VOLUME 3
AAQ CONFERENCE 2000 SPEAKERS

Please note that not all speakers details are listed. Should you require information, not included on this page please phone the AAQ president, Bruce Sambell on (07) 4126 2226 

Dr. Ingram, is the Senior Scientist for the Aquaculture Program, Marine & Freshwater Resources Institute, Victoria. This will be a extremely rare opportunity to gain knowledge from one of Australia's leading scientists in the field of freshwater finfish.  

Dr. Ingram has agreed to give us three talks at our conference. One of his talks coved the breeding of Murray Cod in some detail (Victorian style), another talk will examine the grow-out methods, particularly in recirculating systems. His third talk will give us an overview of aquaculture in Victoria with particular emphasis on native species. This will give us an opportunity to compare Victoria’s developing native fish aquaculture with our own. 

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 Mr Bill Johnston

 Fisheries Economist, QDPI, Bribie Island Aquaculture

PerchProfit

( A computer program )

His talk will explain this new tool and how you can use it.

Decision Tools for Silver Perch & Barramundi Farmers and Investors

 Until now, the economics of silver perch farming has been difficult to access. There has been very little information available to farmers and interested investors about establishment costs or the profitability of operating a silver perch aquaculture enterprise.

Prevailing market conditions make it very important to thoroughly research and identify markets for cultured silver perch before venturing into production.

 PerchProfit is a complete information package aimed specifically at silver perch farmers and potential investors.  However, because of the scope of information, it will be applicable to researchers, students, and others interested in aquaculture development.

The farm model aids farmers in assessing the economic potential of new ventures, rather than entering the industry with little understanding of the industry. By utilising the model we hope the farmers will be better equipped to enter the industry and have a greater chance of success. The farm model allows you to evaluate the economics of silver perch farming, using your own input parameters, before any construction occurs.

Cost-benefit analysis is a conceptual framework for the economic evaluation of projects, in this case, silver perch aquaculture projects. The basic premise of cost-benefit analysis is to assist you to make a decision in regard to the allocation of resources. In particular, PerchProfit helps you to make decisions about whether or not to invest.

Existing farmers can also use PerchProfit. Once the data is entered into the model a farmer can use the computer version of his farm to determine the impact of different management decisions. For example, the farmer may wish to know how a change in FCR (food conversion rate) will effect his feed cost, or how introducing selective breeding will effect annual production.

  The model is split into easy to manage sections:

1.       Physical Description

2.       Fingerlings

3.       Production Parameters

4.       Production Summary

5.       Feed

6.       Processing and Packaging

7.       Market Prices and Income

8.       Market and Freight

9.       Labour

10.   Additional Operating Expenses

11.   Capital Expenditure

 The output includes the expected annual returns, when the farm is paid off and the interest rate at which you can borrow funds to invest in the project. The summary statistics will also provide a break down of costs on a per kilogram basis.

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Dr. Clive Keenan

QDPI Principal Research Scientist, Bribie Island. Fish hatchery genetic program.

Restocking programs are likely to increase in the future.  For responsible management the genetic composition of released fish should be managed so that the genetic biodiversity of these species is not degraded.  The release of fish from a small gene pool is likely to have significant implications for their long term fitness and survival in the wild because of inbreeding depression. This is not as important an issue for fish stocking in impoundments where they are unlikely to breed. Staff at the Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Centre have developed a project which addresses the management of genetic resources held by hatcheries, in particular for the threatened species, silver perch, eel-tail catfish and Murray cod. Analysis of the existing genetic resources in hatchery broodstock will provide an estimate of the gene pool captured and will guide appropriate management of this resource.  Current breeding programs need to be reviewed, with the aim of developing guidelines that will enable genetic resources to be maximised. An educational component of this project will disseminate information to government agencies, hatchery managers and angling groups of the genetic issues associated with breeding fish for aquaculture or for restocking. 

