plan than for the salesman who list blue sky aquaculture projects on the stock exchange.” Typically, the brothers aren’t letting that distraction deter them from the day to day task of running cash through the tills. The farm has an onsite retail operation too stemming from a trial ad in the local media run soon after it began harvests. “By Easter 2002 we had a good number of half-kilo fish in the tanks,” Andrew recalls. “So we thought we’d advertise locally. What an amazing response! The carpark was chockers over the two days

“After that simply remove it from the bag and add a salad.” There are two flavours on a quintessentially Australian theme using lemon myrtle, peppers, bush lime and mango with production of both at the farm’s own AQIS-approved processing facility. However despite the great interest these products that have garnered at food expos around the world, production is 6 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

An aerial view of the Bray’s 10 acre property

with people coming and buying fish. “Some people asked whether we sold prawns too so at Christmas we bought prawns from the local prawn farmers and sold that too. Now we also offer oysters from New Zealand, scallops from Victoria and local Moreton Bay bugs, live mudcrabs and freshly cooked sandcrabs.” Hardly surprising then that the carpark during holiday periods and weekends is still a hive of activity. “It’s good cash flow. We don’t do EFTPOS; it’s all cash and it keeps things ticking over.” It’s not enough for the Brays though. Their website says it all: “Barramundi Australia’s goal is to be the market leader in production of innovative high class products for the retail and food service industry and, to top it off, be the largest indoor aquaculture facility in the country with its target output exceeding 700 ton of fish per annum.” Lofty aims indeed. But with this string of achievements after just five years, surely it will not be long before someone with the foresight and requisite capital signs up to that vision. By Tim Walker For further information contact Andrew Bray at Barramundi Australia, 181 Quinns Hill Rd East, Stapylton, Qld 4027 Phone: 07 3287 3398; Fax: 07 3804 6005; Email: barraoz@barramundiaustralia.com.au

FARM PROFILE

Murray cod grown in floating raceways in SE Qld Adapting U.S. technology for floating raceways, a farm at Kilcoy near Brisbane is growing Murray cod in a large reservoir. Promoting sustainability in water use is one of the marketing planks of this innovative company.

ilcoy Fishery started in November 2004 as a partnership between a group of six forward thinking farmers and investors. The concept was to modify technology from the U.S. to allow the production of Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii) in floating raceways. The selection of locally made or available materials was also important to manage capital costs. Manager Matteo Barchiesi notes that while a number of floating raceways were imported from the US, numerous innovations to the design had since been made to make them suitable for intensive Murray cod production. “The production capacity of our system is presently in the order of 50 tonnes per year but that can go a lot higher if we introduce more raceways.” The system works on the principle that the water supports the raceways, reducing the capital costs typical of intensive tank culture. High stocking densities of fish can be maintained by using high volume, low head, air lift pumps to move large quantities of water through the raceways and out into the ponds.

Quite some time was spent trying to find a large reservoir that was close to Brisbane. “You need a massive reservoir (greater than 300ML) to enable sufficient water for flushing and exchange,” Matt says. “We have a series of 40m3 growout raceways, each 12m long and 2.4m wide which are set at between 1.8-2.0m deep These raceways exchange their volume every 10 minutes or so, allowing for very high stocking densities. By running higher densities we estimate that our setup could produce significantly more fish without putting in more raceways.”

Site selection criteria also included the accessibility of 3-phase power and access to bore water for finishing and quarantine. “This reservoir is used to irrigate pastures for diary cows. We have setup our production systems to ensure that there are no chemicals added to the water that could adversely affect the milk production.” The reservoir is 3-7m deep in the area in which the raceways have been positioned; the average water depth is 4m. This means there is some distance between the dam floor and the bottom of the raceways to allow water movement underneath. Water temperatures can range from 15.5°C in winter to 31°C in summer. As optimal water temperatures for Murray cod are 20-28°C, the reservoir provides water good for cod growth for most of the year. Water quality is the primary factor affecting the performance of the system. “We have occasional algal blooms but the pH stays pretty constant around 7-8. It is the level of dissolved oxygen in the water column that we are most mindful of. Although the raceways do provide some buffering against mild fluctuations in reservoir oxygen levels they will not protect against extremely low oxygen events. Stratification of the reservoir has given us some concern in the past so we introduced a Subtech Services destratification system.” The system is air driven and placed at multiple points around the dam to break up and mix the water, improving the oxygen profile within the dam. “This assists in ensuring we have good water temperatures and high dissolved oxygen levels around the raceways.” A wooden deck both supports the raceways and provides access to them. Buoy-

The marketing brochu re says it all: “Kilcoy Fishery Compan y grows Murray Cod in the pristin e waters of the Mount Kilcoy Va lley, just north of Brisbane. The highly innovative design of the farm marries the modern con cepts of low environmental impa ct and maximum water reuse. In fact, the water used to culture the fish is then utilised to irrigate the green pastures of an adjacen t dairy farm. In such harsh drought conditions, efficiency in water use has become of paramount importance for sustainable farming.”

ancy is provided by 315mm capped polypipes. Matt says that the walkway has three pipes running along it whilst the smaller decking around the raceways only required two. These are strapped to the frame which holds the decking using plastic straps similar to those used for packing goods on pallets. But virtually any type of strap or rope would do. Located approximately 30m out from the bank, the whole raceway system covers a surface area of around 700m2. To hold it in place there is a network of stainless steel cables (8mm diameter) tying it to the banks. There are two 70kg self burying anchors too. “We use 20mm thick rope and chain to hold these on and we have attached a float springer to dampen the movements of the ropes,” Matt explains. “The prevailing winds are from the southwest and the southeast and we February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 7

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ability to close off and treat the raceways like a tank enables treatments like salt bathing to be readily undertaken. Shade cloth covers over the raceways containing small fish (up to 400g) prevents bird predation; no such problems are encountered for larger fish. “I think the shags are a little concerned about falling into the wrong raceway as the large cod would definitely give them some grief,” Matt says.

This fine specimen of a Murray cod is typical of the premium fish produced at Kilcoy. Photo courtesy of Kilcoy.

with an auto-start generator and a separate oxygen backup system.

Hand nets are used to catch market size fish. Photo courtesy of Kilcoy.

get a maximum wave slop of around 1 foot (30cm). With all the raceways in place, the freeboard of the system is around 20cm.” The critical part of the design of the raceways is in the airlifts. Matt says that a bank of eighteen 90mm PVC pipes extend from the surface down 1.1m into the raceway. A 15KW positive displacement blower is run continuously to provide the air and water movement in the raceways. The system is also backed up

8 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

Stocking densities in this type of system can be quite high and cod is a species that has demonstrated its capacity for intensive culture in RAS systems. In the raceways Matt typically runs 50-70 kg/m3 but it is not uncommon for the larger fish (0.8 - 1.5kg) to splash around together at more than 100kg/m3. “Some of our runts have been running happily at over 150kg/m3 although, of course, at higher densities we have to be a lot more disciplined at doing constant disease checks on the fish and monitoring water quality.” Skretting feed is used at present with feed rates for fingerlings averaging 2-3%/day and 1%/day for 1kg plus fish. Raceways are cleaned regularly while oxygen and water temperature in and outside the raceways is measured twice daily. Any signs of infections such as chilodenella are treated immediately as Murray cod can succumb rapidly to this parasite. The

Harvesting anything over 500kg, a crowder is used to push the fish towards one end to make it easier to net them out. Anaesthetic is generally not used during harvest since cod are fairly docile and don’t panic as much as other fish when handled. Fish are purged in two dedicated purging raceways or inside the shed in fibreglass tanks. The farm is continuing to experiment with ways to improve system functioning. ”Waste removal is a very critical issue in managing the raceways. It depends on species, density and the size of your stock as to how rapidly wastes build up. We have just finalised a design for a bottom collection chamber, placed at the end of the raceway, capable of constantly removing waste (faeces and uneaten food) so that in future we can pump it out of the reservoir and reduce nutriment build up.” With these improvements Matt hopes to boost both farm productivity and quality of the product – which is already receiving a positive market response. ”One of the real benefits of this kind of intensive culture is that you end up with a great ‘natural’ looking product – with the colour and texture of an open water fish – for a relatively low capital outlay.” Kilcoy has been developed without the need to build new pond infrastructure or

FARM PROFILE

large and expensive recirculation facilities. At present Kilcoy sources advanced fish from RAS operators to take full advantage of the warmer summer months. The target size for fish from Kilcoy is 1-3kg. “So far it has taken us around 12months to reach our smallest market sized fish of 600g (including time spent in RAS),” Matt says. “It takes around 18 months to reach average weights of between 1.2 and 2kg. For speciality markets we might grow fish up to 2.5kg or even larger if requested by our regular buyers.” However, the viability of this approach ultimately depends on the willingness of RAS growers to supply competitively priced juveniles for ongrowing operations like Kilcoy. To date this has been difficult as most RAS operators are set up as small growout operations. “There is an opportunity for RAS and open water producers like ourselves to optimise our enterprises and improve the supply of cod to the market,” Matt suggests. At present Kilcoy Fishery Company is selling fish to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. “Murray Cod have a moist, white marbled flesh with a natural freshwater flavour which tastes even better at the smaller farmed sizes and keep extremely well. We find our customers like the fact Murray cod has an impeccable appearance and an exquisite tastes sets it apart from any freshwater water species. In the kitchen it is easily gilled, gutted and skinned to produce fillets, steaks or whole. It is a non-fatty fish, high in protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturates and low in carbohydrates. We are proud to state that our farmed Murray cod are free of harmful chemical residues, making them very healthy fish to eat.”

The raceways have covers made of shade cloth to provide some protection from the sun.

The floating raceways are located in a large reservoir.

The issue of marketing is one that KFC considers will dictate any significant expansion of the industry in the foreseeable future. “Although we are receiving a great response from the market concerning the quality of our cod, we know that a good product doesn’t mean we can develop the market alone.” Kilcoy is very enthusiastic about the prospects of a more co-ordinated approach to marketing by growers, to improve awareness about the product and firm up continuity of supply. February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 9

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Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) To allow inter-farm comparisons, each AAM farm profile details a number of key performance indicators for different aquaculture systems. Except for the comments under ‘Key Management Decisions’ which are prepared by Dos, the information has been supplied by the farmer: • Key Management Decisions for Kilcoy Fishery include: – Adaptation of U.S. design for utilising locally available materials. – Provides a way of maximising water usage – Selection of Murray cod which grow fast when the water temperatures are optimal even in high stocking densities – Selling whole fish as a chilled product. • Culture System utilised: floating raceway with a total volume of 600m3. • Growth rate (from stocking to market): <16 months (1g to 1000g) • Survival rate: 80% from first stocking to sale size • Av. stocking density: 60 kg/m3 or per culture unit (range is 25kg to 150kg)

A daily task is to sweep the bottoms of the raceways to remove some waste products.

A refrigerated container is used to keep the feeds cool and vermin free.

A strong walkway connects the floating raceways to the land enabling easy access and exit.

So Matt would like to talk with other growers about the concept of strategic marketing opportunities. “At Kilcoy we hope to expand our operations but this must come through development of markets with other growers so that we all benefit.” A national approach to servicing existing markets and developing new ones is something that was recently discussed with representatives from the primary industries departments of Queensland and Victoria. 10 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

According to Geoff Gooley, Manager, Aquaculture Section, Primary Industries Research Victoria, the current focus of aquaculture R&D in the Sunraysia region of Victoria – multiple water use in agricultural landscapes – is similar to the SE Queensland experience. Interest is growing in the culture of ‘open-water’ Murray cod in floating cages, raceways and tanks in large ‘through-put’ storage dams, allowing integration of aquaculture into industrial-scale, irrigated horticulture. Geoff’s experience in Victoria is that co-ordinating supply chain development and associated marketing networks

at a national level is going to be critical to long term economic viability in this developing sector. “At Kilcoy we would be supportive of any initiative that helps co-ordinate the industry’s marketing efforts” Matt says. By Dos O’Sullivan For more information contact Matteo Barchiesi, Kilcoy Fishery Company, 23 Kerrs lane, Mt Kilcoy Qld 4515, Tel: 07 5498-1111, Fax: 07 5498-1144, Mob: 0418 821 482 email: kilcoyfishery@bigpond.com

FARM PROFILE

Suburban recirculation farm turns off 120 tonnes of barra a year ... M

igrating from Taiwan via the US, Mark and Annie Lee have made Adelaide their home and developed their aquaculture business at Waterloo Corner, 14km north of the CBD. Mark bought a four module Fish Protech in 1999 and it proved so successful he duplicated the four modules the next year. He’s now turning out 120 tonnes of barramundi a year, both live and fresh chilled. The Lees chose recirculation technology because of the problems – particularly environmental impact and predation – they had seen with other forms of aquaculture. The fully closed system gave them year round production and eliminated predation altogether. But most importantly, with stable production parameters, it gave them maximum control over their production schedule.

The farm The farm consists of eight Fish Protech modules designed for simple management and built as a turnkey operation. A Fish Protech module is a self-contained fish growout unit (measuring 6m x 10m) divided into four sections (each 3m x 4.5m). The treatment stack sits across the centre of the module. The module has a working volume of 120m3 capable of managing stocking densities up to 30kg/m3. The building housing the modules is made from sandwich panels with 50mm insulation on the walls and 75mm in the ceiling. Ceiling height is 3m with a 4m pitch. The material is green colour bond on the outside, minimizing visual impact. White on the inside, it is designed to have an interior free of columns or beams. It also contains two circular 1,500L selfcontained tanks to quarantine incoming fry and a similar system for post harvest purging. There is an office for record keeping and water testing and a feed

for a tidy profit

Above: The fish grader has made a considerable saving in labour, but more importantly has eliminated days of lost production per cycle. Right: The farm plan is up-dated every week so Mark knows how many fish are in the system and what their average and total weight are.

room. A basic model Fish Protech farm contains two modules but the Lees have found that the eight modules provides an economy of scale that suits their management style. It also provides a cushion when having to cover the market fluctuations that can occur from time to time. Mark hates knocking back a customer who wants to increase an order. Water efficiency Water is moved around the system by compressed air. The blowers used to provide this air heat it up to between 80°C and 100°C under a pressure of 40 KPA; this pre-heats the incoming water and keeps water in the modules at an average of 28°C year round. Mark runs an average density of 20kg/m3 to 30kg/m3. Low by some standards perhaps but it is also low in management problems associated with high stocking

loads and allows the module to operate without additional oxygen aside from a bank of four air stones in each tank – a great cost saving. It is also part of the reason for the low water exchange of 3% daily. Most of this leaves the system via the drum filter as it flushes the sludge collected from the growout water. The sludge itself moves under gravity into an anaerobic digester where it is treated over seven days. The water from the digester is disinfected according to EPA regulations and used for the growing of crops or as an enriched garden fertilizer. The heart of each module is the treatment stack designed to remove all the waste produced by the fish. The stack is ingenious in its simplicity and has low operational cost. The water is lifted by February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 11

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air through the whole three-stage treatment. The treatment stack extends 2m below floor of the tank and continues up to the surface of the water in the module, giving it a total height of over three metres. As the undissolved solids are flushed from the sloped floor of the module’s tanks through 10mm sized stainless steal grids they are forced by the suction of water flow through a set of plate separators. Water above the plates is lifted by air into the biofilter at a rate of 30,000L/min. In this process the water is re-oxygenated whilst the ammonia and nitrite are removed by biofiltration. All water in the module passes through the biofilter every four to five minutes avoiding any peak build up of ammonia in the fish rearing sections and assures a high flow rate with a continuous supply of clean water for the fish.

part the sludge/water mix is lifted, again by air, into the 60µm screen drum filter. The separated clean water is de-gassed before passing three 150Watt UV tubes and reintroduced into the module on the opposite side of the drum filter. The lights are configured so as to allow an exposure time of 60 seconds. The concentrated sludge with a small amount of water (approximately 3L/min) is discharged into the separate anaerobic digester. Here the sludge is digested. Water from the digester is pumped through a disinfection process specified by EPA – involving a sand filter, activated charcoal and UV purification – and returns to the farm for re-use.

That high level of aeration creates foam on the surface of the water, with any protein in the water fractionated out in that foam. Mark regards the foam as his ‘canary in the cage’. If the foam is clean he knows there’s no problem. If the foam is discoloured it’s a warning that the system is overloaded and the feeding rate is cut back.

Feed Mark knows that food used inefficiently by the fish simply produces waste to be treated. That’s why he’s particularly conscious of feed quality, looking for the minimum of indigestible materials such as ash or fibre and preferring floating feed so he can observe the feeding behaviour of the fish. He’s recorded FCRs as low as 0.8:1 under commercial conditions but he figures on 1:1 to give himself a safety valve.

The secondary step runs at 1,500L/min. Organic solids in the sump move at a rate of 6m/hour to the lowest part of the sump. Such a retention time in an anaerobic environment allows the sludge to contribute to the de-nitrification of the water in the module. From the lowest

A Skrettings 50% protein starter ration is fed to juvenile fish up to 150mm and a mixture of starter and 40% grower rations then on until they are weaned totally onto the grower feed. The young fish are fed virtually on demand; the growers twice a day.

The purging tubs at the farm. Purging time is five to seven days.

The drum filter set in the treatment stack. Note the cages in which the fingerlings are raised sitting in the tank.

Species options So far, because of its high market acceptance, Mark and Annie have concentrated on barramundi despite observing other growers using similar systems producing silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus), Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii), sleepy cod (Oxyeleotris & Bunka sps.) and jade perch (Scortum barcoo). They take the view that they have developed their markets on barramundi and are concentrating on what they know best for the time being. Nonetheless they keep a watching brief on the marketing opportunities these other lines represent. Production cycle To keep the system stable, Mark uses the treatment system – designed to remove the waste generated by 50Kg of feed per day eaten by the fish – as his control over production. Given a FCR of 1:1 he knows he’s producing 50kg of fish per

12 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

FARM PROFILE

module per day at that feed rate. To make sure that the optimum amount can be fed everyday he looks at two key indicators. Firstly, the biomass in the module must be kept stable year around. Secondly, as fish of different sizes grow at different rates they have different feed uptakes. The smaller fish for instance are growing faster, and consequently use more food, than the larger fish. Mark says the balancing act is to feed the right amount of feed to gain the maximum

growth from the fish without exceeding the module’s capacity of 50kg/day. To maintain a stable load on the bio-system, Mark rotates fish at different stages of growth through the four sections in the module. He knows the biomass in each section and a precise quantity of feed can be prepared to get the optimum growth result from each section. Producing plate size barramundi of 500600g the average biomass in the module is around 2.5t, give or take 10%. This

The front view of the eight module shed at Waterloo Corner.

allows 500kg of fish to be harvested every ten days from each module. However, he admits it’s not possible to have the optimum stock level every day. After harvesting and grading the fish take time to settle down, and there are always distractions from a perfect world. The Lees have imported a Norwegian fish grader that has cut grading from two hours by hand – and the consequential stress on the fish – to 30 minutes. The fish are crowded to the end of a tank and

The ice machine makes 1.5 tonne of ice a day. What Mark recovers from selling bulk 22kg bags locally pays for the cost of his ice.

