- Author Nowland, S. and Hartley, C.
- Publish date 1 February 2022
- Type Report
- ISBN 978-0-7245-4774-6
- Documents
- Aquaculture
Summary
This protocol manual has been produced by the Northern Territory Government’s team of researchers at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre (DAC).
It is the culmination of ten-years of research and refinement of the production methods for the tropical Blacklip Rock Oyster (BRO), Saccostrea echinata (Quoy and Gaimard 1835).
The protocols in this manual reflect the production methods employed at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre at the time of publication. Although BRO production at the DAC has come a long way, consistent and routine production of millions of spat has not yet been achieved, and research to improve production is ongoing. The considerable, and growing, interest in hatchery production of this species, throughout Australia and internationally, has prioritised the release of this hatchery production protocol as a benchmark.
This protocol describes hatchery rearing methods specific to BROs and is intended for those with an understanding of basic bivalve biology and hatchery rearing techniques. Additional reading is recommended for those interested in a comprehensive description of bivalve biology and hatchery culture.
For more information about this manual contact:
Northern Territory Government
Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
GPO Box 3000
Darwin NT 0801
www.industry.nt.gov.au
Projects
Tropical Rock Oyster research and development WA
This project established a collaborative cross-jurisdictional approach to address the most significant technical and regulatory issues that confront the fledgling Tropical Rock Oyster (TRO) industry. Several key issues were examined and resolved though sub-projects designed to meet identified research needs, supporting the industry’s development. Securing commercial spat supply – the project utilised existing hatchery infrastructure and expertise at the DPIRD Hillarys facility to refine culture techniques for Blacklip Rock Oyster (BLRO) and other TRO species identified in Western Australia. Researchers applied standard hatchery protocols – commonly used for Sydney Rock Oysters (SRO’s)-to TRO in the species found in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions, comparing performances before transitioning trials to ocean-based nurseries. Optimisation of grow-out methods and gear technology – Grow-out trials were conducted in the Kimberley (Cone Bay) and the Pilbara (three sites within the Dampier Archipelago), using both intertidal and subtidal farming systems for new TRO species and BLRO in the Kimberley. These trials aimed to: Identify TRO species with strong aquaculture potential and determine the most suitable culture system (intertidal or subtidal). Compare the performance of up to three TRO species (likely two) during grow-out to select the best-performing species. Road-test various grow-out scenarios with industry partners for new TRO species. This project developed identification tools and established agreed common names for key commercial tropical oyster species to prevent potential market confusion and ensure accurate licencing and management of the emerging industry. The Darwin Aquaculture Centre produced a hatchery manual for the Blacklip Rock Oyster (Saccostrea echinata). In April 2023, more than 700,000 mature oysters – grown as part of this research project – were transferred to commercial partner Maxima. Maxima will continue refining grow-out techniques, with the goal of scaling up to commercial harvest within the next decade.
Tropical Rock Oyster research and development NT
This project established a collaborative, cross-jurisdictional approach to address the most significant technical and regulatory challenges facing northern Australia’s fledgling Tropical Rock Oyster (TRO) industry. The project was delivered by research teams in Western Australia (A.2.1819053WA) and the Northern Territory and comprised three sub-projects, each targeting specific research needs: Sub-Project 1 – Species Identification, Pathogen Screening and Translocation Risk assessment (NT) This research standardised oyster common names and assessed the need for designated farming and translocation zones across northern Australia. It considered risks associated with genetic pollution of wild populations, existing knowledge of tropical ecosystems and oyster diseases, insights from the pearl industry, and current practices in edible oyster aquaculture in other regions of Australia. The findings provided a strong scientific base for biosecurity planning, management and operational procedures for the developing industry, while also and identifying key issues for further research and development. Sub-Project 2 – Securing commercial spat (juvenile) supply Early hatchery development work in the Northern Territory and Western Australia revealed that Tropical Rock Oysters have different larval requirements compared to the commercially produced Sydney Rock Oyster (SRO) and Pacific Oyster (PO). As a result, existing hatchery manuals for SRO and PO were found to be ineffective for TRO spat production. Researchers utilised the Darwin Aquaculture Centre’s hatchery infrastructure and expertise to refine culture techniques for the Blacklip Rock Oyster. Hatchery trials focused on improving larval settlement procedures, including experiments on salinity levels, settlement timing, and the effectiveness of chemical and substrate cues. Additional work included conditioning broodstock and evaluating optimal hatchery systems. Sub-Project 3 – Optimisation of grow-out methods and gear technology This sub-project investigated optimal grow-out methods and gear technologies for Blacklip Rock Oyster production. Farming trials were conducted using intertidal systems at two sites: South Goulburn Island (supported by the Yagbani Aboriginal Corporation) and Groote Eylandt (supported by the Anindilyakwa Land Council). The trials included: Trial 1 Assessed the impact of three basket heights in the tidal range (standard, low and dynamic) and two stocking densities (standard and half of standard) on oyster growth, survival and basket biofouling. Data collected included growth rates, shell shape, survival and biofouling. Trial 2 Compared the performance of different gear types in producing marketable Blacklip Rock Oysters. This trial provided data on oyster growth and shape, as well as qualitative insights into the operation, maintenance, and performance of each system.