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Louise Ward

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Louise Ward

Dr Louise Ward
Associate Lecturer & First Year Coordinator


Contact Details

Launceston Campus, Science Building, S.268
Phone: +61 3 6324 3818
Fax: +61 3 6324 3804
Email:l.ward@amc.edu.au

 

Current: Associate Lecturer, First Year Coordinator, NCMCRS

QUALIFICATIONS

2000-2004 PhD, University of Tasmania
1999 B.App.Sc (Hons), Aquaculture, University of Tasmania

TEACHING INTERESTS

My current teaching focuses on first year Crustacean Culture and Professional Development, and I co-teach units including Zoology, Physiology and Nutrition. I enjoy working with new aquaculture students as the First year coordinator, and involvement with the Honours and Masters, and Teaching Committees.

Aquaculture Production
Aquatic Zoology
Aquatic Biology
Nutrition
Physiology and Behaviour of Aquatic Animals

First year coordinator for Bachelor of Aquaculture and Bachelor of Administration in Marine and Coastal Conservation. Member of the NCMCRS and AMC Board of Studies Teaching and Learning committees. Currently enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning, where I am interested in problem based learning and developing authentic learning experiences for students.

UNITS

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Aquaculture nutrition research for new aquaculture species requires effective nutrient delivery, improving feed intake and nutrient utilisation. My research interests involve the improvement of feed delivery and digestibility, the effects of changing formulations on growth performance, digestive function and energy storage in finfish and crustaceans. Recent projects have investigated fishmeal replacement in crustacean feeds, gut physiology, digestive enzyme analysis, protein digestibility and understanding energy metabolism in southern rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii.


Sustainable aquaculture

A major focus in aquaculture feed development is to reduce current reliance on fish products in aquafeeds. My research investigates the effects on animal health and growth when fed alternative protein sources. This research includes a focus on improving the digestibility of ingredients, and understanding their impact on nutrient utilisation and energy storage. Recent studies have explored feed development options for new aquaculture species, and the various life stages during culture e.g. rock lobster phyllosoma, juvenile and adults nutrition. Research has included investigations of nutrient requirements [link to 2003 paper], ingredient digestibility and growth performance on a range of protein sources. Recent student research projects have included investigating lipid requirements for lobsters and nutrient digestion in barramundi.


Digestive physiology

Making modifications to aquafeed composition and formulations require an understanding of the consequential changes to digestive efficiency. My research investigates the effects of feed and ingredient composition on several processes directly affecting digestion. This research is particularly important to gauge the effect of fish meal replacement on the digestive health and growth performance of aquaculture species.


Crustacean biology

Several recent studies have been undertaken to improve our understanding of the biology of crustaceans with potential for culture and fisheries. Approaches have a collaborative project with [Chris Bolch] to study the genetic and morphological diversity among southern Australian Balmain bug Ibacus peronii populations. Recent studies with [Barbara Nowak] have also investigated relationships between health and stress parameters in wild southern rock lobster Jasus edwardsii with those measured in aquaculture situations.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Smith, D.M., Burford, M.A., Tabrett, S.J., Irvin, S.J., Ward, L., 2002, 'The effect of feeding frequency on water quality and growth of the black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)', Aquaculture , 207, pgs. 125-136

Ward, L.R., Carter, C.G., Crear, B.J., Smith, D.M., 2003, 'Optimal dietary protein level for southern rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii, at two lipid levels', Aquaculture , 217, pgs. 483-500