BUDGET EXPENDITURE: $505,086 (with a STOP-GO point after Phase 1 $80k) 

PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR: Dr Francisca Samsing

ORGANISATION: The University of Sydney

PROJECT CODE: 2025-001

PROJECT STATUS: Current

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WHY IS THIS RESEARCH BEING UNDERTAKEN? 

Unexplained oyster mortality events have repeatedly occurred across Australia, most recently in the Hawkesbury River and Port Stephens (NSW) and Pipeclay Lagoon (TAS), causing major financial losses, threatening the viability of small and medium oyster farms, and exposing serious gaps in how outbreaks are investigated. Despite multiple investigations over the past decade, no confirmed cause has been identified for several events, and the industry continues to face recurring mortality without clear answers.

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The current system struggles because:

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• Investigations are inconsistent, slow, and often poorly coordinated.  

• Roles and responsibilities during outbreaks are unclear.  

• Environmental data is collected but under‑used.  

• Diagnostic tools rely heavily on PCR, which may miss novel or mutated pathogens.  

• Farmers lack clear guidance on what to do during an outbreak.  

• There is limited capacity, both human and technical, to respond effectively.

 

This project is being undertaken to fundamentally rethink and improve the way oyster mortality events are investigated. It aims to:

 

• Build a transdisciplinary, coordinated framework that integrates environmental monitoring, metatranscriptomics, traditional diagnostics, and social science.  

• Provide a proof‑of‑concept using the NSW case study, with national relevance.  

• Strengthen outbreak preparedness by improving communication, data sharing, and clarity of roles.  

• Build technical and human capacity, including training early‑career researchers and supporting farmers.  

• Deliver practical tools, protocols, and guidance that the industry currently lacks.  

 

Ultimately, the work is being undertaken to try and reduce the economic, social, and operational impacts of unexplained mortality events, improve resilience across the oyster industry, and support long‑term sustainability and biosecurity.

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OBJECTIVES:

1. To develop and pilot a proof-of-concept outbreak investigation framework that integrates emerging diagnostic technologies (e.g., metatranscriptomics), alongside conventional methods (histology, bacteriology) and the analysis of available environmental data. This objective includes building technical capacity and identifying practical barriers and limitations to the adoption of these new technologies.​

2. Engage stakeholders through participatory workshops and focus groups to co-design and improve our outbreak investigation framework, clarify roles and responsibilities during peacetime and outbreaks, and strengthening preparedness for future mortality events.

 

RESOURCES GENERATED:

• No project resources / outputs are currently available