La Spezia Daily Fish Markets

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

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

How MUCH Water is in that Aquarium?

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

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

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

The Daily Grind

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

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.

1. 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)
2. Cultural Fishing. How does this impact on modern fishing laws? (10 marks)
   What is a Midden? (5 marks)
3. 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
4. What was/is traditional fishing equipment made from? (15 marks)
   Fishing Equipment Traditional Material Used
5. Using traditional, Aboriginal dot painting method complete an Aboriginal painting using the supplied fish template/image. (35 marks)

Spring into ACTION!

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!

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

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

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...

Barcoo Grunter or Jade Perch

Hell! How many Brine Shrimp eggs? SAMPLING

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?

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!

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!

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?

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!

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!

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

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:

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


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


3. 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

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

Cold Water? Not for Trout! 17C

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

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?

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!

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

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?

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?

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

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

Real MAD Science? Not just a guess!

1. Do Mussels filter water? Yeah we know they do because that's what it says!
2. How much water can a Mussel filter?
3. 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?

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)

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

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

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?

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!

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!

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'

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

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

BCG1005A Use hand and power tools

Proper Hand Washing

*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?

• 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

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

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

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

• 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!

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lisarow HS Visit ARC (Excursion)

Planting Time- GIANT Pumpkins/SunFlowers

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

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

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!!

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

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!

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

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-(

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

'Deep' Clean of Entry (Foyer) Aquarium

Thanks to Corey, Scott, Cameron, Jarryd, Craig and ...
Although the Aquarium is cleaned and 1/3 of its water replaced each month the undergravel filter and sand had not been cleaned for over 12 months.
Fish (Silver Perch, Australian Bass and Yabbies) were transferred to the ARC and the aquarium drained. All filters and air stones were cleaned, sand/gravel rinsed and undergravel filter cleaned. The tank was wiped out and then all equipment replaced.
*We use ONLY rainwater tank water for all our aquaculture!
The tank will be given time to settle, allowing chemicals and bacteria to balance.
Fish will be restocked in Term 4. WHAT species would you like to see in this aquarium?

Trout Loss continues 8-(

A further 6 Trout died over night. 6 * Tank 1. We believe that stress from the hot weather has caused the continued deaths. This has accelerated our design and development of a 'cooling' system for the water.

Aquaculture Related Project

Concern!!! Some management teams will not complete the project (Assessment Task)... this will result in a FAILURE...

Update:

• WORMs! Doing great!!!
• Frog Tank 'stagnate'- NO Frogs... lots of promises?
• Marine/Salt Water Tank-NO Progress...lots of promises?
• Brine Shrimp/Artemia- NO Progress
• Cichlid Breeding -NO Progress... now working on Artemia Project?

** Most groups have started their PowerPoint' presentation to support their project.

Trout loss due to excessive temperatures 8-(

A total of 12 fish were lost today as a result of the excessive temperatures. 9 * Tank 1 3 * Tank 2.

Mulberry time... approaching

The tree has set a huge amount of fruit. Some worries about the drought? It seems that our students like the green ones. Another 3-5 weeks. Hopefully the fruit will remain on the tree until after the school spring break?

Routine Maintenance

Flush and rinse outside reservoir to clear excess dirt and decomposed material. Flush to garden plots.
Backwashed Pump/filter system. Fed worms, fish. Weeded garden.

TARE & Digital Scales

Digital Scales have been purchased for the ARC. These will be used for monitoring/measuring; feed, fish and chemicals (Salt/Bi-Carb Soda).
TARE: is a term in weights and measurements which refers to the weight of an empty container. Scales that have a TARE enable different ingredients in the same container to be weighed.
Overfeeding is: uneconomical, a hazard to fish health and water quality. Excess feed that decays will increase ammonia/Nitrite levels and disturb the pH of the water. The majority of our fish are surface or middle water column feeders... once food is on the bottom it is not eaten! Feed should be given to fish while they are hungry/eating. Daily changes will occur due to temperature, sunlight, time of day, stress etc. So feeding amounts may change day to day. Always observe the fish prior to, during and after feeding to ensure behaviour is 'normal' expected.