February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 13

FARM PROFILE

netted into the sluice of the grader. Graded fish are then either sent to market or stocked in a production cohort to suit their size. All fry come onto the farms with a health certificate. The 25mm fry (0.8g) spend 48 hours in the quarantine system before being put out in nursery cages suspended in the tanks. Grading is constant. This gets the fish into natural size cohorts and prevents cannibalism. Fingerlings are ready for stocking when they reach 15g to 20g (120mm). Each time there is an empty section in the module it is stocked with fingerlings from the cages at 3,150 pieces per section. This allows for a harvest of 3,000 tails after a mortality of 5%. The fry have varying growth rates and may be in the cages from six to eight weeks. Mark carries a fingerling stock that equals in number equal to two month’s production. Following the production cycle of a batch of 3,150 x 15g barramundi fingerlings (and using approximate figures for easy reading) their biomass is 50kg when first stocked. At an average daily growth rate of 4%, they reach 150kg by the end of the month. The next month the daily growth rate is around 3% and they reach 375kg. A month later they have grown at around 2.3% and reached 750kg, and the final month they have grown at 1.75 % and reached 1,250kg. Once the fourtank module has fish in each section at the levels quoted above the total biomass is 2,525 kg. Harvesting starts 10 days

later at which time the stock level is around 3,000kg. A harvest of 500kg will bring the stock back to 2,500kg. Once fully stocked, production is continuous. The economics The farm is driven by economics. Neither Mark nor Annie had a background in aquaculture and looked at the venture purely as a business. It had to be sustainable economically from the word go and they’re confident that, on the current prices, this has been achieved. Each module takes 5kWh to operate. Mark estimates that half of this is used to move the water and the other half to maintain water temperature. Feed is a large component, but with the FCRs obtained using an efficient extruded diet, feed costs are less than $1.5/kg of the cost of production.

The farm now has its own live fish tanker with Mark more than willing to drive to Melbourne and Sydney with 2.5t of live barramundi.

All up he estimates the cost of production at just under $$4.50/kg, not including the cost of finance or depreciation.

Coming from a production line background in manufacturing, Mark also recognizes the most important thing in fish farming is stock management. It allows him to plan his harvesting and marketing program months ahead. Under food safety legislation, traceability is a major issue. Mark says the four-tank module system gives him maximum control over this on the farm and beyond.

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The live fish market was particularly attractive … and lucrative too because the fish leave the farm without much extra processing cost. Having Chinese as a first language helped the Lees communicate with most of the live fish distributors, although he jokes he got no special favours. In fact the bargaining was even more vigorous because of the ease of communication!

Labour makes up the balance of the costs and is a major input in any aquaculture venture. Introduction of the grader has not only reduced by 75% the time it takes to grade but reduced the work force by 50%. Mark estimates that it takes 840 full time labour hours (including management) per year per module, taking labour costs to just under $1.50/kg. The eight modules require the attention of two fulltime and one part time workers, with Annie and himself sharing the marketing and management.

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Marketing From the very beginning the marketing plan for the Lees farm assumed a continuous supply of fish. Mark says he’d never have gone into aquaculture if he had to wait on the seasons for cash flow. Referring to open pond farming as practiced in his native Taiwan he opinions: “This is not modern farming. Pork and poultry are available fresh every day. Fish farming has to be the same to compete.”

However, he sees the real growth market in processed fish, noting the ordinary Australian consumer’s preference for ready-to-eat produce. At the moment he’s flat out servicing his live fish and plate size, fresh chilled markets. But he’s acutely aware that the bulk of fish eaten around the world is in portions.

In a short five years, Mark and Annie Lee have shown that recirculation technology can underwrite a successful, simple to operate, Australian aquaculture business with minimum impact on the environment. By John Mosig For more information, contact Mark Lee by phone on (08) 8280 9970, or by fax on (08) 8280 9798

FARM PROFILE

Sydney Show Gold Medal for Bed Rock Oysters Over the past five years the Desotos have been upgrading culture systems at their Crookhaven River oyster farm to produce premium oysters. A Silver Medal in their first year (2004) and a Gold Medal in their second year of competition at the Sydney Royal Shows suggests that progress has been excellent. Not bad considering the farm’s beds were formerly used to produce just jar oysters.

he production of ‘jar’ oysters is probably the oldest culture methods still used in the Sydney Rock oyster (Saccostrea commercialis) industry. ‘Beds’ of mud and sand built up in inter-tidal areas are topped with buckets of collected oysters to form a population relying on wild oyster spat settling on the live or dead shells of other oysters. Slowly the bed builds in height to keep the majority of the new oysters out of the mud or silt.

Bed Rock Oysters Depot

When the oysters are collected, they are broken apart with a chisel or other pointed object. Any whole oysters might be sold as such but generally the farmer simply shucks out the oyster meat and pickles them in a mixture of salt and water. A range of containers have been used for the oysters; however, plastic now dominates. Jar oysters are mostly a fallback for rack or floating culture farmers producing single oysters allowing them to still sell oysters with unattractive shells. Thus they are considered a lower grade than the single seed oysters served in most restaurants. Given market demand for oysters served in the shell (half shell), the attractiveness and size of the shell has become more and more important. This has resulted in the rapid expansion of the single seed production method as the result is usually a deep and sculptured shell providing space inside for larger and fat meats. Husband and wife team Lyn and Rob Desoto have been transforming their operation over the past five years to pro-

duce oysters of the higher grade from their Crookhaven River leases. “We have only just finished the jars so we now use floating tumblers, rafts and intertidal baskets for the culture of our single oysters,” Lyn says. “Now we have just over 10ha of leases, with only 2ha left of oyster beds. Development of this agitating farming method will continue over the next 12 to 18 months. Hopefully then we’ll get into maintenance mode.” Wild catch Stacks of PVC slats are used to catch oyster spat from the wild. A one metre length of 90mm PCV stormwater pipe is split into 3 slats, each around 4cm in width. The main spawning and settle-

Gold Award Winning Shoalhaven Sydney Rock Oysters

February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 15

FARM PROFILE

there are two settlements then we need to separate them. “Of course we kill any Pacifics (Crassostrea gigas) we come across to stop the spread of them in the river system. It is pretty easy to recognise the Pacifics. Generally they are much larger than the slower growing rocks and they have more pointed shell protuberances. They look a bit like a miniature crown of thorns.” The individual oyster spat are washed before transfer into fine mesh tumblers made from MDS Plastics (from Port Stephens, NSW). “We have around 350 of these tumblers which are 90 to 100cm long and 30cm in diameter and move with the action of the tides. It is important to have the right amount of oysters in them for if they are too full then the oysters won’t grow. We generally put about a 2 litre bucket full in each tumbler, that would be around 1,000 oyster spat at the start.”

Tumblers, envelopes suspended by poly posts

The tumblers are hung on posts set into the mud in rows. Holes are drilled through the poly pipes so that the ropes can be inserted with pieces of plastic tubing to protect them from wear. The ropes are attached to the ends of the tumblers with shark clips for easy off-on connections. There is a float attached one-third of the way along the circumference to aid in the 360° tumbling action.

Three packs of oyster catching slats ready to be taken out to the rail.

ment seasons are between February and June. Each of the stacks consists of 5 rows of 10 slats, with sets of four cross or space slats to keep them apart sufficiently for oyster larvae to settle. According to Lyn, the loaded stacks are quite heavy but can be picked up by two people. “Our sons Jace and Daniel are both 15 years of age and are getting pretty strong. We get them to help out on the farm. We have a rack and rail system that is set quite close to the sea floor, usually only 16 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

high enough for you to get your hand in underneath to tie down the stacks.” Lyn says that their catching grounds were down near the mouth of the River. “We will keep the oysters there for 5-6 months after set until they have reached a size of between a 5c and a 10c piece. We then pull the stacks out, undo them and flex individual slats to get the small seed. Generally all of the oysters have come from the same settlement but if

The lines are in about 1.5 to 2m of water at high tide; during the low tide the lines of tumblers are exposed but are high enough not to be in the mud. Going through a dry out stage a couple of times every day reduces fouling and mud worm infestations. The lines can be set across or along the water flow. “We have found that having them run across the flow means better growth and less fouling. The water flow moves them around and gives a tumbling action which creates well cupped oyster shells.” Tumblers come in a range of plastic meshes from 3mm for hatchery spat, through 5mm up to 8mm. Lyn says that as the seed get larger they’re sorted and transferred into larger mesh envelopes before growout for another six months.

FARM PROFILE

“Each end of the tumbler has an end cap and seven cable ties are used at each end to keep the lids on. These are easy to cut and allow us to remove the oysters. We can also easily get into the tumblers to clean them of barnacles and other unwanted growth.” The Desotos also have around 150 envelopes made from 10 and 20mm Nylex plastic oyster mesh in a pillow shape. Each envelope is 80cm long and 30cm wide and 10cm deep. An opening cut in top is held closed with galvanised netting clips to allow oysters to be put in or taken out. A 75cm long piece of PVC with end caps provides the buoyancy for the envelopes. “These envelopes are attached to the posted with rope and with shark clips. They can be turned upside down with the tides and then back up again. Depending on water temperatures and food, the oysters average around six months in this phase. Thus they can spend up to a total of 18 to 24 months in the tumblers and envelops. With the time spent on the slats, the oysters can be over 3 years of age.”

Heating & Chilling Water

According to Lyn, to obtain the best prices it is vitally important to handle the oysters the right way starting with the settled spat. “It is important to get the spat off the slats quickly so they don’t form a wide flat spat. If you get them off early (4 to 6 months) then they will form a pretty and deep shell. That is what we are after – good shape and depth of the shell. The tumblers assist in agitating the oysters so you get the deeper oysters with pretty shells that will provide big fat meats. Big and beautiful is the goal.” Fouling (sponges, barnacles, mussels) and overcatch (smaller oysters) are reduced in the tumblers and envelopes by movement of the shells rubbing across each other. Lyn also says that regularly putting the oysters across the shaker grader also assists. “Rob built the shaker using an old single bed frame with 1950s model, Victa lawn mower engine. A long cam the length of the bed riven by the Victa in an up and down motion shakes the oysters over the four layers of screen.” Rob says that they have screens made from chicken wire and plastic mesh

varying in size from 20mm, through 30mm and up to 40mm. “The oysters fall through the screens until they can’t anymore. They are then shaken down the down the screens and fall into fish bins. We might finish sorting by hand to remove any dead shell but basically all our grading is done by the machine.” Raft culture Very early on the Desotos tried floating rafts made from Nylex Oyster Mesh (20mm) folded and attached onto plastic bread crates (45cm by 60cm and around 10cm high). These were slung between wooden posts made from 10cm diameter treated pine with 1m driven into the mud and 1m out. “The posts are 20m apart and we can sling 12 rafts in each bay from a 6mm diameter polypropylene rope,” Lyn explains. “The lines are located in a big mud flat where we know the oysters will grow well. Off-cuts from boogie boards are used as the floats.” Lyn says that although last year the oysters grew very well over a period of 6 weeks around 300 dozen oysters were lost to predation by octopus and mud crabs. “To prevent the losses this year we

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FARM PROFILE

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) To allow inter-farm comparisons, each AAM farm profile details a number of key performance indicators for different aquaculture systems. Except for the comments under ‘Key Management Decisions’ which are prepared by Dos, the information has been supplied by the farmer: • Key Management Decisions for Bed Rock Oysters include: – Shift from lower quality jar oysters to premium single oysters served in the shell. – Development of opening, packing and transport methods to keep shell liquor in place. – Interlinking of different culture methods to take advantage of different lease sites. – Two finishing options (rafts or baskets) to provide top quality oysters. – Selling to local restaurants, fish mongers and public, including Farmer’s Market means they get immediate feedback on their product. – Use of the Gold Sticker from the RAS to promote premium produce. • Culture System utilised: Intertidal and subtidal cylinders, envelopes, rafts and baskets. • Growth rate (from stocking to market): 36 months (0.5g to 60g) • Survival rate: 50% from first stocking to sale size • Annual harvest: Approx. 4,000 dozen processed oysters in 2004/05

have added lids made from plastic mesh clipped with galvanised netting clips to keep them closed (the ‘hinge’ is made from stainless steel clips). “The galvanised clips can be easily cut with side cutters. Sometimes high winds mean some of the bags will flip over so they have to right them.” The rafts are used for finishing the oysters for market. “We hold 10 dozen of our big oysters (6cm and longer) for around two to three months, depending on orders. During this period, the oysters are feeding continuously and condition up (fatten). “We have added another inverted bread 18 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

crate on the bottom of each raft that acts like a set of legs to keep the raft out of the mud. This keeps the shells cleaner and also stops mud worm.” The Desotos also have rack and rail culture. These racks are 100m long and 1.2m wide and approximately 30cm off the bottom so they are exposed to the air two times a day. Made from hardwood, the posts are 7.5cm by 5cm and driven into the mud around 30cm. Wrapping in black flume plastic protects them from marine boring worms. Cross rails of 2.5cm by 5cm are attached to the posts with galvanised nails; as these are in the intertidal region and dry out regularly, they do not need to be covered in the plastic. “We have never used tar (to stop marine borers). I am glad about that as it is very messy and smelly to work with,” Lyn adds. As with the rafts, baskets made from 20mm plastic mesh are used to condition the oysters before sale. “We have over 200 of these at the moment. We have used old oyster sticks and slotted three baskets onto them so we call them ‘triples’. The baskets are 45cm long, 30cm wide and 10 cm deep. The sticks sit on top of the rails and pieces of car tyre strap them onto the rails.” ‘Quad baskets’ have also been recently bought from a retiring oyster farmer. Lyn says that each basket will hold four dozen oysters for 10 to 12 weeks, depending on customer demand. “We have made plastic mesh lids to keep out the octopus and mud crabs and the ‘odd fisherman’.” Tasty oysters Bed Rock Oysters are not only sold direct to restaurants, fish mongers and the general public but also at several Farmer’s Markets where customers usually eat the oysters then and there. “Our stall is in a shaded area and the oysters packed in ice to keep cool. When served with a lemon and pepper on a plate they sell very well even at $15/dozen for the very large ones. The prices are $8 a dozen for the cocktail or two dozen for $15.” The Desotos have developed an opening system that retains the liquor in the shell. “We open at the hinge end. That way we

don’t smash the shell, avoiding that the need to wash the meat and the loss of the tasty liquor.” With pneumatic oyster knives made by Karuah Engineering the lid is lifted off, the adductor muscle cut and the oyster meat turned over. “We then carefully pack them in waxed boxes in rows separated by waxed lunch wrap. We sit them resting on each other to hold them steady. For plate size oysters we pack 10 dozen per box; more for the smaller oysters and less for the larger oysters. “We want to give the customer the ultimate oyster experience and keeping the liquor is an important part of that,” Lyn explains. “A bit of juice is lost but our oysters don’t have that washed-out taste you get with oysters that have been washed in water. We sell locally to places such as The Gunyah, a ritzy resort at Jervis Bay and also up into the Southern highlands to restaurants in the Bowral, Moss Vale and Mittagong region. The Royal Hotel Bowral has an oyster bar on every Thursday night for which we deliver earlier that day.” Over 120 dozen processed oysters per week can be sold in peak times dropping to 50 dozen in times of low demand or low oyster condition. Given the drought over the past few years and river salinity well up around 33 to 35 ppt for long periods of time, the Desotos’ oysters had an extra salty taste. “With the bit of rain we have had recently the salinity has dropped back to normal and the oysters now taste a bit different. But they are still very juicy and taste beautiful. “The condition is now (November 2005) back to normal with the oysters as the rains have brought plenty of food down for them. We have sold oysters all year round, except when the oysters lose condition (spawned) or the Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (QAP) closes the river to oyster harvesting due to high rainfall.” Like many other oyster farmers in NSW, both Lyn and Rob are not happy about having to pay the full costs for the QAP water and oyster meat quality monitoring that is part of their licence conditions. “We are not the polluters of the

FARM PROFILE

river yet we have to pay for everything. The public need to be made aware of the health of the river so we used to give all our information away for free. But we are looking for help and have approached the Mayor of the Shire Council as it also has to monitor the river (so there is some doubling up on the work). We monitor water and meat monitoring once a month and check for biotoxins every two weeks, costing us around $40,000 per year. “Monitoring also picks up if there is a rainfall event. Our river is automatically closed if there is more than 50mm of rain over 24 hours until testing shows that contamination levels are low.” The longest time the farm has been closed over the past four years was 4-6 weeks. “We are ensuring that the health of the river and the food safety of our oysters are high. The public can now be sure that eating oyster is safer now than it ever has been.”

Twelve Floating rafts clipped onto rope tied between two large posts

Other groups are getting behind the oyster farmers’ push for a leaner river. “For example Shoalhaven also has a REMS Scheme that controls dairy farming runoff,” says Rob. Other problems for the oyster farmers in the Shoalhaven include the heightening of the dam wall at Tallowa which will significantly reduce the water flow through the river. Rob says that water is taken from the Tallowa Dam to the Warragamba Dam near Sydney for the city’s use. “Our monitoring program will allow us to really track whatever changes there are in the river and if conditions have deteriorated,” he says. “This information will be used by the Catchment Management Authority in determining what to do to protect the river.” Lyn and Rob are very proud of their Gold Medal at the recent (2005) Sydney Royal Agricultural Show Fine Food Awards as well as their Silver the previous year when they had to rush in their entry. “In 2004, we only heard about the competition a couple of days before entries were due so there was a bit of rush to get the paperwork in and get two dozen unopened oysters up to Sydney,” says Lyn. “We sent some of our larger oysters,

Mud has been mounded and oysters gathered from the near by mangroves many years ago. Now they catch and grow as they like.

around 70 to 90g (unopened).” The Award is now central to their promotion program. “We aim to be selling premium oysters to the restaurants as well as at the Farmer’s Markets. We have printed a Gold Sticker that goes on each tray or box of oysters. The sticker has the RAS copyrighted artwork. The Gold Stickers are additional to that required by the NSW Food Authority (eg. Use By

Date) and can only adorn a similar class of product.” By Dos O’Sullivan For more information contact Lyn and Rob Desoto, Bed Rock Oysters, PO Box 60, Greenwell Point, NSW 2540. Tel: 0413 480-972, email: desotos@bigpond.com February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 19

FARM PROFILE

Closeys Fishout offers wide range of native fish to catch

The rambling grounds are well spread out and the ponds are mostly joined by shallow canals to increase water aeration.

Closeys Fishing World is a bit of an institution in the hinterland north-west of the Gold Coast. People come from all over to try their luck with more than 12,000 large (3-4 kg) native fish stocked ready to give a real fight on the fishing line. Established in the mid 1990s by Lance Glass, the ponds are located in attractive grounds to provide the right ambience for all types of fishers. There are even fishing classes for beginners – including fly fishing – with a range of facilities for weddings, corporate functions or simple family excursions.

ituated on the Beenleigh-Beaudesert Rd, Closeys Fishing World has taken the traditional fish-out operation and upgraded it to attract a range of people who normally wouldn’t go fishing or are unable to get the kids a fish in the wild. Since late 2003 the operation has been owned and operated by Steve and Judy Close. Seeking a ‘sea change’ from his job as a commercial fisherman at Greenwell Point, Sydney, Steve reckons he 20 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

couldn’t be luckier with the sounds of birds in the trees, fish jumping in the ponds and crickets thrilling in the grasses.

on relaxation and enjoyment in a tranquil landscaped setting. We can do a fully catered menu, or a deluxe BBQ one.”

“We’re open year round, though the numbers are always a little slower in the winter months. However, the school holidays and special events such as weddings maintain us over that period and keep people coming in through the gates. We also have a range of packages for corporate groups with an emphasis

Steve says that landscaping on the 2.8 ha of grounds has been improved. So too has the irrigation and recirculation systems to give the fish the best water quality to ensure good growth and health. The layout of the ponds suits the fishing beginner, allowing ready access to deep pools where the big fish were lying. Banks

FARM PROFILE

are well grassed. Wooden jetties and bridges provide alternative fishing points. The aim of providing whatever the customer wants, fly, bait or lure fishing even extends to helicopter fly fishing tours! “People can book on-line which simplifies the whole process as the web site clearly explains all the options available,” Steve says. “The normal gate price is as per the website.” He has divided the farm into two to ensure that the fishing experience is improved. Six ponds provide the fishout and the other four ponds are set aside for holding fingerlings until they reach fishable size. “I also have stocked red claw (Cherax quadricarinatus) in those ponds which provide another species to catch in the near future.” A hundred or so car tyres provide the redclaw with cover. The fish-out is all ‘catch-and-return’, populat Steve says with many who just want the thrill of catching a fish. Those keen on a fresh fish for the BBQ can be accommodated from the larder. Available too at the kiosk are live purged fish and a wide range of other delicious foods. Twin bores To maintain good water quality in the ponds, water is continuously drawn from a bore taking water from around 250m at up to 38,000L/hr. Steve can change the rate if temperatures in the ponds get high or stocking density increases. “I keep this bore running continuously; the other one at around 78m depth is a back-up.” A series of canals connects all the ponds until the water finally overflows back to the main pond for recirculation. “The grounds are contoured so that there is good flow through the ponds from the top down to the last one. Although there are some underground connections (pressure pump), the ponds are mostly connected by shallow stone lined canals. These provide a place for a few live foods to grow; also some fish may move down them.” The rocks and steps also allow the water to aerate as do fountains in the ponds.

