Investigation of harmful algal blooms - SafeFish Postgraduate Grant

Project Member(s): Murray, S.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA Scholarship Grant)
Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA Scholarship Grant)

Start year: 2023

Summary: The primary aim of his project is allow Felipe Henriquez Nunez to travel to two conferences and conduct field research to investigate harmful algal blooms (HABs) impacting aquaculture-producing areas in Australia, and to develop novel molecular tools for their use on shellfish farms and by farmers for addressing seafood safety risks, related to toxins. Key aims and objectives of the project include: • Developing qPCR assays for use on shellfish farms and by farmers for addressing seafood safety risks. • To test current regulatory methods alongside newly developed molecular genetic methods • To work with the NSW shellfish industry to implement the use of the assays and assess their effectiveness. More rapid and sophisticated methods of water quality monitoring and analyses, involving portable, on-site molecular genetic methods, will allow for rapid results that can then allow shellfish farmers to make rapid decisions regarding harvesting. This project will address this gap by developing systems that can be used on aquaculture farms to assist with harvest decision-making. The grant will be used to present research findings at international conferences and to facilitate an on-farm training programme.

FOR Codes: Aquaculture molluscs (excl. oysters), Agricultural marine biotechnology, Aquaculture

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.