Jobs- Progressing or NOT?

Thanks to Cameron and Jarryd for trimming the overhanging branches. The path to the ARC was beginning to be a jungle. Secators were used to remove some very think branches.
The Chrysanthemum Gardens were weeded by 'most' of the class. Some decided that bending and dirt 'are not their thing'!
Ben and Jaime assisted in moving the pool hose, that was draining the sump to ensure the whole of garden (1) was watered.
The outside reservoir had thick sludge on the bottom, by backwashing the ARC recirculation system to the reservoir while maintaining flow through the pool hose to the garden we were able to move the sludge.
The Worm Farm has progressed 'layer apon layer' and is now ready for worms, thanks to Daniel (Smida) for his leadership. A local resturant has been organised to drop off left overs for the farm.
I am concerned that the following groups will not complete the project (Assessment Task)... this will result in a FAILURE... Please see me if you would like guidance.

• Frog Tank progressing- NO Frogs.
• Marine/Salt Water Tank-NO Progress
• Brine Shrimp/Artemia- NO Progress
• Cichlid Breeding -NO Progress

Come on guys and gals... running out of time!

Murray Cod dies! 8-(

What could be the cause? What would you have expected to see before the death? What should we look for in determining a reason for the death?

ARC Jobs 31/8/06

Our building materials have been sorted and stored with a substanial amount of rubbish and uneeded material ready to be transported to the industrial bin. Thanks Mr Harris and his Yr9 AT Class.
Changed layers in Worm Farm/s. Fed worms to all fish- Trout & Bass went crazy! Murray Cod less enthusiastic.
Stored Trout Grower Feed to prevent attraction/attack by pests (rats etc.). Stored this weeks feed togther with bucket of feed in fridge.

Trout grower Feed arrives

text to be added

Eel Tailed Catfish dies 8-(

The Eel Tailed Catfish had shown some strange/odd behaviour prior to its death on Tuesday. Photo to come...

Construction Work on the new dam takes shape? Wink Wink

As construction on the aquaculture dam nears completion activity speeds up. Recent wet weather has not dampened our enthusiasm.

Frog Pond/Tank takes shape

Yr10 Aquaculture Technology research projects (School Certificate Assessment Tasks) include... Marine/Salt Water Aquarium, Frog Aquarium, Commercial Worm Farm, Cichlid Breeding etc.

One management team has prepared their tank as a frog aquarium
* please note there are strict regulations on native frog collection and return
http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/rsm/coastlines/CoastlinesJune2000.pdf
http://frogs.org.au/
http://www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/Green%20and%20Golden%20Bell%20Frog%20Management%20Plan%20Part%2011.pdf#search=%22Restocking%20AND%20Frogs%20AND%20disease%22
** Photos soon

Trout Growth- on track for November Harvest

A photo comparison of the growth of our Tasmanian (fertilised eggs)/ARC En CIEL Rainbow trout shows the rapid growth in both size and weight over a relatively short period of time!

* photos to be added soon

Aquaculture PodCasts, WebCasts and VideoCasts

A number of Aquaculture PodCasts, WebCasts and VideoCasts have been Subscribed/downloaded and made available to students and staff. This builds on the amount & type of technology available to our students.

ICT (Information & Communication Technology) within Wadalba Community School focus on the educational use of MP3 Players (iPods), mobile telephones and converging technologies to deliver resources for students to extend their learning and interest in education.

The following are just some of the interesting sites available...
http://www.abc.net.au/podcast
http://www.talkingreef.com/

ARC features in DET Annual School Report for Wadalba

The ARC was recognised as a significant community and statewide education and research centre for Aquaculture...
"The Aquaculture Research Centre was created to support teaching, learning and research into a sustainable fish farming industry and the marine environment. The centre has become a fully compliant commercial setup and is a state focus for vocational education. A high level delegation from The Board of VET (BVET) visited the centre in September (2005) and reported favorably to the Minister for Education.
Students had the opportunity to grown three hundred trout and four hundred Australian Bass in 2005. The trout were grown to an edible size, harvested, smoked, vacuum sealed and given to school and community members who purchased a fish futures certificate earlier in the year. The Bass were taken on as a long term project on agistment for a local 'catch and release' operator."

