Cracking the code on captive breeding of Macquarie Perch
Currently, the inability to consistently produce Macquarie perch from captive held broodstock is severely constraining its recovery. Being able to captively breed Macquarie perch will firstly save the species from extinction from a conservation standpoint and secondly, re-establish recreational fisheries for Macquarie perch across its former range in Victoria, NSW and ACT. Establishing captive breeding may also provide new and unique opportunities for aquaculture in Australia for the commercial production of Macquarie perch, suitable for the restaurant industry, akin to Murray cod.
This proposal details four key focus areas of research and development to achieve captive breeding of Macquarie perch within three years, such that Government and in the future, private aquaculture hatcheries, can adopt commercial production of the species. The project seeks $698,630 of investment from FRDC and is supported with over $3 million of co-investment (including matching $605,000 cash and $2.41 million in-kind) from 9 partners across Victoria, NSW, Qld, and ACT. The project aligns with the FRDC R&D Plan 2020-2025, as well as priorities, actions and outcomes in other key national and state plans (Table 4).
Media release
Read the joint media release from Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Murray Watt and Victorian Minister for Planning and Outdoor Recreation, Hon Sonya Kilkenny.
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Seaweed National Hatchery Network (NHN) – Tropical Research Hub for Asparagopsis taxiformis
This project provides the resources for JCU to establish and operate the Tropical Research Hub for the National Hatchery Network in collaboration with ASSA researchers for 18 months (until 31 March 2025) which is the stipulated grant duration.
This FRDC project will provide the funding for JCU to engage key technical capability needed to support the Hub and establish the facilities for exclusive and continuous use for the project over the grant period, as well as provide the facilities and services of the ASSA employees (~2) working at this Hub.
The core objectives of the Research Hub will be to:
1. Establish facilities and equipment required for the development of the Tropical Seaweed Research Hub
2. Deliver a focused research program to close the life cycle, of Asparagopsis taxiformis, with the goal of being able to produce spores and seedlings.
3. Develop biological contamination management techniques for seed production.
4. Collect and maintain a clean broodstock culture collection.
5. Develop hatchery technology and equipment needs through experimentation.
6. Contribute to the development of a Hatchery Manual and knowledge sharing and dissemination.
The establishment of foundational seaweed hatchery capabilities at a strategic location in the Tropics, alongside the accelerated availability of seedstock and the provision of guidance in hatchery design and techniques marks a pivotal advancement in the journey of the seaweed industry in Australia. The Tropical Research Hub at JCU will help ensure sustainable industry growth by addressing the emerging R&D challenges surrounding hatchery techniques, strain selection, and seed production of Asparagopsis taxifomis. Moreover, it will foster a collaborative relationship between industry stakeholders, governments, and research institutions, promoting the development and progress of seaweed cultivation.
Seaweed National Hatchery Network (NHN) – Temperate Research Hub for Asparagopsis armata
This project provides the resources for SARDI to establish and operate the Temperate Research Hub for the National Hatchery Network for 18 months (until 25 March 2025) which is the stipulated grant duration.
The FRDC project will provide the funding for SARDI to engage key technical capability needed to support the Hub and establish the facilities for exclusive and continuous use for the project. SARDI will provide facilities and services for up to two ASSA employees working at this Hub for the conduct of this project.
The key components of the project include:
1. Establish facilities and equipment required for the development of the temperate hub of the National Seaweed Hatchery Network
2. Deliver a focused research program to close the life cycle, of Asparagopsis armata, with the goal of being able to produce carpospores, tetrasporophytes, tetraspores and gametophytes.
3. Develop management systems to control contamination in the Asparagopsis armata hatchery.
4. Collect and maintain a clean broodstock culture collection.
5. Develop hatchery technology and equipment needs through experimentation.
6. Contribute to the development of a Hatchery Manual and knowledge sharing and dissemination.