Tasmanian salmonid aquaculture: historical perspectives and future drivers of research in physiology and nutrition
Tasmania is an island to the south of the Australian continent and is Australia's smallest state by geography and population size.However, it is the country's largest seafood producer by value which is mainly attributable to farmed Atlantic salmon (21% valueof Australian seafood). Several...
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| Format: | Conference Object |
| Language: | English |
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2015
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.4172/2155-95466.S1.00.2 http://ecite.utas.edu.au/102042 |
| Summary: | Tasmania is an island to the south of the Australian continent and is Australia's smallest state by geography and population size.However, it is the country's largest seafood producer by value which is mainly attributable to farmed Atlantic salmon (21% valueof Australian seafood). Several salmonid species are found in Tasmania, none are endemic and all have been introduced sometimesince European settlement. The State presents a unique location for aquaculture research on salmonid species due to a range ofenvironmental, commercial and historical factors. The aim of the presentation is to present a brief historical perspective on thehistory of salmonids in Tasmania with a focus on research in physiology and nutrition. Tasmania is a climate change hot-spot sothat changes to the marine environment often occur here before they do in other regions of the world. Historically, high watertemperatures have been advantageous in promoting high growth of farmed Atlantic salmon. Generally salmon perform optimallyover a wide temperature range and maintain high levels of growth performance outside the optimum temperature range. As highertemperatures are experienced more often the industry is developing responses to potential impacts of climate change. Strategiesinclude selective breeding for robustness, developing management practices and formulating feeds for the conditions. Salmon areconsidered hypoxia sensitive, unexpectedly some Tasmanian salmon down regulate their metabolic rate in response to low dissolvedoxygen. Sub-optimum high temperature and low dissolved oxygen increase protein and energy requirements. Feed formulation andfeeding regimes can be managed accordingly. Alternative protein and oil ingredients are being investigated and provide interestinginsights into the interactions between temperature, other environment factors and nutrition. There is also consideration of locallysourced ingredients. Multiple strategies based on a better understanding of physiology and nutrition is in place to support sustainablesalmon farming Tasmania. |
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