Final report

project
Mariculture development in New
Ireland, Papua New Guinea

project number FIS/2010/054

date published 1/06/2019

prepared by Paul Southgate (University of the Sunshine Coast)

co-authors/ Jacob Wani, Jeff Kinch, Peter Minimulu, Esther Leini and Casper
contributors/ Dako (National Fisheries Authority, PNG)
collaborators
Cathy Hair, Thane Militz and Rowan McIntyre (University of the
Sunshine Coast)
De’arne Kershler (AVID)

approved by NA

final report number FR2019-48

978-1-925747-24-9
ISBN

published by ACIAR
GPO Box 1571
Canberra ACT 2601
Australia

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Final report: Mariculture development in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea

Contents
1 Acknowledgments .................................................................................... 3

Executive summary .......................................................................................... 4

2 Background ............................................................................................... 6

3 Objectives ................................................................................................. 8

4 Methodology ........................................................................................... 10

5 Achievements against activities and outputs/milestones .................. 15

6 Key results and discussion ................................................................... 34

6.1 Development of community-based sea cucumber methodologies ....................................34
6.2 Other mariculture commodities ..........................................................................................37
6.3 Long term institutional mariculture training capacity in PNG .............................................39

7 Impacts .................................................................................................... 41
7.1 Scientific impacts – now and in 5 years .............................................................................41
7.2 Capacity impacts – now and in 5 years .............................................................................43
7.3 Community impacts – now and in 5 years .........................................................................47
7.4 Communication and dissemination activities .....................................................................48

8 Conclusions and recommendations ..................................................... 51

8.1 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................51
8.2 Recommendations .............................................................................................................51

9 References .............................................................................................. 52
9.1 References cited in report ..................................................................................................52
9.2 List of publications produced by project .............................................................................53

10 Appendixes ............................................................................................. 55
10.1 Appendix 1: ........................................................................................................................55

Page ii
1 Acknowledgments
We acknowledge the inputs of numerous National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and Nago
Island Mariculture and Research Facility (NIMRF) staff who supported establishment of
full functional capacity of NIMRF during this project and the research reported. We also
acknowledge the willing and enthusiastic engagement of partner community members,
particularly Village Planning Committee and community members of Limanak, Ungakum
and Enuk villages, and partner NGOs, including John Aini of Ailan Awareness and officers
of the Wildlife Conservation Society who greatly assisted this project.

Page 3
 Executive summary
This project operated from the newly completed Nago Island Mariculture and Research
Facility (NIMRF) in Kavieng, Papua New Guinea (PNG), which was purpose built to
support mariculture research and training. Modifications to the facility during the project
included extension of general indoor and outdoor culture facilities supporting replicated
experiments with larvae and juveniles, additional raceways, construction of a seawater
pond, expansion of pumping capacity, and upgrading of the seawater system to provide a
more reliable water supply supporting routine production of target species.
Hatchery production of sea cucumbers (sandfish) was developed early in the project and
by the final year of the project, routine production was managed by NIMRF staff, with 2-3
hatchery runs per year. Simplification of the larval rearing protocol by replacing cultured
live micro-algae with commercial micro-algae concentrates as a larval food source, was
an important development that eliminated many technical constraints often associated
with hatchery production. This was a major breakthrough for this project with broad
application within the global mariculture sector. A hatchery culture manual for sandfish
was developed for training purposes. Land-based husbandry of hatchery-produced
juveniles, however, was a bottleneck to production of large numbers of juveniles for field-
based culture activities. Further research is required to address this issue and this aspect
is a major focus of research in the follow-on project (FIS-2014-0611).
A range of land-based and community nursery systems were trialled and evaluated to
produce release-size sandfish juveniles of >3 grams. Results provide a basis for ongoing
fine-tuning of grow-out systems. Three local communities actively participated in sandfish
field-based grow-out trials, supporting either experimental sea pens, ocean-based grow-
out nets or trial sea ranches. Biophysical parameters were monitored at field sites, using
protocols that were standardised with those used in similar ACIAR funded research in the
Philippines, northern Australia and Vietnam2. They contributed to a multi-country, broad-
scale experiment to identify optimum sea ranching habitats for sandfish. Pen culture grow-
out results have been highly variable, for example, one site supported exceptionally high
growth rates and survival of sandfish juveniles (compared to that reported internationally),
while another suffered total mortality. Important information on the key biophysical
parameters which drive growth has been collected. Multivariate analysis of bio-physical
factors shows promise for identifying key factors influencing sandfish culture performance,
with preliminary principal component analysis clearly differentiating prime sites.
Preliminary research findings have been published and the results of a broader
international study, including data from this project, are being prepared for publication.
Both hapas and sea pens established at partner community field sites are cared for by
community wardens who liaise with project staff. Considerable socio-economic data has
been collected on past wild fishery practices with respect to sea cucumber, community-
based fishery management and attitudes towards mariculture.
A primary site for spat collection of edible oysters was identified and the long-term spat
collection program established in 2013. Collector design was modified to better suit local
conditions. Plastic slats covered in a cement/lime slurry supported greater recruitment and
better handling than other collector types and were adopted as a ‘standard’ across all
project sites. However, relatively poor recruitment to spat collectors greatly limited the
extent to which growth trials could be established. A grow-out trial was conducted at the

1 FIS/2014/061: “Improving technical and institutional capacity to support development of mariculture based
livelihoods and industry in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea”
2 FIS/2010/042: ““Expansion and Diversification of Production and management Systems for Sea Cucumbers
in the Philippines, Vietnam and northern Australia”

Page 4
main NFA wharf site in Kavieng, but oysters suffered close to 100% mortality in all
treatments over a month-long period through predation by Cymatium gastropods that
recruited to oyster culture units. In a follow-up trial using sub-tidal baskets on the floating
pontoon at NIMRF, Saccostrea cucullata spat reached an average weight of 3.75 g while
S. mytiloides spat reached 9-16 g after 8 months. Survival of both was relatively low at
around 40%. When S. cucullata spat were deployed in intertidal baskets at Losogul and
Panapai, those at Panapai performed better and reached an average weight of 3.45 g
after 6 months with survival of 95%. Poor recruitment of oyster spat to collectors at all
research sites limited the scope of grow out trials and is likely to limit the potential of spat-
based oyster mariculture in the Kavieng region. Hatchery production of S. cucculata at
NIMRF may provide a future option to address this bottleneck.
Field surveys of marine organisms with potential value to marine aquarium markets
occurred in the first year of the project. They revealed several species of fishes, coral, and
giant clams in New Ireland Province to be ideal candidates for mariculture. Surveys also
revealed regionally endemic phenotypes of several Amphiprioninae (clownfishes) and
research was undertaken to document the ecological parameters associated with these
high value commodities. Successful production of “Nemo” (Amphiprion percula) was
achieved in the second year of the project and successful production of the “maroon
clownfish” (Premnas biaculeatus) was achieved in the third year of the project. By the final
year of the project, production of these two species became routine at NIMRF, with
several thousand market-sized individuals on hand. Coral propagation was also trialled at
two field-sites and in land-based raceways. Production of corals was found to be optimal
in community reef areas exposed to regular fishing activity. This has led to the
development of semi-commercial scale culture (2,000 pieces biannually) in partnership
with the Nago Island community. Ongoing research is evaluating the ideal coral substrates
for propagation and the economic potential of this mariculture activity for local
communities in New Ireland. In the last year of the project, the teardrop giant clam
(Tridacna noae) was successfully cultured and this is the first documentation of captive
production of this species.
Aquaculture curriculum development at the NFA National Fisheries College (NFC)
progressed via an Aquaculture Training Package (ATP) which meets the requirements of
the National Training Council (NTC) and was endorsed by the Fisheries Training and
Advisory Committee (FTAC). Specific lesson plans were developed for the ATP and an
Aquaculture Instructor has been recruited by NFA to begin implementing and delivering
the ATP through the NFC and NIMRF. A series of best practice booklets have been
developed for aquaculture operations with a focus on NIMRF activities, including a
hatchery manual for sandfish and ornamental fish. Project staff contributed directly to
development of Certificate 1 and Certificate 2 level mariculture curriculums for NFC
students and have provided face-to-face tuition of these students. Graduate students from
UNRE have also been accommodated within project research activities at NIMRF,
working directly with project staff involved in sea cucumber and ornamental fish culture.
There were regular visits to NIMRF by project staff, commodity specialists and research
students throughout the project, that have worked directly with NFA/NIMRF staff.
Community members from Limanak, Ungakum, Belifu and Enuk have received training on
field-based sea cucumber culture, survey techniques and data collection, and one or two
community members from three of these communities were engaged to look after ocean
nursery culture systems for sea cucumbers. Community members from all village sites
have visited the NIMRF hatchery during operation and were given a live demonstration on
aspects of life-cycle and culture methods. Short handouts have been developed to assist
community awareness of field-based research activities with sea cucumbers and oysters.
Both were developed through consultation with a partner local NGO (Ailan Awareness)
and translated into Tokpisin. Larger more comprehensive extension materials were also
developed to support future project activities. Regular community meeting were held to
disseminate project research results and key points are delivered using a Tokspisin
handout.

Page 5
2 Background
The vast coastline of PNG supports numerous communities that depend primarily on
marine resources for their livelihoods. The coastal environment and fish stocks are
comparatively healthy, but beyond the immediate resource, communities do not maximise
the potential economic and livelihood opportunities provided by this environment. There
has been depletion of some fishery resources, including the collapse of the sea cucumber
fishery, which was the main village-based fishery generating significant export income. In
response, the NFA implemented a nationwide moratorium in September 2009. There was
an urgent need for economic activities, as alternatives to the sea cucumber fishery, to
provide livelihood opportunities for coastal communities in PNG, and the NFA was under
political pressure in this regard.
There is no tradition of mariculture in the coastal communities of PNG, so awareness of
possibilities is low. However, development of mariculture opportunities in PNG was
enhanced by the NFA NIMRF at Kavieng, New Ireland Province. This multi-species
marine hatchery and research facility, the first in PNG, was operational from 2012. The
role of the facility is to develop marine aquaculture based livelihood opportunities for PNG
and to become a training centre for students from the NFC. The NFC is located in Kavieng
and, at the start of this project, hosted 2nd and 3rd year students from University of Natural
Resources and Environment (UNRE) though a Memorandum of Understanding.
For NIMRF to achieve its desired impacts there was an immediate need for capacity
building, and for identification of local species which have potential to support viable,
sustainable mariculture industries for coastal communities in PNG. This project partnered
with NFA, NFC and UNRE to address this, and to develop a strategy for long-term
strengthening of institutional mariculture training capacity in PNG. This project addressed
these capacity and feasibility issues.
Some scoping work was conducted in prior ACIAR projects (FIS/2006/1383 and
FIS/2010/0174) to identify marine commodities that may support community-based
mariculture activities and income generation opportunities in PNG. This project assessed
the potential of three major commodities identified in these prior studies: sea cucumbers,
edible oysters and marine ornamentals, for which there are established national and
international markets. All three are priority commodities within the PNG National
Aquaculture Development Policy.
Overfishing of sea cucumbers, a traditional source of income for coastal communities in
PNG, forced a nationwide moratorium on the fishery. Developing alternative means of
income is an imperative, and one of the more obvious options is development of sea
cucumber mariculture. Prior ACIAR research (FIS/2006/138) showed that the sea
cucumber species, sandfish (Holuthuria scabra) can be reliably propagated in a hatchery
and that ‘sea-ranching’ can be successfully undertaken using village-based culture
systems (Hair et al., 2011). Another ACIAR project is further refining culture methods for
sandfish (FIS/2010/0425), and this provided an opportunity, strong linkage and synergy for
assessing current sandfish culture methods in PNG. Given the traditional importance of
sea cucumber as an income source for coastal communities in PNG, closure of the fishery

3FIS/2006/138: ‘Developing Aquaculture based livelihoods in the Pacific Islands region and Tropical Australia’

4 FIS/2010/017: ‘Building mariculture capacity in Papua New Guinea’

5 FIS/2010/042: ‘Expansion and diversification of production and management systems for sea cucumbers, in
the Philippines, Vietnam and Northern Australia’

Page 6
because of depleted stocks, and high international demand for bêche-de-mer, developing
sea cucumber mariculture in PNG is a high priority for the NFA. There is opportunity to
introduce sandfish culture to communities in areas where the NFA have established
seaweed culture. Sandfish and seaweed require similar habitats and can be co-cultured.
Edible oysters are consumed by locals and are also sold to hotels, restaurants and tourist
facilities. Prior ACIAR research (FIS/2006/138) showed that oyster juveniles (spat) readily
recruit to spat collectors in the Kavieng area and can be grown to market size within
months. However, more research is required to optimise spat collection protocols and
culture methods to maximise growth and survival. Oyster culture is well suited to coastal
communities with limited technical capacity. Oysters are the only commodity with
mariculture potential (identified in FIS/2006/138 and prioritised by NFA) which relates,
albeit marginally, to food security, a priority issue for NFA.
A sustainable, equitable, and profitable marine aquarium trade in PNG was to be started
through the SEASMART Program which began in 2008 though the contracting of a US-
based consultancy firm EcoEZ Inc. The SEAMSART Program aimed to develop a
commercial scale marine aquarium trade in PNG but failed to achieve any of the
contractual milestones necessary for this to happen. As a result, the arrangement
between the NFA and EcoEZ was terminated in 2010. NFA is currently moving forward
with an internally run marine aquarium program with the primary aim of taking the
aquarium fishery in PNG from pilot stage to a fully developed and sustainable, privately
run industry. This project aimed to facilitate development of the NFA Marine Aquarium
Program by assessing the feasibility of captive breeding of valuable marine aquarium
species.
Strengthening institutional capacity for mariculture training in PNG, and appropriate
training of mariculture graduates, are key priorities for the NFA. Prior to this project, the
aquaculture component of the UNRE diploma and degree program was only three weeks
long and focused on freshwater, not marine aquaculture (mariculture). A key component
of sustainable mariculture development in PNG will be development of a separate training
program focused on mariculture. The recent SPC joint-country strategy included a request
from NFA for support with curriculum development for mariculture. This project reviewed
aquaculture/mariculture training opportunities and curricula as a basis for developing an
appropriate mariculture curriculum at NFC with an initial aim of developing a larger
AusAID-funded university ‘twinning’ program’6. Given that there is no tradition of
mariculture in New Ireland, another important step was to build mariculture capacity within
local communities and extension organisations such as Provincial fisheries and
appropriate NGOs, as a basis for long-term and sustainable mariculture development.
This project aligned closely with the SPC Aquaculture Action Plan (2007) which identified
sea cucumbers and marine ornamentals as high priority commodities for aquaculture
development within the region.
The project supported NFA priorities for development of Aquaculture as laid out in the
NFA Corporate Plan 2008-2012 and the National Aquaculture Development Policy, and
directly addressed a number of key components and research objectives outlined in the
National Development Policy. Results provided an improved basis for the NFA to make
improved decisions related to policy development for the target commodities of this
project, and strengthen institutional, community and extension capacity to implement
NFA’s Aquaculture Development Policy at both national and provincial levels.

6 The targeted AusAID twinning program was closed shortly after the start of this project. Furthermore, the
training relationship between NFC and UNRE changed. As a result, the project shifted its focus towards
independent assistance to NFC with mariculture curriculum development.

