About Us

The Research Hub is developing innovative technology and practices that will facilitate the sustainable commercial production of high-quality lobsters, creating a new industry to produce high value crustaceans

Background and Context

In 2019, the University of Tasmania was awarded a prestigious Australian Research Council (ARC) grant of $5 million through the Industrial Transformation Research Program. This funding establishes the ARC Research Hub for Sustainable Onshore Aquaculture, which is headquartered at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) in Taroona. The University of Tasmania has joined forces with the University of Auckland, University of the Sunshine Coast and Australian industry partners Ornatas and PFG Group.

The Cutting Edge of Aquaculture

The Research Hub aims to build knowledge to establish the world’s first sustainable onshore lobster aquaculture industry focused on commercial, sustainable and socially acceptable lobster production from hatchery to market. The project will investigate novel systems engineering, specialised feed manufacture, determination and modification of seedstock quality, new frontiers in seedstock transport, all within an informed environmental and marketing framework. The project will provide alternate solutions for lobster culture in bio-secure and cost-effective onshore systems. The outcomes are targeted at positioning Australia at the forefront of onshore lobster aquaculture, with opportunity for technology transfer to other aquaculture sectors.

History of Success

The Research Hub builds upon work undertaken in the ARC Research Hub for Commercial Development of Rock Lobster Culture Systems, completed in 2019, which provided a breakthrough for aquaculture, closing the lifecycle and developing unique aquaculture systems for mass production of lobster seedstock. This cutting-edge research, as well as early work funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) has provided advances in knowledge that have made it possible to create new sustainable commercial aquaculture ventures and allowed the Research Hub to consider this next phase of research focused on growth to market of hatchery reared rock lobsters and slipper lobsters.

Our Vision

We strive to position Australia as the world leader in sustainable onshore systems for lobster aquaculture, completing the ‘hatchery to market’ vision. We strive to deliver commercially relevant practices and technology that will enable sustainable onshore rearing of hatchery produced lobsters.

The vision is enabled through harnessing the experience of a diverse group of researchers, technicians and industry partners utilising state of the art research and commercial facilities and advanced manufacturing. Our research aims to meet the needs of our stakeholders, including research and industry partners, and provide environmental and social benefits in the regions where the technology will be utilised.