In what appears to be a first for Western Australia, Durack Institute of Technology aquaculture students at Jurien Bay District High School (JBDHS) have kept fish alive, out of water, for up to two hours.
Under the guidance of their Lecturer, Dr Michael Cheah, the year 10, 11 and 12 students undertook a series of experiments in which they slowed the metabolism of four black brim by adding ice to the water, to the point where the fish were technically asleep. They were then packed onto damp foam and sealed in oxygenated bags.
The fish were revived one by one by returning them to water. One fish was revived after 15 minutes, the next after thirty minutes, another after an hour and the last at two hours, each wiggling their tails and swimming successfully.
Dr Cheah confirmed with the Department of Fisheries that this was a first for WA in any aquaculture industry.
Dr Cheah said it was a great achievement that could revolutionise the way fish are packed to ensure a quality product. He said the method also had the potential to drastically reduce the weight of transported fish, as no water was necessary.
Dr Cheah said the next challenge for the students was to increase the packing time in which the fish were asleep, and to increase the numbers of fish in each experiment.
JBDHS deputy principal Cynthia Geiles said there were fourteen year 10, 11 and 12 students completing certificate courses in aquaculture from Durack Institute of Technology.
“We are very proud of the achievements of our students and the great facilities we are able to offer here to support this course. No fish were harmed during this activity and it was conducted under guidelines relevant to the course. We look forward to continued partnerships with the Durack Institute and supporting our student outcomes here at JBDHS.”