Annual School Report 2005

Some Like It Hot!

The Yr10 class has begun Fish,Yabbie and Prawn Anatomy. While gathering data/research on reproduction of Yabbies it was decided that our Yabbies need light stimulation (leaving the light on) to trick Yabbies into thinking that the days are growing longer and an increased in temperature (we were running the Yabbie Tank 250l at approx. 22C using aquarium heaters) we have now turn up the heat to 25C.
We will continue observations to see if these changes trigger reproduction.
* photos soon

Ordered Trout Grower Pellets

Trout Grower Food is produced by Ridley Aqua-Feed Narangba Qld. However they only sell by the Tonne... a bit more than we need (at this stage)!
It is a 4mm pellet containing:Crude Protein 43%Crude Fat 26%Crude Fibre 1.33%
We were referred to Hay U Pit Supplies, also in Queensland 07 34200870.
An enquiry has been made with 'PIT Supplies' today.
The trick is to ensure we order just the right amount as its 'shelf life' can be less than 12 months. We need to maintaining the quality of the protein, and minimise the potential of the fat to become rancid/decay.
* We will advise total cost of feed including transport soon!

Follow-up from Open Day/s RFI (Request for Information)

A number of visitors to the Wadalba Community School ARC Open Day's requested further information regarding Fish Stocks, Aquaculture Equipment and Further Information on production etc.
Courses and Resources
NATFISH
http://www.natfish.tafensw.edu.au
Austasia Aquaculture
http://www.austasiaaquaculture.com.au
Fish Stock
Barramundi
TailorMade Fish Farms
3216 Marsh Road, Bobs Farm
New South Wales 2316
Phone: +61 (0)2 4982 6600 Fax: +61 (0)2 4982 6606
Email: info@tailormadefishfarms.com.au
Web: http://www.tailormadefishfarms.com.au/
Murray Cod & Yellowbelly
Uarah Fish Hatchery
Old Wagga Road
GRONG GRONG NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6956 2147 Fax: (02) 6956 2245
Trout
Arc-En-Ciel Trout Farm
"MALONGA" Hanging Rock 2340
Ph/Fax: 02 6769 3665
http://www.nundle.info/nundle/general/trout.asp
Equipment
WaterCo
36 South Street
RYDALEMERE, NSW, 2116
Tel: +61 2 98988686
Fax: +61 2 98981754
sales@waterco.com.au
http://www.waterco.com.au
Aquasonic
Phone: +61 2 6586 4933 Fax: +61 2 6586 4944
PO Box 311Wauchope NSW 2446
14 Commerce StreetWauchope NSW 2446
Web: http://www.aquasonic.com.au
Email: sales@aquasonic.com.au
UV-Tube Project is a project of the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory
http://uvtube.berkeley.edu/

Shhhh It's A Secret! Things that the industry don't want you to know!

• According to Austasia Aquaculture the formula to stimulate Yabbies breeding is... 1 male to 4 females, raise the water temperature from 17C to >23C
• Companion Worm Farms. Live worms are great natural food for freshwater fish. They are able to convert garden and household green waste into food for fish and by products for the garden. You can also combine dried worms with breadcrumbs to produce a 'dust & crumble' for fry/fingerlings.
• Grind Yabbies and parts of Yabbies with other produce and freeze or refrigerate to make a great storable feed for a range of aquaculture/aquarium species.
• Eucalyptus oil could be used as an antiseptic for fish. Apply to the damaged area and return the fish to the water. (Use in conjunction with other remedies eg. salt bath)
  http://www.fgb.com.au
  MSDS http://www.fgb.com.au/Images/MSDSBosistosEucOil.pdf
• Reproduce the specific fish species natural habitat in aquaculture. eg. Murray Cod spend 99% of the life in a hide (log etc.). Place artificial hides in tanks.