New broodstock and hatchery facility at James Cook University aims to produce better Asian seabass

Singapore's James Cook University (JCU) has opened a new broodstock and hatchery facility aimed at producing improved Asian seabass, commonly known as barramundi. The facility, located on the university's Singapore campus, officially began operations on July 31. It marks the first university-based facility dedicated specifically to Asian seabass research and education in Singapore. The facility spans 240 square meters and has been operational since May. It enables students and researchers to gain practical experience in managing breeding fish, facilitating spawning, operating hatcheries, rearing larvae, optimizing diets, and monitoring each stage of the production process. According to Professor Dean Jerry, director of JCU’s Tropical Futures Institute, the facility provides hands-on learning opportunities that are essential for developing skilled professionals in the aquaculture sector. He emphasized that prior to this initiative, no other institution in Singapore had the capability to control the entire production chain from breeding to fingerling stages. The choice of Asian seabass as the focus species stems from its significance as one of the region’s most commercially valuable marine fish. Widely farmed across Southeast Asia, Singapore, and Australia, it serves as an excellent model for research and training aligned with regional aquaculture practices. Before the launch of this facility, JCU had maintained a smaller setup housing only eggs, larvae, and fingerlings, with eggs sourced externally. Now, with the new facility, breeding fish with known genetic backgrounds can be bred under controlled conditions, enabling selective breeding techniques to enhance growth rates, health, and disease resistance. Professor Jose Domingos, deputy director of JCU’s Tropical Futures Institute, stated that the facility currently houses approximately 50 breeding fish, ranging in weight from 3 kilograms to 8 kilograms. These fish are kept in two 25-tonne tanks equipped with recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). This technology allows for continuous water filtration and reuse within a controlled environment, ensuring stable temperature, water quality, and biosecurity irrespective of external climatic conditions. Additionally, the lighting in the tanks can be adjusted to mimic natural environmental cues, promoting optimal breeding conditions. Six 2-tonne RAS tanks are designated for nurturing fingerlings, further enhancing the facility’s capacity to support both research and educational activities. The project received funding support from the Singapore Food Agency, underscoring its role in bolstering national food security through sustainable aquaculture advancements. Research initiatives include studying the reproductive biology of Asian seabass, particularly focusing on the early onset of sexual transformation observed in Singaporean populations compared to those in Australia. This phenomenon impacts breeding programs by reducing the availability of mature males for spawning, presenting challenges that researchers aim to address. The facility is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing aquaculture science and training future industry leaders. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, JCU continues to position itself at the forefront of aquatic research and education in the region. As the facility operates, it will likely generate insights that could influence broader aquaculture practices, contributing to enhanced productivity and sustainability efforts in the seafood industry.