Aquaculture @ Wadalba

The End of the Line!

2010-05-21T16:05:00.002+10:00

Imagine a world without fish?

Where have all the fish gone?

Water Chestnuts

2010-03-19T15:00:00.000+11:00

Repotted- cow manure, soil, sand and gravel. Moved to the front yard-
north aspect to soak up the autumn/winter sun & reflected heat. Ready
to transfer to my pond/fish farm.

Certificate III in Seafood Industry (Aquaculture)

2010-01-23T12:04:00.001+11:00

http://www.natfish.tafensw.edu.au/study-areas/aquaculture/course-information/CertificateIII.asp

NZ Rainbow Trout- Queenstown NZ

2010-01-16T11:19:00.005+11:00

NZ Duck Riser- Queenstown NZ

2010-01-16T11:19:00.004+11:00

NZ Duck Diver- Queenstown NZ

2010-01-16T11:18:00.002+11:00

COD Close up!

2009-12-18T14:00:00.001+11:00

Janice's Cod arrived today. Big! Huge! These Cod started out smaller
than your little finger, weaned to pellets and look at 'em now!

Janice has been published through her articles on aquaponics and has done a
masterful job in raising Cod, usually a difficult fish species to wean & grow out in her backyard. Great job Janice.

COD - reflections

2009-12-18T14:00:00.000+11:00

T5 (Tank 5) showing the 'Christmas stocking' of Australian Murray Cod and the relection of the 'sump' and inlet pipes.

Scouting around- preparing for COD!

2009-12-17T16:00:00.000+11:00

Started out with 10,000l of rainwater (full tank). Filled T4 & T5
(1000 ea) & 500l in the sump. Hosed out the Lab & ARC areas. Dod a
water exchange on T6 & topped up A1, A2, A3, A4. Fed all fish &
removed rubbish from ARC.
Fired up the pumps & started filter & protein skimmer, all good!
About 5000l left in the tank. It may rain?

A scout is always 'well prepared'!

Check out 'Wave Goodbye to the Australian Fly' On Facebook!

2009-12-10T19:34:00.002+11:00

http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=56407833337

Good Clean Living/Working

2009-12-09T09:30:00.000+11:00

Fed Yabbies- Tank 6 (T6), Aquarium 1 (A1) & Aquarium 3 (A3) Nursery Tank with peas.
Fed Silvers and Gold Fish (T6) with Silver Perch pellets.
Fed tropical fish (A2) with frozen 'Blood Worm' cubes mmmmm!
and
Fed Goldfish (A4) with gold fish flakes
* All good

Prawning, for the 'RAW' Prawn on the central coast!

2009-12-02T15:23:00.003+11:00

Equipment: nets, lights

Location (snipping) a map from Google Earth _> into Paint -> to mark locations known & used by students in our class.

Cooking: humane cooking, use of salt for flavour and also to enable water to boil rapidly.

Second thoughts?

2009-11-26T09:00:00.010+11:00

On third thought it's not bad! Allannah

Guinness Book of Records Attempt

2009-11-26T09:00:00.009+11:00

A Guinness Book of records attempt, presented posthumously to this prawn.

Dissect 1 Prawn

2009-11-26T09:00:00.008+11:00

GO Cody! Mung in!

2009-11-26T09:00:00.006+11:00

More Poop!

2009-11-26T09:00:00.005+11:00

Now that prawn was ready to poop before it was cooked.

Shelling- go girls!

2009-11-26T09:00:00.004+11:00

Smell...??? Smells like prawns!

Deshelled... removing the poop vein

2009-11-26T09:00:00.003+11:00

Great job, most people don't bother about removing it. Some do!

2009-11-26T09:00:00.002+11:00

The '3' movement peeling of a prawn! Can you do it in less?

Not the RAW Prawn Brent?... mmm

2009-11-26T09:00:00.001+11:00

The serious science of Aquaculture! Dissection, examination of external and internal parts of the prawn! Then eat 'em!!!

Great Day- even for fish!

2009-11-25T12:00:00.000+11:00

Cleaned A1 glass internal and external- algae was beginning to grow. Scrubbed & cleaned filter- also A2, A3, A4.
Completed water exchange of A4, connected aeration and added female Yabbie, in 'berry' (from T6) to A4. A4 is one of our nursery aquarium.
All species do'n fine!
Next focus marine tanks.

* Progressed in setting up relocated computer systems in our LAB for research. A directional WiFi provides full network and Internet access. Thanks Ryan.
Begun additional trench irrigation in garden plots.

Feeding... well!

2009-11-24T16:30:00.000+11:00

All fish species are feeding well! Bit of maintenance on pumps, also
fed worms and added/sprinkled protein mixture/powder to snail food.

Aquarium (A3) needs a water change. Need to check Yabbies- in 'berry' in Tank 6 (T6)? Then Move to nursery aquarium (A3).
Marine (salt water) aquariums, AS1 & AS2 need BIG water exchange and AS2
pump replacement, As1 Add another pump!

Wish we had some local lake marine species???
Can't get too excited as we have just 3&abit weeks left.
Plans are underway for 2010!!! WOW!

Aquaculture Netbooks

2009-11-23T14:13:00.002+11:00

Aquaculture students access our BLOG with their new netbooks.