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      Andrew Rhodes sales manager Select Nutrition   

Select Nutrition is a marketing company based near Windsor in Western Sydney. They have become the dominant feed supplier to the Australian Silver Perch Industry and are now developing feeds for Salmon, Trout, Barramundi and Murray Cod. Their business is based on personalised service and a flexible approach which enables them to service both small and large farms without going through a middleman. This keeps costs down and results in improved pricing and service to you the farmer. Andrew Rhodes is responsible for servicing the company's aquaculture customers and will introduce Select Nutrition and its range of services at the conference, including a brief introduction to the company website. http://www.aquaticfeeds.com.au/ 

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Jared is the manager of one of Australia's largest ornamental fish wholesalers. The operation also boasts a substantial production area. Jared's talk will show us some of the functions of this interesting an highly specialised form of aquaculture. We will also see an overview of the marketing and distribution of ornamental fish in Australia. Included will be an assessment of the potential for growth in this sector. Ornamental fish culture is the oldest form of aquaculture. Many of the methods now in use by other sectors of aquaculture have been tried and proven for many years in the production of ornamental fish. The marketing structure well established in this sector may have many lessons for other sectors of aquaculture!                      

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We have been asked in the past, "What business are we in?" Who asked this question, a bloke in the DPI called Warwick Lee did. The answers to the question varied, but most said the aquaculture industry. Most were wrong! Warwick showed us that we were in fact in the FOOD BUSINESS. As such our competitors are not other fish farmers but other foods. Warwick is the Senior Marketing Officer, Fishery Industry Development Services DPI. Since we are in the food industry we will become more and more under the control and rules of the food industry. Along with John Bourke (QDPI), Warwick has assisted the AAQ to develop a code of practice. This code is the first step towards Quality Assurance and HACCP. Food safety has had plenty of media attention over recent times. The AAQ is keen to have its member's products seen as the safest of their type on the market. Both John and Warwick will be covering the subject of FOOD SAFETY and how it will affect us. Soon the AAQ will be offering its members the opportunity to comply with the Finfish Code of Practice and identify their business as meeting the requirements of this code. Customers will be made aware of the code and those who comply. With the risks involved in food poisoning we feel many customers will look at those who are recognised under the AAQ as complying with the code, to be a safe source of product. This will give these growers a real market advantage. Growers or the distributors of our products in the event of a food poisoning event could possibly use complying with such a code as a defence. Can you afford not to be up-to-date on this subject? Warwick and John will also be available through the conference should you wish to discuss this subject with them in more detail. 

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Rod Cheetham (B.Ed. Env. Sci) is an Extension Officer with DPI Fisheries. Originally from Victoria, he spent 15 years at the State Fish Hatchery at Snobs Creek. Here he gained a sound knowledge of trout in natural and aquaculture situations, and native fish breeding research. He was also responsible for setting up and day to day running the Visitor Centre, with world class freshwater aquarium displays. Since becoming a Queenslander he has assisted many members and prospective aquaculturalists in refining their operations. (He also discovered the Maroons, Broncos and the Queensland way of doing business and has absolutely no plans to move south!) Based in Kingaroy in SE Queensland he is also heavily involved with the DPI Freshwater Fish restocking program. Rod recently organised a trip to NSW for existing Queensland silver perch producers. This DPI sponsored project was designed to build on previous links forged with silver perch growers and researchers in NSW. Participants of the April trip agreed that the information gained was worthwhile and Rod will provide details of this at the July AAQ Conference. 

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Approximately 12 months ago Fisheries Group DPI initiated trial industry development projects in the Hervey Bay and Bundaberg regions. Representatives from aquaculture associations, commercial and recreational fisher organisations, local tourism boards, Department of State Development, charter boat operators, sea food processors, fish stocking groups and artificial reef groups etc attend the quarterly meetings at each centre.

The reason for starting these working groups was for the following reasons:

·        To build up networks and trust between various fisheries related groups and industries.

·        To collectively work on and progress ideas and projects that were put up by members of these groups/organisations.

·        The members of the industry development groups prioritise and set the agenda. Fisheries staff are working members of the group.

·        Members of the groups collectively work on and have input into the agreed projects.

·        The goal of the projects are to improve economic spin offs and employment to regional communities, whilst raising the communities awareness of the value of fisheries in the region.

Successful projects to date:

1.      Publication of a regional fishing book – “Fishing the Bundaberg Region – a guide to the Hotspots”

2.      Assisting the Bundaberg Artificial Reef group via financial assistance, marketing and planning workshop and ongoing support.

3.      The feasibility study is in progress, looking at funding opportunities to build the “Australian Fisheries Museum”.

4.      The development of a strategic plan for Lentalls Dam (Maryborough) is currently in progress, with funding available to build infrastructure around the dam.

5.      Assistance with the Hervey Bay Seafood Festival.

6.      Development of a fishery and infrastructure at Monduran Dam (Gin Gin).

7.      In conjunction with Hervey Bay TAFE, members of these groups have developed seafood training courses to train staff in processing rooms.

