2012/719 Hands-on operational experience and training at the Port Stephens Research Institute marine finfish hatchery, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach, NSW

By Trevor Borchert

This grant provided the opportunity to broaden both knowledge and practical skills through gaining experience with new species and hatchery techniques in a premiere aquaculture research facility. The grant recipient travelled to Port Stephens Fisheries Institute (PSFI) for one week from 19 - 24 August 2012, to gain hands-on operational experience and training under the guidance of NSW fisheries staff in hatchery procedures for Australian Bass, Snapper, Mulloway and Yellowtail Kingfish, and in the live feed production procedures developed by PSFI. During this period he assisted PSRI staff in undertaking an induced spawning of Australian Bass, larval-rearing of Australian bass for stock enhancement, live feed production of rotifers and Artemia, as well as assisting with broodstock management.

Both PSFI and Bribie Island Research Centre (BIRC) play a leading role in research, development and extension to the aquaculture industry in New South Wales and Queensland respectively, improving methods for hatchery production for sustainable aquaculture and business profitability and success. Broodstock management, live feed production and larval rearing are similar at both research facilities, with only minor differences in system design and hatchery protocols.