Expansion of output from the rock lobster fishery cannot be achieved using traditional fishing methods as most wild stocks are already fully exploited. It is therefore highly desirable to develop an aquaculture technique that can increase the long term production of rock lobster, in a sustainable manner.

It is presently not possible to produce puerulus from eggs on a large scale although it has been achieved in the laboratory in both New Zealand and Japan and there is extensive research being conducted in the USA. Very little information on puerulus production exists in the literature. If the problem of large scale consistent producton of puerulus is to be solved, then it needs a collaborative approach. If Australia is to benefit from the potential market for cultured rock lobster, then it must be in a position to design and import culture technology quickly.

At present there is very limited activity in Australia, the only research being conducted on rock lobster propagation is in Tasmania. However, there are:
a: opportunities for tapping overseas experience; and
b: nodes of expertise in Australia which require better co-ordination

The full collaborative project required to achieve the goal will be highly complex with a number of components and organisations. These organisations control major resources that could be co-ordinated and brought to bear on the problem of rock lobster propagation.

This proposal is seen as a fundamental first step in bringing together the groups and developing the project. FRDC funding is required for this task in order to provide a national focus and better cohesion between groups.