“These make a great back-drop to weddings and other events,” Steve adds. “I have underground power at every pond so if I wanted to add an aerator or paddlewheel I can.”

• Sooty grunter (Hephaestus fuliginosus) • Barcoo grunter (Scortum barcoo, which is also called the Jade perch) • Silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) • Eel tail Catfish (Neosiluris spp.) • Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) • Australian Bass (Macquaria novemaculeata) • Saratoga (Scleropages jardini)

A number of different species of warm water native fish are stocked, including: • Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii)

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FARM PROFILE

The fingerlings are supplied by SE Queensland Fish, a fish hatchery just over the road. They use our fish as broodfish for their spawning and hatching programs. Some of our fish are over 4 kg and hold more than 300,000 eggs so we have a good relationship with the guys over there. We get fry from them at around 60 to 70mm and I try to fill one fry pond each season to keep numbers of fish moving through.”

A tongue of land juts into the middle of the main pond which allows even novice fisher easy access to fishing areas.

The hour is so before sunset is a magic time for fishing as the fish are active and hungry.

The ducks like having a good look at who is catching what and love to get a feed of pellets.

Watch your Fish Steve reckons the secret to growing fish is an understanding of fish behaviour and constant observation. “I have lots of traps and nets left over from my 14 years of commercial fishing and I know how to catch fish and what they do. It is important to have a close look at the fish. For example if you see red spots on their skin then you know there’s a parasite problems to be fixed – perhaps with more clean water in the ponds and reduced stocking densities.” He tries to check every fish as it is caught by the fishers. “We use barbless hooks and want to unhook the fish and get them unharmed back into the ponds unharmed as soon as possible. But people – especially kids – of course want to take photos to show their mates. So there is a compromise. The fish will get the odd sore from dragging through the grass or dirt and losing some of their slime (mucous skin covering). We have plenty of hand nets to stop this but you can’t be every where at once. The fish soon recover in the good water with lots of good water and feed.” With 30 to 40 tonnes of fish on his farm at any one time, managing the stocking densities, fish sizes and their ‘catchability’ keeps Steve busy. “The larger fish get smart, learning from getting caught. So, with time, some become hard to catch. I need to get those fish out and get in smaller ones that are more likely to have a go at the lure or the bait. Occasionally I might lose a large fish or two to some eagles but that’s not a worry. It gives everyone a thrill. “Overall, I don’t lose that many fish so I just need to keep them biting. That’s what the customers pay for. Mostly, they

22 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

FARM PROFILE

also feed the fish with aquaculture pellets – 6mm plus for the big fish – not me. In summer the fish eat well on what is in the ponds such as fire tails (fish), shrimp, mussels, red claw, insect larvae and mosquito fish and plenty of weed I hope! In winter I will feed once a week as custom is slow, usually in the later afternoon when the fish are usually the most active.” With summertime water temperatures often exceeding 30°C, Steve reckons fish like silver perch can stress a bit. “They need clean cooler water and, as my species are mixed, the main pond has three sections to allow different fish to go to different areas. There is a 10m deep area and others of 8m and 6m, as well as plenty of shallows. The water temperature is lower down deep. During winter you’ll find some lay in the shallows in the afternoons to catch the sun whilst others stay deep or under the jetty.” Once the hobby of a bunch of introverts who like to dress in plastic overalls and wear funny hats, fly fishing is becoming increasingly popular with the mainstream. At Closeys Fishing World, all sorts of people arrive to learn this ‘art’.

One hassle Steve can face is impaired fishing due aquatic weeds such as Elodia, Foxtail and some ‘hot weather green slime’. The solution is trawling with a wire net to clean these weeds out. “I use my petrol-run golf buggy to pull it through! The weeds are then placed around trees on the property to form a nice fertiliser. I allow the weeds to grow in the fingerling ponds as they provide some cover and food for the fish plus stop cormorants that can’t swim through the weeds. Once I lost around 3,000 fry in one week to the cormorants. I get plenty of ducks on all the ponds; however, these are a hit with the tourists. But they do eat the fish pellets though.” Steve reckons the best time for the fishing to be late afternoon. “I have twilight and night-time fishing packages available. For example the barra are best at night. Some people will stay overnight in our purpose built cabins and then fish at dusk, over the night and again at dawn.” That’s keen. With the business moving ahead nicely, Steve is happy with his lot in life. When the fish aren’t biting or the customers aren’t lining up at the gate or asking silly

questions, he can sit on his veranda and enjoy the bush and a nice cold shandy! By Dos O’Sullivan For more information contact Steve and Judy Close, Closeys Fishing World, cnr Halls and Beenleigh-Beaudesert Rd, Luscombe Qld 4207. Tel: 07 5546-4407, Fax: 07 5546-4507, email: steve@closeysfishingworld.com.au Web: www.closeysfishingworld.com.au

Key Management Decisions for Closeys Fishing World include: • Stocking a range of fish species which different behaviours and activity times • Providing daytime, twilight and over night options • Book options on-line • Running events (eg. Weddings) during fishing down times.

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February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 23

FARM PROFILE

Frank Milito – Master Baiter! Frank Milito followed his father into fishing, working as a commercial bait fisherman on the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria. But he’s witnessed a significant decline in that wild fishery. So this young entrepreneur is turning to value-adding of those bait species, using aquaculture techniques as a way to increase profitability and sustainability for his industry. Some of his bait species are also being on-sold as aquarium species.

he live bait industry supplies various species of crustaceans, finfish and molluscan species for recreational fishers throughout Australia. While some are the result of by-catch from harvesting other species, a number of commercial fishers target ‘bait species’ that have no other commercial value.

Frank sorting by-catch from shrimp that have been caught. Frank feels that it is important to remove by-catch such as puffer fish which may damage or cause mortalities amongst the shrimp. Photo by Shane Willis

While not a huge compared to the $1.5 billion commercial catch, the bait industry nonetheless supports a large (and growing) recreational fishery worth many millions of dollars to regional Australia. However, like many fisheries, it has suffered declining catch rates for several key species and the question of sustainability of wild harvesting is always being raised. Gippsland Lakes (Victoria) fisherman Frank Milito believes that the future of the bait fishery is in aquaculture and that sustainable management lies in closely policing both the commercial bait and recreational fishers. Frank is highly critical

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of the way the fishery has been managed in the Gippsland Lakes over the years with little or no regulation of the take. “I have been predicting that there would be a major decline in species like sandworm this year,” he says. “Unfortunately, it looks like I am right and the worm catch has dropped off dramatically over the last few years. One of the major sandworm beds yielded 6-7 tonnes last year from an area the size of two football grounds. This year there’s not much at all left and the catch would be under 10% of last year’s.” He’s also seeing an evolution in the bait market with more demand for live bait throughout Victoria. “Originally the industry was based on catching bait species and selling them fresh or frozen. But now the market is moving more towards live as this type of bait performs better (i.e. higher fish catches).” To keep up with this market Frank has become a pioneer in live bait in the Gippsland area, convinced that the successful holding and survival of live bait relies on methods used to harvest and to purge. For the past ten years he has devoted countless hours to researching the best methods to do just that, leading to a growing interest in recirculating aquaculture systems. Harvest and transport He starts with a huge advantage – unrivalled local knowledge. Dad Pat has a lifetime’s worth; Frank too is an old hand. Together they have been able to determine the best places and times to find the desired catch depending on a myriad of factors – lunar cycles, salinity and tem-

FARM PROFILE

perature levels, tides and season. Such variability in supply can have a large impact on bait sales leading Frank to develop live holding methods to boost availability outside the normal harvesting seasons. The main species that Frank targets include sandworm (Genus species), shrimp (Genus species), cherry claw spider crabs(Genus species), bass yabbies (Genus species) and molluscs such as blue mussels (Genus species). His harvesting methods vary from trolling with specially designed bait nets to static bait traps set and left for 1-2 days. The main problem arises when Frank has very large amounts of live bait to transport. “I guess it’s nature’s way of keeping you honest. You can have a really good night but if you’re not careful you can end up losing half on the way home (from transport stress),” he says. Purging the catch prior to transporting it seems to do the trick. He keeps them in small floating crates with shade cloth liners anchored nearby in the lake. Floats keep the cage floating at the surface and a trap door allows him to easily add catch from the nets or traps. “I use the purge cage as my base of operations for the night. I anchor it in a central location and bring the bait back to it after each run. This allows me to harvest all night and to keep my bait alive.” The duration of purging varies from 1 124 hours depending on the species and the distance that Frank needs to travel back to his holding facility at Swan Reach. Self-developed protocols for water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and salinity are strictly followed, depending on whether the bait species are transported dry, in water, or damp (Frank has trialled a range of different packing materials such as sawdust, coconut fibre, straw, hessian and sponge foam). Once the bait species are packed they are transported back to the holding facility by road.

Each holding tank has a simple air-driven protein skimmer that is used to remove dissolved organics and fine solids. Photo by Frank Milito

be viable “While we decided that the sales were there, the trick was trying to maintain the animals alive for periods after the normal fishing time,” he says. “I started to look around at different systems and attended a couple of RAS (recirculation aquaculture systems) workshops in Grafton (NATFISH). “I had an idea of what I needed but couldn’t really afford to spend several thousand dollars on a system. So I put the first system together using what I had.” Consisting of a trickle filter sus-

pended over the holding tank it worked OK and he has been modifying the design ever since.” Frank now has two large (5,000L water capacity) holding systems carrying 100130 kg of stock depending on the species. “The actual biomass I hold is not high but many bait species weigh only a few grams. In 100kg there are thousands of individuals putting a heavy load on the system,” he says. These are currently held in a large threecar garage with no temperature control.

System Design Frank began designing holding systems about eight years ago when he realised that live sales of the bait species would

February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 25

FARM PROFILE

tively easy to operate, a fluctuating biomass and large numbers of bait species can prove to be difficult to manage. All the bait species are hardy estuarine species tolerating wide variations in salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen. Nonetheless, Frank aims to maintain a salinity of 20 to 25 ppt, a pH of 8.4 and a general water hardness of 200 ppm. Whilst this is a higher pH and water hardness than that occurring naturally in the Gippsland Lakes, it’s intentional. Frank wants to provide plenty of buffering capacity and assist the various crustacean species overcome stress from being held at high densities.

The stock are held in shade cloth mesh cages, seen in the foreground, suspended in the holding tanks. Photo by Frank Milito

simple but effective. The bait species are held in net cages made from shade cloth which float in the 2,000L holding tanks. Water flows from bottom of the holding tanks to a reservoir acting as a swirl separator. It is pumped through a 1,500 L upwelling filter filled with Bioblock before overflowing into a trickle filter containing another 2,000L of Bioblock. The water then gravity feeds through a Dacron mat to remove fine solids and back to the holding tanks. Water can also be passed, as needed, through an air-driven counter current protein skimmer to remove very small solids and proteins. A 500 litre fibreglass tank that is used to culture a mixed green water culture which is used to feed the shrimp. Photo by Frank Milito

But a new shed being completed this summer to house another three systems will be insulated. Nevertheless, Frank points out that the system design already allows for some regulation of the water temperature. “I don’t use heaters or anything else to control the system temperature as I have found that the system does it for me. Temperatures are no lower than 14°C and no higher than 20°C due to heat from the pumps and evaporation from the trickle filter,” he says. The design that Frank has settled on is 26 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

Originally driven by an Onga 413 pump, Frank now drives the system the Links Pump from Aquasonic. “The Ongas were good, but the Links pumps are much more economical to run. By using them I have cut my pumping costs in half.” Aeration is also important. The holding tanks are vigorously aerated using lengths of ‘leaky pipe’ driven by Neto air pumps to ensure the stressed stock has plenty of oxygen. An emergency backup generator is available in case of (fairly common) power blackouts. Water quality management Water quality management is very important. Whilst the systems are rela-

“I’ve found over the years that the higher pH and water hardness levels give better survival and give more stability to the system. A lower pH and hardness level can lead to rapid pH crashes which can result in large mortalities.” A three-monthly, 10% water exchange maintains water quality. Water is sucked from the nearby Gippsland Lakes with a fire-fighting pump into a 1,500L plastic tank set up on a trailer. “I probably need to update my water collection system but it works well and at the moment it gives me all the water I need. I don’t even make a special trip to collect it, I just bring it back on a fishing trip.” Frank also uses town water – which isn’t treated as the chlorination levels are always very low – to adjust salinity and top up any summertime evaporation losses. Any effluent water is discharged into the sewerage as trade waste to prevent potential contamination of the local waterways. Feeding of the bait species is fairly simple. As the majority of species held are crustaceans, Frank uses a Monodon grower pellet as his main feed source. This is fed at 1% of biomass per day, maintaining the health of the bait species and reducing predation / cannibalism in the systems. “I find that if you don’t feed them something the mortality rate will increase due to aggressive behaviour and cannabism, feeding definitely helps reduce this,” he explains. A mixture of microalgae species used to feed the shrimp has the added benefit of

FARM PROFILE

hopes that this will allow him to hold and grow most species for a longer time so he can supply these species out of season – and possibly all year round. Believing that breeding the main bait species will be necessary to insure long term viability, he hopes to use his new systems to begin some trial work on several species.

Frank uses simple RAS for holding his stock. The systems are home made utilising items such as fish bins and stock troughs. Photo by Frank Milito

assisting in the maintenance of water quality by removing nitrates. Frank’s green water culture is made by simply fertilising some lake water, adding light aeration and leaving it in the sun to grow. A dense culture grows in a few days. Culture density is monitored with a secchi disc ; a culture with a 250mm reading is best for feeding. “At this density the shrimp feed on it evenly; when you look at the shrimp all of them will have a green stomach,” he says. “I will feed around half of a 500 L container of green water to the shrimp 23 times per week. By keeping my two culture containers topped up I have a ready supply all the time.”

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) To allow inter-farm comparisons, each AAM farm profile details a number of key performance indicators for different aquaculture systems. Except for the comments

“I’m confident that I can breed many of the species we sell. The trick will be growing them at an economical price. I know I still have a long way to go before this happens.”

under ‘Key Management Decisions’ which

To this end Frank will soon be applying for an aquaculture permit. “I currently operate under a bait fishing license but the holding of live bait is a bit of grey area. I have had a few arguments with Fisheries (Victoria) over this, and I thought that I would beat all the red-tape by just getting an aquaculture license,” he says.

– Value adding bait species from live sales

are prepared by Dos, the information has been supplied by the farmer: • Key Management Decisions for Frank include: – On growing of small bait species for higher margins – Increasing season of bait species to meet market demand – Looking at aquaculture potential of different species – Marketing arrangements with customer networks

By Shane Willis with Dos O’Sullivan For more information contact Frank Milito, Lot 1, Princess Highway, Swan Reach, Vic 3903. Mob: 0400 564-149, email: muddy@optusnet.com.

• Culture System utilised: customised RAS. • Maximum holding period: 4 weeks • Survival rate: 80% from harvest to sale size

Frank has few problems with diseases; mortalities are generally due to harvest or transport stress and associated water quality problems. He attributes some of this to salinity changes that the bait undergoes between the Lakes and the system. “The salinity is often quite high where I catch the shrimp and crabs, and when they are put into the systems at 20 ppt, the osmotic shock kills most of the (ecto) parasites. I haven’t noticed any problems with bacterial infections, so I guess the salinity change probably reduces bacteria as well.” The future Looking to increase his holding capacity, Frank is currently organising a new 150m2 shed for several new systems. He also February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 27

FARM PROFILE

Make sure you have 27-30 August blocked out in your diary! T he Australasian Aquaculture ‘Innovation in Aquaculture’ Conference and Trade Show will bring together over 1,000 delegates from across the planet to share knowledge and showcase aquaculture’s best innovations.

Over 100 booths filled the exhibition space at the 2004 trade show. Additional booth space is available in Adelaide for Australasian Aquaculture 2006, but is selling quickly. The enormous trade show is a major drawcard for the event. Over 160 trade booths are planned to operate during the conference. People from all over the world recognise aquaculture suppliers in the Asia-Pacific region are as being innovative and are keen to check out some of the recent developments the region has to offer. “Already half the trade show is allocated to people wanting to showcase their products and services at the event,” said Bruce Zippel, Chair of the Conference Steering Committee.

28 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

Organisations interested in being part of this major international event should not waste time and contact Claudia Metti +61 (0) 8 8226 2269 for more details. The National Aquaculture Council of Australia (NAC) in partnership with the World Aquaculture Society’s Asia-Pacific Chapter (WAS-APC) and the South Australian Aquaculture Council (SAAC) will host the event. It is proudly supported by Primary Industries and Resources, South Australia (PIRSA) and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

To book your place at the biggest aquaculture tradeshow in the southern hemisphere, go to: www.australian-aquacultureportal.com/austaqua/exhibitors.html Or contact the Conference Coordinator: Claudia Metti +61 (0) 8 8226 2269

FARM PROFILE

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February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 29

FARM PROFILE

Thoroughbred Oysters commercial production.

Breeding focus to build oyster profits Five years ago, a small group – including growers of Pacific oyster from South Australia and Tasmania, plus representatives from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and the CRC (Aquaculture) – met informally at Adelaide Airport to discuss commercialising the outcomes of oyster genetic research.

t the time, FRDC-funded project into selective breeding of Pacific oysters was well underway. Run by CSIRO’s Marine Laboratories in Tasmania and the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute (TAFI) , the landmark project – “The Sustainable Genetic Improvement of Pacific Oysters in Tasmania and South Australia” – had begun developing a series of thoroughbred family lines. Employing state-of-the-art selective breeding techniques, the research team focussed its efforts on five geographically-diverse growing waters in Tasmania and SA. After six years, it had developed 160 family lines from five different gen30 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

erations, a heroic effort well recognised and valued by industry leaders. The challenge industry faced was how to commercialise that research at the conclusion of the project in September 2003. The solution was neat – licensing of the family lines and the intellectual property to a company (Australian Seafood Industries, ASI) jointly owned by the Tasmanian Oyster Research Council (TORC), the South Australian Oyster Research Council (SAORC) and the South Australian Oyster Growers Association (SAOGA) and chaired by TORC’s Barry Ryan. At the time, ASI secretary Bob Cox told

growers that faster growth was not the number one research priority. The prime objective, he said, should be consistent growth of all oysters in a batch. ASI’s selectively-bred spat aimed to deliver: • Uniform meat and shell growth • Uniform shape • Better survival The first two characteristics, he said, had the potential to cut the numbers of times stock needed to be handled. “Costs are created by the way the oyster grows through the farm, not by how fast it goes through,” he said. On survival, he noted reducing the death

FARM PROFILE

Graeme Cameron (Hatchery Manager) and Scott Parkinson at Cameron’s of Tasmania inspecting line 100.

rate would deliver more oysters and more revenue from a crop. That was not to say that speed wouldn’t deliver benefits, particularly in water utilization. But the potential gains indicated that the best benefits would come from a uniformly growing oyster with a high survival rate. ASI’s role is not to itself produce thoroughbred oyster spat for sale to farmers, ASI’s General Manager Scott Parkinson, explains. Rather it is as a custodian of the family lines, a facilitator of spat sales and a manager of ongoing selective breeding research. “We don’t actually produce hatchery seed ourselves,” he explains. “Instead we supply the broodstock to the licensed hatchery operators. They sell the spat as thoroughbred oysters and charge a royalty on top of their standard price. That royalty reverts back to ASI to keep funding the program.” As custodian of 200 family lines, ASI has a broodstock management agreement with the four oyster companies who host the genetically-enhanced oysters on their leases. “These farmers are leaders looking to the future of the industry,” says Scott. “They understand the importance of maintaining the research stock separate from their oysters and provide the infrastructure to do so.” However the oysters themselves are handled by Scott and his offsider, not the farmers.