Page 7
3 Objectives
The overall aim of this project was to provide a sustainable basis for development of a
mariculture sector in PNG, and to build capacity within country partner organisations to
support this development. Specific objectives were to:
 Develop community based sea cucumber culture methodologies;
 Trial and assess other mariculture commodities; and
 Improve the capacity of PNG institutions to support mariculture development in
New Ireland Province
Research activities within these Objectives were:

Objective 1: Develop community-based sea cucumber culture methodologies

 Identify suitable grow-out sites within the Kavieng area and establish village
based partnerships
 Develop hatchery culture of sea cucumbers at the Nago Island facility.
 Refine raceway/tank culture methodologies for juvenile sea cucumbers and
optimise transfer methodology
 Establish village-based culture facilities for nursery and grow-out culture
 Undertake village-based sea cucumber trials
 Training of local communities relating to field-based sea cucumber culture

Objective 2: Trial and assess other mariculture commodities

2.1 Oysters
 Identify potential spat collection sites
 Assess spat collection sites and spat collecting materials
 Identify appropriate grow-out sites
 Establish village-based grow-out trials
 Assess marketing options and business case for cultured oysters

2.2 Aquarium species

 Review regional aquarium industry
 Conduct a business case study to establish industry feasibility
 Undertake scoping studies to identify high value or highly demanded species
that might be suited to captive breeding (fish) and propagation (corals)
 Establish captive breeding program at the Nago Island facility to generate
information on the culture performances of a small number of key fish species
 Establish land-based and field-based coral culture trials at Nago Island to
generate culture information for key species.

Page 8
Objective 3: Improve the capacity of PNG institutions to support mariculture
development in New Ireland province
3.1 Develop and initiate a strategy for long-term institutional mariculture training
capacity in PNG
 Review the current curriculum and practical training in mariculture at
NFC/UNRE
 Develop a strategy for improved training capacity in mariculture
 Develop and submit a university “twinning” application in consultation with
AusAID.

3.2 Build capacity amongst NFA, Provincial fisheries, NGOs and local communities
 Appoint an appropriately qualified expatriate Project Scientist to be based at
Nago Island
 Establish a steering committee comprising project staff, NFA, Provincial
fisheries officers, and representatives from NGOs and communities to guide
project activities
 Support Nago Island facility operations and production of selected species (i.e.
technology transfer, expert personnel)
 Develop mariculture training activities with key communities using local
counterparts as liaison and facilitators
 Train specific community members of participating villages to undertake project
activities (i.e. hands-on training, workshops)
 Develop manuals on specific aspects of selected culture commodities to
support workshops and other training activities

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4 Methodology
Objective 1: Develop community based sea cucumber culture
methodologies
The sea cucumber component of the project was based on production of the commercial
holothurian, Holothuria scabra (common name, sandfish). It was conducted at the NIMRF
multi-species hatchery and at field sites within two hours boat travel of the NIMRF. Two to
three sea cucumber hatchery runs were carried out each year as training exercises for the
hatchery staff and to produce juvenile sandfish for use in experiments and other aspects
of the project. Hatchery experiments included research into ways to increase production
(i.e. better survival and growth of larvae and small juveniles through husbandry and
system improvements). An important component involved research to assess the use of
commercially available micro-algae pastes to rear larvae and juveniles. The grow-out of
juveniles after the larval rearing phase from approximately 3 mm in length (or one-month
old) up to the recommended release size of 3 g, is a major bottleneck in the scaling-up of
sandfish culture. Much of the research at NIMRF has focused on identifying ways to
improve survival and growth during this nursery stage. A proportion of the juveniles
produced were grown to the minimum recommended release size of 3 g (Purcell and
Simutoga 2008) within ocean and land-based nursery systems, including tanks, raceways,
hapa nets and bag nets. Hatchery experiments and field trials were carried out to identify
ways to increase juvenile survival and growth in all the grow-out systems utilised.
Juveniles of ≥3 g size were tagged with fluorochromes and stocked into round 100 m2 sea
pens (part of a large-scale experiment in collaboration with ACIAR Project FIS/2010/042)
at village sites. Survival and growth of sandfish in these pens were monitored at regular
intervals for up to two years.
Field sites for sea cucumber mariculture were identified in collaboration with NFA officers,
community members and local NGOs. Site selection was based upon: presence of
suitable juvenile sandfish habitats as suggested by Purcell (2004) and Tsiresy et al.
(2011); proximity of a community to release sites; willingness of the community to be
involved in the study; and a range of socio-economic aspects related to each community.
The three sites selected were: (1) Limanak (encompassing Limellon and Nusailas); (2)
Enuk; and (3) Ungakum. The first two sites are located close to NIMRF in the Tigak Island
group and the third is on the north east side of New Hanover (Lavongai) in a large lagoon.
GPS was used to map all sampling areas and to classify the habitats in relation to their
suitability for sea cucumber mariculture activities. These sites provided a range of
habitats, environments and social situations for research. A participatory approach was
employed in the establishment and management of the trial sites and prospective sea
ranches. Partner communities at each site were involved in all aspects of the research
from the time the juveniles left the hatchery. Local community members were paid to
assist with the research at each village, and to maintain the experimental and grow-out
systems between visits by project staff. The broader community was kept up to date with
research progress via regular meetings.
Juveniles were released into the wild using the methods detailed by WorldFish (Purcell
2004) but also reared in different release micro-habitats and using different grow-out
systems developed in the Philippines (Juinio-Meňez et al. 2012) and Madagascar (Tsiresy
et al. 2011, Robinson and Pascal, 2012) and as demonstrated to be effective in PNG.
Initial ocean-rearing trials were done in 100 m2 sea pens using methods developed in
collaboration with scientists from FIS/2010/042, in order to produce directly comparable
data. A number of rearing systems were tested to determine what level of protection is
most effective in various habitats for various sized juveniles. In the last year of the project,
large-scale releases were made into sea ranches, set up with partner communities, also
using methods developed with FIS/2010/042. Techniques for collection and analysis of
biophysical data were also developed collaboratively with FIS/2010/042. Data on spatial

Page 10
and temporal variability in release micro-habitat variables (seagrass species diversity,
seagrass cover, canopy height, epiphyte growth, sediment penetrability, anoxic layer,
sediment organic matter and chlorophyll-a content, and grain size) were collected in order
to identify the optimum release habitat for 3 g sandfish juveniles.
The social constraints and opportunities relating to development of mariculture as an
alternative source of livelihoods in collaborating communities were also investigated.
Community members were surveyed on: (1) the compatibility of community attitudes to
marine resource management with development of mariculture; (2) attitudes to ‘farmed’
products compared to wild harvest; and (3) the differential roles for men and women and
their implications for livelihoods. Pre-aquaculture interviews were conducted by Cathy Hair
during this project. However, extension of the sea cucumber fishery moratorium meant
that commercial village mariculture activities could not be initiated, therefore social-
economic factors relating to success, or otherwise, of mariculture were not assessed. This
aspect is continued in the follow-on project (FIS/2014/061).
The sandfish hatchery was overseen by De’arne Kershler (AVID), assisted by NFA
aquaculture technician, Esther Leini. A JCU PhD student, Nguyen Duy, conducted most of
his larval sandfish research at NIMRF, and provided larval rearing training to Esther Leini,
who assumed responsibility for the hatchery in mid-2015.
The field research was overseen by Cathy Hair. She was employed full-time on this
Project as Principal Research Scientist. The sea cucumber research was assisted by the
PNG-based Research Scientist, Rowan McIntyre, up to mid-2015. NFA technicians Peni
Bitalen and Posolok Kanawi were trained in (and assisted with) all research and field
activities. A senior technician, Nicholas Daniels, joined the team in early 2016. Research
outputs from this Project were complementary to (and augmented) those from
FIS/2010/042 and the Project benefitted considerably from this linkage. Ms Hair also
spent 20% of her time overseeing extension of sea cucumber sea ranching activities in
northern Australia within FIS/2010/042. Ms Hair is undertaking a part time PhD on
development of community-based sea cucumber mariculture during the Project, and this
continues in the follow-on project. Her research was supervised by Paul Southgate, Dr
Simon Foale of James Cook University’s Department of Anthropology as well as Dr David
Mills (WorldFish).

Objective 2: Trial and assess other mariculture commodities

2.1. Edible Oysters
The edible oyster culture component of this project was undertaken using routine
methodology for these species. Established edible oyster spat collection methods were
used in an extended spat collection program (Muthiah, 1987). Oyster grow-out was also
undertaken using a range of proven culture method with oysters grown in trays or baskets
held on racks in shallow intertidal sites; results were used to assess the relative merits of
each. Inexpensive culture units made from local materials were also investigated. Due to
the different collection and grow-out requirements of oysters, different communities were
involved in this research. The NFA wharf (Kavieng) was selected as the initial site for spat
collection and oyster growth trials, and research was later extended to two community
sites (Losogul (Manne) and Panapai).
The study addressed questions relating to the potential of more distant markets such as
hotels and resorts in Port Moresby and other parts of PNG. A business case study was
conducted to assess the long-term economic feasibility of oyster culture in Kavieng. It
assessed marketing options and value-chain bottlenecks and opportunities. The business

Page 11
case study was undertaken by a value chain specialist involved in the ACIAR-PARDI7
project.
All edible oyster research activities were carried out by Rowan McIntyre, the NIMRF-
based Project Scientist. He was assisted by and trained NFA technicians, Casper Dako,
Peni Bitalen and Posolok Kanawi.

2.2 Aquarium Species

There were five elements to this component of the project: (1) a desk-top review of the
marine aquarium industry; (2) a business case study; (3) a field-based scoping study; (4)
a captive breeding program was established at the NIMRF for fish; and (5) land and field-
based coral culture trials were established at Nago Island to generate culture information
for key species.
A desktop review was undertaken to assess the current status of the aquarium industry for
fish and corals from PNG. The study considered the major species, wholesale and retail
prices, suitability of species for holding and transportation, major transport nodes and
main markets. The study provided baseline information for a business case study and was
conducted by aquarium industry experts.
A business case study was conducted to assess the long-term economic feasibility of
developing a marine ornamental industry in Papua New Guinea. Based on information
from the desktop study, it assessed the value chain and the strengths and weaknesses of
each component within the chain, as well as the economic feasibility, costs involved with
capture, transport, holding, and assessment of economic feasibility. The study made
recommendations on relevant development strategies for the marine aquarium trade in
PNG
A two-week field-based sampling study was conducted in the Kavieng region to record
species with commercial potential in the marine ornamental aquarium trade. Survey work
was conducted using diver-based census methods as well as capture of some species for
transfer to the aquarium system at NIMRF. Survey results were cross-referenced to the
desktop study and provided a narrower focus of the species with aquarium potential in the
Kavieng area. Furthermore, it identified local colour morphs of popular aquarium species,
which have particularly high value in the aquarium trade. The census produced a short list
of species that are in high demand by the aquarium industry and amenable to captive
breeding and transportation. A small number of fish and corals were identified for
assessment of their suitability for captive breeding.
Established pairs of key species with culture potential were captured from the wild, and
breeding pairs of fish were established in aquaria at NIMRF and were maintained by NFA
staff following appropriate training. Culture of “Nemo” (Amphiprion percula) was prioritised
as the desktop review showed this species to be the most significant export from the PNG
aquarium fishery in terms of both value and volume. This species was also the only
organism with wild collections approaching the annual total allowable catch limit (84.8 %
of limit collected) set for the fishery. The second target species was Premnas biaculeatus
as select phenotypes of these species represented the highest value export commodity
for the marine aquarium trade in PNG.
Given the CITES Appendix II listing of hard corals (Scleractinia) there is a need to
establish captive production of such species to facilitate exports. The field surveys
identified species of blue and yellow Acropora of interest to the marine aquarium trade.
These species were cultured asexually through fragmentation in tanks and field culture
systems at NIMRF. Research in various aspects relating to the growth rates and survival

7 PARDI – Pacific Agribusiness Research and Development Initiative

Page 12
of these species was (and continues to be) undertaken. The coral propagation outputs of
the project were completed with assistance from the Nago Island community, who
received training in the establishment and long-term maintenance of a field-based coral
farm.
A private company, EcoAquariums PNG, began export of wild-collected fish from PNG to
aquarium markets in the USA and Europe in 2011. It also developed community-based
coral culture in PNG to promote sustainable aquarium supply practices and income
generating opportunities. EcoAquariums PNG was aware of the objectives of this Project
and expressed interest in developing a collaborative linkage. Discussions with
EcoAquariums PNG were held during the early stages of this project with a view to
developing this collaboration. EcoAquariums PNG were consulted during the business
case study in this Project to which it had significant input. However, EcoAquariums PNG
ceased operation during the first year of the project and there was no further input.
Field surveys also revealed a high abundance of the teardrop giant clam, Tridacna noae,
which was recently ‘resurrected’ from synonymy with T. maxima and is a sought-after
aquarium species. Broodstock clams were collected and spawning was undertaken with
successful production of settled juvenile clams achieved in the final year of this project.
All aquarium species activities were carried out by Thane Militz, JCU PhD student and
Project Scientist, with assistance from professional marine aquarium operators. Antoine
Teitelbaum and Tony Nahacky are industry leaders in sustainable collection of marine
aquarium fish in New Caledonia and Hawaii, respectively. Both Antoine and Tony
participated in the desktop review of the PNG aquarium industry, the business case study,
and field-based scoping studies. The mariculture activities at NIMRF were carried out by
Thane Militz with assistance from NFA technicians, Casper Dako, Noah Piliman and
Steven Namangan. These technicians received direct training from Thane in relation to
facility maintenance and mariculture of fishes, corals, and clams.

Objective 3: Improve the capacity of PNG institutions to support mariculture

development in New Ireland province
3.1 Develop and initiate a strategy for long-term institutional mariculture training capacity
in PNG
This project’s original concept partnered JCU with NFA, NFC and UNRE and provided an
opportunity to develop institutional capacity for delivery of high quality mariculture
graduates. Completion of the NIMRF provided much broader capacity to support the
training and research of high quality graduates and to broaden the scope of training in
terms of species and general mariculture practices.
Preliminary discussions with AusAID indicated support for development of a ‘twinning’
program to enhance university capacity and in this case specifically mariculture training
capacity in PNG. A major output of this Project objective was initially to be an application
to AusAID for support for a twinning project between JCU, NFC and UNRE. However, the
targeted AusAID twinning program was closed shortly after the start of this project and the
relationship between NFC and UNRE changed. As a result, the project shifted its focus
marginally towards independent assistance to NFC with mariculture curriculum
development.
The aquaculture curriculum at NFC was developed independently of UNRE using the
expertise of Dr. Gay Marsden (Aquaculture lecturer from Broome TAFE, Australia) who
developed an Aquaculture Training Package (ATP) to meet the requirements of the
National Training Council (NTC). The Package was subsequently endorsed by the
Fisheries Training and Advisory Committee (FTAC). Specific lesson plans were developed
for the ATP and an Aquaculture Instructor was recruited by the NFA (Ms. Philomena
Sinkau) to begin implementing and delivering the ATP through NFC and NIMRF.