Aquarium Tropical Freshwater

2009-11-23T12:30:00.002+11:00

Freshwater Tropical Aquarium @ the ARC. Thanks to Hayley & Hayley for feeding the fish with Frozen Blood Worms, a bit slimy but the fish love 'em! A 30% water exchange was carried out on A1 (aquarium 1), A2 and A4. Thanks Gals- you did a great job!

Tank 6

2009-11-23T12:00:00.001+11:00

Tank 6, in the LAB has a range of species including Yabbies, Silver Perch, Koi (Gold Fish) and Australian Freshwater (Native) mussels. Peas & Corn are used to feed the Yabbies, Silver Perch growing pellets for the 'Silvers' and Koi, Gold fish food for the ... & the Australian Mussels filter out the debris. A water exchange was carried out using water from our Rainwater tanks. This should stimulate reproduction of all the species... increasing temp, light, food and a 'fresh' (water exchange).

The RAW Prawn(ing)- A Beginners Guide

2009-11-09T09:00:00.000+11:00

A beginners Guide...
http://www.spooled.com.au/Article:787

When is the best time to prawn and where?
Where: The Entrance Channel, Canton beach... where else?
When: The best time to 'prawn' is (1) at night, (2) on a run out tide a (3) few days before the 'new' moon.
Please add your comments of photos.

NSW Carp Control Plan

2009-11-08T17:39:00.001+11:00

NSW Carp Control Plan
Download a copy from:
<http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/pests-diseases/freshwater-pests/species/carp/draft-control-plan>http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/<http://nsw.gov.au/>fisheries/pests-diseases/freshwater-pests/species/carp/draft-control-plan

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Taste Test OR TEST YOUR TASTE!

2009-11-05T08:55:00.001+11:00

What seafood is it...?

Smells like ...

2009-11-05T08:50:00.000+11:00

Netting Fish with a Net Book?

2009-11-05T08:45:00.000+11:00

La Spezia Daily Fish Markets

2009-10-06T22:20:00.017+11:00

Can you name the fish species, is there a local/English equivalent name to the Italian name displayed? Given the exchange rate of Australian dollars $ to Euro € how do the prices compare to our local coop or the Sydney Fish markets?

Seafood Markets- La Spezia, Italy

2009-10-06T22:20:00.016+11:00

Fish Markets- La Spezia, Italy

2009-10-06T22:20:00.015+11:00

Fish Markets- La Spezia, Italy

2009-10-06T22:20:00.012+11:00

Can you name the fish species, is there a local/English equivalent name to the Italian name displayed? Given the exchange rate of Australian dollars $ to Euro € how do the prices compare?

La Spezia Daily Fish Markets

2009-10-06T22:20:00.010+11:00

Can you name the fish species, is there a local/English equivalent name to the Italian name displayed? Given the exchange rate of Australian dollars $ to Euro € how do the prices compare?

Octopus 4 Lunch- Kardamina, Koz, Greece

2009-09-24T04:57:00.002+10:00

One day the ARC will serve fresh farmed Octopus! Just like Mama!!!

How MUCH Water is in that Aquarium?

2009-09-11T13:00:00.000+10:00

Students will need to collect data-
Height, Length and Width of Aquariums in the ARC to then apply a formula to determine the volume of water each is capable of carrying.

This is vital in:

adding salt to make the water suitable for marine/salt water species
determining water flow and aeration
applying chemicals for illness

AND

total biomass verses water volume to calculate the number and size of fish each aquarium can support.

Bubbles of Brine

2009-09-11T11:00:00.000+10:00

Bubble, bubble toil and ... trouble! Brine Shrimp (Artemia) cycts added, air stone active, bubbles active- some cysts are stranded on the side of the container by the action of the bubbles. They will probably perish as the salt water would have triggered hatching and then left 'high & dry'!!!

A Home For Brine Shrimp

2009-09-11T10:12:00.002+10:00

All set and ready to go. Just add salt water and brine shrimp cysts!

We still had issues with leakage through the tube/lid connection and needed to re-silicon the lid hole.

The Daily Grind

2009-09-11T10:03:00.000+10:00

The Daily Grind

2009-09-11T10:00:00.000+10:00

Yep, it's life on a farm- 'early to rise... early to bed'!

Everyday

Open door to ARC to enable sun on seedlings/air flow
Feed peas to Yabbies- not too much not too little
remove rotting food from aquarium
Feed pellets to Silver Perch *Tank 6 (stored in plastic container on metal shelf)
Feed lettuce to snail (lettuce from Canteen, stored in fridge
Feed lettuce to worms
check all water levels
check water quality
water garden plots
weed
water seedling in ARC
ensure tap key is always returned to ARC
ensure ARC is always locked ALWAYS!
all tools returned to ARC- check for damage. NO DAMAGED TOOLS ARE TO BE USED
no food scraps in ARC, deter rats, mice and cockroaches
sweep ARC
collect rubbish, especially rocks etc. from farm and ARC, move to school bins

Tuesday- 3 * opaque water Jerry cans to PDHPE staffroom to be filled with sea water by beach sport
Wednesday collect sea water from PDHPE, syphon appropriate litres of water from marine aquarium/s- just enough to enable water exchange to return water level to appropriate level

School Certificate Assessment Task- Traditional Indigenous Fishing Practices

2009-09-10T12:00:00.000+10:00

Stage 5 Marine and Aquaculture Technology (MAT)

School Certificate Assessment Task- Traditional Indigenous Fishing Practices

Last Possible Date for Submission (Due Date): October 1, 2009
Total Marks: 100

Focus: Traditional Indigenous Fishing Practices. Traditional Use of Marine Resources
Searching the Internet... filtering sites through the use of keywords in Search Engines.
Traditional Aboriginal/Indigenous Fishing Methods- Fish traps, Spear Heads, Fish Hooks, and Grass Nets etc.