8.      Collaborative funding applications submitted for stocking groups and artificial reef groups to finance the production of colour brochures and display material.

 The aquaculture community in this region would have many projects that could possibly be advanced through participation and networking with members from other fisheries related backgrounds. (confirmed)

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   FEATURE AFTER DINNER SPEAKER

This year our after dinner speaker will be the owner of Aquasonic, Richard Carson. Richard has been one of the AAQ’s regular speakers. In fact he was the first industry speaker for the AAQ some years ago. In the past Richard has given us many passionate lectures on water quality management. His understanding of this subject seems to be second nature to him. Last year his CO2 demonstration was very eye opening indeed! This year we have not asked Richard to talk on water quality, as he will be available throughout the conference for delegates to consult with. Instead we have asked him to share some of his experiences from overseas. Through his company (Aquasonic), Richard travels overseas frequently to set up his aquaculture systems and to act as aquaculture consultant to his clients. Recently his travels took him to China where some of our native fish are being grown, notably Silver Perch. We believe the activities and interest shown by other countries in our natives will be of interest and benefit to those attending the conference. 

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For the last couple of years the DPI’s fresh water fishers research facility at Walkamin (Atherton Tablelands) has been involved in research to explore the possibility of developing the Golden Perch and the Sleepy cod as grow-out species for the table fish market. One of the researchers in this project is Dr. Peter Graham. Peter’s talk will bring us up-to-date with this work. We will hear the latest developments on attempts to have these species take artificial food in ponds and in re-circulating systems. Of special interest to many will be any new knowledge regarding Sleepy Cod. (See the page on Sleepy Cod on this site.) We may even gain some information on the latest market acceptance (in Australia) for this new species of native table fish. Already this work has assisted those pioneering Sleepy Cod, and we know it has encouraged some new ventures into this highly prized and priced fish. If you have an interest in growing fish in re-circulating systems this looks like being the most promising species for this form of aquaculture. Don’t miss this chance! 

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One of the features of the conference will be a practical demonstration on the use of a microscopes in a hatchery or on a fish farm. This demonstration will be conducted by Dr. Wendy Townsend. Dr. Townsend is a veterinary officer, (fish pathologist, fish diseases), based at the QDPI Yeerongpilly Animal Research Institute. Dr. Townsend would be one of those people we would go to for help should we have a fish health problem we were unable to deal with. At this stage in the development of freshwater finfish industry I am not personally aware of any problems with freshwater finfish that the well informed Aquaculturalist could not manage for himself. However it is the “well informed” part I am interested in. We may all have room to improve our skills and increase our knowledge. This demonstration is designed to show us how to use the various types of microscopes available to us, how to take samples and how to recognise what we may see.

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Ross will provide us with one of the highlights of this conference. Last year Ross covered the subject on Sliver Perch grow-out extremely thoroughly. The demand for video copies of his talk proved his talk to be the most popular of the 1999 conference. This year he will cover this subject with a little more focus on marketing with a long-term outlook to the industry. He will also shed some light on Jade Perch (Barcoo Grunter) grow-out, (which he has been trying for about a year) Remember this is a real grower talking, he’s doing it. Be prepared to hear some home truths, warts and all. We know Ross will not hold back telling his audience the real facts, no rosy pictures, just a balanced close look at the grow-out industry!

If you are thinking of entering this sector of aquaculture this talk alone will make your attendance worthwhile. 

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Ansett Australia Cargo has a dedicated Perishable freight division within the services we offer. Our perishable freight team are aware of the special handling requirements moving perishable freight needs. Our perishable teams are present at each main Ansett port and have definite lines of communication between ports. We are currently in the process of introducing HACCP to our Quality Assurance ISO 9002. Through the HACCP accreditation process our perishable freight handlers have been made more aware of the procedures required to retain the cool chain. Ansett Australia Cargo have chiller facilities in each main port and through our QA & HACCP awareness we ensure that your perishable product is moved into the chiller environment when necessary. Ansett Australia Cargo recognise the importance of perishable product and look forward to discussing your product moving swiftly through the cool chain by air.  

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      Gus Dannoun Supply Manager, Sydney Fish Market Pty Limited 

“Services provided by Sydney Fish Market Pty Limited, associated costs, transport of product to Market, current pricing of aquaculture product on the auction floor, marketing initiatives and projects, SFM internet selling system and its benefits to growers .”

