The issues

Improving reproduction
The reproduction of an animal is orchestrated by hormones and the stress of an aquaculture system often disrupts normal hormonal control. By understanding and manipulating the hormones that modulate reproduction, AIMS scientists seek to overcome problems, such as the failure to spawn reliably in captivity.

Husbandry
The first stages of any animal's life are often the most delicate and it is critical to produce robust eggs and larvae for successful aquaculture. Research at AIMS is developing improved larval rearing capabilities and enhancing the quality of eggs and fry.

Domestication
Many aquaculture species are still 'ranched' rather than farmed - that is broodstock must still be sourced from the wild. Raising adults in captivity for breeding - closing the life cycle - eliminates reliance on wild stocks.

Genome mapping
AIMS together with CSIRO is developing the first genetic map of the giant tiger prawn. This will identify diagnostic DNA fingerprints which may be used to indicate the presence of advantageous genes in an animal.

Selective breeding
Production can be dramatically increased by selective breeding. AIMS has estimated the extent to which size is inherited in the giant tiger prawn, allowing the design of strategies to improve growth in this species.

Genetic diversity
Analysis of protein and DNA variation is used to assess the genetic diversity in wild and cultured stocks. Diverse populations have greater possibilities for adapting to culture and responding to selection for increased production.

Live foods for marine fish
Successful development of production technology for high value marine finfish depends upon the provision of suitable prey species at first feeding. AIMS plans to develop reliable and cost-effective culture techniques to provide appropriate food for cultured finfish larvae.

Environment
AIMS is carrying out environmental research on nutrient cycles and food webs in mangrove and estuarine environments. These projects are assisting industry and government regulators to reach licensing decisions for new developments which are based on sound scientific information.

Quality control
Assays have been developed to detect some of the natural toxins which may infest certain aquaculture species and can then be transmitted to consumers. Steps are being taken to convert these tests into easy-to-use field kits to allow farmers to monitor product quality before harvesting.

Pharmaceutical production
Marine organisms are a source of chemicals important for the development of new pharmaceuticals for human and animal health, and for novel agrichemicals. Aquaculture provides a means of increasing production from rare species and of reducing impact of collecting from the wild.