Researchers catch the bug

TASMANIAN researchers who developed a world-first method to breed rock lobsters commercially have now paved the way for a Moreton Bay bug aquaculture industry in the state.

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies researchers began researching hatchery techniques for Moreton Bay bugs in September 2017.

Based at IMAS’s Taroona laboratories, the ARC Research Hub for Commercial Development of Rock Lobster Culture Systems is led by Associate Professor Greg Smith.

“There are many biological similarities between the two species, particularly during the larval period,” Associate Professor Smith said.

“Some of these animals have been selected as breeding stock and their offspring will be grown in the hatchery later this year.”

Assoc Prof Smith said Moreton Bay bugs were essentially a by-product from prawn trawling.

“They are only available when the prawn season is open and they’re not specifically targeted,” he said.

“This research provides an ability to source them yearround and increase the market value and demand for them.”

Assoc Prof Smith said Moreton Bay bugs sold for about $45 a kilo.

“We are now keen to test the technology’s potential on other high value crustacean species,” he said.