2008/915 Australian Barramundi Farmers Association - R&D planning, implementation, extension and utilisation

By Graham Dalton

This project allowed work with the Australian Barramundi Farmers Association (ABFA) to:

1. Coordinate the planning, implementation, and reporting of R&D projects conducted by the Seafood CRC to achieve the outcomes specified in the ABFA Strategic Plan.
2. Facilitate the barramundi farming industry participation in Seafood CRC projects and the extension and utilization of the project results, particularly in relation to the development of new products and new markets.
3. Work towards establishing a mechanism by which the ABFA can fund its own R&D coordination and communication activities.

This project provided ABFA with the capacity to provide information and essential contacts and support to CRC participants and researchers involved in projects relating to this industry. This was especially important as the capacity of the industry was stretched as a result of floods and cyclones. The resources provided as part of this project enabled research and development to continue as a priority.

The activities coordinated and the outcomes achieved included:

• Chemical testing of fish to EU export standards
• Market development
• Water quality and muddy taint
• Flavour profiling
• Purging
• Genetics and a selective breeding program
• Electricity supply
• Animal welfare
• Predator management
• Barramundi production survey
• Remote monitoring