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www.hannainst.com www.hannainst.com February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 31

FARM PROFILE

James Burke’s project in collaboration with the University of Tasmania, School of Aquaculture seeks to determine the economic cost benefits of farming selectively bred Pacific oysters.

Line 100 commercially produced by Cameron's

Similarly, oyster hatcheries keen to deliver spat from ASI’s thoroughbred broodstock sign an agreement specifying the breeding and pricing protocols to be followed. “Although hatcheries generally do their own basic selective breeding, ours is more scientifically rigorous. So hatcheries wanting to breed and sell our stock can come and see our stock and our results. “We tell them how each line is performing against the traits we’ve been looking at. They can then come out to a broodstock site, see for themselves how they’re doing and select a line that they believe will best suit their customer demands.”

He’s following the two commercial lines produced in the 2004 season through to market, collecting information from Tasmanian and South Australian growers. These results will be analysed with help from TAFI. “ASI completed a theoretical cost-benefit analysis for oyster farmers that shows savings in production costs of $20,000 per million thoroughbred oysters produced,” Scott explains. “These savings are from increased production rates, more uniform batches of oysters, reduced handlings, higher survival and increased growth rates.” But he believes these estimates had been conservative and the actual savings James documents may be considerably higher.

Currently two Tasmanian and one SA hatchery sell thoroughbred spat. Sales have risen from 4 million spat in the first year to 25 million in 2005, representing 16% of all spat sales.

“For reasons of confidentiality, we obviously don’t know who the hatcheries are selling the spat to. It’s up to us to talk often with farmers and encourage their feedback. That can be difficult because when everything’s going fine, farmers tend to just get on with it.

Whilst it may not be as fast as ASI would prefer, it’s still very substantial progress.

“Often, it’s only when there is a problem that we’re told.”

However, continuing the research has proven more of a handful.

That’s why Scott and James are so assiduous in getting around to industry functions, calling into nearby leases as they tend their stock in two states and publishing a quarterly newsletter with all the latest news.

ASI can only call on two full-time staff. Scott Parkinson is one. The other is University of Tasmania aquaculture graduate James Burke, employed by ASI under a

32 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

“There will always be those who believe selective breeding is not for them,” Scott says. “But others know that it can be hard to forecast the challenges of the future and it is best to be prepared.” What is becoming obvious is that certain seed performs very well in some bays but not as well in others. For some, that performance differential comes down to how the thoroughbred stock is managed. For example, Peter and Hayden Dyke from Oyster Bay Oysters found that their thoroughbred oysters (family line 118) had grown slightly elongates with normal handling practices. Modification of such practices prevented those tendencies. And data collected by James so far has indicated that thoroughbred oysters can outgrow 3mm baskets and seed trays if managed the same as standard hatchery seed. “To get the full benefit, farmers need to assess their stock on a regular basis and change their management to suit,” Scott continues. “For this reason, we suggest that a review of handling practices should coincide with the purchase of thoroughbred oysters.” Pushing the boundaries in progressing the selective breeding program is testing ASI’s resources. For example, the budget does not extend to the employment of a qualified research geneticist. So ASI initiated a FRDC-funded project to evaluate several cutting-edge genetic technologies considered to have potential – double haploidy, intensive inbreeding, triploidy and enhanced selective breeding. These have being scrutinised in fine detail and ‘measured’ alongside the current selective breeding program. The project established the status of each

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Family line production season 2005.

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Doing the evaluation was an expert project team: CSIRO’s Dr Peter Kube, Dr Xiaouxu Li (South Australian Research and Development Institute and Dr John Nell (NSW Fisheries) as an independent reviewer. Scott represented ASI and ASI Chairman Barry Ryan co-ordinated the project and is reporting its outcomes.

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A final outcome will be preparing a FRDC funding application for research based on the technology deemed of highest priority. In the meantime, ASI and the University of Tasmania have commenced work on a conditioning project thanks to additional funding from AusIndustry. Oysters from family line 118 are being compared to standard hatchery stock to determine if the extent and timing of conditioning processes differ significantly. The $10,000 project is also investigating the possible relationship between shell density and condition and its potential as a non-destructive condition test. Again, with this process, ASI is demonstrating an ability to leverage all available sources of funds to advance its charter. FRDC has recognised its industry leadership by continuing to sponsor its targeted activities. So too has AusIndustry with the grant paying for James’ employment and the thoroughbred conditioning work. Now the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has awarded Scott an In-Market Experience Scholarship. “During the review process, it became clear that it was important to visit other oyster research organizations overseas on a face to face basis. “We need to benchmark what we are doing to make sure we’re making the right decisions. “Because we’ve got to be so careful with every dollar we spend, I found a scholarship

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FARM PROFILE

February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 35

FARM PROFILE

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Scott Parkinson, Tom Kennedy, Jarad Poke inspecting stock.

that would fit this need and applied for it.”

Garry Zippel ASI Director(broodstock selection)

Announcing the results, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, said that “the scholarships help turn great ideas into commercial realities”. "Specifically, they enable the winners to build relationships with potential customers, undertake business or industryspecific training courses, gain experience in new areas of business and markets, and receive first-hand advice from experts.” Scott will use his funding to attend this year’s World Aquaculture Conference in Florence and then spend a week with oyster experts at France’s renowned INFREMER research organization. Clearly, ASI continues to focus on ‘lifting the bar’ in its efforts to improve commercial outcomes from its selective breeding program. “The feedback from US oyster researchers to my paper at 2004’s Australasian Aquaculture Conference was that we were leaders in our field at that time,” Scott says “even though they’ve got a very big program over there. “But we need to be, because we’ve got a

comparatively small industry and productivity is the key to how our farmers survive and thrive.”

For further information contact Scott Parkinson at ASI, 51 Belar St, Howrah TAS 7018. Phone: 03 6244 6622;

Acknowledgements As with all early commercialization companies reliance on support (in-kind and financial) from industry is vital to their success and ASI is no exception with special thanks to the following organisations; TORC, SAORC, Zippel Enterprises, Bolduans Bay Oysters, Marine Culture, Tasmanian Pittwater Oysters, Oyster Bay Oysters, Cameron’s of Tasmania and Shellfish Culture.

Fax: 03 6244 3518; Email: scottasi@bigpond.net.au February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 37

FARM PROFILE

Simple, assured management pays off for NSW silver perch farmer Production cycle All ponds are dried out between production cycles and are limed at the rate of 500kg/ha – the agricultural ground limestone is mixed with the filling water to prevent the benefits becoming locked up in the pond substrata. Nace has tried liming a dry pond but, even at rates as high as 5t/ha, he’s had better results with introducing the lime to a flooding pond. Periodic dosing with more lime keeps the pH at around 7 throughout the production cycle.

The harvesting rig at Kareema Park.

Nace’s preference is for a carbonate hardness of 40ppm or better in his ponds. Fry are stocked between January and March. Those fry stocked in late January 2004 were 400g by the end of February 2005 and 600g by that October, giving a growing cycle of 21 months.

hen Nace Parkin moved to his rural property between Port Macquarie and Kempsey (NSW mid-North coast) in 1992 and saw how much water ran through the block during the wet season, he decided he had to do something with it. So, on hearing about the aquaculture course at Grafton, he signed up. Armed with the knowledge thus gained he set up a pilot to test his skills in 1998. From the pilot he moved on to full scale production in 2001 with four 0.2ha ponds.

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Water supply is not a concern. Whilst a 15ML storage dam catches the run-off from the nearby state forest, the water from the 6ML settlement pond is recycled through the ponds. Should he decide to extend the farm to the full licence of 2.4ha, Nace can pump from the creek. And there’s an aquifer under the farm that he can tap into. Although water temperatures can fall as low as 12°C, this only last for the few weeks at the depth of winter. Fortunately he hasn’t had any winterkill syndrome, putting this down to being able to keep nutrition levels up to the fish nearly all winter. The 60m x 35m bottom draining ponds are 1.5m sloping to 2m deep. Whilst aeration is by 1.2hp paddlewheel (6hp/ha) on some ponds and 1hp aspirator (5hp/ha) on others, Nace has more confidence in the paddlewheel to keep the dissolved oxygen at safe levels. Inadequate DO levels have already cost him fish and as aspirators give up the ghost over time he will replace them with paddlewheels.

By comparison, March 2005 saw his neighbour, Alan Hambly, do a late breed and Nace took some of the 1g fry. As it transpired, that winter was mild; water temperatures only got down to 15°C and then only for a few weeks. Once the temperature fell to 18°C Nace cut the feeding rate back to 0.5% of biomass, twice a week, but the fish still fed right through the cooler months, averaging 50g by late October. They’ll probably will be ready before next summer, giving a growing time of between 18-20 months. Given that experience, Nace plans to drop his stocking rate in future back from 20,000 tails per hectare to 10,000/ha. He feels this will take the pressure off the management and produce faster growing fish. Local seedstock Nace is a strong believer that locally-bred seedstock acclimatised to local conditions do better in the ponds. To demonstrate what a mild winter and acclimatised seedstock will do he told of a crop he grew from 1g fry. Stocked at the end of January, the leaders were 400g by late

FARM PROFILE

The simple but effective purging system.

Getting ready to feed out.

October of the same year. Unfortunately he lost that particular batch due to insufficient aeration at a crucial time, but at growth rates like this, it is possible to produce silver perch under 18 months, making the species extremely commercial under the right conditions.

uses bio-balls and drinking straws as a medium and filters the entire purging volume every 15 minutes. Supplementary aeration is supplied to the tanks which can run as many as 200 fish each. A standard stocking rate is 150-200kg.

function of water flow. Prior to installing a 1.25hp Power Master Davey pump he used another of 500 watt (0.75hp). Increasing the water flow reduced the required purging time by 30% (from 10 days to seven). More time is still necessary in winter when fish metabolism slows.

Feeding Although he follows the feeding recommendations Select Nutrition’s floating diets, Nace does tend towards feeding the fish to what they’ll take. This doesn’t fall below 2% of their body weight once the water temperature holds above 20°C.

Fish remain in the purging system for two weeks (three weeks in winter) to ensure there is no off flavour, although ten days would generally be sufficient. That extra stay is for his own peace of mind and in the name of customer relations. The duration is, Nace has found, a

The economics Putting aside the cost of capital, Nace estimates the cost of production between $3.20/kg and $3.40/kg – including food, maintenance and power but not labour. He says that when people say it costs

He feeds six days a week to give the ponds a rest. If there’s feed left over after an hour he cuts back. Estimated food conversion efficiency is 1.5:1. Purging As the dam water is very good it is used in the purging system composed of three 5,000L circular tanks. Even so, it’s dosed with 500kg of ground agricultural limestone two days before stocking to help clear it as well as to boost the carbonate hardness and stabilize the pH in the system. In just a couple of days the water becomes crystal clear. The filtration system consists of a 180L sand filter and a 500L biofilter; the latter February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 39

FARM PROFILE

so, the prices we’ve been getting the last few years from the (Sydney) Fish Market have been good. We’ve only had one bad situation where someone dumped a lot of fish on the market; this brought the price down to six bucks.

Nace feeding some of his charges.

“The markets are there all right”, he says. “Silver perch are a top quality fish and are being seen more and more as a general market fish, not just for the Asian market. John and Maureen Hambly have proved that with their marketing efforts in the Hastings region”, he says.

$6/kg to grow perch, they’re including capital and labour costs.

mental impact statement and the feed and purging facilities.

Apart from the purchase of the farm, it cost $70,000 to set up the operation. That includes everything – ponds, underground pipelines, Fisheries and local council application fees, environ-

With an estimated harvest of 1.5t every 18 months from a 0.2ha, his annual crop is four tonne. By doubling the storage dam and using the material to build a fifth pond, Nace could expand that annual production to 5t and his annual gross income to between $40,000 and $45,000.

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Marketing Marketing is a touchy subject. Although selling through the Sydney Fish market is not as lucrative as the live market, Nace says the money is assured and he can do without the worry. On the other hand, to service the live markets Nace reckons he’d need his own truck and the time to drive down to Sydney to run around the distributors and restaurants. On top of that, it’s a buyers market – as it’s so well serviced – that prefers larger fish that he finds are a less cost-effective to grow. “I’ve sent down small, medium, large and extra large and the difference is a dollar,” he explains. “Why grow a fish to 800g and get (say) $9/kg for it when I can grow a 400g fish in two months less time and get $8.40/kg. Then there’s the extra feed, aeration and effort. You used to get $15/kg for the big guys; now they’ve squashed the price down. Even

The Future Like many silver perch growers Nace is sitting on the fence at this stage. “If the government put up their fees I’m out of it. With full Cost Recovery and the number of growers likely to toss it in, license fees could go up to $6,000. There goes your profit margin. “I’d be one that would walk away. It’s the worst mistake they could make. It was hard enough to get people to farm at (assurances of) 10t/ha, which is virtually unattainable and based on speculation. To then put a license fee on it as well doesn’t make sense. Then we’ve got Safe Food fees and the cost needed to upgrade our facilities to meet their standards. It’s not easy holding down a job, being a dad and a husband as well as growing and marketing fish. “And then the license isn’t transferable! You can spend a good part of your life building up the farm and the business, and then you can’t sell it with the farm. If you’ve got a hotel license you can sell it. It’s worth quite a lot of money. But if you’ve got an aquaculture license, it doesn’t go with the property. You don’t get a dollar for it.” Employing a low entry cost and running a tight budget, Nace Parkin’s operation demonstrates how a small silver perch venture can generate an income. But it’s not easy. Management is everything in this industry and spare time is at a premium. By John Mosig Nace can be contacted by phone on (02) 6561 5169, and by email on kareemapark@bigpond.com

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Best Aquaculture Practice Certification for Prawns For a number of years the term ‘World’s Best Practice’ has been used in our industry. So what does BAP actually mean? How can it be achieved? How can certification assist in our industry and products promotions? These and other crucial issues were discussed at World Aquaculture 2005, held in Bali last May. Whilst the focus was on prawns, there are many lessons for other sectors of our industry.

he implementation of Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) is seen as an important way that the industry can be viewed as good environmental stewards. Compliance with BAP can also show how aquaculturists are responsible members of the local community using the most appropriate production practices to promote sustainability. Codes of Practice (CoP, see Box Insert Definitions), Codes of Conduct (CoC) and Certification Programs are all recommended as the most appropriate way for the Aquaculture Industry as a whole, sector or individual operator can demonstrate their sustainability. So important is this issue, that members of various sectors of the aquaculture industry around the world have formed the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) (www.gaalliance.org). One of the major initiatives of the GAA was to establish the Responsible Aquaculture Program (RAP). The RAP encourages the culture of safe, wholesome seafood in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. More importantly, it is also intended to improve the efficiency and long-term sustainability of the aquaculture industry. The RAP began as a straightforward set of “Guiding Principles for Responsible Aquaculture”. The principles called for minimal ecological impacts, water conservation, improved feed and drug use and reductions in effluents. The principles were then expanded upon GAA’s ‘Codes of Practice for Responsible Shrimp Farming’. Farm operators can now evaluate the performance of their operations in such areas

as food safety, mangrove conservation, effluent discharge, chemical use and salinisation. Social issues are also discussed. After the codes were published, extensive reviews of international standards led GAA to establish a set of quantitative “Best Aquaculture Practices Standards for Responsible Shrimp Farming”. The standards deal with a huge range of issues, including: • property rights and regulatory compliance; • community and employee relations; • mangrove conservation; • effluent and sediment management; • soil and water conservation; • post-larvae sources; • drug and chemical management; • microbial sanitation, and • harvest and transport. The RAP remains a voluntary, primarily educational program. To answer the industry’s growing call for more formal recognition of sustainable practices, GAA recognised the need for an independent verification body and helped create the Aquaculture Certification Council Inc., a non-profit third party certification organization. Independent Certification The Aquaculture Certificate Council Inc (ACC) (www.aquaculturecertification.org) has also been established as a non-governmental body. The ACC applies elements of the GAA’s Responsible Aquaculture Program in a certification system that combines site inspections and effluent sampling with sanitary controls, therapeutic controls and product traceability.

Part of ACC’s mission is to help educate the aquaculture public regarding the benefits of applying best management practices and the advancing scientific technology that directs them. By implementing such standards, program participants can better meet the demands of the growing global market for safe, wholesome seafood produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The ACC offers a primarily ‘process’ rather than ‘product’ certification, with an orientation toward seafood buyers. Successful participation in the ACC program is visually represented by limited use of the ‘Best Aquaculture Practices’ certification mark. ACC currently certifies only prawn hatcheries, farms and processing plants. In the future, feed mills and analytical laboratories will be incorporated into the certification program. Once certification is fully established for prawns, other species will also be included. William R. More (known as Bill), Vice President and Director of the ACC, told World Aquaculture 2005 delegates that among the various challenges facing the aquaculture industry today is the need to identify, write and implement good CoPs and good management systems that promote sustainability. This will require the participation of all industry stakeholders. “Codes of Practice must be internationally recognised, transparent, standardized, proactive, and establish guidelines and procedures for voluntary industry self regulation,” he said. “The implemented codes must be practical and efficient. They must be designed to produce safe, February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 41

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wholesome products that provide environmental, social and economic benefits for present and future generations. The shrimp (prawn) industry is now able to combat the negative publicity through the GAA’s BAP, which is licensed to the ACC.” Bill noted that whilst the BAP codes need to be comprehensive, they had to be flexible enough for adaptation to any site in the geographically diverse industry, and affordable to both large and small farms. Whilst the codes were voluntary, Bill said it was important that a system was in place to verify compliance. The certification, auditing and verification needed to be undertaken by trained professionals. “BAP process controls and monitoring guidelines should be reviewed and verified regularly by qualified third party. They should be subject to change if they are not achieving their objectives. “To be truly sustainable, aquaculture facilities must comply with all of the principles of sustainability to include social, environmental, economic and production issues while, at the same time, realizing a profit to encourage investment to foster sustainability. “Although it is not a panacea to solve all industry problems, BAP certification can be an efficient tool to develop and enforce sustainable industry practices.” Addressing Consumer Concerns Dr Claude Boyd (Auburn University, USA) said that environmentalists were coming to the conclusion that aquaculture should be encouraged as a means of reducing the fishing pressure on natural populations of fish, shrimp, and other seafood. However, they want to encourage those kinds of aquaculture that have relatively few negative impacts. He said that it was important to know what questions consumers asked about seafood, questions such as: • Is it safe to eat? • Is the product the result of environmentally responsible production techniques? • Have socially responsible management practices been used? • What is the country of origin? • Is it wild caught or cultured? 42 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

For seafood safety, Claude said that there several layers of protection: • At the farm level – some countries have restrictions on chemicals and effluent regulations but others have none. • At the processing plant – procedures required by importing nations, e.g., HACCP. • At the entry point or importing nations – inspections, e.g., residue limits, banned antibiotics, etc. • At the buyer/distributor – specifications (mainly on quality). • At the supermarket or restaurant – specifications (mainly on quality), food handling regulations. Environmental and social performances are also of great interest to the consumer. Not only are some governments legislating such concerns into law, a number of nongovernment bodies have also been established, including many producer associations promoting responsible aquaculture. Claude pointed to one group, Environmental Defence (www.oceansalive.org/eat.cfm) who publish information on which species were okay to eat (‘Eco-best’) and which species or products were not (‘Eco-worst’). The Seafood Choices Alliance is another group (www.seafoodchoices.com/). Even the Monterey Bay Aquarium has a West Coast Seafood Guide (www.montereybayaquarium.org). Other groups also include the Audubon Society and Ecofish. Such groups have real power in influencing consumer demands. According to a survey by the Seafood Choices Alliance, over one-third of US respondents would be willing to modify seafood purchases in favour of environmentally-responsible products. Claude suggested that the major issues for certification were: • Food safety - antibiotics, pesticides and heavy metals - other potential toxins - harmful microbial contaminants • Environmental stewardship - source of brood stock and post larvae - site (legally acquired, suitable, and not in ecologically-sensitive area) - genetically modified organisms - water pollution - efficient use of resources (feed, elec-

• -

tricity, water, land, fertilizer, etc.) impacts on biodiversity farm sanitation ecological nuisances Social responsibility relationships with workers relationships with local community.

