Aquaculture research of the tropical rock lobster (Panulirus ornatus) has continued to refine larval rearing technology in collaboration with our longterm partners—MG Kailis and FRDC—at the DPI&F NFC, Cairns.
The successful production of pueruli (post-larval lobsters) in June 2006 has not been reproduced, and the failure of many larvae to progress through metamorphosis has highlighted a potential lack of energy reserves (resulting from inadequate nutrition earlier in the larval phase).
Consequently, recent work has focused on nutrition—improving the enrichment of brine shrimp (Artemia spp.), developing manufactured diets and working with the nutrition of broodstock to ensure optimal quality eggs and larvae.
The results of the research by the DPI&F have encouraged MG Kailis to establish a subsidiary company (Lobster Harvest Pty Ltd) to facilitate the commercialisation of lobster aquaculture. The proximity of commercial production has generated great interest in the protection of intellectual property.
It has also caused some diffculties finalising funding contracts for the ongoing research program. Given the protracted larval phase of rock lobsters, the issue of water quality is of great concern. The NFC rock lobster team has a long-term goal of comparing the estuarine water available at NFC (Trinity Inlet) with oceanic water.
This goal has been pursued vigorously and permits have now been issued to allow the team to use the Monkman Research Station on Green Island, 20 km east of Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef. A larval rearing system will be established there and tested during 2007–08.
The work is extremely demanding and involves nurturing delicate lobster larvae (that are normally accustomed to pristine oceanic conditions) and performing multiple feeds each day.
The exceptional commitment of existing staff has been responsible for the successes to date, but additional resourcing is being sought to ensure the research and development effort necessary is sustainable in the longer term.
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