SMFC Current Research Activities

The goal of the Shoalhaven Marine and Freshwater Centre (SMFC) is to carry out research that is relevant to the region.

The Shoalhaven Marine and Freshwater Centre is now been certified as an official animal holding facility and is capable of holding and breeding both marine and freshwater fish and invertebrates.

A number of research partners and projects have already been established or are using the Centre. Some early examples are listed below.

Recreational Fishing in the Shoalhaven Shire

The Centre has received a grant from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust to fund two postgraduate students to investigate the recreational fishing in the region and provide advice on the best methods of assessing the effort and catch. This research will start in June 2008. Please contact Dr. Nathan Miles for more information.

Investigating Estuary Perch and Australian Bass

Chris Walsh from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries Research) and the University of Wollongong are currently investigating the life history and movements of estuary perch and Australian bass. See this link for further information.

Chlorophyll and Phytoplankton Studies

In 2007/8, the Shoalhaven Marine and Freshwater Centre received a grant from the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority to investigate using chlorophyll as an indicator of estuary health.

Seaweed Culture for healthy food products

Funded by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and industry partners, the potential for seaweed as a new crop in Australia for its health and nutritional values is being investigated by researchers at the Marine and Freshwater Centre. There is an abundance of diverse and endemic seaweeds in temperate Australia that have not been screened for their application in culture or in health and nutrition. Please contact Dr. Pia Winberg for more information.

Environmentally sustainable Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems for temperate Australia

Funded by industry partners, the potential for integration of multiple species in aquaculture in land-based systems is being investigated. IMTA systems can address all of the environmental impact issues related to the aquaculture industry, as well as make use of available resources in the system and value add to the industry. The clean waters of temperate Australia have the potential to lead the way in such environmentally sustainable systems industries. Please contact Dr. Pia Winberg for more information.