Kailis, Curtin look inland

CURTIN University of Technology researchers are working with MG Kailis Group at Exmouth to determine the potential for culturing western king prawns in inland saline water.

Western king prawns make up the majority of Western Australia’s prawn catch each year, a catch worth an estimated $62 million a year.

A Department of Environment and Heritage assessment of the Exmouth Gulf Prawn Fishery has found that only 35 per cent of the Gulf is available for trawling.

The Curtin study will investigate the suitability of inland saline water to rear larvae and post larvae of western king prawns.

The western king prawn is the dominant prawn species taken in the State, comprising 65 per cent of the annual harvest.

The species is generally found in hypersaline marine embayments.

However, Curtin University senior lecturer Ravi Fotedar has been evaluating the feasibility of culturing various aquaculture species in inland saline water for the past three years.

According to Dr Fotedar, the latest research project could create a new aquaculture industry in WA.

“This project could provide significant benefits for the industry and consumers alike,” he said.

“Long-term survival and growth rates of western king prawns are not satisfactory in inland saline water due to the deficiency of potassium ions in the environment.

“We will be placing the larvae and post larvae in potassium fortified inland saline water, testing different concentrations and proportions of various ions to find the most successful mix.”

Dr Fotedar told WA Business News it was difficult to establish large culture areas along the coast because of the environmental impact and the use of many inland areas for recreational use.

“If we can work out the right amount of potassium we can better utilise inland water resources and provide the local aquaculture industry and rural community with a significant boost,” Dr Fotedar said.

MG Kailis Exmouth has provided the brood stock of prawns to facilitate the project.