This research and development project aimed to define specific guidelines for the aquaculture production of redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus. This aim was achieved, and a comprehensive list of such guidelines is now documented.

Redclaw crayfish aquaculture was a small industry when this project was initiated, generating less than 40 tonnes of product per year. Production technology was undefined and extremely variable across the industry. Now, in 1996, production has risen to around 100 tonnes and a more consistent and appropriate approach is applied to production. This is due to a large extent to the technologies developed by this project, the full benefits of which are still flowing to industry.

Armed with a ‘best practice’ approach, the redclaw aquaculture industry is poised for significant expansion, which will enable it to more fully exploit the excellent export opportunities which have been clearly identified for the product.