Aquaculture researchers, foodies, and growers of Tropical Rock Lobster and Moreton Bay Bugs took part in a blind taste test in Hobart yesterday, to understand the differences between aquaculture-grown Moreton Bay Bugs and those caught in the wild.
Held at Me Wah Restaurant in Sandy Bay, the taste test was attended by a selection of Tasmania’s most well-known foodies, including Massimo Mele and Amit Laud. It included Moreton Bay Bugs Thenus australiensis grown on a formulated feed developed in the ARC Lobster Research Hub.
Me Wah Director, Mr Stephen Tso, said he was intrigued to taste and compare the new product, and experiment with creating a signature dish.
“Our customers love seafood, so having a reliable supply of Moreton Bay Bugs that taste great would be an excellent thing for Me Wah.”
Research Hub Director, Professor Greg Smith said developing feeds that meet nutritional requirements, facilitate animal growth and result in a quality product is a central component of the research program.
“We’re striving to position Australia as the world leader in sustainable onshore systems for lobster aquaculture, by developing commercially relevant practices and technology that will enable sustainable onshore rearing of hatchery produced lobsters,” Professor Smith said.
Mr Martin Rees, Executive Director of Ornatas, said that he was excited to taste the product himself and get feedback from local food experts.
“Ornatas is dedicated to building a sustainable future for seafood,” Mr Rees said.
Photography by Steve Pearce