Page 13
3.2 Build capacity amongst NFA, Provincial fisheries, NGOs and local communities
This Project involved NFA aquaculture officers, Provincial Fisheries extension staff, local
NGOs and communities. Qualified Project Scientist, Rowan McIntyre (to 2015) and Thane
Militz (2015-present) were based full-time at NIMRF during the project. A ‘steering
committee’ composed of project staff and local partners was established to guide and
coordinate project activities on the ground in New Ireland, soon after the start of the
project and roles and responsibilities of participants were designated at the first meeting.
With support from Project staff, NIMRF staff produced juvenile sandfish for distribution to
partner communities and were responsible for setting up edible oyster spat collection
systems and supplying spat for village grow-out. Additional hatchery-produced aquarium
species were introduced as the Project progressed including fishes (Amphiprion percula
and Premnas biaculeatus), corals (Acropora spp.), and giant clams (Tridacna noae and T.
maxima). For other commodities (e.g., micro-algae and rotifer production used for
hatchery culture activities) on-going training was provided through the permanent
presence of the Project Scientists at NIMRF, technical and trouble-shooting support from
Peter Graham of QDEEDI and Jamie Whitford (consultants), regular visits and hands-on
training from commodity experts, targeted workshops and dedicated extension materials.
In addition to the transfer of production technology and day-to-day running of NIMRF, they
also gained experience in experimental and equipment design, sampling methods, data
collection and management, reporting and project management. NFA personnel were
involved in all project and research management decisions and had an important role in
guiding Project strategy and activities.
Ailan Awareness (AA) was the main NGO partner in this Project but ties were also
established with Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Both organisations have strong
relationships with village groups and undertake active extension and awareness programs
in a variety of marine conservation and community-based fisheries management topics.
Their role(s) included assistance with site selection, facilitating dissemination of project
results, training workshops and liaison with village leaders and project workers to
maximise project benefits to communities.
In the New Ireland community, village representatives (appointed by village leaders) were
the primary point of contact for the Project and were informed of Project outputs through
regular meetings. For day-to-day running of the Project, one or two people from each
participating village were trained and paid a stipend to assist with data collection and
maintenance, and security of experimental set ups. These assistants received training and
all equipment necessary to fulfil their duties. Project staff supported the village casuals
through frequent visits, and supply of phone credit for communication. Capacity was
further strengthened by community participation in hands-on training relating to specific
aspects of project research (e.g., establishing enclosures for sea cucumber juveniles,
establishing grow-out sites for oysters or deploying spat collectors, establishing grow-out
sites for corals). Methods for community-based mariculture of sandfish are not yet
finalised and it is too early for a manual on village sandfish ranching8. However, an
educational poster has been produced and regular slide nights provided information to
enhance familiarity with the concepts.
Commercial-sized sandfish have been produced during the life of this Project but could
not be marketed because the moratorium on sea cucumber fishing (and bêche-de-mer
trade) in PNG was in place for the entire Project. NFA is responsible for developing future
sea cucumber management policies and results of the sea cucumber component were
provided to NFA to guide these policies. Further, Project staff were available to provide
input if requested by NFA. Good communication lines were established with NFA fisheries
managers to facilitate this process.

8 Continuing knowledge gaps are being addressed in the follow-on project FIS-2014-061

Page 14
5 Achievements against activities and
outputs/milestones
Objective 1: Develop community-based sea cucumber culture methodologies
no. activity outputs/ completion comments
milestones date

1.1 Identify suitable Selection of Y1, M3 The three project sites (Limanak /
grow-out sites suitable grow-out Limellon, Ungakum, and Enuk) were
sites in Kavieng selected. These sites were the primary
area. data collection and community
engagement sites.

Establish village- Strong village-based partnerships were

based Y1, M3
established at all sites. Awareness
partnerships meetings were conducted at all sites and
the communities were fully engaged and
committed to the project aims. Local
NGOs, Ailan Awareness (AA) and Wildlife
Conservation Society (WCS) assisted in
regular community engagement activities.

Page 15
1.2 Hatchery culture Two successful Y1,M3 - Two to three hatchery runs were
of sea cucumbers hatchery culture Y4,M6 completed.
runs per year.
More consistent larval culture conditions
resulted from a full NIMRF facility
Sufficient upgrade (completed in mid-2016):
juveniles to installation of new submersible pumps to
support other Y1,M3 –
triple existing seawater supply to facility;
research activities Y4,M12
construction of swirl separator filtration for
particle removal and an 8T sand filter;
simplification of seawater delivery
pipework within facility; and a hatchery
ring line constructed to regulate water
quality to larval rearing tanks.

Reliable production methods support

routine production of tens of thousands of
early juveniles, and thousands of larger
juveniles (>1 g), sufficient to support
planned research activities

Hatchery production benefitted from the

input of Duy Nguyen who developed a
routine hatchery protocol for sandfish at
NIMRF. Ms. Esther Leini (NFA hatchery
technician) is now competent to produce
sandfish juveniles through hatchery
culture without instruction. A hatchery
culture manual was produced to support
staff training.

Hatchery culture of sandfish larvae and

juveniles using commercially available
micro-algae pastes as a food source has
simplified culture methods and eliminated
a major technical bottlenecks (live micro-
algae production). The PhD research of
Duy Nguyen showed that micro-algae
pastes support good survival rates of
larvae through to the early juvenile stage
(e.g. 13.7% survival to a size range of
0.5-10 mm) (see section 5).

A 20 x 25 m earthen saltwater pond was

constructed at NIMRF in 2015 in order to
provide a secure holding facility for 200
broodstock sandfish to support future
hatchery production.

JCU Honours student Samantha

Nowland showed that genetic variation
among a range of PNG sandfish
populations was very low. PNG
populations are largely panmictic, but
distinct from the northern Australia
population. These results provide
valuable information relating to sea
cucumber translocation and broodstock
use.

Page 16
1.3 Refine race-way Reliable Y1,M3 - There is limited capacity to grow large
tank culture production of Y4,M8 numbers of juveniles to release size (>3
methods and juveniles for g) using NIMRF land-based facilities.
transfer methods. transfer to field Despite relatively slow growth in ocean
based culture nursery systems, they remain an
systems. essential step in the production process.
Young hatchery-produced juveniles are
Y1,M3-
grown out in floating, fine-mesh bag nets
Improved survival Y4,M12
deployed in protected channels at
of juveniles and Ungakum and Enuk village sites. Best
reduced tank- results were gained through good
culture duration. husbandry (cleaning) and regular
exchange of fouled nets. Local village
labour is used to clean and maintain nets,
with supervision by NIMRF staff.

Land-based culture systems for juveniles

now include four fibreglass raceways in
addition to the existing four plastic
raceways. The NIMRF seawater pond
became operational in December 2015.
Early juveniles can be transferred directly
from larval rearing tanks to fine mesh
hapa nets in the pond (sensu Vietnamese
grow-out system). This has reduced tank-
culture duration and provided additional
area for production of release-size
juveniles.

1.4 Establish village- Three secure field Y1,M8 Three secure field sites were established
based culture sites supporting to support project research: Limanak /
facilities. project research. Limellon (Tigak), Ungakum (Tsoi) and
Enuk (Tigak). Ungakum and Enuk are
used for the bag net grow-out of early
juveniles (ocean nursery phase). All three
sites were used for sea pen experiments.
Trial sea ranches have been established
at Limanak and Ungakum during this
Project.

Culture sites that Community groups at all project sites are

can be supported very supportive of the project. Project
through village team members were active in community
and provincial work and dissemination of information to
fisheries input. communities. The point of contact in most
villages is the Village Planning
Committee. Ocean nursery systems such
as bag nets (Ungakum, Enuk) and sea
pens (all three sites) were maintained by
community members who receive a
modest stipend. Community members
have helped to build and maintain other
experimental systems and are involved in
data collection and monitoring. Local
NGOs (AA and WCS) are also involved.
We were unsuccessful in recruiting a
Provincial Fisheries Officer to participate
in the project.

Page 17
1.5 Undertake village- Information basis Y1,M8 – Four round 100 m2 sea pens (part of a
based sea for improving field- Y4,M12 large-scale experiment in collaboration
cucumber culture based culture with ACIAR Project FIS/2010/0429) were
trials. methods deployed at the village sites and each
stocked with 200 fluoro-chrome tagged
Improved growth juveniles (>3-g). Survival and growth of
rates and survival sandfish in these pens was monitored at
of field-cultured regular intervals for up to 2 years.
sea cucumbers Highest survival was at Limanak 1 (93%),
followed by Limanak 2 (87%), Enuk
(53%) and Ungakum (0%). Limanak 1
sandfish showed the best growth, with
commercial size sandfish after one year.
Subsequent pens installed at Ungakum
and Limellon also showed promising
survival and growth.
Reduced pen density led to higher
individual sandfish sizes. Short-term
protection did not improve survival in sea
pens. Maximum carrying capacity (g.m2)
varied depending on specific site
characteristics.
The first trial sea ranch was established
at Limellon (part of the Limanak
community) in September 2015. This 7
ha site has been surveyed twice for
biophysical characteristics using standard
methods. Wild sea cucumbers were
surveyed before and after the release of
3,000 fluorochrome-tagged, cultured
juveniles. Ongoing research will monitor
survival, growth and movement of
juveniles within the sea ranch. A sea
ranch has also been established at
Ungakum and pre-stocking sea cucumber
and biophysical surveys completed.
Preliminary consultation has been started
with the Enuk community regarding a sea
ranch in their marine tenure area.

Biophysical parameters (habitat features

Better and sediment chemistry) are recorded
understanding of from sea pens and sea ranches at routine
environmental sampling times. Sediment organic matter
factors influencing and chlorophyll-a content, and grain size
growth rates and are analysed at NIMRF. Habitat
survival during monitoring methods have been
field- based developed and shared with Philippine and
culture NT partners (ACIAR Project
FIS/2010/042) for multi-country
comparisons. Multivariate analysis clearly
differentiates the pen habitats and
indicates the key features of good grow-
out sites (i.e. high survival and growth).
Novel GIS techniques are being explored
via high resolution, multispectral band
satellite images for habitat classification
and prediction of ‘good’ culture sites.

Better ‘Pre-aquaculture’ interviews to gather

understanding of information on community attitudes to the
the social sea cucumber fishery and mariculture
constraints and adoption have been carried out in
opportunities Limanak, Ungakum and Enuk.
relating to
development of

Page 18
 mariculture as an
alternative source
of livelihoods
1.6 Training of local Key community Y1,M7- At least 10 men, women and youths from
communities members trained Y4,M12 partner communities were trained in
in sea cucumber building, deploying and maintaining field-
culture methods in based culture equipment and in on-going
partner monitoring of sandfish performance. A
communities stipend was paid to individuals who
maintain project grow-out systems (pens
or bag nets) at each village site. Because
Ungakum is more distant from NIMRF,
project partners also collect basic field
data at this site.

Increased Project activities have promoted

capacity within awareness among villagers of the life-
communities to cycle, culture and husbandry of sea
support expansion cucumbers and fisheries management
of sea cucumber issues. Discussion with community
farming members have revealed deep concern
about the fate of the sea cucumber
fishery when the current moratorium is
lifted. There is strong interest in
mariculture options and a desire to
improve community-based management
of the sea cucumber resource. Project
staff and local NGOs (AA, WCS) have
encouraged these initiatives. Project staff
have collaborated closely with WCS to
integrate sea ranch management in the
natural resource management plans of
Ungakum and Limanak communities
(prepared by the community with help
from WCS).

A poster to explain various project

activities and the functioning of a sea
ranch has been designed to accompany
recent sea ranch developments
(Appendix 1). Posters were distributed to
participating villages in late 2016 to
improve awareness of sea cucumber
mariculture opportunities.

PC = partner country, A = Australia

9 FIS/2010/042 “Expansion and Diversification of Production and management Systems for Sea Cucumbers in
the Philippines, Vietnam and northern Australia”

Page 19
Objective 2: Trial and assess other mariculture commodities

Objective 2.1: Edible oysters

no. activity outputs/ completion comments
milestones date
2.1. Identify potential Establish five spat Y1,M6 A primary site for spat collection was
1 spat collection collecting sites in established at the NFA wharf in
sites the Kavieng area. Kavieng. This site has high natural
recruitment of oysters and restricted
public access. On this basis it was
selected to function as the main project
site for research into recruitment,
growth and culture of edible oysters.
Spat collectors were also deployed a
two additional sites within Kavieng Bay
but were removed after one-year
because no recruitment was recorded.

A number of problems were

encountered relating to wave action,
boat activities, and shipworm that
forced changes to collector types,
locations and methods of deployment..

The spat collection program was

extended to include two community
sites: Losogul (Manne) and Panopai.
These sites and the main wharf site
differ in environmental characteristics.

Page 20
2.1. Assess spat Establish spat Y1,M6 – Recruitment of oyster spat was
2 collection sites collectors at each Y4,M12 spasmodic and initially very low.
and spat collector site and maintain However, changes made to the spat
materials spat collector collecting system (see 2.1.1) had a
program for positive impact on recruitment with the
duration of first significant numbers of spat
project. collected in February, March and April,
2014.

Information on the To further increase collection numbers,

relative further improvements were made to the
recruitment of collection systems. A trial was
oysters at each conducted at the NFA wharf site
site over time. comparing the effectiveness of plain
PVC slats and PVC slats covered with
a cement/lime slurry. The cement/lime
Assessment of the
slurry collectors had higher recruitment
effects of depth
than plain PVC collectors. The
and spat collector
cement/lime slurry collectors also made
material on
it easier to remove the spat and
recruitment.
improved the survival of the spat during
and after the removal process. The
“recipe” and application of the slurry
has been refined to suit local conditions
and the collectors. The slurry coated
collectors were then used at the
standard collectors across the three
sites.

Alternative collectors made of bamboo,

PVC conduit and old “Pin” shells
(Polymesoda erosa) were deployed at
each of the three sites to compare their
effectiveness as spat collectors against
the slurried commercial collector. The
alternative collectors deployed at the
Wharf site were abandoned because of
weather conditions/boat traffic. The
shell pens were the most successful of
the alternative materials at Losogul but
failed to collect any spat at Panopai.
The bamboo and conduit collectors
failed to collect spat at either site and
were removed.

Pin shells deployed vertically through

the water column, were used to assess
the preferred depth of recruitment at
Losogul. The shells were deployed
every 10 cm from the substrate to the
high tide mark. If the high tide mark is 0
cm, the greatest recruitment was
recorded between -60 and -120 cm.

Samples of adult oyster were collected

every 6 weeks from the NFA wharf site
from mid-2013. They were analysed to
determine reproductive activity and to
validate spat collection data.

Two species of oyster were identified in

the Kavieng area, Saccostrea cucullata
and S. mordax. A third species of
oyster was identified during the grow
out trial and was provisionally identified
as Striostria mytiloides. A fourth oyster
recorded at Losogul was identified as a
Dendostrea species.

Page 21
2.1. Identify Mapping suitable Y1,M6 – A primary site for spat collection and
3 appropriate grow- grow-out sites in Y1,M12 grow-out trials with oysters was
out sites Kavieng area established at the NFA wharf site in
Kavieng. This site has relatively high
natural recruitment of oysters and
Establish village restricted public access and functioned
based as the main site for project research
partnerships into growth and culture of edible
oysters.
At least three
Following negotiations with landowners
secure field sites
facilitated by a project partner NGO
supporting project
(Ailan Awareness), grow-out trials were
research
established at the two community sites
-Losogul and Panopai. The Panopai
Culture sites that site is within an area to be established
can be supported as a marine protected area and is close
through village to the landowner’s house for increased
and provincial security. Large numbers of oysters can
fisheries input be observed at the community and they
are used to supply the fish processing
plant.