Describe the appearance and action of traditional Freshwater and Saltwater Fish Traps used by Aboriginal people. You may wish to include sketches/copied images of the traps. (20 marks)
Cultural Fishing. How does this impact on modern fishing laws? (10 marks)
What is a Midden? (5 marks)
What marine animals where caught and eaten by indigenous people? Create a table and match European names to Aboriginal names of animals. (15 marks)
Aboriginal Name European Name
What was/is traditional fishing equipment made from? (15 marks)
Fishing Equipment Traditional Material Used
Using traditional, Aboriginal dot painting method complete an Aboriginal painting using the supplied fish template/image. (35 marks)

Spring into ACTION!

2009-09-10T09:00:00.001+10:00

Jobs completed @ the ARC

moved female Yabbie (new mother) from nursery aquarium back to communal tank. Babies doing well (100's)
moved female in 'berry' from communal tank to a new nursery aquarium
setup, YET another aquarium for more berried females. Set water heater to approx. 23C
fed all aquarium/tanks- peas
water tested Brine Shrimp (Artemia/Sea Monkey) nursery bottles- all needed silicon to prevent leakage. Siliconed and awaiting drying.

*Will add Brine Shrimp either Friday or next week.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemia_salina

Module 22 Aquarium Design Construction and Maintenance
Module 23 Underwater Farming
Module 24 Designing Systems for Aquaculture
Module 26 Growing Stockfeed for Aquaculture
Module 27 Biology of Native Crayfish
Module 28 Growing Crustaceans
Module 29 Fish Biology
Module 30 Managing Fish Production
Module 31 Managing Water Quality

Jingle Berry!

2009-09-09T12:30:00.001+10:00

A female yabbie in 'berry', carrying fertilised eggs.

Module 23 Underwater Farming
Module 26 Growing Stockfeed for Aquaculture
Module 27 Biology of Native Crayfish
Module 28 Growing Crustaceans
Module 29 Fish Biology
Module 30 Managing Fish Production

JigSaw

2009-09-04T09:45:00.004+10:00

Ornamentals- you can't eat 'em BUT worth $s

2009-09-03T10:00:00.005+10:00

Gold Fish

Siamese Fighter Fish

Research: Photo, Water Specifications, Temp, pH, Food, Breeding

identifies the nature and scope of the marine and aquatic environment
identifies and describes the components of some marine ecosystems
identifies the nature and scope of aquaculture
investigates plant and animal species suitable for aquaculture
interprets and follows instructions with accuracy
identifies employment opportunities in aquaculture, marine and maritime industries
selects and presents the results of appropriate research from a variety of sources
identifies and describes a range of marine and aquatic ecosystems and investigates their complex interrelationships
identifies and describes a range of aquaculture, marine and maritime vocations and leisure pursuits
recalls aspects of the marine environment using relevant conventions, terminology and symbols

Aquaculture Focus
Module 23 Underwater Farming
Module 25 Economics of Aquaculture

On the outta Barcoo...

2009-09-03T10:00:00.001+10:00

Barcoo Grunter or Jade Perch

Hell! How many Brine Shrimp eggs? SAMPLING

2009-08-27T08:30:00.001+10:00

Brine Shrimp eggs are small... and smelly too! A 'method' used to calculate the total number of small items/animals etc. is to detemine a sample as part of the whole.

In this example the total Brine Shrimp supplied fitted into a:

10cm * 10cm square

A smaller square 1cm * 1cm was placed on the larger sample.

Formula

Total numberofanimals = numberofanimalsinsmallsquare * 100

as there would be 100 1cm squares in a 10 cm square

Feeling Caged In?

2009-07-30T09:00:00.001+10:00

Cage Culture

Cage culture is an aquaculture production system where fish are held in floating net pens. Cages are widely used in commercial aquaculture overseas and individual cage units come in all shapes and sizes and can be tailored to suit individual farmer’s needs. Cage units can be purchased through commercial outlets, but can also be made from readily available construction materials such as polypipe, wood or/and steel. Cages can be used in both freshwater and marine environments. The advantages and disadvantages of cages compared with other culture systems, include: Use existing waterbodies, Technical simplicity with which farms can be established or expanded, Lower capital cost compared with land-based farms,
Easier stock management and monitoring compared with pond culture.

Tank Gravel dumped! IN!

2009-07-29T12:00:00.001+10:00

Tanks survived the pressure/water test. We NOW begin filling with a gravel base over the gravel filter. AND so begins the movement of sea water from the Rock Pool Boat Ramp...

