Seafood sustainability drives award-winning research initiative
The innovation and excellence of the Department of Primary Industry & Regional Development (DPRID) was recognised when they were presented the Research Development & Extension Award, sponsored by Fisheries Research & Development Corporation (FRDC) at the 2024 Western Australian Seafood Industry Awards.
The Awards event, recognising excellence in the WA seafood industry, was held at The Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle and opened by Minister for Fisheries Hon Don Punch MLA in front of a large audience of industry participants and seafood representatives.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) marine fish hatchery is pioneering sustainable aquaculture through innovative aquafeeds and parasite management.
DPIRD Research Scientist, Lindsey Wooley said DPIRD is committed to driving sustainable practices in aquaculture.
“By integrating marine forage-free ingredients into our aquafeeds, we’re not only addressing the urgent need for sustainability, but also reducing reliance on finite marine resources.”
Concurrently, DPIRD tackles the economic and welfare impacts of parasitic infections by developing a palatable praziquantel (PZQ) formulation, enhancing fish welfare and operational productivity.
“Our goal is to ensure the health and well-being of our aquatic species, while maximising productivity,” Ms Wooley said.
“Through collaborative efforts with industry stakeholders, we’re driving practical innovations like Single Cell Protein (SCP) based feeds and efficient parasite control methods, aligning with the industry’s shift towards sustainable practices.”
DPIRD’s approach underscores their commitment to reshaping the aquaculture landscape.
By spearheading advancements in aquafeeds and parasite management, DPIRD is not only setting new standards for excellence, but also fostering a culture of innovation and cooperation within the seafood industry.
“We’re proud to lead the charge towards sustainability in aquaculture,” Ms Wooley emphasises. “Together with our partners, we’re paving the way for a more sustainable future in the seafood industry.”
WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) CEO, Darryl Hockey, said DPIRD had demonstrated excellence and good old fashioned persistence in developing and undertaking a research, development and extension activity that has contributed substantially towards a sustainable and profitable seafood industry.
“As an industry body, we recognise the importance of acknowledging those individuals and organisations who make a substantial contribution to benefiting our industry, and DPIRD are certainly a worthy recipient of this award,” Mr Hockey concluded.
About the Awards Event
The event is supported by a number of partners including;
- Wester Rock Lobster (Gold event partner), Taylor Marine (Gold event partner), Sunderland Marine (Silver event partner), Fins Seafood (Silver event partner), as well as partners for each of the individual awards, including Aquarius Lawyers, Austral Fisheries, Baker Refrigeration, Bendotti Exporters/WA Chip, Chevron Australia, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Endeavour Foods, Fisheries Research & Development Corporation (FRDC), Francis A Jones, MG Kailis Group, Sea Harvest Australia, Ward Packaging, Woodside Energy and Western Rock Lobster.
- Award event attendees enjoyed an array of fresh, local and sustainably caught Western Australian seafood prepared by celebrity chefs and kindly donated by sponsors including; Albany Sardines, Archipelago Octopus, Austral Fisheries, Bellbuoy Seafoods, Bowithick, Brown Dog Fishing Co, Endeavour Foods, Esperance Seafoods, Fins Seafood, Fremantle Octopus, Fremantle Seaweed, Huon, Leeuwin Coast, Lobster Shack, Ocean Wild Tuna, Paspaley, Rare Foods Australia, Sabea Fishing Co, Seafresh, Sea Harvest Australia, Shark Bay Cockles, Two Rocks Tentacles, Bendotti Exporters/WA Chip, Westmore Seafoods & Wollaston Fish & Chips all served in compostable packaging provided by Ward Packaging.
- Highly regarded “celebrity”’ seafood chefs cooked at the event including; Brad Adams (Rare Foods Australia – Producer Chef), Liam Atkinson (Le Rebelle & Bar Rogue), Damien Bell (Bellbuoy Seafoods – Producer Chef), Scott Bridger (Bib & Tucker), Steven Finch (Indigo Oscar), Neil Forbes (Black Pearl Oyster Shucking), Danny Matthews (The Seasonal Brewing Co), Leigh Nash (Norfolk Hotel), Leigh Power (Shui Subiaco), Navarre Top (Double Rainbow Eating House), Sam Vial (Wollaston Fish & Chips) and Chase Weber (Gorilla BBQ & Consultant to Kaarla Restaurant – Singapore) prepared an array of delicious food at the event.
- The event was held on Friday 3 May, 2024 at Fremantle’s Esplanade Hotel with Karl Langdon (Former West Coast Eagle and 6PR Radio presenter) who played the role of Master of Ceremonies.
