The highly prized southern rock lobster constitutes an important but fully exploited fishery in Tasmania. Farming of lobsters can further increase production but this can only be done sustainably by culturing larvae from eggs to juveniles in the hatchery. TAFI MRL scientists focus on larval rearing and were recently successful in producing the first hatchery juveniles in Australia. Juveniles would then be raised in sea cages or tanks on land to market size. Read More....

Striped trumpeter were chosen as the best candidate for diversifying sea cage culture in Tasmania in the late 1980’s. They are highly prized as one of the best eating fishes in Australia. They have a complex life history and have proven difficult to culture. Current research is focused on the production of healthy juveniles using probiotics, novel systems and improved nutrition. Read More....

The estuarine ecology research focuses on issues important to better understanding the function and structure of estuaries to underpin improved management and ensure maintenance or improvement of estuarine health. Read More....

The emphasis of the overall research program is on environmental issues at the system-wide scale, particularly those associated with possible eutrophication. In particular, assessment of the assimilative capacity of the region in response to release of nutrients, organic matter and associated changes in ecosystem function.

The Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute is currently conducting a project called SEAMAP Tasmania. This project aims to improve our understanding of the distribution of seabed habitats on our states coast and selected estuarine areas. Read More....