Research
The Hatchery carries out research and development into yellowtail kingfish and barramundi nutrition, health and disease resistance with funding support from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and industry stakeholders. Current research projects focus on improving the health and production of warm water culture of yellowtail kingfish, including:
- Optimising diets to improve immunity function
- Vaccine development for disease management
- Medicinal and prophylactic therapeutants for parasite infections.
A major focus of the group is the replacement of marine ingredients in aquafeeds through ultra-sustainable alternative ingredients that reduce or eliminate fish meal and fish oil inclusions in aquafeeds.
Facilities
- 2000m2 of enclosed area reticulated with air and water
- Two saltwater bores supplying 25 litres per second of seawater each
- 75 litre per minute oxygen generator
- Four x 50 000 litre, controlled environment broodstock recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)
- Two 8 x 5000 litre (temperate and tropical) larval rearing systems
- Two replicated bioassay research systems
- Replicated 14 x 10 000 litre nursery system
- High density live feed (zooplankton) culture rooms
- Six 1-tonne live fish transport system with computer monitoring and life support
- Seven tonne specialised live fish transport tank
- Dedicated broodstock trailer
- Three research laboratories.
Co-locators
The DPIRD Marine Fish Hatchery regularly collaborates with industry stakeholders and universities on various projects.
Contact
For more information on the facilities and R&D opportunities available at DPIRD’s Marine Fish Hatchery in Fremantle please contact:
P: +61 1300 374 731 (1300 DPIRD1) or +61 (0)8 9432 8000
E: enquiries@dpird.wa.gov.au