Water Tight? Alright!

2009-07-24T12:07:00.001+10:00

Testing new 'old' Aquarium to be water tight. The silicon holding the
glass can age and ...
All seems good, ready to fill!

Whale of a time?

2009-07-14T12:00:00.002+10:00

A NEW Blower to replace our Compressor/air pump (went non stop for 4 years).
AND the return of LG! Thanks Lance for your valued help in installing the blower and returning air to our recirculation system.
The fish, students and community thank LG for his continued commitment to our school and community.

No Lost Fingers!

2009-07-01T10:00:00.003+10:00

The proper Handing of livestock is vital. Today showed the respect that our students are developing for our animals and the recognition of animal welfare and care.
Most of the class were confident and held the Yabbie while examining the 'walking legs', sex appendices, exoskeleton while dodging those fierce nippers.
The Yabiies showed the 'flee' reflex by rapidly constricting their tail to 'jet' water and retreat. Although Yabbies do attack, injure and kill other Yabbies they MOSTLY attempt to flee, in order to survive!
Yabbies, unlike fish can survive and 'breathe' out of water for an extended period of time! The secret to this is that Yabbie gills are located behind their exoskeleton and retail water in this cavity. Their gills are also constructed differently so that they DO NOT collapse (like fish). So Yabbies can continue to extract air/oxygen from their gills- even out of water. The Yabbie was returned to Tank 5 to contribute to building the bacteria colony in the biofilter/recirculation system.

* photos on the way

Pollution (Slick) on surface of Tanks 1-2... It's a PROBLEM!

2009-06-19T10:30:00.005+10:00

Showing their class as observers... a slick (oil like) has been found on the surface of Tanks 1-2. These tanks have been isolated for over 2 weeks. This also coincides with 3 dead Silver Perch from Tank 5?

Oil and pollution slicks at sea can be tracked back to the source by comparing the chemical make-up of both the slick and different ships ballast/sump or samples taken from other suspect sources. Our priority and limitations are that we need to not focus on blame BUT focus on removal. How might we apply methods, used in sea or fresh water to REMOVE pollutants?
* Dead perch fingerlings removed.

Please comment.

PROBLEM BASED LEARNING (PBL) projects are carefully designed to expose you to the information and skills that we want you to learn.

A statement of the problem (eg. diseased animal, failing business)
Questions to consider when solving the problem
A framework for the time and effort you should spend on the project
Support: teacher and resources

The problems that you will solve in this course will relate to what you are learning. They are problems that you might encounter when working in that field or related fields, adapted to your level of study.

With PBL, students are assessed on their ability to go through a problem solving process.

What is PBL?

Mov'n Out! Silver Perch transfered to Tank 5

2009-06-11T10:00:00.001+10:00

We need to 'charge' the bio filter with 'good' bacteria. These 'good' bacteria feed on the waste products of fish making harmful chemicals like nitrates less harmful.

The Silvers, from the LAB Tank will 'kick start' the bacteria- to help ARC brought in some aquarium 'change' water from home and added it to the tank *this water contains good bacteria.

Underpinning this activity is our dedication to animal welfare and care. We reduced the STRESS of capture and transport, and physical injury by:

planning a method of capture that did NOT involve chasing fish around the tank

using an 'enviro' net that reduces the risk of damage to fish scales, gills etc.

water in the tanks was the same- temp. water quality, pH, etc.

* this process of charging the biofilter will take some weeks.

BLOGGING our BLOG

2009-06-04T09:00:00.000+10:00

Although access from within the school is NOT easy! We are beginning to BLOG our BLOG!

Cold Water? Not for Trout! 17C

2009-05-21T09:00:00.000+10:00

Using Data loggers we tested water temperature within the tanks in the ARC. 17C chilly... Naaa NOT for Trout. Trout die at 24C and although 17C is a good temperature we have seen in the past that feeding and activity increase under 15C.
Did we tell you that our Trout arrive this weekend?

FREE @ Last- Mussels

2009-05-21T08:50:00.002+10:00

After 12 weeks Australian Freshwater Mussels have maintained the individual pond water CLEAR NO Algae!

The Mussels have been retrned to the main tank. We will now observe the changes that may take place in each of the individual (Mussel less) ponds.

We expect that now our natural filters have been removed that we will see Algae growth???

Is it really a 'Life Cycle' if we eat all the Trout?

2009-05-11T14:00:00.001+10:00

And you thought it would be simple?

egg (green eggs and ham, eyed egg,
hatching egg)
alevins- (newly hatched, incompletely developed fishes still in nest or inactive on bottom, living off stored yolk)
fry
fingerlings
'portion size', mature male,
mature female, normal lifespan

EAT 'em!!!

Aquaponics Made Easy!

2009-04-29T13:23:00.004+10:00

We ordered a DVD for Teaching & Learning from ... http://www.aquaponics.net.au/
We'll give you more info. after we have reviewed the DVD.

http://www.aquaponics.net.au/

DVD- Aquaponics arrived

2009-04-17T13:40:00.002+10:00

Aquaponics Made Easy!
We ordered a DVD for teaching & Learning from
http://www.aquaponics.net.au/
We'll give you more info. after we have reviewed the DVD.

