SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] October 11, 2016
The University of Tasmania in Hobart announced a breakthrough for aquaculture of rock lobsters, or Palinurus ornatus. They are now seeking commercial partners for a growout system, claiming they can produce tens of thousands of juveniles for stocking growout facilities.
Given the high value and continuing demand for lobster, especially in China, creating a closed cycle aquaculture system for lobsters has been a long sought goal. Before Darden spun off Red Lobster, the company had invested in a large scale research and growout program in Malaysia. This program was successful to the point where hatchery-bred lobsters were being offered for sale in China, but Darden pulled the plug on the investment due to the pressure of its new investors who wanted quicker short term returns.
The potential for lobster aquaculture is transformative because lobster is one of the highest value globally traded species, and supplies have consistently been limited by fluctuations in wild production. This is an industry where the value equation would change significantly if large scale aquaculture production was introduced.
The ARC Research Hub for Commercial Development of Rock Lobster Culture Systems based at IMAS in Hobart, has developed a unique aquaculture system that makes it possible to establish a new commercial industry for sustainable rock lobster production...