Page 22
 2.1. Establish village Establish growth Y1,M12 See comments for 2.1.2 and 2.1.3.
4 based grow-out trials at least three Poor recruitment to spat collectors
trials secure field sites limited the extent to which growth trials
could be established. A grow-out trial
was conducted at the main NFA wharf
Determine growth site with spat collected in 2014.
rates under However, oysters suffered close to
different culture 100% mortality in all treatments over a
conditions month-long period as a result of
predation by Cymatium sp. (a
gastropod) that recruit to culture units
Identification of
directly.
factors that
maximise growth
Limited availability of oyster spat from
and survival
poor recruitment to collectors resulted
in only small-scale growth trials being
Information that established at each site. Due to high
will be used in levels of predation in initial trials at the
training and wharf site, a new trial was set up using
extension subtidal baskets on the floating pontoon
off NIMRF. Spat were individually
labelled and photographed so their
grow rates and morphological changes
could be observed overtime. The
morphologically differences observed
overtime allowed differentiation of the
species; primarily Saccostria cucullata
and Striostrea mytiloides. After 9
months S.cucullata spat reached an
average weight of 3.75 g whereas the
only surviving two S. mytiloides spat
reached weights of 9.24-16.3 g after 8
months. Although a higher survival rate
was achieved than at the wharf site,
survival was relatively low at 40%. S.
cucullata spat were deployed in
intertidal baskets at Losogul (n=40) and
Panopai (n=40). The spat at Panopai
reached an average weight of 3.45 g
after 6 months with a survival rate of
95% whereas mass mortalities were
observed in the initial weeks at the
Losogul site. The influence of a tidal
creek, high turbidity and lower salinity
of the Panopai site differentiate it from
the others and may be responsible for
the lack of Cymatium sp. recruitment.

2.1. Assess marketing Detailed business Y1,M12 An economic assessment of the

5 options and case study potential of edible oyster culture in
business case for completed Kavieng and potential marketing
cultured oysters options was begun in late May 2013 as
scheduled. A preliminary assessment of
Assessment of potential markets was completed;
various marketing however, full assessment of the
options and business case requires (the anticipated)
supply chain recruitment and growth rate
issues for Kavieng (production) information that
oysters unfortunately did not become available
during this project.

PC = partner country, A = Australia

Page 23
Objective 2.2: Aquarium species
no. activity outputs/ completion comments
milestones date
2.2. Industry review Review of regional Y1,M6 Historically, there have been two marine
1 aquarium supply aquarium exporters operating out of
industry. PNG. The first was a NFA contracted
Identification of consultancy group, EcoEZ Inc., that
key markets, most implemented the SEASMART Program in
important species PNG from 2008-2010. This encompassed
(groups), holding commercial exports. Funding to the
and transport program was terminated by NFA in 2010
mechanisms and as a result of EcoEZ Inc. failing to
bottlenecks. complete contractual milestones. A
review of the EcoEZ, Inc. supply chain
was undertaken by PhD student, Thane
Militz, in 2013 and identified several
weaknesses addressed in section 2.2.2
(below).
The second marine aquarium exporter
operating out of PNG was EcoAquariums
Ltd. This NFA-subsidised private
entrepreneur engaged in commercial
exports from 2011-2012. Alpha Reef –
Aquarium Consultancy was hired to
review the company’s operations while
still commercially active in July/August
2012. The draft report was submitted for
review in November 2012. It satisfied all
terms of reference and identified key
markets, most important species
(groups), holding and transport
mechanisms and bottlenecks. It identified
transport as the main bottleneck to
development of the ornamental industry
in PNG (see also Kinch, 2008).
A second post-operational review of
EcoAquariums Ltd. was carried out by
Thane Militz in 2014. This review
identified the wild fishery to be highly
selective of not only fish species, but also
specific colour morphs. This selectivity
raises sustainability concerns as the most
demanded colour morphs tended to be
the least common in natural populations,
where studied.
Starting in 2013 a locally run company,
Paradise Aquariums in Port Moresby,
began supplying the domestic market. As
of 2014 domestic trade volume was less
than 100 fish per annum. Given the small
trade volume domestically, the primary
market focus would need to be the
international market in order to reach
trade volumes capable of supporting
livelihoods.

Page 24
2.2. Conduct business Assessment of Y1,M8 A retrospective assessment of the
2 case- study PNG ornamental Seasmart Program from 2008-2010
supply/value chain revealed several major weaknesses in
and identification their supply chain:
of weaknesses. 1) A large proportion of fish and
invertebrates caught by communities
were rejected by the company. A
thorough analysis of this topic was
undertaken (Militz et al. 2016).
2) A large proportion of fish and
invertebrates purchased by the exporting
company died prior to export.
3) Further losses of fish and invertebrates
were incurred during transport to the end
market. A thorough analysis of both (2)
and (3) was undertaken in comparison to
other supply chains operating in the
Pacific (Militz et al. in prep).
4) The high cost of freight. This has been
reviewed in detail (see 2.2.1 or Kinch,
2008).
Detailed business A detailed business case-study for New
case-study Ireland to supply marine aquarium
completed. species to the global marketplace
identified freight costs as the major
bottleneck. A consumer-based market
study was also launched in 2015 through
the projects Facebook page. The findings
reveal consumer preference for PNG
products over competing markets in
Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
The results of this study are now
published as Militz et al., 2017.
As a direct measure of feasibility, a trial
shipment of wild-caught and aquacultured
marine aquarium fish was conducted in
May 2015. Fish were collected/reared in
Kavieng and shipped to Singapore. The
exercise highlighted difficulties in
obtaining live fish packaging materials
and expensive shipping with domestic
airlines (Air Niugini) applying live-animal
surcharges intended for shipping
mammals or birds. All fish survived
transport to Port Moresby (POM) but, in
the case of Singapore, the need for
repacking prior to on-shipping would
require a main export facility to be based
in Port Moresby. The Australian market
would be the most economically feasible
due to regular flights, allowing regional
locations to supply fish to Australia
without need for repackaging in POM.
However, no exports of marine aquarium
fish have ever been sent to Australia due
to quarantine requirements.
This aspect is a component of the follow-
on project (FIS/2014/061) that will assess
feasibility of transporting cultured fish and
clams to Australia in collaboration with a
major aquarium market retailer.

Page 25
2.2. Undertake local Comprehensive Y1,M10 A comprehensive species survey (fish)
3 species surveys to list of local was conducted in June 2013 by Tony
identify valuable species (fish and Nahacky (Hawaii), Antoine Teitelbaum
species and coral) with (New Caledonia) and Thane Militz
collect potential potential in the (Australia), with a focus on identifying
brood fish for aquarium trade high-value species in the Kavieng area.
hatchery
production Reports on species with potential to
A short list of support a wild-harvest fishery (Nahacky
species with the and Teitelbaum) and of high aquaculture
greatest potential (Militz) were completed.
aquaculture
potential FISH
Several members of the subfamily
Amphiprioninae (clownfish) were
identified to have regionally endemic
Identification of phenotypes representing a high-value
species/forms commodity in the aquarium trade. A
endemic to the second, more detailed, survey focusing
Kavieng are exclusively on this group of fish was
conducted in July 2014. The second
survey revealed select environmental
conditions may cause an expression of
the desired phenotypes. This information
Capture of is now published (Militz et al. 2016) and is
individuals to be being used to inform ongoing culture of
held in aquaria at clownfish at NIMRF.
Nago for
identification A total of 24 pairs of Amphiprioninae (A.
percula and P. biaculeatus) were
maintained at NIMRF by NFA staff for the
Pairing-up
duration of the project.
potential breeding
pairs of
CLAMS
commercially
During these surveys a high abundance
important fish
of the giant clam, Tridacna noae, was
species (e.g.
noted. This species, traded by the name
clown-fishes)
‘teardrop clam’ is highly demanded by the
aquarium trade. Throughout its range T.
noae is particularly rare. A field survey of
T. noae stocks in Kavieng was conducted
and revealed Kavieng giant clams stocks
had the highest proportion of T. noae
ever reported. The study also identified
two primary colour morphs in Kavieng:
brown (91% of population) and blue (9%
of population). This study was published
(Militz et al. 2015).

Given the high abundance of this species

and the presence of a blue colour morph
it was found to be an ideal candidate for
aquarium species aquaculture.
Broodstock clams were collected in
March 2016. Spawning was undertaken
in April 2016 with successful production
of settled juvenile clams having been
achieved by the conclusion of this project
in May 2016. Research was undertaken
to evaluate the early development of this
species and to identify ideal hatchery
feeds (Southgate et al. 2016, 2017).
These publications represent the first
records of successful mariculture for this
species.

Page 26
2.2. Larval culture and Determine basic Y4,M6 Appropriate husbandry and culture
4 juvenile husbandry and parameters for broodstock have been
production of key culture determined for 7 species of
fish species at parameters for Amphiprioninae with several broodstock
Nago Island key species pairs now spawning in captivity at
NIMRF. Regular spawning has been
achieved by both Amphiprion percula and
Premnas biaculeatus.

Early culture efforts were beset by large

mortality events triggered by the original
Fine-tune culture water inlet taking up water from
systems at Nago freshwater plumes at low tide. The intake
Island to support of water contaminants associated with
fish breeding the freshwater plume was identified as a
major source of problems with the NIMRF
culture systems. Water samples were
sent to Triton Biotec for professional
evaluation identifying this problem.
Modification to the culture system began
in 2014 but was only completed in 2016
given delays in transport of materials
from Australia. Mortality events have not
occurred since the necessary renovations
were undertaken.

Importation of live food organisms

(rotifers) necessary for larval culture of
Production of fish was achieved in 2014. These are
larvae and now continuously cultured at NIMRF by
juveniles of key NFA staff.
species
NFA staff have been trained to rear
Amphiprion percula larvae and successful
hatchery production is now regularly
achieved. In December 2014, NFA staff
achieved survival of 85% to market size
(3 months of age). At the conclusion of
the project, several thousand market
sized A. percula and Premnas
biaculeatus had been produced and are
being cared for on-site. Routine
production continues weekly.

Two methods of A. percula culture have

Close the life- been successfully achieved: (1) intensive
cycle of key production that uses cultured rotifers as a
species live food source and (2) semi-intensive
production that uses wild-caught plankton
as a live food source. While both
methods have been successful, the use
of wild-caught plankton was found to be
limiting given weather limits access to this
resource and natural variation in the
plankton community greatly changed the
quality of this resource.

Pairs of F1 offspring were established for

complete life-cycle closure in 2015. Egg
production from F1 pairs has yet to occur.

Page 27
 2.2. Establish coral Identify key Y4,M6 Key species of significance to the
5 culture trials at species suited to aquarium trade were identified during the
Nago Island tank and field local species survey (June 2013; see
culture 2.2.3) of the Kavieng lagoon. Acropora
species dominate the trade of stony
corals globally and several high-value
species of this genus are present in
Kavieng.

Coral culture was initially trialled on the

Determine basic NIMRF marine reserve reef. This
culture encompassed the establishment of 20
parameters for broodstock colonies and 250 coral
key species in fragments in 2014. Two different
land and field- adhesives (epoxy and cyanoacrylate gel)
based culture were trialled along with three different
systems base constructions (rubble+cement;
sand+cement; sand+cement+CaCO3
Reliable culture enrichment). A grow out period of six
methods for key months was used for the study. At the
species conclusion of the study it was determined
that the NIMRF marine reserve reef was
unsuited for coral propagation because of
Production of a large population of resident parrotfish.
commercially Parrotfish were observed to feed on the
sized corals of key growing coral tips resulted in all
species treatments having negative growth of
fragments over the six month period and
a stumped appearance.

A second field site under the tenure of

Nago Island community was trialled. This
site is part of the community’s
subsistence fishery. Both coral growth
and survival have proven superior to the
NIMRF marine reserve site. This site
currently contains 40 broodstock colonies
and over 2000 coral fragments. The Nago
Island village maintains this coral farm
and participate in ongoing culture efforts.
Current research is evaluating the
economic potential of coral mariculture in
New Ireland Province.

Land-based culture of corals was trialled

on two separate occasions at NIMRF. It
was determined that in order to provide
sufficient light, water delivery from the
NIMRF culture system would have to be
increased to manage temperature. A
reduction in light intensity necessary to
maintain suitable water temperature with
the current water supply system resulted
in 100% mortality in two months. Even
with the recommended improvements,
land-based culture of corals has been
unsuccessful at NIMRF and is limited by
available space. Future coral propagation
is recommended to occur at field-based
sites.

PC = partner country, A = Australia

Page 28
Objective 3: Develop and initiate a strategy for long term institutional mariculture
training capacity in PNG

Objective 3.1: Develop and initiate a strategy for long term institutional mariculture training
capacity in PNG
no. activity outputs/ completion comments
milestones date
3.1.1 Review of Review outlining Y1,M6 Consultation meetings (involving NFC,
current strengths and UNRE and JCU) were held in 2013 to
curriculum and weaknesses in establish priorities for curriculum
practical training current development at NFC and UNRE. A
in mariculture mariculture working paper was developed as a basis
training curriculum for further consultation.
Y1,M6
The Aquaculture curriculum at NFC
Recommendation subsequently developed independently of
s to address UNRE and expertise from Australia (Gay
shortfalls and Marsden from Broome TAFE) developed
weaknesses in an Aquaculture Training Package which
current curriculum meets the requirements of the National
and training Training Council (NTC) and was
program endorsed by the Fisheries Training and
Advisory Committee (FTAC).

Specific lesson plans were developed for

this Aquaculture Training Package and
an Aquaculture Instructor was recruited
by the NFA to begin implementing and
delivering the Aquaculture Training
Package through the NFC and the
NIMRF.

AVID De’arne Kershler developed a

series of best practice booklets for
aquaculture operations with a focus on
NIMRF activities, including a hatchery
manual for sandfish. A second manual for
ornamental fish culture has been
completed.

Further consultation meetings focused on

how training and capacity building
activities can be better implemented with
a wider consortium of partners involving
the NFC, UNRE, UPNG, JCU and USC.

Page 29
 3.1.2 Develop a Draft strategy Y1,M8 See 3.1.1
strategy for based on
improved recommendations To advance this activity, several
training capacity from review approaches were suggested, including:
in mariculture
Stakeholder Y1,M10  Secondment of NFA Aquaculture
agreement on Business Unit staff to assist ACIAR
recommendations researchers when they are onsite or
in draft strategy when specific hatchery activities are
document being undertaken at the NIMRF.
 Conducting a Training Needs
Analysis with existing commercial
aquaculture facilities which would
include assessments on operational
procedures; staffing structure;
qualifications of staff; and training
requirements.
 Constant operation of the NIMRF
hatchery to allow NIMRF staff skills
to be continuously honed, and
provide a program of activity as a
basis for the incoming NFC
Aquaculture Instructor to plan
teaching and training courses
utilising the NIMRF, particularly for
promising students from UPNG and
the UNRE who could become
involved in identified mini-projects
and short-term research activities.
 Both NIMRF and project staff have
been involved in training of NFC
Aquaculture students at NIMRF at
Cert. 1, Cert 2, and Cert 3 levels.

3.1.3 Develop and Draft funding Y1,M12 During early 2013 it became unclear
submit university application for whether mariculture remained an
‘twinning’ stakeholder appropriate topic for a ‘twinning’
application to consultation application to AusAID because of the
AusAID based on outputs distinctions between NFC/NIMRF and
of Activities 3.1.1 UNRE. The recent integration of AusAID
& 3.1.2 within DFAT and streamlining and
realignment of the Australian aid program
Y2,M3 further diminished the possibility that this
Submission of project activity could be pursued.
application for
funding to AusAID There is no doubt of the long-term value
in support of of a ‘twinning’ style arrangement with an
university twinning established mariculture institution and
arrangement for possible mechanisms to support such a
capacity building development are being actively examined
in mariculture in the follow-on project.
training
A possible way forward is for ACIAR/USC
and the NFA to approach DFAT for the
implementation of a training program that
would see students from UPNG and
UNRE access a post-graduate program
at JCU or USC that could include
research at the NIMRF or in the field with
some level of supervision from JCU or
USC staff or project staff. Such a
program could also be supported by the
new NFA/NFC Aquaculture Instructor.
PC = partner country, A = Australia

Page 30
Objective 3.2: Build capacity amongst NFA, Provincial fisheries, NGOs and local
communities
no. activity outputs/ completion comments
milestones date
3.2.1 Appoint an Qualified Project Y1,M6 Rowan McIntyre, a JCU Aquaculture
appropriately Scientist on site at graduate with experience of commercial
qualified Project Nago Island fish and pearl oyster farming was
Scientist to be employed as Project Scientist at NIMRF
based from October 2012 to April 2015.
permanently at He was replaced by Thane Militz, a JCU
Nago Island PhD student, in mid-2015.

