DoctorGianluca Amoroso

Project Total: $250,000; The objectives of this project are to: 1. To evaluate AGD progression using different challenge initiation methods 2. Examine the impact of manipulating rearing parameters upon AGD progression 3. Investigate the effect of RAS filtration components on removal of amoebae from the tank environment during AGD challenge 4. To establish a successful AGD challenge model that allows future AGD control trials to be undertaken Funded by: Fisheries Research & Development Corporation - Grant ($250,000); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $670,153; The project will identify and adapt models appropriate for predicting salmon production in high energy environments, aided by data gathered from benchmarking studies on salmon selectively bred for offshore conditions. These models will provide an objective assessment of results of production experiments, quantifying real gains. Models of other species of salmon and new taxa (macroalgae, oysters) will also be adapted to suit offshore aquaculture with themes such as co-culture being explored. The project will also focus on incorporating smart technology into production modelling, through development of visual recognition of individual salmon and the capacity to share private data securely. Funded by: Blue Economy CRC Co - General Projects; University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $1,210,073; The principle aim is to build a translational experimental approach to identify and address critical knowledge gaps in Atlantic salmon aquaculture production by working closely with industry partners. This will consider the impact of key environmental variables, relevant to current and future offshore expansion, on commercial salmon performance. Strong engagement by the project team and students with partners, including placements with commercial organisations, will ensure their capability and career development will meet industry needs. Successful outcomes will come from establishing and validating the translation of data at the research-commercial nexus to support the industry in managing a rapidly changing climate. Funded by: Blue Economy CRC Co - General Projects ($1,210,074); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $172,727; Poor skeletal health and deformities can pose a serious risk to the expected expansion of salmonids aquaculture into offshore and high energy farming environments which require fish with a robust skeletal system. Apart from impacting on welfare and performance of fish, deformities impact on final product processing efficiency and lead to increase in downgrade. New Zealand King Salmon (NZKS) stock has been historically impacted by spinal curvature deformities in their stock, and in the past two years there has been an emerging issue with intermuscular bones abnormalities (commonly referred to as pin bones?). These two issues indicate poor skeletal health in some NZKS stock, and this is likely to become exacerbated by increased musculoskeletal challenge as seen in offshore environments. The goal of this project is to better understand pin bone development and abnormalities (and their link with spinal deformity) observed in NZKS fish as a reasonable proxy for assessing overall skeletal health. The project consists of five main steps, 1) a literature review of pin bone development in fish and a summary of the NZKS pin bone data in relation to harvest, production and husbandry strategies, including collation and analysis of historical records, 2) the collection and analysis of affected and unaffected pin bone samples in harvest size fish, 3) a cross-sectional exploration of pin bone development in NZKS hatchery-reared salmon covering the company's different production strategies 4) a study of the effect of sustained exercise on pin bone strength and 5) an epidemiologic analysis of risk factors for spinal curvature and pin bone abnormalities, to tease out possible associations between the two and relevant environmental, genetic and husbandry factors. Funded by: Blue Economy CRC Co - General Projects ($172,727); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $150,000; This project falls under the Dr Harry King Memorial Scholarship', a new University of Tasmania PhD scholarship honouring Tasmanian aquaculture biologist Dr Harry King, who lost his battle with prostate cancer in 2019 and which will guide the next generation of aquaculture researchers (https://imas.utas.edu.au/news/...). UTAS and CSIRO will fund four PhD positions across five years as part of the program by splitting the scholarships costs. Three industry partners are also equally contributing to the PhD positions with an annual cash contribution to be used as operating funds. All PhD projects will focus on Atlantic salmon physiology which reflect Dr King's expertise and which continue to represent key priorities for the Atlantic salmon industry in order to fill critical knowledge gaps and improve commercial outcomes. Funded by: BioMar Ltd ($50,000); Tassal Ltd ($50,000); Huon Aquaculture ($50,000); University of Tasmania ($216,057).