He pointed out that fish meal reduction was critical. “It is important for two reasons,” he said. “The first is that aquaculture is a major consumer of fish meal for fish meal is used in feeds. Unless aquaculture makes efficient use of fish meal, it will not enhance world fisheries production. Second, there is a finite supply of fish meal. Unless aquaculture can greatly reduce its dependence on fish meal, its expansion cannot continue for long.” He noted that this issue couldn’t be addressed at the farmer level; rather it needed to be at an international level by researchers, government agencies and international agencies. Progress is being made. Witness the US Channel catfish industry where the fish meal component in feed has been slashed from 15% to 8%. Claude also noted that crude protein levels have been reduced from 42 to 44% in the 1960s to 28 to 30% today. On the other hand, he said it was also important to calculate how much food was required to produce the dressed weight of the fish. “Despite what is claimed by some environmental groups, around 432kg of fish meal are required to produce 1 tonne of fillets.” Claude also said that the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) was conducting

The Global Aquaculture Alliance is a nonprofit, non-governmental international association whose mission is to further environmentally responsible aquaculture to meet world food needs.

F E AT U R E

a through study of issues that should be considered in certification programs for a variety of aquaculture species. Stakeholder meetings have been held for shrimp, salmon and molluscan shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels, scallops) and others planned for tilapia, rainbow trout, abalone, seaweeds and channel catfish. According to Claude, the “environmental friendliness” of the species/species groups from highest to lowest appears to be as follows: 1 Seaweed 2 Molluscan shellfish and abalone 3 Channel catfish 4 Tilapia 5 Rainbow trout 6 Shrimp and salmon. He recommended the development of certification standards, using the following steps: • An evaluation of culture systems for major production areas. • Possible negative environmental and social impacts identified. • Good practices (that prevent or minimise the negative impacts) identified. • Board stakeholder meetings be convened to discuss the issues. • Certification standards developed through collaboration with all stakeholders. He said that the process should be should be well-organized, documented, and transparent. “The certifiers should be true, third-party certifiers. The certification program should have name recognition and be perceived as trustworthy. Someone should be willing to pay more for the certified product and the producer should receive a share.” He pointed to the excellent progress being made by the Global Aquaculture Alliance together with the Aquaculture Certification Council (ACC) in their aquaculture standards. However, Clause warned industry groups moving down the certification pathway that there were still some areas of major uncertainty. For example, the following key questions are, as yet, unanswered: 1 What percentage of the population would choose a cultured product over

a wild-caught one because they thought that aquaculture did less environmental damage than fishing? 2 What percentage of the population would choose an aquaculture product certified to be safe, and produced by environmentally- and socially-responsible methods over a non-certified aquaculture product? 3 How much more would the majority of those choosing the certified product be willing to pay for it? Marine Ornamentals Certification The marine ornamental (or aquarium) trade includes around 1,800 species cultured, of which some 1,200 are fish. Valued in 1995 at more than US$100million, it is has since increased several times over. Concerns about the marine aquarium trade include: • Use of cyanide and other destructive collection methods; • Poor handling and husbandry practices; • Unnecessary animal mortality; • Collection of unwanted and/or unsuitable species; • Potential for stock depletion; • Ecosystem effect of live coral and live rock exports; • Potential for alien species introduction; • Lack of reliable data on the resources and the trade; • Limited government capacity for reef management and enforcement, and • Potential for government trade restrictions. Given that much of the trade comes from coastal areas subject to many man-made pressures, industry has taken great steps towards sustainable development, including a program to allow certification of operators undertaking best practices. Peter Scott (Marine Aquarium Council, Hawaii, www.aquariumcouncil.org) said that the MAC had developed a Mariculture and Aquaculture Management (MAM) standard to implement internationally-accepted environmental and socioeconomic test practices. Under the direction of MAC Standards and Certification Advisory Committee (SCAC), the standards were developed over a five year period of intense consul-

tation, repeated revisions and upgrades. “The standards were subject to a broad and inclusive stakeholder review and consultation both within and outside the marine aquarium sector,” Peter explained. “The process was undertaken using experts and stakeholders from around the world.” By mid-2005, three international MAC standards were in use in at least eight countries for third-party certification. These were: 1 Ecosystem and Fisher Management 2 Collection, Fishing and Holding 3 Handling, Husbandry and Transport. Each standard is accompanied by Best Practice documents advising industry operators on how they might be able to comply with the standards. “The new MAC MAM standards cover the range of marine aquarium organism cultured/handled in both the source and market countries,” Peter said. “They cover low-tech, in-situ activities right up to high-tech, land-based facilities. They include the placement of sea-cages, cultured live rock, coral propagation, growout ponds and culturing facilities. Also the general culturing activities from broodstock/post-larval receipt all the way through to grow-out to market size. Finally, the packaging and transport of cultured marine aquarium organisms are also included.” Peter said that the early success of the program was due to the fact it involved the entire chain of custody. Other key points were that the program was open and transparent, as well as consistent with the international standard ISO Guide 60 Series. February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 43

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MAC does not verify compliance with its own standards. It accredits independent third-party certification companies, which in turn assess compliance to the appropriate MAC Standard. Live Reef Food Fish Trade MAC’s Geoffrey Muldoon suggested that 90% of Southeast Asia’s reefs are threatened by human activities such as overfishing and destructive fishing. “In the face of the over-exploitation, marine aquaculture is seen as capable of reducing pressure on wild reef fish stocks and contributing to future food demand for these fish,” he said. “Aquaculture activities however, are under increased scrutiny to address their economic, environmental and social performance. The application of collaborative models for responsible, sustained fisheries is seen as a potential mechanism to address this problem.” Geoffrey discussed the development of industry standards of best-practice for

both wild-caught and aquaculture sectors of the live reef food fish trade (LRFFT). In the early 2000s, official records suggested that each year more than 18,000 tonnes of wild reef fish were caught. Some observers suggested that to this another 50% which was not reported can be added. All up that equates to a value of some US $500 million. Geoffrey said: “Over 20 Asia-Pacific countries are involved in the trade and groupers (Family Serranidae) constitute the main target species. The trade is complex with many links in the chain of custody from fishers to restaurants. Because of this it was recognised that it would be very difficult to change to consumption habits of the customers. The program still focus on the whole chain of custody.” However, over the past few years a series of voluntary standards have addressed the wild fishery, aquaculture and handling, holding, destruction and consumption sectors of the LRFFT. The standards have been collated into a manageable Took Kit, in a self contained CD. Examples of successful outcomes of this program include: • Cyanide detection testing was now capable for fish up to two hours following exposure (although it really needs to be more than eight hours); and • 90% retention in coded wire tags for traceability.

Ecolabels and quality labels are being established for products that have been certified. It is important for the certifiers, industry and environmental groups to build the credibility and consumer recognition for these labels. Examples include the Marine Stewardship Council (UK), Best Aquaculture Practices (USA), Label Rouge (France) and Naturland (Germany).

Peter Scott said the LRFFT project highlights the link between production, management and consumption and the need to engage stakeholders across the chain of custody from fishers to restaurants. “The program also addresses the unique aspects of the trade that hinder acceptance and adoption of responsible bestpractices, the strengths of using regional organizations and the collaborative role of government and non-government agencies to develop and implement them.” “The requirements for aquaculture of the fish form a significant part of the LRFFT Standard. Field testing of the standard was undertaken in Thailand and Indonesia the two major suppliers of LRFF, who are developing their capacity to undertake full-cycle production of grouper

44 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

species. Included within the field testing program were hatcheries in Indonesia that are successfully rearing a suite of grouper and snapper species from eggs including the Highfin grouper (Cromileptes altivelis), Tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus), Green grouper (E. coioides) and Mangrove snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) which are supplied to farmers for land-based and seacage grow-out nearby the hatcheries. Thailand currently has one hatchery, operated by the Department of Fisheries, based at Krabi in Phuket, Southern Thailand, which provides a small quantity of Green grouper for nearby farmers for land-based and sea-cage grow out.” He emphasised that the international LRFFT Standard includes requirements for aquaculture that: • Observe relationship between aquaculture and wild fisheries in harvest/ collection of seed, juveniles or feed. • Promote practices that improve survival of wild-caught larvae and juveniles and improve food quality and safety including chemical use in hatcheries and grow out farm; grow out farm siting and habitat interactions; feed supply and management; fish health management, including movements. Eco-friendly Labelling According to Daniel O’C. Lee (Marine Science Laboratories, Gwynedd, UK), consumers need reliable information about the nature and origin of their foods to make informed choices. “To date there has been poor information on aquaculture products, particularly their environmental ‘friendliness’.” Daniel believes that environmentalists have become very active in alerting consumers to the negative environmental impacts of the aquaculture industry, “In essence this is a positive development because consumers need to make informed choices about what they buy,” he said. “But improvements go unnoticed. For example, the release of waste nitrogen from salmon farming in Norway is now one-sixth of its level 30 years ago; the amount of feed required is less than half and the use of antibiotics is less than 0.5% of what it was 10 yrs ago.

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Definitions Code of Practice: Specific practices (guidelines and standards) used in the implementation of the Codes of Conduct. For instance, the Codex Alimentarius is referred to as Codes of Practice – not Codes of Conduct. This would be what the ACC refer to as Guidelines and Standards on their website. Code of Conduct: A series of more or less general statements addressing aspects of behaviour and desirable practice in a certain industry or activity. Often built around a statement of underlying principles relating to responsible behaviour and covering subjects such as safety, respect for the environment and the wider public interest. Usually developed following stakeholder consultation. The CoC for shrimp (prawns) was written for the GAA

“Unfortunately some green pressure groups advocate boycotts of aquaculture products in a very indiscriminate manner – promising to inflict economic damage without providing incentives for responsible producers to improve their environmental record. On top of this, certain groups are ideologically opposed to economic development and give a wholly negative view of aquaculture to promote their anti-globalisation agendas.” Daniel said that a much more balanced and pragmatic approach was needed. “The way forward is for consumers and major buyers to be able to identify and select eco-friendly aquaculture products and thereby send positive market signals to responsible producers. Rather than boycotts, the requirement is for marketdriven, eco-labelling schemes based on internationally recognised standards verified by independent 3rd party certifiers. And importantly in this regard, globalisation can play a very constructive role in accelerating the worldwide spread of best management practices.” He said that Eco-labels and Quality Assurance Marks were being established for products that have been certified. “It is important for the certifiers, industry and environmental groups to build the credibility and consumer recognition for these labels.”

by Claude Boyd and Jason Clay (World Wildlife Fund for Nature) and other industry stakeholders.

body other than one controlled by a producer or buyer is the correct terminology for a third party auditor.

Third Party Audit: Undertaken by a totally independent, and certified, person/group. An audit undertaken by an organization or agency where the auditors have no interest or participation in the facility they are auditing. The concept is that they are independent. ACC is an independent corporation who licenses codes from the GAA but does not write them and we use independent certifiers to certify for us. They are trained by us but they are not paid by the ACC – nor do they pay the ACC any fees for their services when they certify. A third party certification program by a technically and otherwise competent

First Party Audit: Undertaken by in-house personnel. Internal audit, for instance, a prawn company doing their own audits of their own facilities with their own plant auditors.

Examples include: • Best Aquaculture Practices (USA), through the ACC • Marine Stewardship Council for Wild Fisheries (UK) • Label Rouge (Quality label from France) • Naturland (Organic label from Germany) “Green activists oppose globalisation because they fear it will encourage a ‘race to the bottom’, with poorly regulated industries competing furiously on price and disregarding the environment. Economists on the other hand reassure us that, in the longer-term, poor countries will improve their environmental records as, through economic development (enhanced by globalisation), their citizens become wealthier and come to enjoy, like rich westerners, the luxury of taking a longer term outlook on their life and surroundings. “In the meantime,” said Daniel, “Rather than just waiting for this gradual economic tide to deliver a greener planet, there is an immediate need to promote consumer power and to drive up social and environmental standards in the aquaculture industry.” Daniel explained that large corporations, such as multi-national supermarkets and seafood buyers, often incurred the wrath of green pressure groups but in reality,

Second Party Audit: Undertaken by a Trade Association or group that is associated with the company. The true definition of a second party audit is that which is undertaken by the supplier. http://manaxis.com/auditor_training.htm; http://www.cepaa.org/Accreditation/ AuditorCertificationProgram.htm

with reputations and brand names to protect, they were very responsive to consumer concern about social and environmental issues and are well positioned to drive up global standards. He used the example of a chain of UK supermarkets to show how purchasing power has been applied to reinforce social and environmental standards in prawn farms in Central America. A recent BBC documentary ‘The price of prawns’ showed how Marks & Spencers force their aquaculture suppliers to adhere to codes of conduct. Such measures have succeeded in undermining the attempts of a green pressure group, Environmental Justice Foundation, to portray the prawn industry in Honduras as a social and environmental disaster. Daniel said there were four requirements to reward responsible farmers:

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F E AT U R E

1 Increased consumer awareness 2 Development of global standards and eco-label schemes 3 Support (increased purchases) from retailers and the food service industry 4 Development of reliable independent information to enable discrimination by the purchasers / consumers. The use of independent certifiers, such as the Aquaculture Certification Council (ACC), was recommended. He suggested that the BAP program, for which the ACC certifies compliance, can act as a positive model for the industry. “It incorporates a global standard and an ecolabel, and it is underpinned by independent 3rd party certification. “Some major players in the wholesale seafood industry in the USA are already throwing their weight behind the BAP program and supplies of shrimp (prawns) from certified sources are steadily increasing. This clearly demonstrates that the industry is responding to environmental and social concerns and is actively developing a sustainable future.” By Dos O’Sullivan For more information contact: • Aquaculture Certification Council, Inc (ACC). 5661 Telegraph Road, Suite 3A, St. Louis, Missouri 63129 USA. Telephone: +1-425-825-7935, Fax: +1-425-650-3001, Web: www.aquaculturecertification.org, email: info@aquaculturecertification.org • Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA). 5661 Telegraph Road, Suite 3A, St. Louis, Missouri 63129 USA. Telephone: 314-293-5500, Fax: 314-2935525, email: homeoffice@gaalliance.org, Web: www.gaalliance.org. • Peter Scott and Geoffrey Muldoon, Marine Aquarium Council, 923 Nu’uanu Ave, Honolulu, H1 96817, USA. Email: info@aquariumcouncil.org, Web: www.aquariumcouncil.org. www.livefoodfishtrade.com • Daniel O’C. Lee, CAMS, Marine Science Laboratories, Menai Bridge, Gwynedd, LL59, 5AB, UK. Email: d.lee@bangor.ac.uk. 46 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

BAP Certification Mark The Aquaculture Certification Council, Inc. effectively interconnects links in the seafood production chain by certifying processing plants, farms and hatcheries – as well as feed mills and analytical laboratories in the near future – via a central system of standards and administration. ACC certification indicates that aquaculture facilities apply accepted and approved best management practices to ensure food safety and social and environmental responsibility throughout their operations. To express their participation in ACC’s certification program, ACC-licensed buyers and certified facilities in good standing may use the ‘Best Aquaculture Practices’ certification mark in advertising and product labelling as specified in their contractual agreements with ACC. The BAP mark does not certify the condition, quality or food safety status of final aquaculture products. Unauthorized use of the trademarked BAP mark will be vigorously prosecuted under applicable civil and criminal laws.

Star System for Wholesale Use To assist buyers in identifying seafood processed by ACC-certified facilities, certified processing plants shall apply labels of ACC design to all master cartons that contain more than 5 lbs (2.27 kg) of product. The labels reflect the ACC certification status of the product sources through a “four-star” system. Wholesale packaging for all aquaculture shrimp processed at ACC-certified plants shall be labelled with the “one-star” mark (see above). The second star shall be marked when the shrimp were produced at an ACCcertified farm and packed at an ACC-certified processing plant. Marking of the third and forth star means the shrimp received feed manufactured at an ACC-certified feed mill, and post-larvae were produced at an ACCcertified hatchery, respectively. Electronic artwork and printing guidelines for BAP carton labels are sent to program participants upon final facility certification or buyer licensing. Labels shall be printed in Pantone reflex blue or black ink on a white background. Individual participants are responsible for label printing expenses.

Promotional Use ACC buyers and facilities may also use the Best Aquaculture Practices certification mark on printed office, promotional or advertising materials for their companies. Such us shall not be misleading and/or imply product certification, as ACC’s program is a process

certification. Electronic artwork and print guidelines for these applications are sent to program participants upon final facility certification or buyer licensing.

Guiding Principles for Responsible Aquaculture As presented in the GAA publication ‘Codes of Practice for Responsible Aquaculture’ companies and individuals engaged in aquaculture, singularly and collectively shall: 1 Coordinate and collaborate with national, regional, and local governments in the development and implementation of policies, regulations, and procedures necessary and practicable to achieve environmental, economic, and social sustainability of aquaculture operations. 2 Utilize only those sites for aquaculture facilities whose characteristics are compatible with long-term sustainable operation with acceptable ecological effects, particularly avoiding unnecessary destruction of mangroves and other environmentally significant flora and fauna. 3 Design and operate aquaculture facilities in a manner that conserves water resource, including underground sources of fresh water. 4 Design and operate aquaculture facilities in a manner that minimizes effects of effluent on surface and ground water quality and sustains ecological diversity. 5 Strive for continuing improvements in feed use and shall use therapeutic agents judiciously in accordance with appropriate regulations and only when needed based on common sense and best scientific judgement. 6 Take all reasonable measure necessary to avoid disease outbreak among culture species, between local farm sites, and across geographic areas. 7 Take all reasonable steps to ascertain that permissible introductions of exotic species are done in a responsible and acceptable manner and in accordance with appropriate regulations. 8 Cooperate with others in the industry in research and technological and educational activities intended to improve the environmental compatibility of aquaculture. 9 Strive to benefit local economies and community life through diversification of the local economy, promotion of employment, contributions to the tax base and infrastructure, and respect for artisanal fishers, forestry, and agriculture.

RESEARCH

Diet savings in tilapia could help silver perch growers The material was heat treated to kill all microorganisms, dried and ground to pass through a 2mm sieve. Four experimental diets were formulated and fed throughout 140 days. Diets were formulated to contain PBPMW and HBPMW each at replacement levels of 0, 25% and 50% of the fishmeal in the control diet (14%). The composition and chemical analysis of the experimental diets are shown in (Table 1). All formulated diets were isocaloric (4300 kcal /GE/kg DM) and isonitrogenous (30% CP) and formulated to cover the nutrients requirement of tilapia according to the National Research Council (1993). Aeration is simple. As the water level in the raceway falls due to being used on an irrigated crop it is maintained, at the same time boosting DO levels are boosted. Due to the high evaporation, water use is more or less continuous. Note the fodder crop used to produce milk and meat behind Ataallah.

esearch work carried out in Egypt by Abdel-Tawwab A.A.M. and Ahmad Metwalli in Egypt for the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries could save Australian silver perch growers money on their feed bills and get their fish out of the ponds faster while at the same time reduce the reliance of fish meal in silver perch diets. These are goals long sought by industry and researchers alike. Tilapia aquaculture is a major source of fish protein around the world and Australia’s silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) has often been compared with it. Feed generally makes up 50% of the cost of production – in well run operations it can be as high as 80% – so it has a significant impact on the economics of aquaculture. Any saving on food cost has the potential to be beneficial to the grower. Abdel-Tawwab and his colleagues identified protein as the most expensive component in the diet and decided to tackle that in order to reduce the cost of the feed without compromising the FCR and growth rates. Expensive fish and soybean meals are the major protein sources

in fish diets. Abdel-Tawwab said that the utilization of by-products is considered a partial solution in the quest for relatively cheap fish feeds. The trials partially replaced fishmeal in the ration fed to Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) over 140 days, from June to November 2002. The 100 x 30g fingerlings per replicate were selected randomly and four trials were undertaken using poultry by product meal (PBPMM) and (poultry) hatchery by product meal (HBPMM). The trials compared replacing 50% of the fishmeal with both by products and a third replacing half the fish meal with equal proportions of each by product. Three replicates of each treatment were done as well as three control replicates. The fish were fed four times a day, six days a week. The diets contained 30% crude protein and 4,300 kcal/kg. The poultry by-product waste consisted of viscera, feet, heads and beaks and necks processed as meat meal. The hatchery by-product waste consisted of egg shells, dead chicks, and sterile eggs.

