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Research and Development

2003 Farmed Barramundi R&D Priorities

The following summarises the R&D priorities identified by ABFA members at the Cairns 2003 half yearly workshop. The workshop reviewed and updated previous priorities (see below). For further information please contact Carl Young (0407771506) or Bob Richards (08 8927 4453).

Production Systems:

Identified as most important by farmers was the need to improve on farm production efficiencies including:

Automated systems for fish movement and feeding.
Improve output/labour ratio.
Investigate the introduction of site specific feed efficiency models.
On farm water treatment systems to enable water reuse.
Investigate the use of "partitioned" ponds.
Improve fish grading, handling and harvesting techniques.

It was identified that engineering solutions were required for a number of the problems encountered by the industry. Systems and solutions developed in other industries elsewhere in the world needed to be identified.

Market Research

The industry did not have a good understanding of the farmed barramundi consumer, market research to better define the Australian farmed barramundi purchaser was needed.

Fish Health

Columnaris continues to pose a potential threat to farmed barramundi. The use of a vaccine to prevent outbreak requires investigation.

Stock Improvement

The ABFA remained committed to identifying a coordinated approach to stock improvement.

Nutrition

Improved feed performance with reduced cost.

2005 R&D Strategy

The ½ yearly workshop and meeting at Innisfail approved the draft R&D strategy for consideration and comment.

2006

The ABFA is working on bench marking studies under the ICIP program. This aims to improve on farm productivity and profitability.

Completed and Current R&D Projects

Following is a selection of Barramundi aquaculture R&D previously undertaken, please note that this is not an exhaustive list.

Development of Captive Breeding Techniques
Rimmer, Garrett, Barlow + + (late 1980s to early 1990s)

Larval and Juvenile Culture of Barramundi
Rimmer, Rutledge, Reed, Barlow, Rodgers + + (FRDC 89/67)

Nutritional enhancement of live foods
Micro particulate diets
Weaning
Effects of Photoperiod
Effects of density
Comparison between strains (Cairns, Budrum River, Weipa)

Identification of Barramundi Strains and Population Structure
Keenan (1989 to 1994)

Health Management
Anderson, Norton (Ongoing)

Nodavirus
Anderson, Moody, Glazebrook, Owens (Ongrowing)

Dietary Requirements and Optimal Feeding Practices for Barramundi
Williams, Barlow, Rodgers (FRDC 1992/63)

Replacement of Fishmeal in Aquaculture Diets for Barramundi
Williams, Barlow, Rodgers (FRDC 93120.04)

Replacement of Fishmeal in Diets for Barramundi: Improving nutritive value using crystalline amino acids
Williams, Barlow, Rodgers (FRDC 95069)

Development of Dry Pelletised Barramundi Food from Catfish Byproduct
FRDC 94061

Biology of Sex Determination and Manipulation of Sex Inversion in Barramundi
Anderson, Appleford, Matthews (CRC 1997-2000)

Code of Practice for Post Harvest Handling of Barramundi
Nick Ruello 1997

Economics of Barramundi Farming
Johnston 1997

BarraProfit
Johnston (Ongoing)

Flavour and Handling Aspects of Farmed Barramundi
Poole, Grauf, Frost 1999