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Livestock management in 2023 - 2024
No full textParts of WA have experienced below average rainfall resulting in feed limitations, with below average rainfall also predicted for the coming months. The feed shortage has been further compounded by limited slaughter space and reduced market prices for sheep.
Sheep industry economist, John Young, of Farming Systems Analysis Service was commissioned to look at the economics of some key decisions this season, taking into account current seasonal and market conditions.
WA sheep producers need to have plans in place early to monitor stock condition and make decisions about which classes of stock to keep. This will also include the feed and water required to see them through, and the resources available to aid in decision making. The information provided is of a general nature, and producers should use this in conjunction with advisors and other support resources to formulate a plan specific to their enterprise and financial situation
Development of a real-time PCR (qPCR) method for the identification of the invasive paddle crab Charybdis japonica (Crustacea, Portunidae)
No full textCrabs can be transported beyond their native range via anthropogenic-mediated means such as aquarium trade, live seafood trade and shipping. Once introduced into new locations, they can establish persisting populations and become invasive, often leading to negative impacts on the recipient environment and native species. Molecular techniques are increasingly being used as complementary tools in biosecurity surveillance and monitoring plans for invasive species. Molecular tools can be particularly useful for early detection, rapid identification and discrimination of closely related species, including when diagnostic morphological characters are absent or challenging, such as early life stages, or when only part of the animal is available. In this study, we developed a species-specific qPCR assay, which targets the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) region of the Asian paddle crab Charybdis japonica. In Australia, as well as many parts of the world, this species is considered invasive and routine biosecurity surveillance is conducted to reduce the risk of establishment. Through rigorous testing of tissue from target and non-target species we demonstrate that this assay is sensitive enough to detect as little as two copies per reaction and does not cross amplify with other closely related species. Field samples and environmental samples spiked with C. japonica DNA in high and low concentrations indicate that this assay is also a promising tool for detecting trace amounts of C. japonica eDNA in complex substrates, making it a useful complementary tool in marine biosecurity assessments
State of the fisheries: Status reports and aquatic resources of Western Australia 2021/22
No full textAquatic resources within Western Australia (WA) are in good condition, and this has positioned WA as a global leader in sustainable fisheries management. The sustainable fisheries of WA continue to support our strong economy and regional communities. Nonetheless, the lack of a consistent approach to build in the knowledge of Traditional Owners remains a gap in our longer-term fisheries science in Western Australia.
Climate change and climate variability continues to impact fish stocks, challenging our ability to effectively monitor, assess, and manage fish stocks. We are continually working with our stakeholders, and the broader community to be adaptive, responsive, and innovative to derive updated scientific advice. A significant challenge is trying to predict what the future of our fish resources and the ecosystems that support them look like. In particular, we are aiming to explore innovative techniques within the burgeoning field of molecular genetics to better understand how regional distribution of key fish resources may be impacted and the resilience of key species to climate change. Aligned with this is the need to better evaluate how environmental change impacts the carrying capacity of the various habitat-types across our diverse array of regions.
