Research capacity

Aquatic Animal Health

• Detection of viral and bacterial toxin genes in finfish and crustaceans
• Production modelling and strategies for preventative disease management
• Pathogen detection and quantification using qPCR, gel-based PCR and eDNA
• Management responses to either prevent or control disease outbreaks in real-time
• Evaluation of probiotics and bioflavonoids
• Development of biosecurity plans

Nutrition

• Feed formulation for broodstock, hatchery, nursery and grow-out stages
• Integration of nutrition and physiology using a whole organism approach
• Evaluation of alternative feed ingredients
• Nutritional requirements of the entire range of nutrient groups.
• Functional ingredients and their impacts on production bottlenecks
• Digestive health and physiology of aquatic species

Genetics and Reproduction

• Genetic audits (farm and wild) using DNA profiling systems
• Improved understanding of production traits for improved farm productivity
• Broodstock development and management
• Selective breeding programs including advanced genomic techniques
• Reproductive physiology and biochemistry
• Early prediction tools to assess performance-related traits
• Induced breeding and management of aquatic species
• Cryopreservation of gametes of aquatic species
• Pedigree/genetic analyses and development of mating plans
• Manipulating sex ratios of animals

Novel Species and Technologies

• Closing of the life cycle of aquatic species
• Live food culture (Artemia, copepods, microalgae, rotifers)
• Sea urchin, sea cucumber and marine mollusc culture
• Integrated multi  trophic aquaculture systems
• Seaweed culture and product development
• 3D systems design (software Sketchup)
• Marine and freshwater ornamentals
• Automation engineering and machine learning