The development and application of marker assisted selection (MAS), genomic breeding values (GEBVs) and selection using gene expression profiling (GEPS) is a rapidly developing area, and significant technological and methodological advances have been made in recent years. There is potential that these techniques could greatly speed the genetic progress in selective breeding programs and provide faster access and more benefit than conventional selective breeding techniques. However, before embarking on research in this area, aquaculture industries need answers to a number of questions. What basic resources are available or needed for each species before research to find markers or to apply MAS, GEBVs or GEPS can be carried out? Which traits would be best targeted for MAS, GEBVs or GEPS? and what is the economic value of these traits? What are the likely cost-benefits for MAS, GEBV or GEPS? When should research be undertaken or what developments might trigger research in this area for each species? What has been the measured impact of the application of these technologies on other industries? This project relates to the research strategies developed by the CRC from projects that have scoped selective breeding for abalone, Yellowtail Kingfish and Barramundi. It also relates to the R&D strategies developed by many of the aquaculture sectors in the CRC (eg. abalone, oyster, Atlantic Salmon, Prawns etc.) which have included in the past, or currently include, projects to develop markers or apply marker assisted selection.

As highlighted above, flooding in NSW rivers pushes a suite of important species to sea, including mature School Prawn (SP), juvenile Mulloway, and also Eastern King Prawn (EKP). Trawl fishers can enjoy good catches of large/valuable SP following these flood events (which usually occur around March), but the abundant School Prawn is frequently matched by abundant juvenile Mulloway in trawlable areas (Mulloway is overfished in NSW). In recent years, bycatch of juvenile Mulloway has led to spatial closures in the trawl fishery, which mean that inshore trawlers cannot access valuable School Prawn when productivity and demand for product are at their highest.

New South Wales has network of permanent trawling closures along the coast, many of which are present in the inshore areas adjacent to the mouths of estuaries in northern New South Wales. These closures were initiated collaboratively by DPI-Fisheries and industry to improve offshore yields of Eastern King Prawn by limiting harvest on smaller Eastern King Prawn in inshore waters. In the context of the above information, the Professional Fisherman’s Association (PFA) and DPI-Fisheries managers requested an evaluation of these permanent closures, in terms of 1) whether they afford protection for juvenile Mulloway during periods when they are flushed from the river; and 2) whether School Prawn occur in these closure areas (without Mulloway) following floods which could be exploited when other areas are closed. Consequently, managers and fishers are seeking this scientific data to 1) put bycatch levels of juvenile Mulloway into a broader context of potential impact and importance to the stock; and 2) underpin a suite of complementary management arrangements which give regard to both maintaining trawl catches and protecting juvenile Mulloway.

The Australian farmed barramundi industry output is forecast to rise sharply over the next three years. Production will double in the next twelve months as expansion of existing operations in Queensland, and new operations in the Northern Territory, NSW, Victoria and WA, come on line. Barramundi has enjoyed relatively high market prices in the past and is considered a premium fish. It is an ideal candidate for tropical aquaculture and can be produced in saltwater and freshwater. It is now successfully grown in fresh and saltwater ponds, cages systems in marine, estuarine and in freshwater locations, in recirculation tank and pond systems, and in flow through tank systems using geothermal water. In fact barramundi is now commercially grown in every mainland State in Australia.

As the supply of barramundi increases the market price has fallen. There is a need to address this pressure on price. To date there has been very little coordinated generic marketing activity by the farmed barramundi industry. Therefore there is a real need to undertake targeted generic promotional activity based on consistent, specified quality produce. This situation is not unique to barramundi but translates across the entire aquaculture industry, particularly in other aquaculture sectors experiencing rapid growth.

In order to underpin an effective generic market development campaign the industry must address the high variability in quality of product. The high variability in quality of farmed barramundi in the market occurs for a number of reasons. Highly varying production, handling and processing techniques, a lack of understanding and expertise, a lack of willingness to address quality, and importantly, a lack of coordination across the industry. This project seeks to address each of these issues.

Effective and practical on farm biosecurity is critical to the ongoing sustainability and profitability of aquaculture industries. Practical biosecurity is also critical for wild catch fishers harvesting aquatic species such as abalone.
There is a real need for Australia's aquatic animal veterinary expertise to maintain an up to date understanding of aquaculture biosecurity. Dr Hardy-Smith works full time with aquatic animal in Australia and provides, on a daily basis, specific biosecurity advice to clients farming or harvesting many different aquatic species in many states and the NT.
He also provides specific farm level biosecurity advice to governments.
This conference specifically addresses the issues of practical, on farm biosecurity, including the economic impact of disease and biosecurity programs . Other critical topics include:
• Components of ideal biosecurity plans and programs
• International, regional and national strategies
• Identifying and prioritizing hazardous diseases and evaluating risks
• Disease epidemiology, surveillance and monitoring
• Control and eradication contingency plans and programs
• Disease diagnostics, medical and farm record keeping
• Implementing, auditing and certifying biosecurity programs

Having Dr Hardy-Smith attend this conference addresses the needs outlined above.
There is also a need for both aquaculture farmers and wild catch fishers to keep abreast of the latest technology in the farming and capturing of aquatic species. The biosecurity conference is being held in conjunction with Aqua Nor 2009, an internationally important aquaculture industry trade show which showcases the latest in technology in fish farming. Besides such equipment as fish pumps, other technology to be presented at Aqua Nor 2009 will centre on vaccination of aquatic animals, feeding and nutrition of aquatic animals and housing/controlling of aquatic animals.
If Dr Hardy-Smith does attend the biosecurity conference, it would seem reasonable and highly beneficial for him also to attend Aqua Nor.