Christopher O'Keefe Email & Phone Number

Karumba, Qld, Au

Karumba, Queensland, Australia

Fiji

Consulting in aquaculture and environmental procedures for the South Pacific

Malolo Island

Design and develop the reef restoration project for the resort and residential development for Vunabaka bay. Developing techniques for the growing of corals and sea grasses for the planting in the bay over a 50 hectare site that encompasses 2 artificial islands. Work on the biological remediation of silt caused from the construction and earth works. Working in conjunction with the environmental impact assessment to restore the marine and and benthic organisms to the bay. Implementing technics to manage the fresh water catchment lake to improve water quality for the water treatment plant for the development. Artistic director for the carving of fossilized coral heads unearthed during the construction faze for the implementation in the landscaping for the resort and residential lots.

Savusavu Fiji

Responsible for updating hatchery facilities. Production of Black Lip Pearl Oyster (Pinctata margaritifera) from spawn induction, tank settlement to ocean transfer. Deployed 18,600,000 spat to farm sites in three years of production. Restructure of algae lab and introduction of micro-algae paste use for larval rearing. Establish production trials of Beche-de-mer (Holothuriidae spp.) and Giant Clam (Tridacna spp.) expanding hatchery from single species to multi-species; Assessments of oyster health and water quality and micro algae availability and species identification.

Sopu, Tonga

Supervise Hatchery run and provide technical assistance for the production of Winged Oyster (Pteria penguin) on termed contracts. Provide practical training and reference manual for Tongan Government Department of Fisheries as part of the ACIAR PARDI Project. Train Australian science officer in the production technics for Bivalves and instruct in husbandry needed to see product through to harvest.

Western Australia

Responsible for up-grade and expansion of existing hatchery and algae lab. Introduced new species for expanding production from solely producing Silver Lip Pearl Oyster (Pinctata maxima) to producing multi-species; including Barramundi (Lates calacarifer), Coral Trout (Plectropomus maculatus), Estuary & Malabar Cod (Epinephelus coiodes & E. malabaricus), Giant Clam (Tridacna maxima), Black lip Pearl Oyster (Pinctata margaritifera), Rock Oysters (Saccostrea commerciallis). Organize licenses, variations and exemptions from Department of Fisheries. Capture and domesticate wild broodstock for breeding purposes and maintaining their overall health, including use and prescription of (controlled drugs) steroids and antibiotics. Liaise with local and state government bodies for expansion of land lease, hatchery buildings, and growout ponds. Ensure EPA regulations are continually satisfied in regards to expansion. Liaised with environmental engineers in design of grow out ponds and water system. Establish trials in producing algae for bio-fuel and research the feasibility of Artimia production and asses nutritional values for aquaculture.

North Queensland Australia

Responsible for development and the day to day operations of Hatchery breeding programs. Implement feeding, regimes; address and treat farm stock for a variety of infections and dieses. Control harvesting and quality assurance of product to market. Design and construction of hatchery and the reconstruction of growout ponds for the future increased production of Barramundi (Lates calacarifer).

Savusavu Fiji Islands

Designed, constructed and established Multi species aquaculture hatchery for the production of Black Lip Pearl Oyster (Pinctata margaritifera), Mangrove Jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus), Estuary Cod (Epinephelus coiodes) and Coral Trout (Plectropomus maculatus). Developed breeding program and grow out operations. Developed algae lab. Trained indigenous staff in hatchery and lab procedures.

North Coast Madang, Png

Designed, constructed and established Barramundi (Lates calacarifer) fish farm. Developed breeding program and grow out operations. Established micro algae laboratory for the production of live feed (rotifers) for high density Hatchery production, as well as fingerling production using green water ponds. Established ocean based farm for grow out including mooring systems and cages. Trained indigenous staff in all hatchery and farm procedures.

Cardwell, Queensland

Managed all fish stocks; Barramundi (Lates calacarifer), Mangrove Jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus), and Estuary Cod (Epinephelus coiodes). Responsible for harvesting and shipping of fish including quality control. Controlled food and supply stock feed. Trained staff in operations and procedures. Managed Lychee and Mango orchid to market.

Mourilyan Harbor, North Queensland

Responsible for nursery operations including brood stock collection, management, egg stripping and spawning of Barramundi (Lates calacarifer), Mangrove Jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus), and Estuary Cod (Epinephelus coiodes). Liaise for company with various government departments and environmental agencies.

Hinchinbrook Channel, Queensland

Managed grow out farm operations for Barramundi (Lates calacarifer), Mangrove Jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus), and Estuary Cod (Epinephelus coiodes) growout farm. Responsible for feeding schedules and harvesting to market. Responsible for the construction of ocean based cages and mooring systems in a remote location.