Water Quality Parameters Water quality was well within accepted parameters for tilapia. Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations ranged from 5.1mg/L to 8mg/L. Temperatures ranged from 27.8ºC to 31°C. Maximum TAN readings were 0.03mg/L and pH values between 7.85 and 8.63. Turbidity varied from 28.9cm to 36.5cm, being highest in November and lowest in August. Mortality percentages ranged between 2% to 5% in all treatments. Interestingly, the mortalities recorded were due to crowding during fish weighing, which was carried out fortnightly. Condition factor (K) The trial had a commercial focus and one of the aspects taken into account was the condition factor (K). Values of K were estimated during the experimental period based on weight and length using the following equation: K=

Body weight in g Body length in mm

x 100

The four treatments of the experiment were carried out in net cages 5m x 4m x 1.5m deep, each stocked with Nile tilapia fingerlings at a density of 100kg fish per cage (3.3kg/m3). Each one dietary treatment was represented in three repliFebruary/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 47

RESEARCH

Table 1: Economic efficiency for production of one kg gain of Tilapia fed different treatments.

Ataallah Abdel-Tawwab feeding tilapia in an integrated farm. The water is used to grow tilapia in the raceway before it is used to grow agriculture crops.

cate cages. At the start of the experiment, 50 fish were taken randomly for whole body analysis and kept frozen at 4°_ till analysis was performed. The ration that replaced 50% of the fish meal proved the most efficient, both economically and biologically. Table 1 demonstrates some of the economic benefits. The K Factor, regarded highly commercially, where lean meat deposition reflects on meat recovery if the fish are to be filleted, was also highest for the 50% PBPM replacement diet. At 2.27, the nearest to it was the control ration at 1.95. The 50% HBPM replacement diet came in at 1.68.

Items

Control

7% P.B.P.M

3.5% P.B.P.M 3.5% H.B.P.M

7% H.B.P.M

Cost/ton feed

1,619

1,392

1,389

1,380

Reduction in feed cost %

14.02%

14.20%

14.76%

FCR

1.49

1.32

1.50

Feed cost/kg gain

2.41

1.84

1.93

2.07

% Reduction feed cost/kg growth

23.65%

19.92%

14.11%

The figures are in Egyptian pounds. The conversion rate is 1£E = AUD.23¢, making the cost of the most efficient diet AUD320. a feed cost that would be most welcome amongst Australian growers. However, like many scientific experiments of this nature, these prices are for the raw material cost only. Manufacturing and distribution costs would have to be considered. I have checked the current retail price of the ingredients and came up with the following raw material costs. Diet 1 = $585/t; Diet 2 = $523/t; Diet 3 = $523/t nad Diet 4 = $519/t.

Table 2: Composition and calculated analysis of the experimental diets Ingredients

Control

7% P.B.P.M

3.5% P.B.P.M 3.5% P.B.P.M

7% H.B.P.M

Fishmeal (72%)

Soybean meal (44%) 36

P.B.P.W (60%)

3.5

H.B.P.W (36%)

3.5

The average weight of the fish on the 50% replacement PBPM diet was equally impressive. At 321g they left the others in their wake. The nearest was the 25% PBPM replacement diet at 289g: an 11% advantage. The advantage over the control diet was a massive 19.3%.

Yellow Corn

Corn Oil

100

The premix contained the following levels of ingredients per kg: IU vit A; D3;66.1328 IU vit E;40mg B12;13.288 Riboflavin; 110.230mg Niacin;22.046mg pantithenic acid; 3968Mg Menadione, 2205mg folic acid 2968mg Thiamin, 93mg vit B6, 25mg D.Biotin and 200mg Ethoxyquin. The mineral premix contained the following amounts/kg: 60mg Zn; 60mg Mn; 40Mg Fe; 5mg Cu; 1-25 1 and 0.5 Co.

Crude Protein %

30.06

30.27

30.48

30.34

GE/Kcal/kg DM

4350.6

4343.7

4348.3

4349.7

Lysine %

1.521

1.513

1.511

1.506

Methionine %

0.685

0.673

0.665

0.659

E.P. ratio %

145

144

143

145

Price £.E./ton

1,619

1,392

1,389

1,380

Dr. Abdel-Tawwab felt the poor performance of the HBPM diets might have been due to that product’s deficiency in the important amino acid lysine. By John Mosig Ataallah Abdel-Tawwab can be contacted by email on ataallah_6@hotmail.com

48 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

Vit. Min premix* Total

Calculated Analysis

Over 140 days, with fortnightly disturbances for weighing, a process so severe as to cause mortalities, the quickest growing tilapia gained 290g at a specific growth rate of 1.65%. These are remarkable figures and it is no wonder that the species underwrites one of the fastest growing global aquacultures. It is also a popular fish in the marketplace, making huge inroads in the US and found in Asian fishmongers here in Australia, flown in fresh from South East Asia. But the important message to Australian silver perch growers is that there is a good reason to trial food processing sector waste product in an attempt to reduce their feed costs.

TECHNOLOGY

YSI introduces maximum-versitility handhelds for lab and field ‘ t’s Time to Go Pro’ with seven NEW Professional Series Instruments. The easiest, most versatile handheld solution for spot sampling in the field or lab. Simply choose the Pro Series model, cable length and probes that are right for your specific application, from aquaculture to surface water to wastewater and more.

The development of the Professional Series monitors was solely in response to listening to customer requests and requirements. Gayle Rominger, YSI senior vice president and general manager, states: “ The features and extra versatility are exciting for customers, but we think the big story here, is that we’re listening to our customers on a whole new level, and responding to their needs. With the customer service process we have in place, our customers feedback is given directly to an integrated development team that includes R&D, manufacturing, customer and technical support, and other key areas of the business. The Pro Series represents our product-development model where the customer is at the forefront of our decision making process” The flagship of the Professional Series, YSI Professional Plus is feature packed and accommodates any combination of Pro Series probe, cable and accessory.

This compact handheld allows you to instantly change probes and cables. You determine what you want the instrument to measure and display. Choose your own combination of various parameters: • Ammonium, Chloride, Conductivity, DO, Nitrate, ORP, pH, Temperature • 1,000 data-set memory with GLP event logging • Interval or single-event logging capability • Easy-to-use software to manage all your data including user-specific site ID.

instrument options, offering user-selectable cable lengths (all include Temperature) and various cable lengths. • YSI Pro1020: Any one ISE and DO; a pH/ORP combo probe: and choice of galvanic or polarographic probe • YSI Pro1030: Any one ISE and Conductivity; and a pH/ORP Combo Probe • YSI Pro2030: DO and Conductivity • YSI Pro10: Any one ISE, plus pH/ORP combo probe or dual ISE capabilities (depending on cable selected) • YSI Pro20: DO • YSI Pro30: Conductivity

The other YSI Professional Series models have specific single and dual probe For supply and pricing please contact you local Aquaculture YSI agent Aquasonic Pty Ltd, www.aquasonic.com.au, sales@aquasonic.com.au, ph 02 65864933 or fax 02 65864944.

DOLPHIN PLASTICS Manufacturers of quality plastic bags, tubes, sheeting …. Supplying the Aquaculture and Fishing Industries Australia wide. 4 Machinery Ave, Warana, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4575 www.dolphinplastics.com E: info@dolphinplastics.com Tel: 07 5493 4133 Fax: 07 5493 4122

February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 49

TECHNOLOGY

BST oyster supplies French connection W

hen BST Oyster Supplies developed the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Adjustable Longline Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in 1991 their sights were set on the world. Now in 2005, after many years of research and development, the BST system receives global interest from oyster farmers eager to try this labour saving system. With distributors of this unique oyster grow-out system already in place throughout Australia, as well as America, New Zealand and the UK, BST has much pleasure to announce the appointment of Yannick Brument as the

Companion set of

BST Distributor in France (email: elastique.brument@wanadoo.fr) Yannick, who has signed a five year distribution agreement for the system in France, is a respected and well known figure in the French oyster industry. This contract comes about by the growing success of the BST system in England, Scotland and Ireland. A majority of the French oyster farmers use the traditional fixed trestle method, where oysters are at the mercy of the elements. Unlike this trestle method the BST Adjustable Longline System gives

Aquaculture Books The revised editions of The Australian Fish Farmer and The Australian Yabby Farmer are now available on mail order. Both are cram-packed with information for both the seasoned fish farmer and the new entrant to the industry. They take the reader through the key performance indicators that need to be recognized and understood and look at basic drivers that ensure the viability of an aquaculture operation.

ABN 83 006 674 586

Phone John on (03) 9817 3043, or email mosig@netspace.net.au 30 Cecil Street, Kew 3101

50 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

the oyster farmer the ability to raise and lower the height of the oyster bags on the line, thereby giving them more control over their end product. BST Oyster Supplies have developed and marketed an innovative range of products that suit the Adjustable Longline System, designed to minimise handling and encourage optimal growth. Trials of the BST System have been conducted in France, which have resulted in a 40% overall improvement of the oysters shell growth and meat condition, however these trials were not conducted under a tight control, therefore allowing room for improvement. The oysters have grown rapidly in the BST system and are expected that they will reach market size in European conditions in less time than is currently experienced with more traditional methods. New trials of the BST system in France will be conducted in the European Spring, which will follow a concise protocol. The results from these trials hopefully will help prove the advantages of the BST Adjustable Longline System over the traditional trestle methods used throughout Europe.

For more information contact : BST Oyster Supplies P/L Tel: 08 8629 6013 Email: bst.oysters@bigpond.com Web: www.bstoysters.com

TECHNOLOGY

Smo-King Ovens releases new Smokehouse Sydney based commercial smokehouse manufacturer Smo-King Ovens Pty Limited has built a new smokehouse designed specifically for fish smoking. The new model provides true reversing horizontal airflow which allows the smokehouse to be heavily loaded with products on racks while ensuring consistent processing of the full load. It is also well suited for processing hung product such as whole fish. Innovative airflow design using a reversing axial flow fan enables the airflow direction within the smokehouse to be changed by automatic positioning of just two moveable flaps. The interval between changes of airflow direction is simply programmed and stored in the smokehouse controller by the user to suit the products to be processed. The first model of the new range is a trolley loaded smokehouse equipped with a 1.8 metre high trolley which holds fifteen 1 metre x 0.94 metre product racks. It was built to suit the needs of a New Zealand based fish processor to replace his existing old style smokehouses. The smokehouse can also be built to accommodate trolleys up to 2 meters high. The new smokehouse is constructed from grade 304 stainless steel and has all functions such as processing time, fan speed, smokehouse temperature, food core temperature, steam generation, smoke generation and vent damper positioning controlled by a Smo-King Ovensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; purpose built microprocessor controller. A built in smokehouse cleaning assistance system sprays cleaning solution followed by a fresh water rinse. Smokehouse temperature and food core temperature can be easily down loaded from the controller to a food processorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PC to accommodate food safety plans. Smoke generation is available from a recycling separate smoke generator system when long period smoking is required or from a smoke generator built into the smokehouse door when

shorter smoke periods will suit. While the new range can be supplied to suit any food smoking, steam or dry cooking and food drying application, the availability of reversing horizontal airflow makes it particularly suited to demanding fish smoking applications which require the removal of large amounts of water from the product. It can be set up for both hot and cold smoking. The new products will be of interest to the growing Australian aquaculture industry looking to value add. The new model extends the Smo-King Ovens smokehouse range which are used for hot and cold fish smoking in Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and the Middle East

For more information contact: John Hodgkinson Managing Director Smo-King Ovens Pty Limited 19/28 Vore Street Silverwater NSW 2128 Australia Phone: 02 9648 8048 Fax: 02 9748 8001 Email: ovens@smo-kingovens.com Web: www.smo-kingovens.com.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

www.aquafauna.com Buy direct from the Australian distributor Contact Aquatic Diagnostic Services Int. P/L Call: 04 0972 7853 Fax: 07 3352 6689 Email: dhudson@hypermax.net.au February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 51

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FISHENEWS

ABALONE ABALONE FARM TO BE DEVELOPED The abalone farm proposed by Australian Bight Abalone at the Goat Island/St Peter island location is to be developed over the next twelve months. Eventually there’ll be as many as 80 sea cages holding abalone stock bred from local animals, on two 40ha leases. Development has been approved subject to a range of conditions, including a detailed harm minimisation strategy to protect seabirds and marine mammals. There have been submissions both for and against the development, prepared by a range of interested parties. The company already operates a lease at Elliston, and has another proposal not yet submitted to the Development Assessment Commission. Late in December, members of the Friends of Elliston, a community group opposing the development, found debris from the trial lease washed up on the Eyre Peninsula coastline following inclement weather. However it’s not yet known whether the debris – abalone baskets – had broken free from the lease structures during the recent bad weather or had been loose in the sea for some time. There are concerns such material may prove a threat to animals from a nearby sea lion breeding colony. Source: West Coast Sentinel (15/12/2005 & 22/12/2005).

DECISION LOOMS ON PINDIMAR ABALONE FARM At the next meeting of the Great Lakes Council, a decision will be made on whether land-based abalone farming will be allowed on a site at Pindimar South. The Great Lakes Council planning and environmental services department has recommended it be approved subject to 62 conditions. However there's been strong opposition to the proposal by the Pindimar Bundabah Community, based on the selected site and the effects of the farm's operation. Source: Peter Baker in the Great Lakes Advocate (1/2/2006).

GREENS' SENATOR BROWN ON ELLISTON AB FARM Greens Senator Bob Brown has been criticised after he expressed his concerns on the further development of an offshore abalone farm near Elliston. He's demanding a guarantee the local Australian Sea Lion population will not be threatened by the development. There are concerns the animals will become entangled in ropes and other components of the farm. Member for Flinders Liz Penfold said it was ludicrous Mr Brown's comments were taken seriously when he hadn't looked at the project. A spokesman for the company involved with the project, Australian Bight February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 53

FISHENEWS

Abalone, advises that neither Senator Brown, his office or his party have contacted them for details of allegations concerning the operations of the business. The spokesman said the company was not surprised by Mr Brown's 'uninformed and unsubstantiated comments'. Mr Brown has been in touch with the Friends of Elliston group, which opposes the development. He's to raise the matter in Federal Parliament. On Australia Day, Australian Bight Abalone was awarded the Elliston District Council Business of the Year Award. Source: Billie Harrison in the Port Lincoln Times (2/2/2006).

BARRAMUNDI BRITISH BARRAMUNDI Businessman Les Green has set up a barramundi farm in Hampshire, England at a cost of $8 million. He has an arrangement to supply fish to the supermarket chain Waitrose and 150 restaurants. Source: Gold Coast Bulletin (20/1/2006).

ROSS RIVER GETS 9,000 BARRAMUNDI Members of the Twin Cities Fishstocking Society have released 9,000 barramundi fingerlings into the Ross River, at Aplin and Gleeson weirs. The fish, at $0.5 each, bring to 250,000 the total number of fish released into the waterway since 1992.

MARKETING MARKETING SA SHELLFISH Bob Simmonds operates Simmonds Seafood Marketing Agency in SA. Many people know him as ‘Oyster Bob’, and he’s been helping people sell their product since 2000. In 2005 he marketed about 18-20 million oysters valued at $8 million, from Smokey Bay, Cowell, Streaky Bay, Ceduna, and Coffin Bay. About 40 per cent of the State’s oysters pass through his Regency park cold stores. From a start with half a dozen growers, Mr Simmonds now has 37 producers. The business also markets Coorong cockles and scallops, and will soon be marketing Yorke Peninsula mussels. Source: Nigel Austin in the Adelaide Advertiser (221/1/2006).

MUSSELS OHS COURSE FOR COCKBURN SOUND MUSSEL FARMERS Six licensed Cockburn Sound mussel farmers and their staff have participated in an occupational health and safety course organised by the Aquaculture Council of WA. Held in Rockingham, the course was backed by AAA FarmBis. Source: Weekend Courier – Rockingham (16/12/2005).

Source: Daniel Bateman in the Townsville Bulletin (19/12/2005).

O T H E R C R U S TA C E A N S

EELS LAKE BOLAC EELS DYING EPA Victoria has been investing the water quality of Lake Bolac in the face of the deaths of thousands of eels. Scores of the creatures have washed up on the lake’s shores since mid-December. Early studies show that the lake’s salinity and temperature are both greater than normal, though there are no visible signs of pollution or algal blooms. Loss of the eels threatens the aquaculture industry in the area. There’s a possibility of commercial fishers rescuing eels, estimated at around 150 tonnes, from the lake under a fullscale salvage operation, although approval for this option hasn’t yet been requested. There have been calls for more sustained and more detailed water quality monitoring in south-west lakes and streams. However funds for the work are not available. An action plan for the lake and its catchment is expected to be completed in the next four months. There are suggestions retention of water on farms because of plantations, dams and surface water diversion is a bigger issue than ten years ago. Several other water bodies significant to aquaculture in the region have failed in recent years. In 2005 there were eel deaths in 14 southern Victorian water bodies. An investigation by the EPA and other organisations failed to determine a probable cause for the events. Source: Terry Sim in the Warrnambool Standard (11/1/2006 & 12/1/2006).

54 Austasia Aquaculture | December/January 2006

LOBSTER WILDCATCH INDUSTRY QUESTIONS RESEARCH The WA lobster wildcatch industry has questioned the science behind a western rock lobster research program, suggesting outcomes with respect to aquaculture could harm the established fishery. Aquaculture attempts with the species are fraught with difficulty because of the complicated early stages of the life cycle. However research has shown that there are very large numbers of juvenile – 20mm in length – lobsters off the coast, 95 per cent of which are lost to predators. Some of these could be harvested and grown out, providing stocks for sale in what is traditionally the off-season. WA Department of Fisheries researchers have shown that the lobster has the ability to thrive under aquaculture conditions, even under intensive stocking. Wild juveniles – pueruli – could be grown to legal size within three years. Even so, Steven Gill, executive director of the Western Rock Lobster Council (WRLC), observes that the suggestion removing two million juvenile lobsters from the biological chain would not affect sustainability is wrong. WRLC member John Fitzhardinge observes that a wait of two and a half to three years for a farmed animal to grow to size is a long time for a return of $23 per kilo, and doubts the feasibility of farming the species. WRLC, while initially supporting the research, will not continue to do so until there’s been a public debate over where the resources and research will be allocated. There’s also the issue of

FISHENEWS

Department of Fisheries policy on the lobster fishery with, on the one hand, a recent reduction in effort of 15 per cent to ensure sustainability, and a proposal to collect two million pueruli for growout. Source: Jennifer Eliot in the West Australian (21/12/2005); Mandurah Mail (22/12/2005); Joanna Prendergast in the Geraldton Guardian (23/12/2005); Mid-West Times (29/12/2005).

O T H E R F R E S H W AT E R F I S H A FISH BRED SPECIFICALLY TO COMBAT THE MOSQUITO Cairns City health authorities have bred a native fish which targets mosquito larvae in brackish water. The empire gudgeon has appeared following nine years of stocking waterways with the eastern rainbow. Some 95,000 rainbows have been released, with encouraging results. However the eastern rainbow is confined to freshwater, while the empire gudgeon also enjoys more saline areas. Assuming enough have been produced by the end of the Wet Season, it’s likely the fish will first be tried in the swamps of North Cairns and Aeroglen. Source: Peter Wex in the Cairns Post (18/1/2006).