Trick Question... Where do our local fish come from?

2009-03-31T09:30:00.003+11:00

If you buy from our coop/s then local means local!

Gorokan- Wallarah Rd, Gorokan T: 0243921603
Tacoma- 77 Wolseley Avenue, Tacoma T: 0243532344

http://www.fishco-op.com.au/

Name that FISH?

2009-03-31T09:21:00.002+11:00

Is the fish you are buying REALLY the fish you think it is?

Standard fish names ensure:
- accuracy of trade descriptors and labelling
- public and consumer confidence
- efficiency in seafood marketing
- effective fisheries monitoring and management
- sustainability of fisheries resources
- effective traceability and food safety management
- industry viability and profitability

http://www.fishnames.com.au/

Do'n v's Dun 4-U

2009-03-30T09:12:00.002+11:00

The 'perfect' subject to encourage and reward '..do'n..!

When 'most' things are dun for us we get quickly 'bored'. Aquaculture Technology teaches students that do'n is good and can reward us through enjoying hardwork, exercise and accomplishment.
Be a do-er NOT a dun 4-Uer!

Experiments @ the MAD Scientists Lab

2009-03-27T10:30:00.001+11:00

Real MAD Science? Not just a guess!

Do Mussels filter water? Yeah we know they do because that's what it says!
How much water can a Mussel filter?
How can we measure Turbidity- clarity of water? Not just I think it's clear?

Our MAD Scientists (Aquaculture) have planned a number of experiments:

Exp.2 2 Identical Units... CONTROL... 1 * Pond (No Mussel) + 1 * Pond (1 Mussel). Monitoring/Observing Clarity/Turbidity over time.
Exp.3 CONTROL + 1 * Pond (1 Mussel) + 1 * Pond (2 Mussel/s)
Exp.4 CONTROL + 1 * Pond (1 Mussel/1l of water) + 1 * Pond (1 Mussel/s/5l of water) + 1 * Pond (1 Mussel/s/10l of water) + 1 * Pond (1 Mussel/s/20l of water)
Research into available and invented (they are mad) tools to measure Turbidity/Clarity of water.

After eating the Caviar... are you feel'n a bit Secchi?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secchi_disk

* we will bring you updates and photos soon.

Bored of Studies?

2009-03-26T10:14:00.003+11:00

Learn while you 'play'?

Deadliest Catch
http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/deadliestcatch/game/game.html

Lost at Sea; Life or Death
http://dsc.discovery.com/survival/games/life-death-sea/life-death-sea.html

SharkRunners
http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/sharkweek/shark-runners/shark-runners.html

AND then... 'try this quick quiz'!
http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/blueplanet/quiz/quiz.html

AND then... explore the Titanic
http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/titanic/technology/technology.html

mmmm Fish Eggs (lumpfish roe caviar)

2009-03-25T12:30:00.008+11:00

What a subject... Caviar tasting in Marine & Aquaculture Technology? Yeah Right!

Talk about value adding. Caviar, fish eggs are sold at ENORMOUS prices. Caviar was once just from Sturgeon, a type of fish. Most of the fish species that contribute to 'caviar' are from Europe and Russia... however our Sea Mullet are netted from our 'Pelican Beach' by the Rosetti's and along the NSW coast.
The flesh of the Mullet is VERY low value HOWEVER the egg carrying females are 'stripped' of their roe (eggs) which are exported to Japan at a very large value.

Trout roe is also produced in Australia at the company that we source our Rainbow Trout from.
see http://www.rainbowtrout.com.au/products/

Observations were made: sight, smell, feel, taste & texture.

* We tasted the roe/caviar before seeing what a Lumpfish looks like. Poor thing!

Students are encouraged to add comments from their observations of Lumpfish Roe (Caviar).

Ordering our Rainbow Fingerlings

2009-03-24T12:07:00.002+11:00

We have used a number of suppliers in past years including:
ARC-EN-CIEL TROUT FARM
http://www.rainbowtrout.com.au/
Nundle, NSW

Archvale Trout Farm
http://www.auzzie.biz/archvale/index.html
Lithgow, NSW

L P Dutton Trout Hatchery
http://www.nnsw.com.au/ebor/lpdutton.html
Ebor, NSW
* We will order approx. 300-400 trout for 2009. Trout have a crical 'high' temperarture of 24C at which they die. Wadalba waits... for our recirculation water temps to settle under 18C???

mmm Mussels mmm Leather Jacket

2009-03-17T10:24:00.004+11:00

Practical sessions in MAT (Marine & Aquaculture Technology) can utilise; kitchens, Science Labs, Wood Work Rooms, the ARC, etc. This lesson involved discovering the 'Anatomy' of aquaculture species *Mussels & Leather Jacket.
During this lesson students dissected 'Green Lip- Salt Water Mussels' (NZ), Leather Jacket (Tuggerah Lakes) and got to taste marinated mussels & smoked mussels.
The dissection of the Leather Jacket included 'skinning the fish, noting external features and examination for freshness/shelf life.

Moving MORE Water! ... more?

2009-03-16T09:10:00.001+11:00

The internal Aquaculture tanks are almost full. With the little rain collected over the past few days we are topping up the tanks ready to start the filters in preparing for fish.

