PORTFOLIO NEWS
Climate change risks to the marine environment

Climate change and its impacts on marine biodiversity and resources – as well as surrounding coastal habitats, communities and industries – will be the subject of a new research plan. The National Climate Change Adaptation Research Plan: Marine Biodiversity and Resources states climate change will lead to ocean warming, changes in ocean currents, more intense storm events and changed ocean chemistry. The Plan identifies research priorities in four main areas – aquaculture, commercial and recreational fishing, conservation management and tourism and recreational uses. In response to the Research Plan, the Government has announced $5.5 million for research to help managers and users of the marine environment to prepare for the likely impacts of climate change. The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency will provide $3.5 million of the funding, with the additional $2 million from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC). FRDC is  managing the process for allocating the funding and Expressions of Interest are now open. For more information, visit the FRDC website. Read the joint media release. Read the joint media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/climate_change_risks_to_the_marine_environment

Supporting Australia's recreational fishing industry

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has released a draft discussion paper to help shape the future of the recreational fishing industry in Australia. The paper was developed by the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee, which was established by Mr Burke to provide expert industry advice to the Australian Government. The Government is providing up to $500,000 to help scope and implement a coordinated national data collection project for recreational fishing in Australia. Mr Burke said he had asked FRDC to work with the advisory committee to coordinate the project and seek co-investment from state and territory governments around and industry organisations.The discussion paper is available at www.daff.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/rfids. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/supporting_australias_recreational_fishing_industry

Additional grants for community Landcare groups

Minister Burke has announced further funding for Landcare community-based environmental and sustainable agriculture projects. Under the Caring for our Country Community Action Grants program, an additional 49 Landcare projects will share in more than $876,000. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/additional_grants_for_community_landcare_groups

Exotic virus stopped at quarantine facility

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service has confirmed the presence of Newcastle disease in a consignment of imported pigeons being held in quarantine. Blood tests have confirmed that a number of birds in a consignment from the United States are carrying the highly contagious disease. Australia remains free from this disease and there are no significant human health concerns associated with it. The birds are being held in an AQIS quarantine facility in Victoria as part of standard import requirements. Read the DAFF media release at http://www.daff.gov.au/about/media-centre/dept-releases/2010/exotic_virus_stopped_at_quarantine_facility

Brisbane Court sends strong message to illegal importers

Three prawn farm operators from Australia’s east coast have been sentenced to up to four years in jail after being found guilty of illegally importing feed products. The two prawn aquaculture companies involved have also been fined a total of $80,000 by the Brisbane District Court over the illegal importation. AQIS officers from DAFF uncovered the breach during an investigation in 2006 called ‘Operation Penaeus’. Read the DAFF media release at http://www.daff.gov.au/about/media-centre/dept-releases/2010/brisbane_court_sends_strong_message_to_illegal_importers AND REPORTS

PUBLICATIONS

Latest AQIS Bulletin out now

AQIS was airside when giant pandas Funi and Wang Wang arrived from China last November to begin 30 days in quarantine at Adelaide Zoo. Other articles in this edition include:

new leader for BSG
ship ahoy for AQIS termite hunters
sweet times ahead for Tasmanian cherries
AQIS bites mozzie

The January/March 2010 edition is available now online at http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/about/reports-pubs/aqis-bulletin/2010/aqis_bulletin_-_januarymarch_2010

EVENTS

ABARE’s Albany, WA Regional Outlook conference is on 28 April

With a conference program tailored to your region, don’t miss this chance to hear from 12 speakers across four sessions at ABARE’s Albany Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 28 April. This one day conference features speakers discussing opportunities for agriculture, working with the environment, climate trends, salinity, soil carbon, the timber and wine industries as well as the economic outlook.

Discover more at www.abare.gov.au/regional for registration information and to download the program, or contact Angela Ellerman on 02 6272 2303.

Foot and mouth disease experts to meet in Melbourne—FMD 2010

The latest developments in foot and mouth disease (FMD) research, diagnostics, surveillance and control measures will be discussed at the inaugural international FMD Symposium and Workshop to be held in Melbourne from 12 to 14 April 2010.

A unique feature of the symposium will be its scenario-based interactive workshop led by Dr Ross Cutler, a leading Australian veterinarian and facilitator. Further information about the symposium is available at www.FMD2010.com.au. symposium is supported by Meat and Livestock Australia, the Australian cattle industry, CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL), Merial and DAFF. FMD 2010 is being hosted by DAFF, AAHL, Animal Health Australia and the DPI Vic.

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