COUNCIL AND STUDENTS RELEASE MURRAY COD Students from The Lagoon Public School have worked with the Bathurst Regional Council to release 15,000 Murray Cod fingerlings into Ben Chifley Dam. The release was arranged under the department of Primary Industries and NSW Fisheries dollar-for-dollar scheme established from the sale of fishing licences. There have been several releases into the Dam since recreational licences became compulsory. Source: Western Advocate (19/12/2005).

BASS INTO LAKE BORUMBA Lake Borumba Fish Stocking Association members have released 40,000 bass fingerlings into the lake at several points. They intend soon to release golden and silver perch. Funds for the release of bass came from the Cooloolal Shire Council – $5,000, and the State Government Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme – $12,000. Source: Nev McHarg in the Gympie Times (20/12/2005).

COD IN – CARP OUT Members of Carpbusters have released 6,900 Mary River Cod fingerlings into the Logan and Albert Rivers catchment in their drive to get carp out of the area. The juveniles were sourced from the Lake MacDonald hatchery at Cooroy. It’s a largely community-run facility taking advantage of assistance from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. The fingerlings were supplied under the Mary River Cod Recovery Program. Source: Beaudesert Times (7/12/2005).

RE-STOCKING PROGRAM IN THE WARWICK AREA Some 5000 Murray Cod have been placed in Leslie Dam and, over the next few weeks there’ll be further additions in the area. Leslie Dam will receive 90,000 golden perch and 10,000 silver perch. The Connolly Dam will get 200 Murray Cod, 1,500 silver perch and 6,500 golden perch. Some 2,000 Murray Cod, 2,000 silver perch and 10,000 golden perch will be placed in the Condamine River. The fingerlings will cost $26,687. The Leslie and Condamine Dam stockings will be paid for under the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme. The Condamine River stocking will be paid for by Warwick Fish Stocking Association membership fees, a Warwick Shire Council contribution, and the Fish Enhancement Program. Fingerlings will be sourced from the Granite Belt Fish hatchery, Hanwood Fish Hatchery and Sunland Fish Hatchery. Source: Dan Imhoff in the Daily News (3/1/2006).

STOCKING CLUB RELEASES THOUSANDS Over two weekends the St George Fishing and Restocking Club has released thousands of fingerlings into Thallon, Bollon and Dirranbandi, and into St George from ‘Whyenbah’ to Beardmore. Some $15,000 was invested, with first 6,000 Cod fingerlings, then 60,000 yellowbelly fingerlings turned loose. They were sourced from the Murgon-based company, Hanwood Fish Hatchery. Source: Balonne Beacon (15/12/2005).

MORE FISH FOR THE BJELKE-PETERSEN DAM The Bjelke-Petersen Fish Stocking Committee has received a cheque for $10,250 from the Recreational Fishing Community Grants Program. It will be used to buy some 300 saratoga from the Hamwood Fish Hatchery to stock in the dam. Some 425,000 fingerlings have been placed in the dam this year, helping to bring some $6 million to the South Burnett annually in recreation and tourism. Source: South Burnett Times (31/1/2006).

MANJIMUP TAFE AQUACULTURE COURSE There are part time and full time aquaculture courses on offer at Manjimup TAFE. Courses are targeted at existing marron producers and at farmers wishing to diversify. This year there are a series of new part-time and night classes arranged for the student with a day job. Source: Laureta Wallace in the Manjimup Bridgetown Times (1/2/2006).

OTHER MARINE FISH NEW IMPACT ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUE FOR TUNA FARM SITES The Cooperative Research Centre for the Sustainable Aquaculture of Finfish, funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, has developed a new test for assessing

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seabed samples from under tuna farm sites. The technique searches for and quantifies important marine organisms by determining the amount of DNA present in the seabed sample from each type of organism. Results are then compared with those from sites near to the farm sites, and from other, distant, sites. The results are ranked on a scale from 0 – very poor – to 100 – perfect and displayed using traffic light colours, with green indicating all is well, orange showing the situation needs watching, and red advising there’s an issue to be addressed. A tuna industry spokesman advises it’s hoped the new technique will save the industry money. The results from first samples should be available by February or March. Source: Port Lincoln Times (5/1/2006).

OVER-FISHING TUNA A move by the Federal Government to expose the over-fishing of southern bluefin tuna has been welcomed by the company Clean Seas Tuna. The company made the comment when responding to reports the Government has submitted a paper to the Committee for the Conservation of the Southern Bluefin Tuna, demonstrating that more than 20,000 tonnes in excess of the allowable quota for the species were caught per year. The combined quotas for Australia, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa and Taiwan amount to 14,925 tonnes. Yet it’s known that 40,000 tonnes are sold in Japan each year. Clean Seas Tuna is involved in the breeding and growing out of southern bluefin tuna from its own broodstock. Source: Port Lincoln Times (12/1/2006).

BUG FARM BATTLE NOT OVER Recently a successful appeal by an adjacent landowner, Gales Holdings, against development of the Moreton Bay Bug farm at Chinderah, was overturned by the NSW Government. Local residents, who had been cheered by the appeal outcome, have been angered by the Government action. However Gales Holding has made it known it’s exploring the possibility of a new appeal against a minister’s decision, and has received assurances of support from residents. Opposition to the farm is based on claimed problems relating to odour, flooding, salt water impacts, and other issues. A Gales Holding application to develop a shopping centre nearby has been turned down by the Council for reasons not associated with the bug farm. Source: Tweed Mail (13/1/2006).

GO FOR ARNO BAY TUNA BREEDING Construction approval has been given for Clean Seas Tuna Limited’s tuna breeding facility at Arno Bay. More good news is that the company’s hatchery has just transferred 350,000 kingfish fingerlings to sea cages. Some 150,000 of the fingerlings have been retained for growout by the company, which has also taken ownership of 65,000 juvenile kingfish and 150,000 juvenile mulloway. Construction approval for the tuna breeding facility, designed by UNI-Aqua of Denmark, was given by the

56 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

Cleve District Council. Tanks will hold 3 megalitres of water in light and temperature-controlled sheds, each tank having its own recirculating water treatment plant. Work on the facility will commence later this year. Clean Seas is hoping to make great inroads into the Japanese sashimi market. Source: Raffael Veldhuyzen in the Port Lincoln Times (5/1/2006); Sam Holmes in the Age (18/1/2006).

GULL POPULATION INCREASING Flinders University and the South Australian Research and Development Institute have collaborated to produce a paper entitled ‘Silver Gulls and Tuna Farms’. It contains details of work to determine the size of the local seagull population, feed sources, implications for the tuna industry and strategies to deal with problems. The paper claims the estimated population of silver gulls in the Port Lincoln area has risen from 3,300 breeding pairs in 1999 to 35,000 breeding pairs in 2005. The increase is as a consequence of a high reproductive output and an extended breeding season. This is likely to be as a result of the high quality feed source available throughout the tuna season, augmented by the incidental feed available at the town refuse depot, especially in the tuna off-season. It’s claimed the tuna industry partially supports the population rise since gulls obtain feed during shovel feeding and frozen block feeding of farmed fish. Studies suggest approximately 1500 tonnes of baitfish are lost to silver gulls alone during the tuna season. The paper recommends improved feeding methods and bird scaring tactics. A tuna industry spokesman, Brian Jeffries, suggests some of the numbers in the report are exaggerated, but agrees silver gulls are a significant problem in Port Lincoln and other coastal areas. He added the economic loss from the silver gulls wasn’t significant to the industry, but their effect on the ecology warranted new strategies to deal with them. Source: Jessica Wade in the Port Lincoln Times (5/1/2006).

OMEGA-3 OILS FROM MARINE MICROALGAE The CSIRO Food Futures Flagship, the CRC for Bio-products and the Clover Corporation Limited have entered into an agreement to assess oil-rich marine micro-algae for commercial potential. The strains to be investigated produce docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicospentaenoic acid (EPA) under laboratory conditions. These oils – omega-3 – have importance in infant nutrition with benefits against a range of human disorders. If appropriate there’ll be an attempt to scale-up the production volume to commercial levels. In the short term the oils could find use in animal or aquaculture feed. In the longer term, a more refined source could be developed for human consumption. The Federal Government has provided a Food Innovation Grant of approximately $1 million to the Clover Corporation to support the project. Source: Countryman (29/12/2005).

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NSW GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS CHINDERAH BUG FARM The $18 million Chinderah farm to grow Moreton Bay lobsters – ‘bugs’ – will proceed after the NSW Government re-approved the venture. A nearby developer had succeeded in having the Government’s previous approval declared invalid – however, dealing with a ‘legal technicality’ resolved the problem. The farm will employ up to 200 people. Source: Daily News (24/12/2005).

TROCHUS POACHERS THREATEN KIMBERLEY VENTURE The One Arm Aboriginal community north of Broom has plans to extend its hatchery to allow more trochus breeding and a move into barramundi and other fin fish. The annual commercial trochus catch is 14,000kg, but some 8000kg has been stolen in the past year by Indonesian poachers. Their activities are undermining the plans for the $1 million expansion. Since the hatchery's inception in 1999 there's been a big investment, with the facility's main purpose being to boost the numbers of trochus shells on reefs in King Sound and northern offshore islands. Source: Regina Titelius in the West Australian (30/1/2006).

OYSTERS PACIFIC OYSTER EGGS FROZEN, THAWED FOR BREEDING In a world-first, New Zealand scientists have frozen Pacific oyster eggs and then thawed them for breeding purposes. The scientists, at the Cawthron Institute in Nelson, have been working on the project for seven years. Previously, cryopreservation of shellfish and fish eggs has not been successful as the process kills the eggs. Program leader Serean Adams advises the success is based on control of the cooling-down process to avoid formation of ice crystals which damage the cells. The work has resulted in survival rates of 60 to 70 per cent, which is close to the 90 per cent survival rate of eggs which haven’t been frozen. When the process becomes commercially viable it will allow storage of selected stocks for use as required. There’s work on expanding the techniques to include other aquaculture species such as micro-algae, paua and mussels. Source: The Age (28/12/2005); Bendigo Advertiser (4/1/2006).

CALL TO INVESTIGATE TILIGERRY CREEK, COMPENSATE FARMERS In a public access address to the Port Stephens Council, major oyster producer Mark Sheppard of Sheppard and Co, has advised it’s essential there be a proper study into the source of the Tiligerry Creek pollution and compensation be provided for ruined oyster farmers. He stated the issue was the responsibility of the Council and the State Government, not oyster growers, to clean up the creek, which found to be contaminated with faecal material in July. The Council found the source of the pollution was from the septic tank systems on private properties at Salt Ash and Bobs Farm. Oyster farmers have lost millions of

dollars as a result. Councillors have indicated support for Mr Sheppard but don’t know what to do about the problem. Source: Jacqui Jones in the Newcastle Herald (14/12/2005).

IT TOOK TEN YEARS... Following 10 years of campaigning, oyster farmer Brian Shanahan and other Wooli growers have been granted permission to harvest product and send it directly to consumers without the requirement to pass it through a 36-hour depuration process. He’s been testing the river’s quality for 12 years during attempts to have Safe Food Australia remove the purification requirement. An independent tester has been checking the water for two years, and now the restriction has been lifted. Mr Shanahan advises he’s very conscious of the fact the entire Wooli community has been involved in the campaign to keep the river clean. Source: Emma Cornford in the Daily Examiner (21/12/2005).

COUNCIL SEEKS COMPENSATION FOR FARMERS With 14 oyster farmers badly affected by the contamination of Tilligery Creek by human sewage and some farmers closing down their businesses, a spokesman for the State Government has said the Government's priority is to work with the council to get the area reopened for oyster growing. Port Stephens Council has found the cause of the contamination to be septic tank overflows from nearby properties at Salt Ask and Bobs Farm. The council is responsible for approving and monitoring septic tanks but says it does not have the ability to compensate the farmers. Monitoring of the area's 470 septic tanks has been toughened up. The farmers are not ruling out taking legal action against the Council and the Government. Source: Adam Bell in the Sunday Telegraph (29/1/2006).

REDCLAW CANE FARMER DIVERSIFIES INTO REDCLAW Bloomsbury cane farmer Anthony Jeppesen has been given Council approval to establish 12 crayfish ponds on unproductive land on his property. He hopes to expand the operation over the years, with another 22 ponds. Source: Daily Mercury (2/2/2006).

SALMON SALMON BROODSTOCK OUT TO PASTURE Surplus Atlantic salmon broodstock sourced from Saltas have been released into Tasmanian lakes to improve inland recreational fishing. The Inlands Fisheries Service released 150 salmon into Bradys Lake and Bushy Lagoon, 300 into Lake Barrington, and 300 into Craigbourne and Meadowbank Dams. Source: Burnie Advocate (17/12/2005).

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SALMON DEATHS DURING TREATMENT TRIALS Some 20,000 Atlantic salmon have died on Tassal’s Killala farm near Dover during trials of a chemical treatment known as Chloramine-T. It was applied in one fish pen, and intended to destroy parasites which cause amoebic gill disease. It’s believed the dose delivered was too high. The trial was undertaken by Tassal in partnership with researchers from the University of Tasmania. It’s believed this is the first incident on a fish farm during which a specifically-introduced chemical has caused a mass kill. To date there is no evidence of the chemical causing any effects outside the fish pen. Source: Hobart Mercury (23/12/2005).

YA B B I E S YABBIES ON A MIXED FARM Wayne Robinson and wife Kim run an Angus stud and a yabby farm – Wayne is also Secretary of the Victorian Freshwater Crayfish Association and a delegate on the Aquaculture Cost Recovery Standing Committee. He’s gradually diversified the Rutherglen farm from grain to include yabbies, grain, hay and beef. It’s expected yabby production will lift from several hundred kilos to nearly a tonne in 2006, as new ponds are added. The Robinsons have one of two multi water-use licences in Victoria, and can take yabbies from dams in various districts, which provides for production volume and supply. There are soon to be trials with Murray Cod. Although not certified organic, the farm uses organic processes and fertilisers, keeping chemical usage to the minimum. Source: Kim Woods in the Weekly Times (18/1/2006) .

G E N E R A L A Q U A C U LT U R E CUMMINSCORP TO LIST ON ASA Cumminscorp, the Gold Coast water technology company, is planning to list on the Australian Stock Exchange within the next two months. The public company was established in 2003 by inventor, now managing director, Ian Cummins, and initially had two employees. There are now 77. It’s hoped up to $15 million can be raised by issuing $0.20 shares as part of the listing process. The listing won’t be underwritten and there’s no sponsored broker. The money will be used to phase the company’s products into full commercialisation. There are three divisions in the company’s clean water technology range: aquaculture, water remediation and industrial water clean up. In the final five months of 2005 the aquaculture arm reported more than $2 million in sales. In January this year the company opened headquarters in Gaven in a move designed to showcase the technologies. Company chair will be prominent Brisbane accountant Ken Tierney. Source: Marshall Hall in the Gold Coast Bulletin (19/1/2006).

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INGHAM MAYOR SUSPICIOUS OF HINCHINBROOK INCLUSION Ingham Mayor Pino Giandomenico has described a proposal to include the Hinchinbrook Channel as a protected part of the Wild Rivers area as ‘highly suspicious’. The area covers approximately 399 square kilometres, including two major tributaries. It follows the boundary of Hinchinbrook Island near Cardwell and Ingham. Aquaculture is one of the activities which would be prohibited in the area. The Mayor describes the nomination of the river system as a waste of time, since Hinchinbrook Island is already a national park. He fears there are other motives behind the move. Public submissions on the proposed area close on 10 February. Source. Richard Hannay in the Townsville Bulletin (14/1/2006).

SILVER PERCH AND RED CLAW AT HOME CREEK AQUACULTURE In 1994 Lester Stumer elected to try growing silver perch and red claw, starting up Home Creek Aquaculture. Now he has two fish ponds each stocked with 10,000 silver perch, and nine crayfish ponds, each with the capacity for 6000-7000 red claw. He feeds a pellet diet made to his own specification to the perch, growing them to 500g. The red claw are grown to 6080g. The harvest goes to Brisbane, into the farmer’s markets and some larger hotels. Following some stealing from the property, Mr Stumer now has the entire area flood-lit, with electronic surveillance and large patrolling dogs. Source: South Burnett Times (13/1/2006).

CAPE JAFFA MARINA PROJECT Following five years of planning, the $34 million Cape Jaffa marina development has been approved by the State Government. It’s expected to significantly boost the area’s population, initially creating 200 construction jobs, and with the ongoing employment of 250 people. In the longer term it will help build the area’s population to 1500 to 2000. The proposal, by the Cape Jaffa Development Company with the Kingston District Council, is expected to pass through seven or eight stages over 10 to 12 years based on demand – bringing an average of $12.7 million into the region annually. The first facilities will be the main marina basin and commercial facilities for the fishing fleet. Two 200m breakwaters will provide a much safer environment. Further development includes commercial wharfs, marina berths, a boat ramp and maintenance components. Work will begin the first half of 2006. Source: Chris Oldfield in the Border Watch (17/1/2006).

LINCOLN MARINE SCIENCE CENTRE – 10 YEARS ON The Lincoln Marine Science Centre was established in 1995. Flinders University was behind the $2.5 million facility, which came into being to support research and tertiary level education in marine science. Since that time there have been two expan-

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sions to provide for the increase in research. Right now there are three Flinders University honours students and two PhD students at the centre engaged in area-specific research. There’s now a full fee-paying post-graduate masters degree introduced by Flinders University, while TafeSA runs two aquaculture courses at the Centre. One is the Diploma of the Seafood Industry, the other Certificate III in the Seafood Industry. Also, during the year, students working towards a Batchelor of Marine Biology use the Centre. The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) works mostly from the Centre, engaged in research on interactions between marine mammals and the local fishing industry. There’s also research on the tuna fishing industry, and impacts of tuna farming. A Cooperative Research Centre project aims to find processes to increase the shelf life of tuna flesh, while Primary Industry and Resources SA (PIRS) scientists are engaged on the Shellfish Quality Assurance Program. Recently the Centre introduced a program involving the professional development of teachers, providing for them to deliver marine science schooling more thoroughly. This longterm project is expected to be complete within 15-20 years. Its likely there’ll be a doubling in the student capacity of the Centre within five years – currently it’s at full capacity. Source: Port Lincoln Times (12/1/2006).

PAN LOGICA GETS INNOVATIONS GRANT Tasmanian software company Pan Logica has been given a $150,000 Innovations Grant from the State Government for its work on software revolutionising the fish farming industry. The software uses data on all areas of an operation including number of fish, weather, and feed, and provides information on the best way to produce high-quality produce and maximise profits. The grant will be used to market the software overseas and to adapt it for areas other than fish farming. Source: Hobart Mercury (17/1/2006).

ARGUMENTS OVER ASIAN FARMED FISH BirdLife International, the world’s leading bird conservation group, claims feeding chicken manure to fish as food is a widespread practise in Asia, and that the manure could carry diseases such as avian influenza and sources of gastrointestinal problems. The implication is that people who consume fish fed in this way risk contracting infections. The United nations Food and Agriculture Organisation has in the past strongly supported techniques using manure in aquaculture, but in a 2003 report noted the dangers of the practise, in a report entitled ‘Integrated Livestock Fish Farming Systems’. The Australian peak body for seafood imports has condemned reports of Asian fish farms supplying Australia with fish fed using infected chicken manure. A spokesman pointed out that Asian fish was sent to European , American and Australian markets and was required to meet very high standards. Such imports are tested by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, also by importers, with little chance of sources of gas-

tronintestinal infections not being detected. Source: Gareth Parker in the West Australian (29/12/2005); Ben Spencer in the West Australian (30/12/2005).

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF YOUNG FARMERS Victoria’s Phillip Kerr, who at 28 is an aquaculture industry research, development and training expert, is one of a group of 12 people brought together to form a new national body – the National Council of Young Farmers. The intention is that the Council will provide young farmers for the first time with a continuing policy voice in Canberra. The Council’s inaugural group will meet at least four times a year, bringing together members expert in diverse farming areas from across Australia. The first meeting will take place in February. Source: David McKenzie in the Weekly Times (4/1/2006).