3.2.2 Establish a Identify suitable Y1,M6 A project steering committee composed

Steering team member of members from core project partners
Committee (NFA, JCU, SPC, UNRE) was
comprising established at the first project meeting in
project staff, Determine roles Y1,M8 June 2012. Roles and responsibilities for
NFA, UNRE, and partner institutions were reviewed and
Provincial responsibilities for agreed. Annual project meetings provided
fisheries all participants a venue to review and plan project
officers, NGOs research activities. Steering committee
and community Ongoing meetings were replaced by annual
Conduct regular
reps to guide meeting once research programs were
planning and
project activities established and as a result of changes in
update meetings
the relationship between NFC and UNRE.

The participants in annual meetings

changed as the project progressed and
has required broader inputs from NGOs
relating, in particular, to community
engagement and extension activities.

3.2.3 Support Nago Project personnel Ongoing Over the course of the Project there have
Island hatchery to visit Nago been regular visits by project staff and
and culture Island regularly for directly associated students to NIMRF
operations and trouble-shooting including:
production of and capacity P. Southgate, C. Hair, P. Graham, T.
selected species building in day to Militz (on-site in Kavieng), N.D.Q. Duy, S.
(i.e. technology day hatchery Nowland.
transfer, expert management
personnel)
Other commodity experts that have
Commodity visited and worked with NIMRF/NFA staff
experts to visit during this project include:
regularly to J. Moorhead (ornamental fish)
transfer A, Teitelbaum (ornamental fish)
technology in T. Nahacky (ornamental fish)
specific areas of J. Whitford (facility systems)
expertise G. Marsden (curriculum development and
management)
R. Garcia (biosecurity, SPC mariculture)
R. Braley (clam culture)
P. Lee (cobia)
L. Dutney (cobia)

Two others that visited and worked with

NIMRF staff associated with another
ACIAR project (FIS/2009/057) were:

P. Kishore (mabé pearl)

M. Wingfield (pearl oyster hatchery)

Page 31
3.2.4 Develop Conduct small Y2,M12 – Pen keepers in charge of family group
mariculture workshops on Y3,M6 pens in Limanak received assistance with
training activities aspects of pen construction and training on pen
with key selected care. Project staff visited regularly to also
communities commodities (e.g. advise on any issues that were
using local spat collection, encountered.
partners as sea cucumber)
liaison and The Nago Island community in charge of
facilitators maintaining the coral propagation farm
Involve key Y2,M12 – engaged in a two-week workshop on the
community Y3,M6 production of coral nubbins. Project staffs
members in larger regularly visit the coral farm and consult
workshops with the community on farm progress.

Given the time required to fully establish

research facilities required by the project
and development of appropriate culture
methods for target species, workshops to
disseminate project findings were
conducted more effectively in the final
year of this project.

3.2.5 Train specific In consultation Y1,M12– Specific community members from

community with village Y2,M12 Limanak, Ungakum and Enuk received
members of leaders, select hands-on training on field-based sandfish
participating two suitable culture, survey techniques and data
villages to candidates from collection.
undertake each participating
project activities village Specific community members from Nago
(i.e. hands-on Island have received hands-on training
Y1,M12– on field-based asexual coral propagation
training,
Negotiate fair Y2,M12 and grow-out.
workshops)
remuneration for
their effort Up to three community members from
each field site have been engaged to look
after the ocean bag nets and 100 m2 sea
pens. Fair remuneration based on
estimated work hours is provided to each,
as well as the equipment required for the
Facilitate one-on- work and regular phone credit to facilitate
Y1,M2 – communication with project staff. Sea
one training and
Y4,M12 ranch surveys involve assistance from 1-
involvement in
other training 2 locals who receive payment for the
activities hours worked.

One community member from Nago

Island is engaged to look after the
community coral farm. Fair remuneration
is calculated in the same manner as for
sandfish wardens.

Community members from all village sites

have visited the NIMRF hatchery during
operation for a demonstration on aspects
of life-cycle and culture methods.

Page 32
 3.2.6 Develop Simple manuals Y2,M12 – Short handouts have been developed to
manuals on produced for Y3,M6 assist community awareness of field-
specific aspects village sea based research activities with sandfish
of selected cucumber grow and oysters. Both were developed
culture out and oyster through consultation with a partner local
commodities to culture NGO (Ailan Awareness) and translated
support into Tokpisin.
workshops and
Small handouts Y2,M12 – Larger more comprehensive extension
other training materials will be developed to support
produced for Y3,M6
activities future project activities.
technical
workshops during Regular community meeting were held to
the project under disseminate project research results and
Activity 4 (e.g. the key points translated to a Tokspisin
algae culture, handout.
coral fragging, Comprehensive manuals detailing
spat identification husbandry, broodstock conditioning,
etc.) rotifer culture and larval rearing pertaining
Y3,M12 to ornamental fish culture have been
Handouts developed and are regularly used by NFA
compiled into a staff at NIMRF.
single reference A poster entitled “Sea ranching of
document at sandfish in PNG” was distributed to
conclusion of partner communities to explain the key
project concepts of sea ranch operation
(Appendix 1).

PC = partner country, A = Australia

Page 33
6 Key results and discussion
Key results of this project include:
 Successful engagement of three local communities and training in mariculture
systems for sea cucumber.
 Successful development of methods for hatchery production and routine
production of juveniles sandfish at NIMRF
 Successful grow-out of juvenile sandfish to release size (>3 g) for use in
experiments and community trials.
 Identification of optimum sandfish habitat in the project area and comparable
survival and growth to studies in other countries.
 NIMRF staff trained to produce and grow-out sandfish larvae and juveniles in
hatchery and community grow-out systems.
 Improved capacity within NIMRF staff for experimental design, research planning,
data collection, analysis and reporting.
 Comprehensive review of PNG marine aquarium fishery.
 Successful hatchery production of key ornamental commodities: Amphiprion
percula, Premnas biaculeatus, and Tridacna spp.
 Successful grow-out of hatchery-produced ornamental commodities: Amphiprion
percula, Premnas biaculeatus, and Tridacna spp, and asexual production and
grow-out of Acropora spp.
 NIMRF staff trained in live food production and other skills to support live fish
production.
 Genetic variation within PNG sandfish populations was very low and these data
will inform sea cucumber translocation and broodstock use protocols. Two journal
publications resulted from this aspect of project research.

 A dedicated Aquaculture Training Package (ATP) was developed and endorsed by

the Fisheries Training and Advisory Committee. Specific lesson plans were
developed and an Aquaculture Instructor was recruited by NFA/NFC to begin
implementation and delivery of the ATP through the NFC and NIMRF.

6.1 Development of community-based sea cucumber

methodologies
6.1.1 Hatchery
Two to three hatchery runs were conducted annually and production has increased with
each run. More consistent larval culture conditions have been provided from a full NIMRF
facility upgrade (completed in mid-2016): installation of new submersible pumps to triple
existing seawater supply to facility; construction of swirl separator filtration for particle
removal and an 8T sand filter; simplification of seawater delivery pipework within facility;
and a hatchery ring line that was constructed to regulate water quality to larval rearing
tanks. Reliable production methods support routine production of tens of thousands of
early juveniles, and thousands of larger juveniles (>1 g), sufficient to support planned
research activities.

PhD student, Duy Nguyen, developed a routine hatchery protocol for sandfish at NIMRF
and trained Esther Leini (NFA hatchery technician) to produce sandfish juveniles. The

Page 34
PhD research of Duy showed that micro-algae pastes support good survival rates of
larvae through to the early juvenile stage (e.g. 13.7% survival to a size range of 0.5-10
mm). Hatchery culture of sandfish larvae and juveniles using commercially available
micro-algae pastes as a food source has simplified culture methods and eliminated a
major technical bottleneck (live micro-algae production). De’arne Kershler (AVID) and
Esther Leini produced a hatchery culture manual to support staff training.

6.1.2 Early juvenile grow-out

Land- and ocean-based grow-out nursery systems were utilised for grow-out of early
juveniles at NIMRF. Land-based culture systems were eight 2 tonne round tanks, four
fibreglass raceways and a seawater pond that became operational in late 2015. The
fibreglass tanks and raceways depend on natural biofilm growing on the sides to provide
food for recently settled juveniles, while fine-mesh hapa nets (white colour, 800-µm mesh
size) are suspended in the pond. Juveniles held inside the hapas feed on biofilm growing
on the mesh surface. To date, the fibreglass raceways have supported the best survival
and growth. Ocean nursery systems were also used in order to increase the area
available for grow-out and to further engage communities in the mariculture process.

Local village labour was used to clean and maintain nets, with supervision by NIMRF staff.
Trial grow-out of early juveniles was carried out in bottom-set and floating bag nets (black
colour, 1-mm mesh size) at the 3 village sites, Limanak, Enuk and Ungakum. The former
site was in an exposed area and the latter two sites were in sheltered channels. Different
stocking size and density were also tested. Best results were obtained in floating bag nets
in sheltered environments, using juveniles greater than 5 mm in length, stocked at
medium density (approx. 500 per 2 m2 net). Due to the highly variable growth of juvenile
sandfish, we investigated whether grading would improve growth but there was only
marginal improvement. Due to the very fast growth of biofilm and clogging of the net
mesh, best results were gained through good husbandry (cleaning) and regular exchange
of fouled nets. Growth and survival were higher at Enuk than Ungakum, possibly a result
of closer supervision from project staff and more frequent net exchange. In mid-2016, the
Ungakum site was dropped from the bag net grow-out. Hapas in the NIMRF pond
replaced the production from Ungakum bag nets, and establishment of a sea ranch
replaced the community engagement aspect.

With the construction of seawater pond at NIMRF, we now have the option to grow-out
juveniles in hapa nets in a calm and accessible environment (as successfully developed in
Vietnam). Proximity to the hatchery means that more dedicated husbandry is possible and
more rigorous experimentation can be carried out. Early results have indicated that growth
can be better than that in ocean bag nets, although time of year (e.g. water temperature
and salinity, algal blooms) influences survival and growth. One experiment has shown that
additional substrate in the hapas improved growth. However, pest species such as sea
hares, flatworms and molluscs have had negative effects on juvenile sandfish and there
have also been problems with low salinity and insufficient drainage from the pond.
Management of these issues will be the subject of future work.

6.1.3 Community-based mariculture activities

The three project sites (Limanak / Limellon, Ungakum, Enuk) were selected as primary
data collection and community engagement sites. Strong village-based partnerships were
established at all sites. Awareness meetings were conducted at all sites prior to the
project commencing with all communities expressing willingness to be involved and
committed to the project aims. Project team members were active in community work and
dissemination of information to communities. The point of contact in most villages is the
Village Planning Committee. Local NGOs, Ailan Awareness and WCS also assisted in
regular community engagement activities. Ocean nursery systems such as bag nets
(Ungakum, Enuk) and sea pens (all three sites) were maintained by community members

Page 35
who received a weekly stipend. Community members have helped to build and maintain
other experimental systems and are involved in data collection and monitoring (paid and
unpaid).

The highest survival of juvenile sandfish was at Limanak 1 (93%), followed by Limanak 2
(87%), then Enuk (53%) but there was total mortality at Ungakum (0%). Limanak 1
sandfish also showed the best growth, in fact, this site had higher survival and growth
than any reported sandfish mariculture activity in any country where juveniles are released
into the sea (e.g. Madagascar, the Philippines, New Caledonia, etc). Growth in Limanak 1
pen was almost as high as growth in ponds in Vietnam, with sandfish attaining a mean
individual weight of 400 g after 12 months in the sea. Subsequent pens installed at
Ungakum and Limellon also showed acceptable survival and growth. Growth in the pens
eventually plateaued and reducing the pen density at Limanak led to higher individual
sandfish weight in the short term, indicating that high density will limit growth of penned
sandfish, supporting the case for sea ranching in larger areas. Cage protection at release
of juveniles into the wild did not improve survival in a sea pen experiment. Carrying
capacity (g.m2) varied depending on specific site characteristics and reached a maximum
of around 650 g m-2 at Limanak.

The first trial sea ranch, a 7 ha area of shallow sandy-seagrass habitat near Limellon (part
of the Limanak community), was surveyed twice for biophysical characteristics using
standard quadrant methods developed with ACIAR Project FIS/2010/042. Sea cucumber
abundance and diversity were surveyed using transects before the release of 3,000
fluorochrome-tagged cultured juveniles (in batches of 200-500 juveniles), and 8 months
after the first batch was released. Preliminary analysis of skin samples from the surveyed
sandfish resulted in 4 recaptures of cultured sandfish, weighing between 41-370 g, and
maximum dispersal distance of 150 m from the release site. The Ungakum trial sea ranch
site has been surveyed once for biophysical characteristics and once for wild sea
cucumber abundance and diversity (pre-stocking survey). The habitat of this trial sea
ranch is more homogeneous in nature. Further, the resident sandfish are much fewer in
number and generally larger in size. These features make it a more convenient location
for monitoring released cultured sandfish movement and growth. The Ungakum
community also has experience with managing a protected reef area and are likely to not
collect sea cucumber from the ranch if the moratorium on fishing is lifted during the
lifetime of the follow-on Project. Community negotiations have commenced for a third sea
ranch at Enuk although this will depend on hatchery production as to when stocking will
be possible.

6.1.4 Socio-economic aspects of sea cucumber mariculture

‘Pre-aquaculture’ interviews carried out in Limanak and Ungakum show that sea
cucumber fishing was an extremely important livelihood in both these areas. However, the
moratorium was generally accepted with approval as most fishers acknowledged that
stocks were badly depleted. The capacity to develop and enforce management measures
(such as tambu areas, fishing limits, etc), varies markedly between the two communities.
Preliminary results suggest that the key drivers of these differences include proximity to
the market place (i.e. Kavieng), strength of customary leadership, influence of
conservation NGOs, and degree of intermarriage outside the community (i.e. as it relates
to how many “outsiders” can access customary marine resources). Both communities
have recently ratified marine resource management plans (facilitated by WCS) and each
has incorporated protected sea cucumber sea ranch areas into the plans. This research is
ongoing and will be finalised during the follow-on project.

6.1.5 Description, analysis and classification of sea cucumber habitat

Biophysical parameters (habitat features and sediment chemistry) and other features (e.g.
proximity to humans, oceanographic factors) are recorded for sea pens and sea ranches

Page 36
at regular sampling times. Preliminary multivariate analysis clearly differentiated the four
pen habitats and indicated key features of good grow-out sites (i.e. those with high
survival and growth). However, further research is needed to elucidate which biophysical
or other factors are most useful in predicting the quality of potential sea ranch sites and
whether these change through time. Novel GIS techniques were explored via high
resolution, multispectral-band satellite images for habitat classification. Further results
from the sea ranches will be incorporated into the classification system to improve our
capacity to predict ‘good’ culture sites and estimate suitable areas for sea cucumber
mariculture. This research is ongoing and will be finalised during FIS/2014/061.