Gus Dannoun, formerly Assistant to the Chief Executive, has been appointed to the new position of Sydney Fish Market Supply Manager. Gus has a range of experience within Sydney Fish Market and the former Fish Marketing Authority . Gus began his career with the Authority in 1980 and since then has had varied experience including Computer Systems Project Manager, IT Manager and Assistant to the General Manager.

Gus's role is to ensure smooth communication between the Market and growers. Any issue between growers and the Sydney Fish Market will be looked after by Mr Dannoun including transport, consignment information, quality & grading specifications and prices.  Gus will also be available through-out the conference for those who wish to discuss the marketing of their produce using Sydney Fish market.

 

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    Lawrie Wade EPA (Queensland) As freshwater fish farmers we are under the scrutiny of the Environmental Protection Agency. Just what they expect from us, and what our environmental responsibilities are will be the subject of this talk. To obtain an aquaculture license, and keep it depends on our performance with regard to the environment. Often these requirements are not as difficult as some people may think. An ideal opportunity to get a better feel of a subject that concerns us all.  

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The exciting new world of aquaponics -- growing fish and plants in the same water, using organic hydroponic techniques created through probiotics and vermiculture". Case studies of successful commercial aquaponic projects, and one about to begin in Queensland. Geoff Wilson, freelance journalist in agribusiness, who specialises in writing about hydroponics, aquaculture, aquaponics, urban agriculture and microfarming. Geoff writes for both technical magazines ("Austasia Aquaculture", "Fish Farming International" and "Practical Hydroponics and Greenhouses") and for daily newspapers. He has had a 43-year career in agribusiness writing and communications, beginning in livestock industries (wool and dairy), then on agroforestry and now on five, inter-linked technologies that better use water, and offer superior management of urban, organic wastes. He is honorary executive officer of The Urban Agriculture Network - Western Pacific Office, and is about to launch the Aquaculture Appreciation Club, in Brisbane.

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Dr. Deborah Ramage, Aquaculture Research Department of Zoology & Entomology The University of Queensland Proposed Barcoo Grunter Research at the University of Queensland

In my opinion there is considerable need for basic research into management and husbandry techniques for the Barcoo Grunter, as the popularity for farming this species continues to increase in Queensland. I would like current or potential Barcoo growers to consider and identify areas they see as research priorities, for example:

Some producers have suggested that a major problem is the amount of fat found in the body cavities of cultured barcoo. This may have implications for marketing and providing an attractive product. The other important aspect is that farmers are paying for feed that is being turned into worthless fat, not valuable flesh, so the cost to the farmer per kilo of fillets produced will be higher. One popular research option is to look into optimising the diet of barcoo grunter. Currently, a lot of farmers are using standard silver perch feeds, but it is unlikely that this formulation will suit both species. In the wild, silver perch are omnivorous (they feed on a mixture of plant material and animal), and consume small prey, like zooplankton, even when they are fully grown. Because there haven’t been any studies, only anecdotal evidence is available for the barcoo. This species is primarily carnivorous, and eats larger prey items like freshwater prawns. It is therefore reasonable to expect that the nutritional requirements, and perhaps feeding rates, of these species will be very different.

I have limited funds available, but it will be necessary for the industry to contribute funds towards any research project (and perhaps lobby DPI for additional support). Depending on the level of interest, we may implement a dollar-for-dollar scheme (up to a certain limit) if we can come to a consensus on the type of research that needs to be targeted. The University of Queensland would provide in-kind support in the form of my salary and facilities at the UQ Aquaculture Research Facility, Pinjarra Hills, and the Department of Zoology and Entomology, St Lucia.

 

I will discuss this proposal at the Aquaculture Association of Queensland Conference at the Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Centre July 15-16th, and encourage all growers interested in developing a Barcoo Grunter industry to attend and have your say!!! I will also be presenting some initial data that I have collected thanks to the provision of fingerlings by Hanwood Fish Farm in 1999. Very little is known about the basic biology and culture requirements of Barcoo, and as a promising aquaculture species, it is definitely worthy of research – BUT I NEED INDUSTRY SUPPORT. Don’t miss this opportunity to foster research on a species that is an exciting and potentially important player in Queensland’s aquaculture industry. Take the time to come along and promote the development of the Barcoo Grunter phenomenon!!!

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SATURDAY AGM AND AAQ GENERAL MEETING

Subjects discussed include;

From Queensland university.

 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON TOUR of THE BRIBIE ISLAND AQUACULTURE RESEARCH CENTRE GUIDED BY DPI