ARC Research Hub supercharges the tropical aquaculture industry through genetics

15 November 2022

ARC Research Hub supercharges the tropical aquaculture industry through genetics

The Australian Research Council (ARC) Chief Executive Officer, Ms Judi Zielke PSM, today welcomed the launch of the ARC Research Hub for Supercharging Tropical Aquaculture through Genetic Solutions.

The Research Hub was officially launched at The Company One’s facility in Cairns today by Dr Robert Mun, ARC Executive Director for Engineering and Information Sciences.

Led by James Cook University, the Research Hub is driving genetic solutions for improving aquaculture industry breeding outcomes and lowering risks from disease.  The research will involve work with five species (pearl oysters, barramundi, prawns, seaweed, and grouper) with the aim to boost productivity of farming, improve breeding outcomes and lower risks associated with disease with key industry partners.  The projects will deliver outcomes that include selection of genetic lines for fast growth, product quality and pathogen tolerance, improve hatchery breeding processes, improve biosecurity and lower threat of disease.

Ms Zielke said the Hub’s research builds on our proud research record by offering exciting developments in using genetics to help boost productivity for aquaculture famers, as it has in other livestock and crop industries.

“The Hub’s research is good for Australia because by supporting the tropical aquaculture industry it is also helping to realise the potential for more jobs in the regions – not to mention the high-quality food that we’ll see on our dinner tables,” Ms Zielke said.

The ARC is investing $5 million over 5 years in this Research Hub, under the Industrial Transformation Research Program.

ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hubs support collaborative research and partnerships that focus on strategic industry outcomes which would not otherwise be achieved independently.

In this collaboration, James Cook University has partnered with the University of Queensland and 5 industry partners, and includes 20 chief investigators, associate investigators, and partner investigators; 3 research fellows; 3 research assistants; and 2 PhD Students.

Media contact:

ARC Communications 0412 623 056 or communications@arc.gov.au