As we explore new opportunities and new data streams, improve our assessment methodologies, and update stock assessments, this new information is expected to increase the efficacy of our assessments of the status of some stocks. This information underpins management advice and provides managers with appropriate resource specific measures to ensure sustainability.https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/an_sofar/1013/thumbnail.jp
Identifying areas of high drought risk in southwest Western Australia
No full textDrought is a significant natural hazard in Australia, associated with financial hardship and damage to soils and vegetation. With droughts expected to become more frequent and more severe as climate change progresses, it is increasingly important to identify drought risk and assess community-level drought resilience at the appropriate spatial, temporal and administrative scale for decision-making. Here, we have used spatial multi-criteria analysis (MCA) to identify regional priority areas for the implementation of drought resilience interventions or investment in southwest Western Australia (WA). The MCA method involves the systematic integration of spatial data of different magnitudes and units through standardisation and weighting, and the visualisation of aggregated data to a single parameter output map. The study region is home to the WA grains industry, the largest agricultural contributor to the economy and one of the regions most impacted by climate change in Australia to date, experiencing consistent reduction in rainfall and recurrent drought over the last several decades. We modelled drought exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity for the region, incorporating spatially explicit climate, environmental, social and economic data, and produced a suite of priority areas maps that were sense-checked against a participatory mapping process. The maps highlight the northern and eastern Wheatbelt of WA as areas at high risk from drought and have the potential to serve as a powerful tool for local-level drought resilience decision-making. Most of the data we used are publicly available, and the vulnerability framework applied allows for wide replication within and beyond southwest WA
Population genomics provides evidence of interspecific hybridisation and population structure in the blue-swimmer crab (Portunus armatus) along the Western Australian coastline
No full textResponsible and sustainable fisheries management requires a comprehensive knowledge of stock structure. Here, we examine population structure in the blue-swimmer crab (Portunus armatus), which supports one of the largest commercial and recreational fisheries within Western Australia (WA). Tissue samples from adult P. armatus were collected from 16 sites along the WA coastline from Albany to the Kimberley, a distance spanning over 3000 km. Adult individuals were also collected from one site in South Australia (SA) and one in the Northern Territory (NT), the latter separated into two morphologically similar species, P. armatus and P. pelagicus, as their ranges are known to overlap in northern Australia. Juvenile crabs were also sampled from five sites within the south-west region of WA to test for evidence of local recruitment. Using a panel of 11,175 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci, we found evidence of two genetically distinct clusters in the NT sample and the northernmost WA site in the Kimberley region consistent with two sympatric species. We also found evidence of hybridisation between the two groups where they co-occur. Subsequent analyses on the remaining WA sites and SA, revealed the presence of four genetically distinct populations, represented by sites at SA, Exmouth, Shark Bay and the south-west region of WA. Additional analyses focussing on the south-west of WA exclusively failed to detect any appreciable population structure within this region. Consistent with this pattern, juveniles collected from five sites within south-west region of WA were no more genetically related to other juveniles from the same sampling site, on average, than juveniles collected elsewhere. Our results suggest the south-west region of WA is comprised of a single panmictic population, consistent with the view that populations along this coastline are highly interconnected due to inshore and offshore currents. Future management should consider a more integrated approach for managing blue-swimmer crab fisheries within the south west region of WA and improved monitoring in northern Australia, where two genetically distinct groups are currently fished as a single stock
Impact of soil amelioration on weed ecology and control
No full textThe project focussed on three main findings from the literature review: Weed ecology in response to changes in soil characteristics. Soil movement and weed seed burial following use of varying strategic tillage implements; and Management of weeds in the years directly after amelioration.
The work highlighted that weed growth was either less impacted by changes to soil properties than crop growth, or weed growth and competitive ability were favoured by the same amelioration techniques that favour crop growth. Following amelioration, improved growth of competitive weed species needs to be considered in weed management plans.
Research was conducted on weed seed burial (and soil movement) following common strategic tillage practices, although further information is required on seed burial by both soil loosening and soil mixing implements. Fully understanding soil movement and seed burial will benefit both soil science and weed ecology disciplines. Once buried by strategic tillage, weed seeds degrade over 1-5 years. While some seeds remain dormant for more than five years, there is little difference in the seed number at depth from five to ten years. The Weed Seed Wizard decision support tool is highly accurate in predicting weed growth in the years following seed burial by strategic tillage for those implements where we can predict at what depth seeds are buried.
Weed management may be difficult after amelioration – it is easier to ameliorate a clean field. Pre-emergent herbicide performance may be affected. More research is required on pre-herbicide performance, but using a soluble product with high crop safety is the best choice. If seeding is delayed due to amelioration, weed control will be excellent. Otherwise, plan for a break crop or herbicide resistant crop, and use extensive resistance testing prior to the amelioration event
Abalone Resource of Western Australia: Harvest Strategy: 2021-2026 : Version 2.2
No full textThis harvest strategy has been developed and revised in line with the Department’s Harvest Strategy Policy for Aquatic Resources (Department of Fisheries 2015) and is consistent with relevant national harvest strategy policies and guidelines (e.g. Sloan et al. 2014; Department of Agriculture and Water Resources 2018a, b). It makes explicit the performance indicators, reference levels, and harvest control rules designed to achieve the specific long- and short-term management objectives for the resource, and the broader goals of ESD and EBFM.