6.1.6 Other
JCU Honours student Samantha Nowland completed a study on the population genetic
structure of sandfish in PNG. She developed a non-destructive shave biopsy tissue
sampling method for holothurians. Results showed that genetic variation among all
populations sampled was very low and PNG populations have a largely panmictic stock
structure, which was genetically distinct from the northern Australia population. These
results provide valuable information relating to sea cucumber translocation and
broodstock use. This research is reported in Nowland et al. (2015) and Nowland et al.
(2017).
When adult cultured sandfish were culled in order to decrease biomass in a sea pen, we
had an opportunity to compare the recovery rate (i.e. bêche-de-mer yield expressed as a
percentage of the wet gutted weight) of cultured sandfish with that of similarly-sized wild
conspecifics. NFA gave special permission for the collection of wild sandfish of a similar
size range to the cultured individuals. Results indicated no significant differences between
ocean-cultured and wild-caught H. scabra for important attributes such as recovery rate,
dry body wall thickness or collagen composition. This is good news for sea cucumber
mariculture proponents because our data disproves published yet anecdotal claims that
bêche-de-mer produced from cultured sandfish have a much lower recovery rate and
thinner body wall than wild-caught sandfish.

6.2 Other mariculture commodities

6.2.1 Edible oysters:
Recruitment of oyster spat was spasmodic and initially very low. However, changes made
to the spat collecting system resulted in significant numbers of spat collected in February,
March and April, 2014. The NFA wharf in Kavieng had natural recruitment of oysters,
while two additional sites within Balgai Bay (Losogul (Manne) and Panopai ) were dropped
after one year because no recruitment was recorded.

The cement/lime slurry collectors had higher recruitment than plain PVC collectors. The
cement/lime slurry collectors also made it easier to remove the spat and improved the
survival of the spat during and after the removal process. The “recipe” and application of
the slurry has been refined to suit local conditions and the collectors. Alternative collectors
made of bamboo, PVC conduit and old “Pin” shells (Polymesoda erosa) were not
successful, the former two collected no spat and the latter was successful at one site only.

Pin shells deployed vertically through the water column, were used to assess the
preferred depth of recruitment at Losogul. The shells were deployed every 10 cm from the
substrate to the high tide mark. Assuming a high tide mark of 0 cm, the greatest
recruitment was recorded between -60 and -120 cm.

Two species of oyster have been provisionally identified in the Kavieng area, Saccostrea
cucullata and S. mordax. A third species of oyster has been identified during the grow out

Page 37
trial and has been provisionally identified as Striostria mytiloides. A fourth oyster recorded
at Losogul was identified as a Dendostrea species.

Poor recruitment to spat collectors limited the extent to which growth trials could be
established. A grow-out trial was conducted at the main NFA wharf site with spat collected
in 2014. However, the oysters suffered close to 100% mortality in all treatments over a
month long period as a result of predation by Cymatium sp. (a gastropod).

Limited availability of oyster spat from poor recruitment to collectors has resulted in only
small scale growth trials being established at each site. Due to high levels of predation in
initial trials at the wharf site, a new trial was set up using subtidal baskets on the floating
pontoon off NIMRF. Spat were individually labelled and photographed so their grow rates
and morphological changes could be observed overtime. The morphologically differences
observed overtime allowed for the differentiation of the species; primarily Saccostrea
cucullata and Striostrea mytiloides. After 9 months S. cucullata spat had reached an
average weight of 3.75 g whereas the only surviving two S. mytiloides spat had reached
weights of 9.24-16.3 g after 8 months. Although a higher survival rate was achieved than
at the wharf site, survival was relatively low at 40%. S. cucullata spat were deployed in
intertidal baskets at Losogul (n=40) and Panapai (n=40). The spat at Panapai reached an
average weight of 3.45 g after 6 months with a survival rate of 95% whereas mass
mortalities were observed in the initial weeks at the Losogul site. The influence of a tidal
creek, high turbidity and lower salinity of the Panapai site differentiate it from the others
and may be responsible for the lack of Cymatium sp. recruitment.

An economic assessment of the potential of edible oyster culture in Kavieng and potential
marketing options was begun in late May 2013 as scheduled. A preliminary assessment of
potential markets was completed; however, full assessment of the business case requires
recruitment and growth rate (production) information that is not available at this point. This
activity is ongoing.

6.2.2 Aquarium species:

Historically, there have been two marine aquarium exporters operating out of PNG. The
first was a NFA contracted consultancy group, EcoEZ Inc., that implemented the
SEASMART Program in PNG from 2008-2010. This encompassed some commercial
exports. Funding to the program was terminated by NFA in 2010 as a result of EcoEZ Inc.
failing to complete contractual milestones. A review of the EcoEZ, Inc. supply chain was
undertaken by this Project and identified several weaknesses highlighted below.

The second marine aquarium exporter operating out of PNG was EcoAquariums Ltd. This
NFA-subsidised private entrepreneur engaged in commercial exports from 2011-2012.
The overlap of operations with the commencement of this project allowed for this Project
to conduct both active and post-operational reviews of EcoAquariums Ltd.

Major industry weaknesses are summarised below:

 A large proportion of fish caught by communities were rejected by the companies;

 A large proportion of fish purchased by the exporting companies died prior to
export;
 Further losses of fish were incurred during transport to the end market; and
 The high cost of freight. This has been reviewed in detail both in this Project and
by Kinch (2008).
While both EcoEZ Inc. and EcoAquariums Ltd. attempted mariculture of marine
ornamental commodities to supplement fisheries catch, neither company succeeded in

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bringing maricultured fishes, giant clams, or hard corals (Scleractinia) to market. Soft
corals were successful cultured by EcoAquariums Ltd. and exported in small quantities.
The absence of both in-country facilities and technical capacity to support marine
ornamental mariculture has resulted in missed opportunities for the PNG marine aquarium
industry. Where rare and/or endemic phenotypes of organisms have been discovered,
these items were exported to buyers in the US and Europe that then began their own
captive production of these fishes. This resulted in a shift in economic base as consumers
demonstrate preference for cultured specimens (Militz, 2017).

This project addressed these weaknesses in several areas. The development of the NFC
Aquaculture Training Package now offers the opportunity for in-country skill development
in marine aquatic animal husbandry, handling, and production. This will give future marine
aquarium companies the opportunity to hire staff trained in this area. The ability to obtain
staff trained in aquatic animal husbandry, handling, and production is anticipated to help
reduce the high mortality along the supply-chain observed in previous operations.

Further, the desktop review of the marine aquarium fishery has found several areas where
company management can be improved to reduce rejections and mortality along the
supply chain. The review also found ways to reduce the management burden imposed on
NFA by an expanding fishery that is high diversity but low volume.

Successful culture of clownfishes, giant clams, and hard corals at NIMRF and training of
NFA staff offers potential for the NFA to more fully support future aquarium industry
development. The captive production of giant clams and hard corals is of particular value
given the listing of these species on CITES Appendix II which limits the capacity to export
wild-collected organisms. NIMRF has capacity to produce semi-commercial quantities of
clownfishes, giant clams, and corals as evidenced from the outputs of this project. In
future, the NIMRF can produce organisms to directly contribute to aquarium industry
operations or serve as a training facility to transfer knowledge to industry participants. By
developing routine production methods for clownfish, future discoveries of high value fish
phenotypes can be cultured in-country so that most of the economic potential of such fish
can be realised by PNG rather than the importing countries.

6.3 Long term institutional mariculture training capacity in PNG

6.3.1 Institutional mariculture training capacity in PNG
Gay Marsden (ex-Broome TAFE) developed an Aquaculture Training Package which met
the requirements of the National Training Council (NTC) and was endorsed by the
Fisheries Training and Advisory Committee (FTAC) in 2015. Specific lesson plans have
been developed for this ATP and an Aquaculture Instructor (Philomena Sinkau) has
begun implementing and delivering the package through the NFC and the NIMRF

AVID De’arne Kershler developed a series of best practice booklets for aquaculture
operations with a focus on NIMRF activities, including a hatchery manual for sandfish. A
second manual for ornamental fish culture has been completed.

During early 2013 it became unclear whether mariculture remained an appropriate topic
for a ‘twinning’ application to AusAID because of the distinctions between NFC/NIMRF
and UNRE. Subsequent integration of AusAID within DFAT and streamlining and
realignment of the Australian aid program has further diminished the possibility of this
project activity.

There is no doubt of the long-term value of a ‘twinning’ style arrangement with an

established mariculture institution. Possible mechanisms to support such a development

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were discussed conceptually in the final year of this project and will be further developed
in the follow-on project (FIS/2014/061).

A possible way forward is for ACIAR/USC and the NFA to approach DFAT for the
implementation of a training program that would see students from UPNG and UNRE
access a post-graduate program at JCU or USC that could include research at the NIMRF
or in the field with some level of supervision from JCU or USC staff or project staff. Such a
program could also be supported by the NFC Aquaculture Instructor.

6.3.2 Capacity amongst NFA, Provincial fisheries, NGOs and local

communities
Capacity-building at NIMRF has been achieved through the activities of the Project
Scientists based on site (Rowan McIntyre and Thane Militz). They were responsible for
oversight of research projects and hatchery facility upgrading and maintenance. An MoU
signed with Ailan Awareness facilitated broader inputs from NGOs relating, in particular, to
community engagement and extension activities.

Over the course of the Project there have been regular visits by Project staff and Project-
associated post-graduate students to NIMRF, which have contributed to increased staff
capacity. These are listed in full in Section 3.2. Inputs included regular contributions from
the core project team (Paul Southgate, Cathy Hair, and Thane Militz) as well as targeted
research projects or trouble-shooting by officers from organisations such as Queensland
Department of Fisheries and Forestry, SPC, and consultants with expertise in facility
systems, curriculum development, bio-security, and culture of relevant commodities.
Comprehensive manuals detailing husbandry, broodstock conditioning, rotifer culture and
larval rearing pertaining to ornamental fish culture have been developed and are regularly
used by NFA staff at NIMRF.

Community capacity building was achieved through the involvement of community

members in maintaining field-based sea cucumber culture systems (floating and bottom-
set bag nets, sea pens, etc). Specific community members from Limanak, Ungakum and
Enuk also received practical training on survey techniques and data collection. Pen
keepers in charge of family group pens in Limanak received assistance with pen
construction and training on pen care.

Community members from all village sites have visited the NIMRF hatchery during
operation for a demonstration on aspects of sandfish culture methods to increase their
understanding of the life-cycle processes. Short handouts were developed to assist
community awareness of field-based research activities with sea cucumbers and oysters.
Both were developed through consultation with a partner local NGO (Ailan Awareness)
and translated into Tokpisin. A poster entitled “Sea ranching of sandfish in PNG” has been
produced for distribution to partner communities to explain the key concepts of sea ranch
operation. Regular community meetings were held to disseminate project research
findings.

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7 Impacts

7.1 Scientific impacts – now and in 5 years

This project targeted a broad range of species and employed a range of mariculture
practices. It also involved, to a significant extent, postgraduate research students. The
NIMRF system is now well set-up to support ongoing mariculture research and training
due to improvements made throughout the project. This supported progress in all aspects
of project research and scientific impacts have so far occurred in the following areas:

Sea cucumber:

Hatchery: New information relating to larval culture of sandfish which has improved culture
methods. Particular impacts relate to the development of larval culture protocols using
commercially available micro-algae pastes as the sole larval food source during hatchery
culture, supporting high larval survival through to the early juvenile stage (e.g. 13.7%
survival to a size range of 0.5-10 mm). Small juveniles can also be grown on these
pastes. This development supports simpler hatchery culture methods that are less
technically demanding and more appropriate to developing countries.

Nursery and grow-out: New information on the growth rates of hatchery-produced

juveniles and field-based culture methods appropriate to New Ireland conditions including:
(1) a greater understanding of bio-physical characteristics in field-based culture and
identification of key factors influencing culture success; (2) greater understanding of
optimal stocking density in field-based culture and husbandry requirements; and (3) the
suitability and acceptance of sea cucumber culture as an income generating activity for
coastal communities in PNG. Additionally, this sea cucumber mariculture research had
close collaborative links with ACIAR Project FIS/2010/042 which undertook similar
research relating to field culture and ranching of sandfish. This collaboration includes a
large-scale experiment conducted in the Philippines, northern Australia and PNG, where
100 m2 pens were stocked with >3 g juveniles and their survival and growth monitored to
commercial size. The broad geographic scale of this combined study has generated a
unique data set and provides new and important information on the biology and culture
requirements of sandfish.

Genetics: Baseline genetic data for Holothuria scabra within PNG and the region was
generated and a non-destructive shave biopsy tissue sampling method for holothurians
was developed. The research provided new information on sandfish population genetics in
PNG and within a broader regional context, and a research foundation for improved
management of restocking programs and sustainable development of a future sandfish
mariculture industry.

Production: Unique data were obtained on the recovery rate, body wall thickness and
collagen content of ocean-cultured and wild-harvested sandfish. Analysis showed there
was no significant differences between cultured and wild sandfish for these important
attributes which contribute to the value of the final dried product, bêche-de-mer.

In five years’ time, the improved feeding methods for larval and small juvenile sandfish will
promote increased juvenile supply at NIMRF, enabling all aspects of this research to
progress more quickly towards commercial viability. This development also has important
and widespread application for other countries where hatchery production of sea
cucumbers is undertaken. Without the need for live micro-algae production, the uptake of
hatchery technology will increase over the next 5 years. This will facilitate research in
grow-out and field mariculture activities. In PNG and other countries providing data on
field-based culture and biophysical factors, it will be possible to select sites that support

Page 41
high survival and growth. Not all communities will have optimal habitat but there will be
greater capacity to predict mariculture outcomes. This will be valuable in maximising
production, managing community expectations and proving semi-commercial viability. The
results of Project research will be useful in developing management plans for mariculture
activities (farms, sea ranches, etc). At least one demonstration sandfish sea ranch will be
operating and several other communities will have sea ranches being monitored by NFA
project staff.

Other species:

Aquarium Species: The immediate scientific impacts from the ornamental components of
the project encompass:

 A first quantification of pre-export supply chain losses of marine aquarium fishes

and invertebrates attributed to quality-control rejections;
 Quantification of pre-export supply chain losses of marine aquarium fishes and
invertebrates attributed to mortality;
 Quantification of mortality of marine aquarium fishes and invertebrates while in
international transit;
 An assessment of total allowable catch to regulate high-diversity, low-volume
marine aquarium fisheries;
 Potential to improve fishing efficiency through opportunistic exploitation;
 An evaluation of consumer demands for marine aquarium organisms;
 Identification of ecological variables potentially influencing the development of
high-value clownfish phenotypes;
 The first population demographic study on the teardrop giant clam Tridacna noae;
 The first documentation of the T. noae embryo and larval development;
 Assessment of micro-algae concentrates as hatchery feeds for T. noae larvae;
 Development of culture protocols for key ornamental species at NIMRF,
appropriate to local conditions, and NFA staff trained in these production methods;
and
 Establishment of methodologies for in-country culture of clownfishes, giant clams,
and corals.

These outputs are not only of immediate value to PNG, but will also be of great interest to
partner countries in the region and of value to marine aquarium industry at a global level.

There are also scientific impacts specific to PNG:

In five years’ time, these scientific outputs are likely to have significantly contributed to the
re-development of PNG’s marine aquarium industry. As part of this re-development, the
scientific outputs offer the opportunity for mariculture to play a significant role in supplying
organisms for industry. Further research will build on these outputs to: (1) evaluate
improved shipping techniques to reduce transit mortality; (2) refine T. noae culture
methods to increase production; and (3) assess capacity for cultured clownfish to restock
depleted wild populations or supplement fishery catch.

