Current Research Focus

The Australian Seafood Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) is currently supporting several research programs with specific focus on oyster breeding programs which aim to provide real improvements in commercial outomes for producers of both Sydney Rock and Pacific oyster. Where possible these programs are inclusive of the two major species of edible oyster farmed commercially in Australia, to leverage better results. 

Australian CRC Breeding for Profit Program is of major interest for Australian edible oyster producers. In particular the Select Oyster Company is a partner in the following project:

2006/226 Securing and enhancing the Sydney rock oyster breeding program (01/06/06 to 31/12/09)

The desired outcomes from this investment :To develop SOCo's ongoing capacity to manage SRO breeding on behalf of industry and the family lines that will form the basis of the breeding program, significantly reducing the start-up cost to industry.Specifically: An amended SOCo Breeding plan including protocols for pair mating and the incorporation QX resistance through phenoloxidase genotype selection.At least 20 family lines, including QX resistant lines, available to SOCoA sensitive test for phenoloxidase genotypes to assist breeding.Reduced maintenance costs and increase genetic security for selected lines from cryopreservation of gametes.

Production gains from culture of non-chemical triploidy induction.

Summary of the projects either completed or underway:

2003/209 - Sydney Rock Oysters: Overcoming constraints to production (completed project)

2005/209 - Industry management and commercialisation plan for the Sydney Rock Oyster breeding program

2006/226 - Securing and enhancing the Sydney Rock  Oyster breeding program

2006/227 - Enhancement of the Pacific Oyster Selective  Breeding Program

2008/755 - Defining Oyster "condition" and reviewing techniques available for assessment