Publication Date

11-2007

Series Number

168

Publisher

Department of Fisheries, Western Australia

City

Perth, Western Australia

ISBN

1 921258 14 4

ISSN

1035 - 4549

Abstract

Final FRDC report and KSRP report - Project 2003/026

A preliminary sensory evaluation study was conducted to confirm the presence of a taint issue. Prior to this the issue was reliant on purchaser feedback and was not verified independently. To examine the issue of flavour taint a series of barramundi samples were collected from Lake Argyle (purged and unpurged), wild (estuarine) and marine farmed barramundi were assessed. No significant differences in flavour attributes and/or acceptability attributes were detected between the wild and farmed barramundi, provided the barramundi was either marine-farmed or purged. However, it was determined that a clear “muddy” flavour and odour could be detected in the unpurged Lake Argyle fish, but not in any of the other samples. From this finding it was decided to establish an independent sensory panel to assess a range of key factors that may influence the sensory perception of the muddy taint issue. A number of other differences in flesh colour and texture were also observed.

Barramundi aquaculture is presently one the fastest growing aquaculture sectors in Australia and specifically in Western Australia. One of the key places in Western Australia where development has occurred is at Lake Argyle, in the Kimberley region in the far-north of the state (Figure 1.1). Within the lake, several sites have been developed for barramundi cage culture production (Figure 1.2). Maintaining environmental quality has also long been seen as an important facet in sustainable aquaculture production. Indeed environmental issues have been notable in recent developments in the Australian prawn, salmon and tuna industries. In partial recognition of this, the Australian aquaculture industry has developed a draft code of-practice, incorporating the recognition of the industry’s environmental responsibilities. To proactively address this issue for the barramundi industry in Lake Argyle, it is likely that the development of accurate carrying capacity estimates and waste discharge models will be required. The viability of such models will depend on the availability of a range of accurate data on both fish physiology and environmental variability and its relevance to the various farming systems. The Department of Fisheries, in being proactive in the development of this industry in WA, has already implemented some smaller projects examining the development of waste excretion models and lake hydrodynamics studies. In addition, a provisional discussion document for the development of a series of management “zones” in the northern end of Lake Argyle has also been prepared. Presently this document proposes that no single zone be allowed a licence for production of greater than 500 tonnes per annum in lieu of data to the contrary that supports that greater tonnages are viable. Key environmental studies are required to validate some of the underlying assumptions in this discussion document.

Number of Pages

197

Keywords

Lake Argyle, Disease management, Taint, Barramundi, Growth, Bacterium Streptococcus iniae, Wild (esturine), Marine farmed, Muddy flavour, Muddy odour

Disciplines

Aquaculture and Fisheries | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Environmental Monitoring | Marine Biology | Natural Resource Economics | Natural Resources and Conservation | Natural Resources Management and Policy

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