Edible Oysters: New information on reproductive seasonality and growth rates of edible
oysters in Kavieng was generated by the spat collection program and was used to
develop more targeted spat collection methods and optimise culture methods.

The results of the oyster focused research undertaken in this project were disappointing in
terms of poor recruitment, high mortality and relatively slow growth rates. Potential for

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developing oysters as an economically-viable mariculture commodity in Kavieng appears
to be limited. This is particularly the case because economically-viable transportation of
oysters from Kavieng to main markets in Port Moresby was also identified as a major
bottleneck in the economic assessment conducted in this project (Section 2.1.5).

Postgraduate students:
This project has so far involved four postgraduate students. Three PhD students (Hair,
Militz, Nguyen) and an Honours student (Nowland), Nguyen and Militz have now
successfully completed their studies. Involving postgraduate students broadens the
relevant outputs from the project, increases the project’s contributions to current scientific
knowledge and raises the profiles of both ACIAR’s Fisheries Program and mariculture
research in the region. A significant number of publications in scientific journals resulted
from these student projects. Fifteen journal publications have so far resulted from this
project of which thirteen resulted from the work of research students (see Section 10).
Two UNRE graduate students undertook 2-month Industrial Placements to gain
experience in the mariculture industry. One student gained experience in aspects of live
food production and fish production with Thane Militz while the second gained experience
in biophysical habitat analysis and grow-out of juvenile sea cucumber with Cathy Hair. A
total of seven OLSH school students undertook work experience with project staff at
NIMRF over course of the project. Development of research projects and further support
for appropriate post-graduate students from UNRE and UPNG, with appropriate
institutional supervisory support, is an aim of the follow-on project (FIS/2014/061).

7.2 Capacity impacts – now and in 5 years

Direct impacts have been made through training and capacity building activities conducted
for NFA/NIMRF staff relating to hatchery production and juvenile grow-out of sandfish and
marine ornamentals, deployment of spat collectors for edible oysters and collection,
continual husbandry of marine ornamental broodstock and routine maintenance,
husbandry and data collection from land- and field-based research activities (see Section
4).
Sandfish hatchery runs produced sufficient small juveniles to support project research.
They involved input from Nguyen Duy, a PhD candidate at JCU with extensive experience
in hatchery production and pond cultivation of sandfish in Vietnam. He has greatly
assisted in developing the NIMRF hatchery system and an appropriate larval culture
protocol. Duy and De’arne Kershler (AVID) worked with Esther Leini (NFA hatchery
technician) to a point where Esther Leini is now competent to produce sandfish juveniles
without instruction and she is the current Hatchery Manager at NIMRF. Esther Leini has
also received training in micro-algae culture and in the use of commercially available
micro-algae concentrates. However, there was a bottleneck in production of release-size
juveniles which has constrained field-based research, particularly for large-scale stocking
of sea ranches. This bottleneck will be addressed in the follow-on project (FIS/2014/061)
as research at NIMRF begins to test semi-commercial viability of sea ranching at targeted
communities.
Recent hatchery runs with clownfish have produced high levels of survival (~85%). Initial
training was provided by Thane Militz, a PhD candidate at JCU with prior ornamental
research experience. Following the initial training, NFA staff (Noah Piliman) was able to
independently culture juvenile clownfish to market size. Noah and two other casual NFA
staff have been trained in live food (rotifers, Artemia) culture, production of coral
propagation substrates and coral propagation techniques, and ornamental fish broodstock
husbandry and conditioning.
Junior technical staff and long-term casuals have continued to gain experience and
knowledge as they are involved in field-work with an increasingly broader focus. In

Page 43
particular, as ocean nursery grow-out of small juveniles and sea pen rearing of larger
juveniles (>3 g released into the sediment) expands, staff are gaining valuable skills in
juvenile grow-out activities, monitoring and community liaison. However, there was a
chronic shortage of appropriately trained NFA staff at NIMRF and this situation greatly
reduced the significant capacity building impacts that this project was designed to bring to
NFA. This situation was partly addressed with the recruitment of a UNRE graduate senior
technician, Nicholas Daniels, who became part of the sea cucumber team and also took
on general facility duties.
Community members assisted with sandfish grow-out activities throughout this project.
These groups are a valuable source of local knowledge on sandfish distribution, habitats
and local sea conditions. Project staff, in collaboration with community marine resources
committees and local NGOs, have been involved in developing management plans for trial
sea cucumber ranches. While the sea ranches are monitored for research purposes at the
moment, the way they are managed and utilised by partner communities will have
important implications when the sea cucumber fishery moratorium is lifted.
Many community members have visited NIMRF to see the larval rearing process and have
learnt about the life-cycle of sandfish and other marine invertebrates. With respect to sea
cucumber mariculture, awareness presentations are regularly made at all villages to keep
communities up to date with project research findings.
The major training activities conducted by the project are shown in Table 1 and general
skill training provided to project partners is shown in Table 2.

Table 1. Summary of training activities conducted during the project.

Activity Type of training Personnel Trainer/s

trained
Sea cucumber  Broodstock collection, transport, NIMRF Cathy Hair
(Holothuria scabra) handling and raceway maintenance hatchery Rowan McIntyre
culture  Spawning induction (including dry technicians Nguyen Duy
treatment, thermal stresses, Spirulina) De’arne Kershler
 Fertilised egg management (i.e. Thane Militz
recording, egg washing, egg density
estimates and larval rearing tank
stocking)
 Larval tank management (e.g. aeration,
cleaning, water exchange)
 Larval rearing through to settlement
(including feeding with live micro-algae
and commercial algal concentrates)
 Monitoring of larvae (measurements,
density estimates, recording condition)
 Preparation of settlement plates using
Spirulina powder
 Post-settlement tank management for
pentactula and juveniles (bare & sand)
 Transfer of juveniles from larval rearing
tanks to bare nursery
 Feeding and management of nursery
tanks/raceways for small juveniles
 Health checking and disease
management
 Gear construction (cages, nets, pens)
 Recording length, weight and width of
juveniles, defining size classes

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  Packing, transport and acclimatisation
of juveniles for release into the sea
 Designing and deploying field trials
(cages, bag nets, pens)
 Assessing suitable release and grow-
out habitat
 GPS use for sea ranch boundaries, grid
location, transect and quadrat
positioning, sea cucumber tracking.
Micro-algae  Outdoor large-scale production Esther Leini Rowan McIntyre
production and use  Micro-algal density estimates and feed Duy Nguyen
ration estimation Paul Southgate
 Micro-algae lab techniques (stock
culture maintenance, sterilisation,
scaling up cultures)
 Use of micro-algae concentrates
Rotifer culture  Batch culture methods of ss-strain Noah Piliman Thane Militz
rotifers
 Rotifer density estimates and feed
ration estimation
 Rotifer culture techniques (stock culture
maintenance, sterilisation, scaling up
cultures).
Edible oyster spat  Preparation and deployment of spat NIMRF staff Rowan McIntyre
collection and grow- collectors Paul Southgate
out  Harvest and identification of oyster spat
 Design and construction of grow-out
units
Ornamentals  Identification of high value marine NIMRF staff Paul Southgate
ornamental fish Thane Militz
 Collection of marine ornamental fish of Antoine Teitelbaum
high trade value using snorkelling De’arne Kershler
equipment and hand nets
Rick Braley
 Construction of broodstock, larval
rearing and grow-out aquariums for
clownfish
 Maintenance and husbandry of
broodstock clownfish
 Identification of clownfish eggs and egg
development stages
 Plankton towing for collection of larval
feeds
 Culture of live feeds (rotifers, Artemia)
used in larval rearing
 Larval rearing of Amphiprion percula
clownfish
 Construction of coral propagation
mounts
 Coral propagation using two part
epoxies and cyanoacrylate gel
 Spawning and larval rearing of giant
clams
Pearl oysters  Mabe pearl seeding Pranesh Kishore
 Hatchery culture Max Wingfield

Table 2. Summary of general skills training provided to NIMRF staff and community
members.

Page 45
Skill set Specific skills
Field techniques  Animal handling, packing and transport (juveniles and adults)
 Gear construction and deployment in the field
 Field gear integrity checks and running maintenance
 ID of target commodities (e.g. oysters, holothurians, etc)
 Data recording
 Sub-sampling
 Transect survey techniques
 Basic GIS skills (Hand-held GPS, Google Earth, basic mapping)
General hatchery  Tank cleaning in preparation for stocking with invertebrate eggs/larvae
procedures  Setting up filtration, aeration, plankton screens for invertebrate eggs/larvae
 Appropriate hygiene procedures for person, tanks and gear (e.g. chlorination,
freshwater rinsing, etc)
 Feeding of larvae (appropriate rations of live algae or prepared diets delivered at
designated times)
 Tank drain-downs
 Screening invertebrate eggs/larvae
 Siphoning tanks
 Water changes
 Sampling/estimating density of invertebrate eggs/larvae
Laboratory  Microscope use
techniques  Loading and recording Sedgewick-Rafter counting cells with invertebrate
eggs/larvae
 Use of weighing balances
 Preparing chemicals in appropriate dosage for tanks (e.g. EDTA)
Micro-algae  Estimating micro-algae culture density using haemocytometer
production and feed  Tank preparation for inoculation (cleaning, aeration, addition of nutrients, etc)
preparation
 Inoculation with live micro-algae
 Preparation and use of live micro-algae and micro-algae concentrates
Aquarium and fish-  Setting up aquarium tanks
keeping techniques  Feed preparation and feeding
 Cleaning
 Monitoring condition
Office and  Computer software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
computer skills  Data entry
 Basic statistics and graphing of data
 Development of simple macro programmes in Excel for frequently used
applications, e.g. to calculate micro-algal feed quantities
Hatchery systems  Maintenance of mechanical filtration system (sand filters, bag filters)
maintenance  Maintenance of UV unit
 Maintenance of pumps
 Maintenance of intake pipes
 NIMRF workshop staff trained in HDPE welding construction
 NIMRF workshop staff trained in HDPE electrofusion plumbing
Hatchery  Basic experimental design principles
experimental  Preparation of plastic aquaria for experimental treatments and controls.
techniques
 Weighing of sea cucumbers according to set protocols (24-hour starvation, draining,
drying)
 Feeding using exact rations and protocols
 Recording data and observations of experimental animals/systems
 Preparation and use of commercial micro-algae pastes
Seawater pond  Application of the principles of pond design (including sea water pumping
design, requirements, bank slope and size, site selection, outlet type/position and wall
construction).

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 construction and  Management of the pond environment including pest management, salinity
management

In five years’ time, PNG national staff should be responsible for day to day running of the
NIMRF hatchery systems and production. A practical and simple guide will be available to
assist in selecting suitable habitats for ranching/farming of sandfish and an economic
decision-making tool will enable NFA managers and communities to determine if sea
cucumber mariculture is viable at a specific site. NIMRF/NFA national staff will produce
and distribute cultured sandfish to communities. Progress will be made in optimising
management of sea ranches, although a one-size-fits-all model is unlikely. NFA staff will
have the capacity to guide communities in developing a system that benefits them while
supporting a sustainable industry. The increased capacity of project staff will facilitate
capacity building of PNG national trainee researchers, and students from NFA and UNRE.

7.3 Community impacts – now and in 5 years

7.3.1 Economic impacts
Throughout this project a moratorium on sea cucumber harvest in PNG was in place. It
began in 2009 and was extended for a further 3 years in November 2012. Potential
economic benefits from the sandfish mariculture component of this project are unlikely
until the moratorium is lifted. However, the intense interest generated by our sandfish
research in local communities relates to broad knowledge that sea cucumber stocks will
be quickly overfished when the moratorium is lifted and that there can be benefits from
owning and rearing cultured sandfish. A number of people are earning a small salary
through caring for project gear and assisting with basic data collection.
The absence of fish, giant clam, or hard coral mariculture in past-aquarium industry
development efforts has limited the scope by which communities could generate income
from participation in the marine aquarium industry. Given that there is no current marine
aquarium exporter in operation there is unlikely to be an immediate economic impact from
ornamental mariculture at present. Community members have earned small salaries
through production of coral fragments and maintaining coral grow-out farms.
In five years’ time, the sea cucumber fishery will be operating annually (following lifting of
the moratorium in April 2017). It is likely that fishing will decrease, or at worst deplete, sea
cucumber stocks. When this happens, we will be able to ascertain if the sandfish
mariculture activities developed through the Project will be able to provide cash income for
specific communities (i.e. those that have suitable habitat for this species and have
appropriate management strategies in place).

With a proposal for re-development of PNG’s marine aquarium industry having recently
been submitted by private investors to the NFA, it is likely that in five years’ time the
outputs of this project will support real economic impacts. The extent to which these
economic benefits are realised by communities in New Ireland Province will depend on
where future industry is based. Even if future industry is based outside of New Ireland, the
scientific impacts of this project will likely bring economic benefits to communities
engaging in coral propagation and giant clam culture efforts. While fish propagation is
unlikely to have direct economic impacts to communities, future research assessing the
capacity to restock wild populations clownfishes with cultured fishes may reveal at
pathway for community benefits to be realised.

7.3.2 Social impacts

In terms of social impacts, mariculture activities are likely to have positive impacts on
health, through increased earnings contributing to food security; equity, through increased
capacity, education and financial independence for women; and culture, through

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empowerment of individuals and communities to better manage their marine resources.
Village-based livelihoods, which can provide employment and reduce the migration of
people (especially youth) to towns and cities, will improve the standard of living and
accrue social benefits in the communities involved.
In five years’ time, Project activities will provide additional options for people to remain in
their communities and earn money from various mariculture activities, enabling the
positive social impacts discussed above. There is enhanced capacity in partner
communities to sustainably manage their marine resources and extract greater social
benefits (e.g. increased standard of living, health, diet, etc).

7.3.3 Environmental impacts

Sandfish mariculture is a benign form of aquaculture carried out in enclosures or in free-
range situations, usually in areas of seagrass beds and nearby bare sand habitats. It can
potentially result in positive environmental impacts as sea cucumbers are known to have a
beneficial ecological effect on the substratum through their feeding and burying habits,
even being implicated in mitigating ocean acidification. Hatchery-produced sandfish, if
allowed to reach commercial size, will breed and contribute to spawning biomass. The
preferential and regular harvest of farmed animals under a sea ranching scenario may
take pressure off local wild stocks. In a related mini-project in Fiji, an MPA was declared
around the juvenile release site and locals stated that other sea cucumber species
increased in number and size within the MPA. Improved knowledge of the environment
and marine resources through project engagement may lead to better management,
resulting in greater positive environmental impacts. Community leaders considered the
need for improved management of the sea cucumber resource and attempted to control
fishing activities within their marine tenure areas when the wild fishery reopened in early
2017. There are parallels with management of future mariculture activities, such as sea
ranches.
The production of ornamental fish through aquaculture will lessen the pressure faced by
local wild stocks when aquarium fish exportation renews. Furthermore, the pioneering
research on ornamental fish restocking programs would ensure any future negative
environmental impacts incurred by wild-harvest of marine ornamentals could be reversed.
The production of giant clams yields not only a potential commodity for the export
aquarium market, but also a product of interest to local food security. Giant clams are
regarded as a food source in New Ireland Province but are endangered at a global level.
The other mariculture commodities considered in this project are suspension-feeders
(bivalve molluscs and corals). Culture of these organisms is considered among the most
benign forms of aquaculture with minimal environmental impacts.
In five years’ time, the uptake of sandfish sea ranching (or farming) and ornamental
species culture (clams, coral) will provide livelihoods for PNG villagers. These activities
are compatible with sustainable management of marine resources. They also promote
environmental awareness.