*photos coming soon

Let it RAIN!

2009-03-16T08:59:00.004+11:00

Currently- our closest official rain recordings are from Norah Head *just near the lighthouse. This does NOT reflect the 'real' rainfall at Wadalba (WCS).
We do intend to apply for support to construct an official Weather Recording System at the ARC.

Latest Coastal Weather Observations for Norah Head
Saturday 14/3/09... Rain- 0mm
Sunday 15/3/09... Rain- 2.2mm
Total for March *to 15/3/09... 5.8mm

http://www.bom.gov.au
http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN60701/IDN60701.95770.shtml

Topping-up water in the 'Ponds'. Work in the ARC!

2009-03-13T12:43:00.001+11:00

Big day today... the whole class worked well. Thanks!

The pump had continued pumping water from the rainwater tank for P1-P3. The watertank is now at approx. 1/10 capacity... we need rain
Cody did a great job, with some help to clear the Nth facing gutter of leaves, rocks and rubbish to enable the next rainfall to collect clean roof water to our rainwater tank. The 'first flush' device was explained, cleaned and replaced after we flushed the gutter. The photos below show students topping up their 'Ponds'. Not much water had evaporated, probably due to the lids (even with air holes). Observations of the 'ponds' and Australian Fresh Water Mussels indicate that almost ALL had buried themselves in the gravel. Water is very clear- maybe the mussels are doing their job in purifying the water... getting close to the introduction of Yabbies.

Show us your 'Mussels'

2009-03-05T10:30:00.000+11:00

Initial 'Ponds' have been prepared to house Mussels, then Yabbies. Teams are responsible for care, monitoring, feeding and collection of data.

SFIAQUA101A Carry out basic aquaculture operations
SFIAQUA208A Maintain stock culture and other aquaculture operations structures

SFIAQUA206B Handle stock

Drilling- Hi tech. tools for our Hi tech. Aquaculture Facility

2009-03-05T09:30:00.002+11:00

One 'Small' breathing hole for Yabbies? One 'Giant' step for mankind!

BCG1005A Use hand and power tools

Proper Hand Washing

2009-02-05T10:00:00.002+11:00

*SERIOUS STUFF!

JUST one drop in a pool! Our animals MUST be protected. Hands contaminated with 'Hand Cream', Deoderant, Soap etc. will contaminate our water and kill our animals.

Everyone MUST rinse their hands before working in our ARC.

At the completion of the lesson- !EVERYONE! MUST follow our 'Proper Hand Washing' procedures to remove, not just dirt BUT also germs! EVRYONE EVERTIME!

* see your Term 1 project 'Proper Hand Washing' OH&S

What are we do'n?

2009-01-30T12:00:00.000+11:00

identifies the nature and scope of the marine and aquatic environment
identifies and describes the components of some marine ecosystems
investigates attitudes towards the marine environment as a fisheries resource
investigates some of the effects human activity has had on the native fish stocks
identifies the nature and scope of aquaculture
investigates plant and animal species suitable for aquaculturerelates to the ocean and its life forms with a respectful and caring attitude
demonstrates sound and responsible judgement in their personal use of the marine environment
selects, organises, assembles, uses, dismantles, cleans and stores equipment appropriately
interprets and follows instructions with accuracy
identifies employment opportunities in aquaculture, marine and maritime industries
investigates the opportunities to join volunteer marine-based service organisations
selects and presents the results of appropriate research from a variety of sourcesuses appropriate language, signals, signs and conventions to communicate in marine contexts
identifies and describes a range of marine and aquatic ecosystems and investigates their complex interrelationships
identifies, describes and evaluates the social and economic importance of marine ecosystems
identifies, describes and evaluates the effects humans have had on the marine environment
explains why aquaculture provides an economically sustainable source of foodassesses the potential of aquaculture to sustain wild fish stocks and the aquatic environment
evaluates the economic and environmental sustainability of aquacultural pursuits
identifies, describes and evaluates the ethical, social and sustainability issues related to the marine environment
identifies, describes and evaluates policies for monitoring and conserving the marine environment
selects and uses a broad range of contemporary materials, equipment and techniques with confidence in aquaculture and marine settings
demonstrates safe and responsible use of a range of materials, equipment and techniques in different aquaculture, marine and maritime situations
identifies and describes a range of aquaculture, marine and maritime vocations and leisure pursuits
identifies and describes the role of volunteer organisations that assist in the protection and management of the marine environment
collects and organises data by experimenting and accurately reading instruments, signals and charts and communicates this information
recalls aspects of the marine environment using relevant conventions, terminology and symbols

ARC Working Bee

2007-04-21T12:00:00.000+10:00

The rainwater tank holds 10,000l and has 24 corrugations on the outside of the tank. The Rainwater Tank was 6 corrugations from the top ... approx 3/4 full 7,500l before work commenced.
The sump required a topup of 500l, Tanks 3 and 5 were filled (1000l ea) which resulted in our Rainwater Tank now being half full (5,000l). This was considered a reasonable risk as the forecast for rain is of significant percentage.
Chrysanthemums have flowered early and are presenting great colours... we need to take advantage of this and move harvesting and sales NOW!

