Researchers at Curtin University of Technology’s aquatic research laboratory have found that, once treated, inland saline waters in Western Australia can be used to culture greenlip abalone.

The research revealed that while abalone could not survive in untreated and potassium-deficient inland saline water, once ions were manipulated in the inland water, the survival rate of greenlip abalone increased significantly.

Associate Professor Ravi Fotedar from Curtin’s aquatic research unit said the research findings bring us one step closer to the use of  inland salt water for aquaculture.

“Inland saline water aquaculture has been considered an alternative to traditional coastal marine aquaculture for sometime, however this research provides the industry with the technology and knowledge to capitalise on this opportunity,” Associate Professor Fotedar explained.

The research found that when the level of potassium was increased to a minimum of 66 percent of that found in sea water, the survival of abalone in inland saline water was significantly increased.

“The findings certainly suggest that inland salt water aquaculture is a viable option, including abalone culture.

“With worldwide demand for the popular delicacy increasing at a rate that outweighs supply, the opportunity to expand abalone aquaculture industry using inland sources of water in WA is now feasible,” Associate Professor Fotedar said.

The research was conducted by Associate Professor Ravi Fotedar, and Honours students Sean Savage and Simon Harris. The abalone used in the research were supplied by Bayside Abalone Hatchery.

Curtin researchers together with Bayside Abalone are also working on a project to crossbreed two species of abalone to create a commercially viable species for temperate waters to enable abalone aquaculture outside of the south-west coast of Australia.

The brownlip/greenlip hybrid is expected to grow 30% faster than the commercial greenlip species, increasing overall abalone production on farm.