ROBERT SEWELL GOES TO CELL AQUACULTURE Robert Sewell, formerly chairman of Cooperative Bulk Handling Group, has replaced Perryman Leach as the non-executive chairman of Cell Aquaculture Ltd. Cell Aquaculture listed on the ASX in July after raising $5.2 million. Source: Business News (15/12/2005).

FELLOWSHIP FOR TERRITORY FISHERIES SCIENTISTS Glenn Schipp is Aquaculture manager of the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines, while Damon Gore is the manager of the Darwin Aquaculture Centre. The two scientists have been awarded a $10,000 overseas fellowship to study marine aquaculture technology. They’ll use the International Specialised Skills Institute fellowships, sponsored by the Commonwealth Department of Employment, Science and Training, to study the design, planning and implementation of recirculation technology for marine aquaculture. The pair will visit Scandinavia, the US, the Netherlands and Israel. Source: Northern Territory News (21/12/2005).

DPIF RESPONSE RE FISH STOCKING FUNDING CUT COMMENTS In a letter to the editor of the Western Star, Peter Neville, Deputy Director-General (Fisheries) of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, has made some clarifications in response to an article in the publication on December 6 entitled ‘Michell and Bendemere Fishing Groups Upset by Funding Cuts’. He wrote that the Department provides $168,000 in annual grants to fish stocking groups for the purchase of fingerlings. As over a number of previous years, the amount is not changed for 2005-2006. Also, the Northern Fisheries Centre has been operating a research program to develop hatchery techniques for barramundi production and transfer them to the private hatchery industry. A by-product of this work was that surplus barramundi fingerlings were provided to fish stocking groups in the north. The work has been successfully completed

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and research has thus ceased – which means some northern fish stocking groups are not receiving fingerlings from the Northern Fisheries Centre. In the circumstances there has been a small reallocation of funds in 2005-2006. Such minor funding reallocations occur each year as new groups join the program. Source: Peter Neville, Deputy Director-General (Fisheries), Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, in a letter to the editor of the Western Star (13/12/2005).

GO FOR CEDUNA KEYS MARINA Developer David Kelsey is moving on the Ceduna Keys Marina and Community Centre as part of a long-term plan for extensive coastal development in the region. The $200 million marina has been declared a major development by the State Government. Components will include a commercial and recreational marina, tourist facilities, a canal estate-style waterfront residential subdivision, and a cultural and community centre. Funding will involve an initial outlay of $100 million with another $100 million used over the next 10 years. Planning work will continue over the first six months of 2006, followed by construction. Source: Natasha Ewendt in the West Coast Sentinel (22/12/2005).

PROPOSED MURRAY MARINE PARK RAISES IRE A proposal by the Federal Government to establish a 21,000 square kilometre marine protected area (MPA) known as Murray, south of Kangaroo Island, has been condemned by the South Australian rock lobster industry and the SA Seafood Council. In practical terms the MPA will close commercial fishing and aquaculture – but permit recreational and charter fishing. The proposal has been described as ‘a blatant, targeted and discriminatory attack on SA’s most valuable seafood (rock lobster) industry’, by the South Australian Rock Lobster Advisory Council’s Daryl Spencer. Federal Fisheries Minister Ian McDonald is urging the fishing industry to take part in boundary discussions with the department, observing that what has been released so far is information on ‘candidate areas’ for marine parks. Source: Port Lincoln Times (20/12/2005).

SARDI AQUACULTURE FARM UNDER DEVELOPMENT Work on the SARDI Aquaculture Farm at Waikerie is proceeding with tanks and pipe work currently being laid near the Stockyard Plains Interception scheme basin. The building phase is expected to be complete by the end of December. There’s no date for the official launch of the farm, which will be used to trial and demonstrate the suitability of species for commercial growout in the area’s saline water. There’s to be a news release on the project in January. Source: River News (14/12/2005).

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A WAY TO LEARN ABOUT AQUACULTURE A program to educate children about aquaculture is to commence in the Cradle Coast region. The one-year project ‘Extending the Marine Links Package – Aquaculture’ targets Grades 5 to 8 and may be developed to suit Grades 9 to 12. It includes a website with a discussion channel, and modules on information technology, science, technology, and environmental management. The Commonwealth Natural Heritage Trust will fund the program with $90,000, with in-kind funding from DPIWE, University of Tasmania and the Department of Education. Source: Burnie Advocate (29/12/2005).

MORE LEASES AVAILABLE IN PORT PHILLIP BAY The State Government has released more aquaculture leases in Port Phillip Bay, providing a boost for the Geelong Seafood Industry Strategy and the Geelong Economic Development Strategy. The Crown leases cover around 1500 hectares and are at Grassy Point, Bates Point, the Pinnace Channel, Clifton Springs and Kirk Point. They’ll begin from Mid-2006 and could add some $30 million annually to the regional economy. Victorian Marine Farmers’ Association president Peter Ashton observes the local industry could increase production from 1500 tonnes a year, mainly processed mussels, to more than 10,000 tonnes. There has been criticism of the delay in releasing the leases, with claims many investors have been lost to other Australian States as a consequence. Source: Michael Auciello in the Geelong Advertiser (6/1/2006 & 7/1/2006).

AQUACULTURE COURSE FOLDS The Esperance aquaculture course run by Curtin University has closed due to lack of enrolments following the employment market’s saturation with recent graduates. The situation has arisen because of insufficient aquaculture industry in WA. Lecturer Leyland Campbell notes there have been claims of potential considerable industry development for the previous five years, which haven’t yet eventuated. Other factors include the demise of the Esperance Marine Institute and withdrawal of the Kailis pilot tuna farm. The course will not be offered in 2006, but could be offered again in two or three years time if there’s new demand observed. Source: Ben Anderson in the Kalgoorlie Miner (22/12/2005); Crystal Fairbairn in the Esperance Express (22/12/2005).

BATAVIA COAST MARINE CENTRE NEARS COMPLETION Work is expected to finish on the Batavia Coast Marine Centre in the next few weeks. The Centre, at Separation Point, is to be a marine and aquaculture teaching facility, and will also have a research component. There’ll be capacity for 200 students to take on TAFE aquaculture and marine courses, also a Curtin University Batchelor of Science – and training in all aspects of the fishing industry. The Centre results from a partnership

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between the Department of Fisheries, the Mid West Development Commission, Central West TAFE and the Department of Education and Training. It’s expected the Centre will open to Mid West students in February, with up to 100 enrolments likely. Previously, school leavers were likely to leave the area to take on studies in Perth.

The Group was around long before Kailis or Vive Le Recherche It was set up with the intention of representing all users of the Archipelago and, so far as I am aware, has no connection with Vive. I am disappointed that the Curtin aquaculture program has been withdrawn. I understand this decision was made before Kailis decided not to proceed with their project."

Source: Geraldton Guardian (3/1/2006);

Source: Wendy Duncan, President of the National Party, in a letter

Georgia Loney in the Geraldton Guardian (6/1/2006).

to the editor of the Esperance Express (3/1/2006).

FUNDS FOR RECHERCHE ARCHIPELAGO STUDY As part of the region’s Resource Management Strategy, the South Coast Regional Initiative Planning Team (SCRIPT) has received funds to conduct a socio-economic survey of the Recherche Archipelago. The financial support comes from the Natural Heritage Trust and the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality. Wendy Duncan, chair of the Recherche Advisory Group, advises the survey’s outcome will help determine which sites are environmentally sensitive and which are appropriate for commercial development. Her Group believes only 10 to 12 per cent will be found to be pristine environment and the remainder could be used for industries such as aquaculture.

AQUACULTURE AT DARWIN'S ESSINGTON SCHOOL New and refurbished facilities at Essington School in Darwin include two aquaculture tanks used during the rearing and study of barramundi fingerlings and redclaw. The school has been extended in a number of areas in response to a growth in enrolments.

Source: Ben Anderson in the Kalgoorlie Miner (5/1/2006).

MICHAEL CHEAH Central West TAFE lecturer Michael Cheah has won a high commendation in the 2005 Premier’s Teacher of the Year Awards. Joining the TAFE in 1996 as marine studies lecturer after completing a PhD in breeding and rearing catfish at Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory, he brought with him a strong belief in practical training and dedication to improving student opportunities. Mr Cheah’s students work through practical and theoretical aquaculture units at several levels in Northampton farms. His ultimate goal is to establish Central West TAFE as the best marine science training centre in Australia. Source: Conor Macgill in the Geraldton Guardian (12/12/2005).

NATIONAL PARTY MP STATES POSITION ON RECHERCHE In a letter to the editor of the Esperance Express, Nationals Party president Wendy Duncan has stated her position regarding aquaculture in the Recherche Archipelago. Here is a summary of her statement. "I am not and never have been a member or supporter of Vive Le Recherche. I am not and never have been opposed to aquaculture developments in the Recherche Archipelago. What I am opposed to is one private company bearing the cost of environmental studies and community consultation that are in the public interest. The results of such studies will be available for future public use and therefore should be funded by the public purse. I agreed to take on the position of independent chair of the Recherche Advisory Group because of my belief that the State and Federal Government should get on with developing a management plan for the Recherche Archipelago.

Source: Sunday Territorian (29/1/2006).

NEW 80HA AQUACULTURE AREA A new 80ha aquaculture growing area has been released at Lacepede Bay. It's become available as part of a first release for the farming of finfish, especially Atlantic salmon and ocean trout within the inner (Kingston) zone. The 80ha represents the first of three zones considered appropriate for aquaculture. Other zones will probably be opened as development is proven. The Lacepede Bay Aquaculture Management Policy came into effect on July 8 2004 and establishes zones covering an area of 8139ha with a total lease area of 687ha available. Interest in the region has mounted with the announcement of development of the Cape Jaffa Anchorage Marina facility. Copies of the application form and information documents are available at www.pir.sa.gov.au/aquaculture/kingston. Applications close 1700Hrs on 17 February. Source: Border Watch (31/1/2006).

GREAT GRANT FOR CAMBINATA YABBIES Michael and Mary Nenke have attracted a $130,248 grant for their business, Cambinata Yabbies. The grant, from the Food Processing Regional Australia (FPRA) program, will allow them to construct a commercial kitchen providing for value-adding aquaculture products from the Wheatbelt and Great Southern, including saltwater trout, yabbies, marron and abalone. The funds will also allow the business to meet export demand for its existing value-added products, and to develop new lines. The annual GrantSmart Expo is to be held on 16 March. It will bring together more than 20 Australian Government representatives to discuss grant programs, information and services. Mary Nenke strongly encourages any business thinking of expanding, exporting, being innovative or taking on a new venture to visit www.wheatbeltace.com.au to learn more about GrantSmart 2006. Source: Albany Advertiser (31/1/2006).

February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 61

FISHENEWS

LEARN ABOUT WHEATBELT AQUACULTURE Wheatbelt farmers interested in learning about aquaculture can take advantage of intensive two-day courses run by Challenger TAFE. Challenger TAFE and C Y O'Connor TAFE are engaged in a three-year project on the practicalities of growing commercial quantities of fish in salt-affected water. The work is being done at the WA Inland Saline Aquaculture Demonstration farm at Northam, and is funded by the State and Federal Governments. Trials using the award-winning Semi-Intensive Floating Tank System (SIFTS) have shown that five times more fish can be produced than when using conventional growout systems 25 tonnes per hectare per year. There's no waterway pollution either. The system was developed by Challenger TAFE and McRobert Aquaculture Systems. For more information on courses email Gavin Partridge on gavin.partridge@challengertafe.wa.edu.au. Source: Farm Weekly (26/1/2006).

INTEREST IN INVESTMENT GROWING It seems as Australia's aquaculture industry grows and rationalises, interest in investment grows too. However there are still variations in the returns from investment. The Tassal Group is now in the top 20 salmon-producing countries worldwide, recently reporting a 2004-2005 net profit of $5.38 million - as against $3.9 million from the year before. There's optimism for the current year, too, with predictions of a sharp increase in performance. On the other hand there are assertions salmon farming is a capital-intensive business. Australis Aquaculture and Cell Aquaculture in WA, although both made losses this year, have shown share price gains of more than 10 per cent since listing. Cell Aquaculture has recently signed a deal to distribute its technology in China. When the company listed on July 25, Criterion had it described as a speculative buy - the shares have since doubled. Global Seafood's share price halved during the year. Two other companies, Marine Produce Australia and So Natural, have secured major acquisitions in the year. Another issue for investors is that there's less information on the industry than some others such as grain and beef production. Source: Tracy Lee in the Australian Financial Review (15/9/2005); Weekend Australian (17/9/2005); The Australian (28/9/2005).

TEN PERCENT EXPANSION WORLD-WIDE World-wide, the business of aquaculture is expanding 10 per cent each year. In Australia it's the fastest-growing primary industry, with tuna, Atlantic salmon, pearl oysters and edible oysters leading the way. That's a good reason to take advantage of Challenger TAFE's WA Maritime Training Centre and its aquaculture courses, which have been operating since 1989. Check out the display set up by the Centre's students and staff at the Perth Royal Show. Source: Countryman (22/9/2005).

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INTEREST IN THE WIDE BAY BURNETT AREA Eidsvold Shire Council would like to hear from those interested in a concept to develop aquaculture as a major industry across the Wide Bay Burnett, using unified tank growout procedures. Mundubbera Shire Council is interested in hearing details of the proposal at the next Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Council meeting. Source: Central & North Burnett Times (29/9/2005).

QAIF MEETING AND WORKSHOP Queensland Aquaculture Industry Federation (QAIF) members are to attend a meeting and workshop at Innisfail TAFE. They'll meet with representatives from the Department of Primary Industries, the Environment Protection Agency and Department of State Development to discuss industry development issues. Following the annual general meeting of QAIF, there's to be a workshop on managing environmental requirements. Source: Innisfail Advocate (29/9/2005).

INTERIM PROTECTION BID BY DEMOCRATS FAILS The State Government Environment, Resources and Development Committee (ERD) has ruled against a call from the Democrats for interim protection of marine areas that might be protected in the future. A committee spokesman described the Democrats recommendations as 'far too broad' noting the Committee 'had to be more realistic'. SA Democrats leader Sandra Kanck advises the party wanted to see consideration of developments inside a proposed Marine Protected Area (MPA) put on hold until a decision had been made. The concern is that without interim measures 'inappropriate aquaculture development' could be fast tracked in areas that would later become protected. However ERD believes tight State aquaculture controls would prevent this happening. The Democrats would like to see members of the community able to nominate sites for an MPA ERD believes this will open the system to abuse by those with vested interests. Source: Billie Harrison in the Port Lincoln Times (29/9/2005).

NEW SA AQUACULTURE REGULATIONS New aquaculture regulations come into force in October - farmers doing the wrong thing face on-the-spot fines and possible licence cancellation. Applying to all aquaculture activities, the regulations cover lease and licence holder obligations involving stock registers, notification of entanglement with protected species, fish escapes, farming structures, and environmental monitoring and reporting. The industry reaction to the new regulations has been very positive with most farmers agreeing the regulations reflect good business practice. Source: Port Lincoln Times (29/9/2005).

FISHENEWS

SAAM RESPONDS TO COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS REPORT The Bureau of Rural Sciences report 'Community Perceptions of Aquaculture' contains suggestions the community believes the industry is not transparent enough and is damaging the environment. The report collates the comments of some 273 Eyre Peninsula residents interviewed about the industry. Eighty-one per cent of residents approved of aquaculture and 48 per cent agreed the industry was concerned with environmental management. While most indicated the flow-on benefits for the region, 45 per cent did not trust the decisions being made in connection with kingfish. Sixty per cent rated kingfish as a species at considerable risk of causing environmental damage. Chief executive officer of South Australian Aquaculture Management (SAAM) Phil Hart observes many misconceptions were promoted by people who have openly opposed the industry. "We certainly aren't hiding anything and are very transparent." He noted the aquaculture industry was one of the most heavily regulated. "We have to submit detailed reports for independent auditing every year. Up to now there has been no noticeable impact on the sea bed." SAAM has recently been awarded an ISO4001 - an international environmental excellence accreditation taking in all aspects of farm management. Mr Hart commented that many people in the communities were ignorant of the industry, an observation supported by the report, which showed that between 30 per cent and 73 per cent of respondents described themselves as having a low rating for knowledge on aquaculture, marine ecology, coastal management and government roles. Even so, 68 per cent of those interviewed believed the industry needed to listen more to the community.

SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS USE OF INLAND SALINE WATER During the September meeting of the Buloke Shire Council, it was agreed that the Donald Landcare Group, in conjunction with the Sea Weed Development Group, would be supported in their endeavours to take advantage of saline groundwater for productive purposes. The two bodies wish to develop an Opportunity Study and Business Plan. The Council will submit a grant application for funding to study and develop business plans to further develop saline groundwater projects, on their behalf. The groups have to date examined growing sea weed and fodder grass.

Source: Stephanie Venning in the Whyalla News (22/9/2005).

MOVING ON INLAND AQUACULTURE Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) has delivered a discussion paper to the Loxton Waikerie Loxton Council describing a draft framework for inland aquaculture zones associated with the salt interception schemes (SIS). The paper sets out guidelines for the development of farms using the salt water from the SIS, and the issues surrounding wastes, pollutants, infrastructure and topography.

SPRINGS SMOKED SEAFOODS NOW A PART OF HUON Huon Aquaculture has expanded by acquiring Springs Smoked Seafoods, Australia's most successful salmon processor and marketer. Both organisations use the latest hi-tech methods in production. Huon is known for its high-grade salmon, while Springs is renowned for high-quality product, good customer service and product customisation to meet chef's needs. The business supplies the food service market with both raw and smoked fish, using salmon, ocean trout, kingfish and mackerel. It also produces smoked salmon and ocean trout pate and salmon spread. To find out more, check out www.springsalmon.com.au and www.huonaqua.com.au.

Source: Sealake and Whycheproof Times Ensign (22/9/2005).

SPECIAL FISH FOR ISRAELI FARMERS A fish called the shabut, barbus grypus, is being considered as a fish to exploit by Israeli farmers. The fish is mentioned in the Talmud as having a pig-like taste. It inhabits rivers in Iraq and Syria. Those wishing to maintain a kosher diet could enjoy the taste of the fish without guilt. Source: Australian Jewish News (2/9/2005).

BARRAMUNDI & PRAWN FARM FOR SALE A fully operational barramundi and prawn farm is on the market. Located at Mourlyan, the 141ha of Moresby River frontage is priced at $5.5 million. The operation has broodstock, modern plant and equipment and experienced staff Source: Cairns Post (14/9/2005).

Source: River News (7/9/2005).

NEW GUIDELINES FOR LAND-BASED AQUACULTURE The new guidelines for land-based aquaculture in Victoria are expected to make things much easier for those wishing to move into the industry. The guidelines will: enhance knowledge of the industry and dispel some myths; explain the nature of the landbased systems suitable for the area; outline government support for development, and provide a planning framework. There's to be a series of workshops with local Government across the State to help the guidelines be adopted.

SCIENTISTS TO DEPART PIRVIC It's been claimed the Bracks Government is to shed vital marine research programs, losing six marine scientists from the Marine and Freshwater Systems campus at Queenscliff. Nationals agriculture spokesman Peter Walsh claims the losses will cripple marine research in Victoria. There are suggestions Fisheries Victoria has decided some $400,000 will be diverted from research and development to policy development. There's also been a cut on available funds by $450,000, based on a decision to halt some projects - with a $70,000 reduction in funds from the Victorian Regional Aquaculture Development program. Documents suggest Fisheries Victoria's investment in aquaculture has dropped 75 per cent to $252,000.

Source: Mallee Ag News (29/9/2005).

Source: Peter Mickelburough in the Herald Sun (12/9/2005).

Source: Hospitality (September 2005).

February/March 2006 | Austasia Aquaculture 63

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64 Austasia Aquaculture | February/March 2006

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