An experimental water cooler has been designed and engineered and installed by LG. It is hoped that this will extend the Trout (Cold Water Fish) growing season.

Trout arrive from Lithgow

2007-04-01T17:00:00.000+10:00

ggwsi50 Rainbow trout were transported from Lithgow- ARCHVALE Trout Farm on Sunday. After acclimatisation fingerlings <10cm>

Slits were cut in the riser to enable suitable water flow while still preventing fish escape.

Photos to follow.

http://www.lithgow-tourism.com/trout.htm

MAT in the ARC 28/3/07

2007-03-28T11:10:00.000+10:00

Weeding- well it was intended to be weeding?
Feeding: Australian Bass Fed very well
Poddy Mullet also continue to feed on artificial feed
Silver Perch and Yabbies also fed well
Cleaning ARC- thanks for the sweeping and reorganisation of storage boxes etc.
All systems checked and functioning well
Aquarium on stand in LAB ready for sea water and fish

Preparation

2007-03-23T10:46:00.000+11:00

1000l Tank (6) which is isolated from Re-circulation System was filled and filter activated
Main Recirculation system backwashed, rinsed and topped up approx. 500l
Australian Bass Tank (4) fed
Aquarium (1) Filled (no fish)
Aquarium (2) Tadpoles/Frogs OK
Aquarium (3) Silver Perch, Australian Bass, Yabbies- 1/3 water replacement
Aquarium (4) Poddy Mullet OK (feed mullet artificial pellet- seemed to fed ok)

* Aquarium Collection Permit (Section37, Fisheries ManagementAct 1994) Expires 31/7/2007

SAD News 81 Australian Bass Dead!

2007-03-16T11:49:00.000+11:00

We had pump failures (2) in the ARC Thursday March 16 which resulted in loss of air and recirculated water. 81 Australian Bass died, all from Tank 3. Tank 3's population was at a level that resulted in total loss of oxygen, so death. Tank 4 had less population and was able to survive. The air compressor is being evaluated. Recirculation has been restarted. SAD!

The Rain in ... falls mainly on Norah Head?

2007-03-06T22:26:00.000+11:00

Rain water is ESSENTIAL to our Fish Farm and Aquaculture Research Centre.

Rainfall to date 2007
February / March... 1-6
40.8mm / 94.6mm

Comparison of Rainfall for 2006
March (total)
69.6mm

Source...
http://www.bom.gov.au/

Tadpoles and Frogs Sourced

2007-03-04T14:24:00.000+11:00

A collection of Tadpoles and Frogs have been obtained from a single source to create herpetoculture. This is a significant research task for our students (management team) leading to the award of 'school certificate'. The amphibians will be released into their new home Tuesday. Why are strict regulation made when collecting Tadpoles and Frogs? ** Photos by Emily

New South Wales licences and protection

http://frogs.org.au/arc/legal.html

http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/

What to feed Tadpoles?
http://allaboutfrogs.org/info/tadpoles/
What Frog is that...?
http://frogs.org.au/

February 2007 Update

2007-03-02T11:00:00.000+11:00

Australian Bass were transfered from the office foyer area of the school to the ARC. One dead Bass was removed from the aquarium. This will enable a 'yearly' clean of the office aquarium and restocking with Barramundi

Chrysanthemums are thriving due to recent rain and continued watering from our recirculation system. Thanks to our MAT classes for the weeding and care. We expect that these plants will set flower heads in April, ready for sale prior to mother's day. Sale of 'bunchjes' of Chrysanthemums assists the ARC investments in farming and research.

Christmas catch-up

2006-12-29T13:43:00.000+11:00

Fish Fed well. Backwashed filter and topped up sump. Cleaned risers. Watered Chrysanthemums with approx. 500l from outside Reservoir. All well!
Will rent Oxygen tank and 'fish' grade oxygen for 2007- firstly to transport Australian Bass to Raymond Terrace and then for fish transport and care throughout 2007.

Preparing for Christmas

2006-12-22T08:00:00.000+11:00

Cleaned ARC. Securely stored all equipment. Backwashed system- Reservoir now holding 1000l. Topped up sump. Fish all well- continued draining Tanks 6 & 7.

Summer-ise

2006-12-13T23:30:00.000+11:00

Yr9 AT were impressive in their work at the ARC today... mulching was applied to the Chrysanthemum garden/s. Water that has been used in the recirculation (fish farm) was backwashed and dumped to the outside resovoir then syphoned & bucketed onto the garden/s. Australian Bass fed well, Yabbies transfered from Yabbie Tank 7 to Aquarium 3. Tank 6 syphoned/drained to outside grass. 2 computers have been setup in the ARC LAB initially to test our WebCam (WETCAM) to monitor the ARC and Fish. Thanks to all student for a great days work... there will be a little extra in your presents from Santa this year- well a can of coca-cola!

