Understanding tuna metabolism, verifying kingfish escapes and reducing by-catch in trawl nets are just some of the areas that will benefit from the latest round of fisheries research funding.
A total of $3.25 million was distributed to 11 South Australian research projects in this round of Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) funding.
The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) has been successful in attracting Commonwealth funding of $2.4 million dollars for six new projects.
Several other research projects will also take place as part of the nationwide $26.5 million cash injection coming from the FRDC.
State Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister, Paul Holloway said the projects would be important in ensuring SARDI was able to continue ongoing research to support the sustainable development of the state's valuable fisheries and aquaculture industries.
"SARDI has been successful in attracting these funds to support a wide range of projects including nearly $700,000 for work on the environmental effect of discarded by-catch in our prawn fisheries," Holloway said.
"Much of the work will be conducted from Port Lincoln as a part of a continuing commitment to building research capacity in regional areas."
Two further projects involving the Port Lincoln region are the development and validation of baitfish sampling methods for southern bluefin tuna and a project in collaboration with the University of Adelaide to assess the metabolic rates of southern bluefin tuna held in cages.
"The projects demonstrate SARDI's ongoing ability to attract funding and continue as a leader in industry research," Holloway said.
The FRDC is responsible for planning, investing in and managing fisheries research and development through Australia in conjunction with the Commonwealth and State governments, research providers, other funding organizations and industry.
Here below the details of the tuna projects that got approved and funded:
1. Aquaculture Management Consultants Pty Ltd: Aquafin CRC - Southern Bluefin Tuna Aquaculture Subprogram: pilot study into the use and efficacy of antifoulants on the nets used for southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) culture, including residue status of tuna and the surrounding environment. $275, 660 of a total project budget of $1,142,901.
2.SARDI: Aquafin CRC - SBT Aquaculture Subprogram: development and validation of baitfish sampling methods to address international residue standards for southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii). $165,009 of a total project budget of $281,348. Research to be done in Adelaide.
3. SARDI: Aquafin CRC - SBT Aquaculture Subprogram: activity metabolism in live-held southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii).
$114,925 of a total project budget of $257,743. Research to be done in Port Lincoln, West Beach and Adelaide.
Source: Port Lincoln Times