7.4 Communication and dissemination activities

The following communication activities have been carried out in the third year of the
project:
 Regular community awareness nights and meetings with village committees were
held at all partner villages to explain the sea cucumber project and present up-to-
date research results. Community reports on sea cucumber project activities were
prepared and distributed to partner communities approximately twice yearly.

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 Regular community awareness nights and meetings with village committees were
held at Nago Island community to explain the coral propagation project and
present up-to-date research results.
 The PNG Food Bowl episode (featuring sea cucumber community trials) was aired
at Limanak village and an ACIAR blog on the village ‘premier’ was produced.
 Cathy Hair has conducted four Australian ABC Regional radio interviews on
bêche-de-mer and sea cucumber aquaculture.
 A poster to address common misconceptions about the project and to explain the
theory of sea cucumber sea ranching has been prepared in collaboration with John
Aini (Ailan Awareness) and distributed to partner communities (Appendix 1).
 Completion of the NIMRF Sandfish Hatchery Manual. This manual was developed
as a staff training tool and outlines current sandfish (Holothuria scabra) hatchery
techniques employed at the facility.
 Comprehensive manuals detailing husbandry, broodstock conditioning, rotifer
culture and larval rearing pertaining to ornamental fish culture have been
developed for use by NFA staff at NIMRF.
 Establishment of project Facebook page for marine ornamental components
attracted over 900 followers. With project completion this Facebook page merged
with the new USC Tropical Aquaculture Research Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/USCqld (Appendix 2)
 Achievement of project milestones has been featured by several media websites
o http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2014-06-09/breeding-nemo-
hopes-the-png-community-will-benefit-from-moves-towards-sustainable-
aquarium-trade/1324016
o http://reefbuilders.com/2014/06/10/png-program-establish-sustainable-
fisheries/
o http://aciarblog.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/commemorating-world-oceans-day-
not-just.html
 Thane Militz conducted Pacific Beat radio interview on progress with marine
ornamental components of the project (June, 2014).
 Webinar on marine ornamental research objectives published by Reef 2 Rainforest
media.
o http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2014/07/07/coral-video-png-fishery-gets-a-3rd-
look/
 Thane Militz has written several blog articles for Coral Magazine on research and
project outputs http://www.reef2rainforest.com/category/coral-militz/
o Papua New Guinea Gearing up for Aquarium Market Again
o PNG Produces its First Captive-Bred Clownfish
o Marine Aquarium Hobbyist Survey – Have Your Say!
 Article in Business Advantage PNG in Feb 2016: “Project to revive Papua New
Guinea’s lucrative beche-de-mer export industry begins at new mariculture centre
in Kavieng”.
 Above article reproduced in Air Niugini’s in-flight magazine, Paradise Vol 3 (May-
June 2016), as “A fresh harvest from the sea”.

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  Annual meetings of FIS/2010/04210 provided opportunities to disseminate project
findings to scientists from Philippines, Vietnam and Australia working on similar
research problems related to sea cucumber culture. Cathy Hair and Duy Nguyen
made presentations about their research on this project.
 Cathy Hair presented on aspects of the sea cucumber component of this project at
the 5th International Symposium Stock Enhancement and Sea Ranching, Sydney,
October 2015. Her paper was entitled: “Optimising methods for community-based
sea cucumber ranching: experimental releases of cultured juvenile Holothuria
scabra into PNG seagrass meadows” (see section 10).
 Cathy Hair presented on aspects of the sea cucumber component of this project at
the 6th Biennial Conference of the Australian Association for Pacific Studies, Tides
of Transformation: Pacific Pasts, Pacific Futures, Cairns, April 2016. Her paper
was entitled: “Can mariculture help to rebuild a traditional Sandfish (Holothuria
scabra) industry in the Tigak Islands, Papua New Guinea?”.
 Cathy Hair and Duy Nguyen gave oral presentations on aspects of the sea
cucumber component of this project at the World Aquaculture Conference, Cape
Town, South Africa, 2017. “Using GIS classification methods to predict suitable
habitat for sea ranching of cultured sandfish, Holothuria scabra, in Papua New
Guinea” and “A new approach to feeding larvae and early juveniles of sandfish,
Holothuria scabra, supporting simplified hatchery culture methods”.
 The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) Facebook page “Tropical Aquaculture
Research” published a number of post relating to research activities in this project
(July-Sept., 2016)(Appendix 2).
 A number of publications in scientific journals resulted from this project (see
section 9.2) and others are still in review.

10 FIS/2010/042: ““Expansion and Diversification of Production and management Systems for Sea Cucumbers
in the Philippines, Vietnam and northern Australia”.

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8 Conclusions and recommendations

8.1 Conclusions
The main objectives of this project were to develop viable, sustainable mariculture
livelihoods for coastal communities in PNG, based on local marine species, and build
capacity in research and training in mariculture. This presented many challenges because
there was no tradition of mariculture in the coastal communities of PNG, few successful
commercial mariculture ventures to backstop the Project11, and no curriculum for culture
of marine commodities. The NIMRF provided the base for sandfish and ornamental
culture. The Project has been responsible for building the hatchery into a functional facility
producing juvenile sandfish and a range of ornamental species (fish, clams, corals) with
potential to support community livelihoods. Together with the NFC, there is enhanced
educational and training capacity supported by the Project. The Project has been very
successful in meeting all expected milestones and establishing a solid foundation for
follow-up research.
The project was reviews in May 2016. Good progress against project milestones was
noted and a follow-on project recommended. FIS/201/061 “Improving technical and
institutional capacity to support development of mariculture based livelihoods and industry
in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea” began in 2016.

8.2 Recommendations
The follow-on project (FIS/2014/061) was based on the success of this project with
research focus on those commodities showing the greatest promise in this project.
The research questions it addresses are:

 Can the hatchery, nursery and grow-out methods developed for target species
during FIS/2010/054 be further developed to support more efficient larger-scale
production of juveniles supporting semi-commercial production levels?

 What are the biological, economic and social challenges involved in developing
community-based sea cucumber ranching to a level supporting income generation,
and how transferable is this activity to new communities?

 What are the potential socio-economic benefits from mariculture in PNG, what are
they, how significant are they, how compatible is mariculture with traditional
lifestyles, and are there any negative impacts of mariculture development in PNG?

It focuses primarily on the commodities showing most mariculture potential during this
project - sea cucumbers and ornamental species.

11
A pearl farm at Samarai, prawn farm at Kokopo and barramundi farm at Daru were active at the start of the
project but are now defunct.

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9 References

9.1 References cited in report

Hair, C., Pickering, T., Meo, S, Vereivalu, T., Hunter, J., Cavakiqali, L. 2011. Sandfish
culture in Fiji Islands. SPC Beche-de-mer Information Bulletin 31:3-11.
Johnston, B. 2012. Applying economic decision tools to improve management and
profitability of sandfish industries in the Asia-Pacific region. In: Hair, C.A.,
Pickering,T.D., Mills, D.J. (Eds.), Asia–Pacific tropical sea cucumber aquaculture,
ACIAR Proceedings No. 136. Australian Centre for International Agricultural
Research, Canberra, pp. 205-209.
Juinio-Mẽnez, M.A., Dumalan, R.J.P., Edullantes, C.M., Catbagan, T.O. 2012. Ocean
nursery systems for scaling up juvenile sandfish (Holothuria scabra) production:
ensuring opportunities for small fishers. In: Hair, C.A., Pickering,T.D., Mills, D.J.
(Eds.), Asia–Pacific tropical sea cucumber aquaculture, ACIAR Proceedings No.
136. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, Canberra, pp. 57–62.
Kinch, J. 2008. A preliminary assessment of the viability of the development of the marine
ornamental aquarium fishery in Papua New Guinea. Port Moresby, National
Fisheries Authority. pp. 13.
Mathiah, P. 1987. Techniques of collection of oyster spat or farming. CMFRI Bulletin, 38,
pp. 48-51.
Purcell, S.W. 2004. Criteria for release strategies and evaluating the restocking of sea
cucumbers, In: Lovatelli A. et al. (Eds). Advances in sea cucumber aquaculture and
management. FAO Fisheries Technical Paper No. 463. Rome, FAO.
Purcell, S.W., Blockmans, B.F., Agudo N.S. 2006. Transportation methods for restocking
of juvenile sea cucumber Holothuria scabra. Aquaculture 251:238-244.
Purcell, S.W., Simutoga, M. 2008. Spatio-temporal and size-dependant variation in the
success of releasing cultured sea cucumbers in the wild. Reviews in Fisheries
Science 16:204-214.
Robinson, G., Pascal, B. Sea cucumber farming experiences from south-west
Madagascar. In: Hair, C.A., Pickering,T.D., Mills, D.J. (Eds.), Asia–Pacific tropical
sea cucumber aquaculture, ACIAR Proceedings No. 136. Australian Centre for
International Agricultural Research, Canberra, pp. 142–155.
Tsiresy, G., Pascal, B., Plotieau, T. 2011. An assessment of Holothuria scabra growth in
marine micro-farms in southwestern Madagascar. SPC Beche-de-mer Information
Bulletin 31:17-22.

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9.2 Publications produced by this project

Hair, C.A., Foale, S., Kinch, J., Yaman, L., Southgate P.C. 2016. Beyond boom, bust and
ban: The sandfish (Holothuria scabra) fishery in the Tigak Islands, Papua New
Guinea. Regional Studies in Marine Science 5, 69-79.

Hair, C., Bitalen, P., Kanawi, P., Leini, E., Southgate, P. 2016. Multi-species sea
cucumber spawning at Limellon Island, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea.
SPC Beche-de-mer Information Bulletin 36, 87-89.

Hair, C., Mills, D.J., McIntyre, R., Southgate, P.C. 2016. Optimising methods for
community-based sea cucumber ranching: Experimental releases of cultured
juvenile Holothuria scabra into seagrass meadows in Papua New Guinea.
Aquaculture Reports 3, 198-208.

Militz, T.A., Kinch, J., Southgate, P.C., 2015. Population demographics of Tridacna noae
(Roding, 1798) in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. Journal of Shellfish Research
34, 329-335.

Militz, T.A., Kinch, J., Foale, S., Southgate, P.C., 2016. Fish rejections in the marine
aquarium trade: an initial case study raises concern for village-based fisheries.
PLoS ONE 11: e0151624.

Militz, T.A., McCormick, M.I., Schoeman, D.S., Kinch, J., Southgate, P.C., 2016. Frequency
and distribution of melanistic morphs in coexisting population of nine clownfish
species in Papua New Guinea. Marine Biology 163, 200.

Militz, T.A., Foale, S., Kinch, J., Southgate, P.C., 2017. Consumer perspectives on
theoretical certification schemes for the marine aquarium trade. Fisheries
Research 193, 33–42.

Duy, N.D.Q., Pirozzi, I., Southgate, P.C., 2015. Ingestion and digestion of two live micro-
algae and six micro-algae concentrates by sandfish (Holothuria scabra) auricularia
larvae. Aquaculture 448, 256–61.

Duy, N.D.Q., Francis, D.S., Pirozzi, I., Southgate, P.C., 2016. Use of micro-algae
concentrates for hatchery culture of sandfish, Holothuria scabra. Aquaculture 464,
145–152.

Duy, N.D.Q., Francis, D.S., Southgate, P.C., 2016. Development of hyaline spheres in late
auriculariae of sandfish, Holothuria scabra: is it a reliable indicator of subsequent
performance? Aquaculture 465, 144–151.

Duy, N.D.Q., Francis, D.S., Southgate, P.C., 2017. The nutritional value of live and
concentrated micro-algae for early juveniles of sandfish, Holothuria scabra.
Aquaculture 473, 97–104.

Nowland, S., Jerry, D.R., Southgate, P.C. 2015. A non-destructive tissue sampling
technique for holothurians to facilitate extraction of DNA for genetic analysis.
Invertebrate Biology 134, 252-259.

Nowland, S.N., Southgate, P.C., Basiita, R.K., Jerry, D.R., 2017. Elucidation of fine-scale
genetic structure of sandfish (Holothuria scabra) populations in Papua New Guinea
and northern Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research 68, 1901-1911.

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Hair, C.A., Ram, R., Southgate, P.C. 2018. Is there a difference between bêche-de-mer
processed from cultured and wild-harvested sandfish (Holothuria scabra)?
Aquaculture 483, 63-68.

9.2.1 Manuscripts in Review:

Militz, T.A., Foale, S., Kinch, J., Southgate, P.C. (in review). Limited financial reward from
targeted exploitation of rare marine aquarium fish morphs. Aquatic Living
Resources (in review).

Militz, T.A., Kinch, J., Schoeman, D.S., Southgate, P.C., (in review). Use of total allowable
catch to regulate a selective marine aquarium fishery. Marine Policy (in review).

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10 Appendices
Appendix 1: Community Awareness Poster: “Sea ranching of sandfish in PNG”

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Appendix 2: Posts relating to research at NIMRF from the University of the
Sunshine Coast ‘Tropical Aquaculture Research’ Facebook page (July-Sept. 2016).

Marine aquarium

Pictured are, juvenile cultured Percula clownfish produced in Papua New Guinea (PNG)
for the first time. Globally, trade in marine aquarium species is becoming contentious due
to increasing pressures on our coral reefs. One way our team is improving the
sustainability of marine aquarium fisheries is through captive culture of high-demand
species. This successful research is a team effort involving the PNG National Fishery
Authority and funding through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
Fisheries Program.

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Sea cucumbers

The fourth successful PNG hatchery cycle of the sea cucumber, Holothuria scabra
(commonly known as sandfish), recently reared 55,000 six-week old juveniles, our best
result to date! Juveniles will now be used in experiments with local communities to
maximise production efficiency of beche-de-mer. We would like to acknowledge the
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the National Fisheries
Authority (NFA), and NFA Hatchery Manager, Esther Leini. This work is part of Tropical
Aquaculture Research project, 'Mariculture development in New Ireland - PNG'.

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Sea cucumbers

For the first time in PNG's history, sea ranching trials of cultured sea cucumber
(Holothuria scabra - or sandfish) have been launched at community fishing villages near
Kavieng, New Ireland. USC Tropical Aquaculture Research and PNG National Fisheries
Authority staff have been making small releases of cultured sea cucumber into trial
community sea ranches. The team will continue to release cultured sandfish over the next
two years. Their survival, growth and migration will be closely monitored.
Sea cucumber ranching (growing juveniles to harvest-ready sea cucumbers), could
provide a much-needed income stream to people living in remote PNG coastal
communities. This work is funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural
Research through the project: 'Mariculture Development in New Ireland Province PNG'.

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Sea cucumbers

To assist with seacucumber searanching awareness and education in PNG, staff from
USC Tropical Aquaculture Research, PNG National Fisheries Authority and local
conservation group, Ailan Awareness, have produced a poster to explain the key
principles behind growing cultured, juvenile sea cucumbers. Information is presented in
Tokpisin and support is offered to community fishers. If you would like to find out more,
please message via our page, or contact us at USC.

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Pearls

Here's a hands-on approach to establishing a mabé culture trial in New Ireland Province,
PNG! National Fisheries Authority Technical Officers participated in a recent three-day
oyster seeding workshop run by USC Tropical Aquaculture Research staff. Together, the
team successfully seeded over 130 oysters which will be harvested early 2017. This work
is proudly funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and is
part of the USC TAR project: 'Pearl industry development in the Western Pacific'.

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