Clean

2006-12-13T17:00:00.000+11:00

Hosed (using tank water) the inside of the ARC. Swept gravel and rocks from doorway. Continued to drain Tanks 6 & 7 (Yabbie Tank)

Trout Fingerling Order

2006-12-11T21:42:00.000+11:00

Hi guys
Wadalba Community School would like to place an order for 300 Rainbow Trout Fingerlings for late March pick-up. We run an aquaculture education research centre within the school with commercial quality recirculation equipment.
Our recirculation water temps are expected to be suitable for the introduction of Trout fingerlings during March/April.
We will phone to arrange pick-up and use our own container and oxygen to transport the fingerlings back to Wadalba. I will arrange a cheque to be drawn by the school to pay at pick-up.
Thanks... let's hope that we don't get high temps. like Jan/Feb 2006.
If you need to contact me during school holiday time please use my Mobile: xxxxxxxxxx

Glenn
.............................................................

Glenn, Re your inquiry regarding 300 Trout fingerlings from the hatchery.
We can't guarantee there will be any fingerlings left by late March as it is quite late in the season. We do not take orders as such as we don't know how many fish we will have at that time, depending on the weather etc. The cost would be $49.50 per 100 Any further enquiries please ring the hatchery 0267759139
Regards, Helen Foster
Clerical Officer

Chrysanthemum Care

2006-11-30T12:00:00.000+11:00

All Chrysanthemums were cut/pruned to 30cm in height. More news soon.

Lisarow HS Visit ARC (Excursion)

2006-11-07T10:00:00.000+11:00

Planting Time- GIANT Pumpkins/SunFlowers

2006-11-01T14:35:00.000+11:00

Mulberry time over. All Mulberries have either been eaten or are past their prime.

Yr9 planted GIANT Pumpkins and Sunflowers today. Fed worms to the fish, cut Chrysanthemums and repaired the Hot House. More herbs- Coriander etc. to be planted soon.
Some weeding started on the Chrysanthemum plots. Need watering and compost.

http://www.atlanticseeds.com.au/

Feed Worms and Fish

2006-10-21T14:30:00.000+10:00

Feed Worms (thanks to our office staff for the luchtime leftovers and tea bags) and Fish (Australian Bass/Silver Perch and Yabbies- old peas). Fine tuned flow on recirculation system. Left roller door open to encourage flow of fresh air.

Clean & Maintenance

2006-10-20T23:00:00.000+10:00

Drained/Dumped Tanks 1,2 & 5 total 7,600l to remove fowled water. Rinsed and cleaned Tanks 1,2 & 5.
To accomplish this turned off exit valves in Tanks 3-4 and open dump valve to outside to let Tanks 1, 2 & 5 to gravity drain... then Closed valves on Tanks 1,2 & 5 and reopened valves on Tanks 2-3.
Restarted filtration system.
Backwashed filter, topped up sump and added 100 gms of Bi-Carb Soda.
Hosed out ARC using bleach and disinfectant.
Topped up Tank 7 (Yabbies) and Aquarium 1 and 3.
Left roller door partly open to encourage flow of fresh air.

Time for action!!

2006-10-16T11:45:00.000+10:00

Mulberry Jam time...
For every kilo of mulberries, the juice of 1 lemon and 500g of caster sugar... mmmmmmmm!

Time for action on our Chrysanthemums...
http://members.optusnet.com.au/nskeen/2.htm

Clean-Up

2006-10-14T08:00:00.000+10:00

System turned off and Australian Bass tanks (3-4) isolated. All dead Trout removed. Tanks 1-2 drained to dump, scrubbed and rinsed. System backwashed and rinsed. Tanks 1-2 isolated and tanks 3-4 brought back online. Several Bass were lost the rest responded to clean and fresh water.

Trout Dead!

2006-10-11T11:00:00.000+10:00

All Trout were found dead. Water recirculation had stopped- reducing air diffusion and fresh water circulation. Over 120 Trout including 100 fingerlings (25cm) and 20 brood stock (35cm). This was a very sad week!

Jobs and Maintenance

2006-10-07T14:00:00.000+10:00

Thanks Frank for feeding fish.
The water temp. Continues to reflect the higher than normal air temp. It has risen again from 21.9C to 22.5C since Thursday 5/10/06. This is critical to cold water fish such as Trout. We are trying to hangon until school resumes (Monday 16/10/06) to begin harvest.
Recirculation system had stopped supply of water to Tank 1 and Tank 2... needed backwash. BIG backwash, rinse and clean (brushed Interior of Tanks), cleaned filter basket. Refilled sump 500l and added 100g of Bi-Carb Soda to balance/buffer new tank water. Topped up Tank 7 (Yabbies) and Aquarium 1/3. Dumped Oyster shells from trailer (needed trailer). Turned off Ultraviolet sterilised- unsure if it contributes to water temp? Fish oiled locks. Removed rubbish to school industrial bin. Moved 'hot house' and gardening gear to ARC.

Jobs NEEDED to be done.
Close monitoring of water quality- pH, Temp
Further backwash
Water Chrysanthemums

Further Trout deaths, 1 * Tank 1 and 1 * Tank 2 change harvest plans 8-(

2006-10-01T09:00:00.000+10:00

Further Trout deaths, 1 * Tank 1 and 1 * Tank 2 change harvest plans!
The hot weather has forced us to rethink our planned harvest. Nundle trout appear to be LESS tolerant to temperature increases. We have always been dictated to by the magic 24C. Arc-En-Ciel suggested that the Tasmanian Trout have a lower threshold to temperatures above 20C and it is now being proved.
See- http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN60801/IDN60801.95770.shtml