Funding to support next phase in lobster aquaculture research

The University of Tasmania has welcomed new Australian Government funding which will support world-leading IMAS research into lobster aquaculture.

Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Senator Jonathon Duniam (pictured below, right) announced the research will receive funding of $5 million over the next five years through the Australian Research Council to will support the establishment of the world’s first sustainable onshore lobster aquaculture industry.

University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black said the funding will allow IMAS scientists to build on decades of research to complete the hatchery to market vision.

“This funding will support the next phase of research and help us turn an idea that Tasmanian scientists have pursued for many years into an industry that puts Australia at the cutting edge of aquaculture,” Professor Black said.

“In collaboration with government and industry, we are using our distinctive research strengths to support Tasmanian grown, globally competitive enterprises.”

Director of the ARC Research Hub for Sustainable Onshore Lobster Aquaculture Associate Professor Greg Smith (pictured above, left) said crustaceans were among the most highly prized and valuable seafood products in the world.

“We have succeeded in developing breakthrough technology to allow the mass culture of hatchery lobster seedstock – juveniles – sustainably and commercially,” Associate Professor Smith said.

“This new research aims to answer the next set of questions in the development of an onshore lobster aquaculture industry for Australia, developing aquaculture rearing systems, innovative feed and transport solutions and support industry transformation during the establishment phase of a new commercial sector.”

(Pictured above: At the announcement (left to right), University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Anthony Koutoulis, ARC CEO Professor Sue Thomas, Associate Professor Greg Smith, IMAS Executive Director Terry Bailey and Senator Jonathon Duniam).