* The WA dhufish is a premium quality finfish with attributes suitable for aquaculture. In addition to the attractiveness of the species for aquaculture, Fisheries WA (FWA) have recently identified dhufish as a species "at risk" and requiring close monitoring. The development of reliable culture technology for dhufish and the subsequent establishment of a dhufish culture industry has potential to alleviate commercial fishing pressure.
* Jurien Fishfarmers PTY LTD has considerable investment in marine finfish aquaculture in WA. They currently have black bream and pink snapper in seacage off Jurien and are looking at a range of other higher value species. This company and others have considerable commercial interest in the development of high value species for aquaculture. Dhufish is one these target species.
* Previous work has shown that WA dhufish can be cultured successfully; however, production remains unreliable. It is therefore necessary to extend this work to develop reliable and cost-effective techniques for egg production, larval rearing, weaning and grow-out.
* Two FRDC funded research projects are in progress. One study is addressing health issues in WA dhufish (eg gonad parasite, exophthalmia). The other is examining the development of the eye with a view to optimising culture parameters. The success and application of these projects will be limited if the FMC-based dhufish culture project (this current application) is not continued.
* Domestication is known to greatly improve success of reproduction in captivity. The 94 eighteen-month-old F1 dhufish held at FMC therefore represent a key resource for maximising the benefits from previous FRDC funding and ensuring the success of the project. However, the project needs to be continued in order to grow these fish through to maturity. Research with other species throughout the world and at FMC suggests that the problem of an unreliable supply of good quality eggs from dhufish could be largely overcome when the F1 fish reach maturity (expected in 1999/2000).
