An innovative new project is set to take place at Australia’s Charles Darwin University (CDU), in collaboration with the Research Institute for Northern Agriculture (RINA), Groote Aqua Aboriginal Corporation (GAAC) and other partners, to develop production methods for a herbivorous marine species, the goldlined rabbitfish.
Australian finfish aquaculture currently focuses largely on carnivorous species that depend on wild-caught fish as a component of their diets. However, wild fishery landings have remained at a plateau for the past three decades, making the growing reliance on wild-sourced ingredients increasingly unsustainable, particularly in the context of food security. This project aims to strengthen local food security while supporting the development of a blue economy and a sustainable future.
Rabbitfishes are marine herbivores, with several species demonstrating strong potential for aquaculture. Among them, the goldlined rabbitfish (Siganus lineatus) is popular in the South Pacific region. This species is valued for its flexible nutritional requirements, high tolerance to variable water quality and strong grazing ability for fouling control in ponds, sea cages and tanks.
Most notable is its potential to be used as an excellent aquafeed ingredient. The advantages of farming this species are twofold: first, a reduction in labour costs associated with cleaning ponds and tanks; and second, the production of an additional source of healthy and locally produced protein.
The collaborative project will ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of goldlined rabbitfish propagation techniques and nutritional requirements. As an effective aquafeed species, the GAAC is assessing the potential of integrating goldlined rabbitfish into its low-trophic aquaculture programme. The project is supervised by CDU Professor of Tropical Aquaculture Dr Sunil Kadri.
