Past Projects
Energy Use and Carbon Emissions Assessments in the Australian Fishing & Aquaculture Sectors
This project represents the first attempt to gain an overall picture of the carbon footprint of the Australian wild-catch fishing and aquaculture (F&A) industries. The project's three principal programs and objectives were to establish energy use and GHG emissions profile of Australian F&A sectors, develop self-assessment tools for the sectors - to calculate energy efficiency and GHG emissions and to develop a toolbox and examples for emissions reduction opportunities in the F&A sectors.
FRDC Project 2020-089 and the tools are available for download below and from the FRDC project webpage.
FRDC Project
2020-089 (pdf)
Blueshift Aquaculture Offshore Tool v1.0 (xlsx)
Blueshift Aquaculture Onshore Tool v1.0 (xlsx)
Blueshift fisheries tool v1.0 (xlsx)
Northern Australia Aquaculture Situational Analysis (CRCNA)
Blueshift worked with other researchers and aquaculture experts from James Cook University (JCU), CSIRO, Australian Barramundi Farmers Association (ABFA), Australian Prawn Farmers Association (APFA) and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) to identify challenges and opportunities facing the northern Australian aquaculture industry to deliver a long-term northern Australia Aquaculture Industry Vision, as part of the CRCNA-funded Situational Analysis of Aquaculture in Northern Australia project. Find out more about the project here.
BHP Blue Carbon - Seagrass Restoration
Blueshift was contracted by James Cook University to provide technical advisory consulting on the first meadow scale seagrass restoration project in tropical Australia. This project will restore two key seagrass areas in the Wet Tropics region of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. In doing so, it aims to establish a range of regionally appropriate seagrass restoration techniques and assess the impacts to seagrass blue carbon and the return of fisheries functions in the restored seagrass habitat. This project is one of the first recipients BHP's blue carbon grant program aimed at driving the development of the Australian blue carbon market.
Development of an Aquaculture Industry Development Plan (Rockhampton Regional Council)
Domestic Seafood Certification Label
Blueshift was engaged to provide technical advisory services to support the development of a national seafood certification and labelling scheme in the MENA region. As part of the project, Blueshift developed a reliable operational plan to help promote the adoption of responsible practices by the national fisheries sector. To achieve this, we undertook a thorough review of the main seafood certification schemes and a comparative analysis of their main principles and criteria. The main component of the project included an extensive gap analysis, requiring strong knowledge of the best practice seafood certification matched with the current realities of National fisheries production. Using this information, we developed the Responsible Fishing Practices certification and labelling scheme including code regulatory information, supporting documentation and an implementation plan.
Assessment of Coral Reef & Pelagic Fisheries
Blueshift undertook a review of national policies and regulations related to fisheries in a country from the MENA region. This included a review of current legislation, regulation and policies regarding domestic wild capture fisheries and national commitments to relevant regional and international policies. A high-level review was also undertaken of international best practice examples of fisheries management (of which Australia was included). This work underpinned a gap analysis which identified the strengths and weaknesses in national fisheries legislations. Based on this analysis, Blueshift provided recommendations for improvements to national regulations and management.
Bangladesh Fisheries Risk & Compliance Systems
Blueshift provided the Bangladesh Trade Facilitation (BTF) Project with consulting expertise to develop the holistic capacity of Bangladesh's Department of Fisheries in cross-border trade risk management for fish and fish products. As part of the project, Blueshift's consulting team travelled to Bangladesh to facilitate training sessions and support the development of training curriculum materials on risk management relating to fish products and fish feed. The team also provided the Department and local Fisheries Consultants with guidance on developing risk criteria, indicators and profiles related to fish, fish products and fish feed.
National Biosecurity Strategy
Blueshift assisted a country from the MENA region with the development of a comprehensive biosecurity strategy and regulatory framework. This framework addressed modern biosecurity concerns by integrating innovative assessment and monitoring technologies to prevent, manage, control, eradicate biological risks. The framework comprised three key deliverables: a biosecurity strategy, invasive alien species strategy and GMO strategy. Blueshift also developed an integration plan to integrate each of these components into the broader biosecurity fraemwork and management and conservation strategy.
Development of a Strategic Aquaculture Plan for Palm Island
Blueshift worked with the Palm Island Council to develop a Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Development on Palm Island, including reviewing and assessing past aquaculture developments, identifying key barriers and risks, facilitating workshops with the local community, and assessing a range of indigenous equity options.
Carbon Footprint of Australia's Prawn Farming Industry
Blueshift provided an updated carbon footprint of a prawn farming association's members, along with the potential pathways, opportunities and roadblocks involved to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian prawn farming industry. The project also involved an investigation into the impact of sustainability and carbon neutrality claims/certification on prawn marketability.
Oyster Farm Acquisition
Blueshift provided advisory services to an Indigenous corporation to support the valuation, due diligence and negotiations for an oyster farm acquisition. This supported them in their mission to pursue the development of commercial opportunities that enable an increase its financial independence whilst providing employment opportunities for Indigenous people, addressing disadvantage, and protecting Indigenous heritage and culture.
Developing Legislative Frameworks and Legal Systems for Fisheries & Aquaculture Sector
Blueshift undertook a review to identify the regulatory needs of the fisheries and aquaculture sector within a country from the MENA region. The aim of this review was to develop legislation, policies, and procedures which protect and enhance the sector without overburdening stakeholders with bureaucracy. As part of this, Blueshift produced a report which provided a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory framework for the sector. It reviewed the current international, regional, and national regulations relevant to fisheries and aquaculture and identified areas where regulation may be improved to better support sustainable management. The report also drew upon global best practices in fisheries and aquaculture regulations and management in order to recommend key common elements that should be incorporated into the regulatory framework.
Crocodile Farm Business Model Assessment
Blueshift was engaged to support the review and assessment of business models and capability requirements for a proposed crocodile farm. Blueshift reviewed and assessed the documents associated with the farm's funding application to develop a crocodile hatchery in the Northern Territory. This review focused on the anticipated benefits and the financial viability of the proposed hatchery.
Review and Analysis of Environmental Guidelines for Cruise Ships
Blueshift conducted a comprehensive review of the environmental guidelines provided by a cruise company in the MENA region. The review ensured alignment with local and international regulations, UN Sustainable Development Goals, and marine research. Furthermore, the project identified conflicts within the proposed guidelines were accompanied by remediation strategies, and gaps were addressed with proposed guidelines. The project recommended ownership for undefined clauses and guidelines, and highlighted restricted waste disposal areas in the region. Lastly, a balanced operational model was suggested to prioritise environmental protection and profitability.
Developing a Concept Master Plan for the World's First Large-Scale Multi-Species Regenerative and Restorative Aquaculture Park
Blueshift worked with Aquatonic Architects to develop a Concept Master Plan for the world’s first large-scale multi-species net positive, regenerative, and restorative aquaculture park. The plan consisted of an integrated production and processing facility applying green technology approaches to water, energy and distribution systems, with on-site bioremediation and biochemical processing delivering net zero outcomes. The park was designed to restore and regenerate natural marine and coastal environments and provide eco-system services, while contributing to food security by producing 80,000 tonnes of finfish per annum and delivering food quality and safety. The Concept Master Plan redefined global standards for the aquaculture sector and was seen as a demonstration project to inform world’s best practice for sustainable aquaculture production globally.