Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) researchers believe the sophisticated chemistry of the humble sea sponge may lead to a breakthrough in the fight against cancer and provide the first drug from the sea.

One of the country’s leading marine chemical scientists Dr Chris Battershill of AIMS will reveal the medical marvels unfolding from the ocean floor when he addresses the launch of the "WA Aquaculture Industry Development Plan" in Perth on Saturday November 1.

Dr Battershill will present three years of research funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and AIMS, in a fully collaborative program involving Blue Lagoon Mussels, University of Western Australia, and the WA Museum.

"We‘ve discovered an arsenal of chemical weaponry in some marine organisms that could be the source of future pharmaceuticals," Dr Battershill said.

AIMS scientists have demonstrated how the chemical ecology of two key Western Australian invertebrate species that produce anti-tumour active compounds can be successfully and sustainably cultured.

"We’ve cultured five species of marine organisms, mainly sponges, at pilot scales in Western Australia in a bid to produce chemicals that have drug lead potential or other biomedical product applications," Dr Battershill said.

The target chemicals are at pre-clinical phases of development with the National Cancer Institute, two of the chemicals recently making the US Federal Drug Administration register.

Developing commercial products from the sea has also been a major focus of the research which has led to pioneering sponge farming techniques.

"There are strong prospects for the production of cosmetic and bath sponges for undersupplied international markets which has sparked interest from indigenous and remote communities in WA eager to establish an industry."

The full potential of these opportunities can only be reached with a sustainable new species aquaculture industry which requires a research and industry framework that permits value adding as well as international investment in drug lead development Dr Battershill said.

Dr Battershill’s seminar presentation will showcase the future of new developments in biodiversity and marine production industry for Western Australia at 9:30am tomorrow. He will be available for interviews following.