A synthesis of dominant ecological processes in intensive shrimp ponds and adjacent coastal environments in NE Australia

One of the key environmental concerns about shrimp farming is the discharge of waters with high levels of nutrients and suspended solids into adjacent waterways. In this paper we synthesize the results of our multidisciplinary research linking ecological processes in intensive shrimp ponds with their downstream impacts in tidal, mangrove-lined creeks. The incorporation of process measurements and bioindicators, in addition to water quality measurements, improved our understanding of the effect of shrimp farm discharges on the ecological health of the receiving water bodies. Changes in water quality parameters were an oversimplification of the ecological effects of water discharges, and use of key measures including primary production rates, phytoplankton responses to nutrients, community shifts in zooplankton and delta(15)N ratios in marine plants have the potential to provide more integrated and robust measures. Ultimately, reduction in nutrient discharges is most likely to ensure the future sustainability of the industry. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The potential of microarrays to assist shrimp breeding and production: a review

The shrimp aquaculture industry is a relatively new livestock industry, having developed over the past 30 years. Thus, it is poised to take advantage of new technologies from the outset of selective breeding programs. This contrasts with long established livestock industries, where there are already highly specialised breeds. This review focuses specifically on the potential application of microarrays to shrimp breeding. Potential applications of microarrays in selective breeding programs are summarised. Microarrays can be used as a rapid means to generate molecular markers for genetic linkage mapping, and genetic maps have been constructed for yeast, Arabidopsis and barley using microarray technology. Microarrays can also be used in the hunt for candidate genes affecting particular traits, leading to development of perfect markers for these traits (i.e. causative mutations). However, this requires that microarray analysis be combined with genetic linkage mapping, and that substantial genomic information is available for the species in question. A novel application of microarrays is to treat gene expression as a quantitative trait in itself and to combine this with linkage mapping to identify quantitative trait loci controlling the levels of gene expression; this approach may identify higher level regulatory genes in specific pathways. Finally, patterns of gene expression observed using microarrays may themselves be treated as phenotypic traits in selection programs (e.g. a particular pattern of gene expression might be indicative of a disease tolerant individual). Microarrays are now being developed for a number of shrimp species in laboratories around the world, primarily with a focus on identifying genes involved in the immune response. However, at present, there is no central repository of shrimp genomic information, which limits the rate at which shrimp genomic research can be progressed. The application of microarrays to shrimp breeding will be extremely limited until there is a shared repository of genomic information for shrimp, and the collective will and resources to develop comprehensive genomic tools for shrimp.

Warehouse, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View of exterior wall to warehouse.

Downpipes, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

Detailed view of downpipes and drainage grill.

PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View past tiered amphitheatre and offices above to air strip beyond.

View along western elevation, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View past timber blinds to balcony and timber sunscreens.

Under construction, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View of post being hoisted into position during construction.

Warehouse, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View of warehouse exterior.

Pole detail, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

Detailed view of poles used in construction. Poles were spliced in their length with steel bars (like 3 pin plugs) and these joints were restrained from splitting with steel strap belts. The belts were tightened with opposing wedges like the old Greene & Greene wrought iron detail.

Warehouse, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View of warehouse exterior.

Roof structure, internal, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View to underside of roof with steel beam and insulation.

Post and beam connection, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

Detailed view of cast iron brackets connecting beams and posts.

Front elevation, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View of front elevation with entrance from exterior.

Post and beam connection, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

Detailed view of cast iron brackets connecting beams and posts.