The publication of this harvest strategy is intended to make the decision-making considerations and processes for the management of specified aquatic resources publicly transparent and provide a basis for informed dialogue on management actions with resource users and other stakeholders (Department of Fisheries 2015).
The strategy provides guidance for decision-makers, but do not derogate from or limit the exercise of discretion required for independent decision-making by the Minister for Fisheries, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DPIRD, or other delegated decision-makers in order to meet the objects of the FRMA or ARMA. Consistent with the Department’s Stakeholder Engagement Guideline (Department of Fisheries 2016), this harvest strategy has been subjected to informal and formal stakeholder consultation with industry members and peak commercial and recreational fishing sector bodies, as well as public consultation processes. It has been approved by the Minister for Fisheries
Tedera: A guide to growing and utilising this perennial pasture legume
No full textThe commercial release of a new pasture species is a rare and, potentially, important event. In the case of tedera (Bituminaria bituminosa var. albomarginata) we have a novel perennial pasture legume with characteristics which set it apart from anything currently available to growers in Australia or internationally.
Specifically, it is a drought-tolerant, highly productive perennial pasture with the capacity to provide nutritious forage, especially when other feed sources are scarce. Its reaction to drought is in contrast with the few successful perennial legumes available for Mediterranean climatic zones, such as lucerne, as it retains green leaves when water stressed, allowing flexibility in the timing of grazing utilisation.
This publication has assembled and organised much of the knowledge gained from the major agronomic research and development effort undertaken alongside a significant plant breeding effort. It provides strong guidelines to support early adopters of a novel plant species and system which has the potential to transform aspects of Australian livestock production
Consultation for proposed 2023/24 Declared Pest Rates statistical summary - 14 April to 15 May 2023
No full textBefore determining a rate, the Minister for Agriculture and Food is required to consult with owners of the land to be rated, as described in the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (Declared Pest Account) Regulations 2014 (the Regulations).
The annual process for consultation enables the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to gauge landholder perception on the Declared Pest Rate (DPR). This information is used to inform decisions regarding the DPR and associated biosecurity objectives
The golden native drone fly (Eristalinus punctulatus) is an effective hybrid carrot pollinator that lives within Australian crop agroecosystems
No full textNative insect flower visitors can be important contributors to crop pollination, yet little is known of their pollination abilities and the resources (habitat) they need to be supported within crop agroecosystems. Here, we compared the abundance and pollination abilities of the golden drone fly (Eristalinus punctulatus) to the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) in hybrid carrot crop fields known to produce variable seed yields in regional New South Wales, Australia. We further observed the egg-laying behaviours of female golden drone flies at a commercial berry orchard to provide insight into the habitat needs of this species. In hybrid carrot crop fields, golden drone flies were far less abundant flower visitors than European honey bees; however, these flies deposited more carrot pollen grains on average (8.21 ± 3.04 SE) onto carrot flowers than European honey bees (3.45 ± 1.06 SE). Both insects also deposited pollen onto a similar number of carrot flowers (pollinated) per visit (about 2 out of 18). Golden drone flies were observed laying eggs within masses of discarded red raspberry plant roots and soil (root balls) at a commercial berry orchard. The natural habitat utilised by these flies, as well as their egg-laying behaviours, were described for the first time. Our results indicate that golden drone flies are effective pollinators of hybrid carrot crop plants. The habitat that these flies utilised to lay eggs (discarded plants and water) is cheap and commonly found in crop agroecosystems. Therefore, we recommend placing this low-cost habitat within, or nearby, crop fields as a potential management practice to support the lifecycle needs of golden drone flies and other non-bee pollinators