Exploring the potential of sponge aquaculture in Torres Strait (T1.6a)

Task leader: Dr Alan Duckworth, Australian Institute of Marine Science.

This preliminary study will provide the knowledge-base and farming techniques to assess the potential of an indigenous owned and operated sponge aquaculture industry in Torres Strait. It will apply existing knowledge about commercial sponges and culture methods that have been proven successful elsewhere, and will adapt them to the species and environemnts of Torres Strait. It will identify candidate species for the cosmetic, bathroom and industrial markets, and experimentally establish their potential for production through aquaculture.

Phase one of the project will include a survey of Torres Strait waters to identify suitable species, and extensive consultation with communities and stakeholders in the project. Phase one will conclude with the selection of target species. Location(s) and community partners for the experimental work. Phase two of the project will include experimental trials to develop farming structures and techniques suitable for culturing sponges, and to determine the environemntal conditions that promote sponge growth and survival of loical sponge species. It will also include ecological experiments in the target locations to understand the dynamics of the natural sponge populations and assess recovery rates after experimental harvest.

The resulting knowledge base will facilitate assessment of the commercial viability of bath sponge aquaculture in Torres Strait, the design of future commercial farms, and guidelines for sustainable environemntal management of this potential new industry. Effective knowkedge, skills nad technology transfer to indigenous stakeholders will be achieved through active and effective participation of Torres Strait Islanders in all aspects of the project. This will occur via full community consultation and by employment of 1-2 Torres Strait Islanders (total 0.7FTE) as technical assistants in the project. In addition, further capacity building will occur through the extension and education programs of the CRC Torres Strait and provision of specific opportunities for education and participation through the CDEP and other indigenous training and employment programs.

Objectives

• Through a Torres Strait wide survey of Dictyoceratid sponges and consultation with community leaders, identify candidate species and locations suitable for development of commercial sponge aquaculture.
• Develop aquaculture methods for optimal and environmentally sustainable commercial production of up to two target sponge species in at least one location selected for the project.
• Develop the knowledge base for sustainable management of natural populations of target species for seed stock supply in the location(s) selected.
• Compile project results in a technical report, as a basis for subsequent business planning activities (funded elsewhere).

Outcomes

• Identification of Australia as a source of novel products from the sea.
• Indigenous adoption of innovative new R&D as a platorm for business elaboration and education.
• Identification of new Torres Strait marine resources and informed marine planning
• Northern Australian Tropical Aquaculture initiative for remote communitiy development
• A pilot sponge farm and a business plan for development of sponge aquaculture in Torres Strait.