WAMSI Research Node 5

Marine Biodiscovery, Biotechnology & Aquaculture: the Blue Farm

Western Australia’s unique marine biodiversity is well recognized as one of the world’s mega-diverse environments, and provides an opportunity for a biotechnology industry. Drugs derived from bioactive compounds in Western Australian marine organisms are the ultimate goal of a marine biotechnology industry.

Node 5 will develop in phase with that of Western Australia’s emerging biotechnology industry.

In Western Australia, with the exception of pearl oyster farming, aquaculture development has been subdued. A detailed value proposition needs to be researched and developed including the opportunities around a polyculture model.

Marine biodiscovery, biotechnology and aquaculture: the blue farm

Key Participants

• Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)
• University of Western Australia
• Murdoch University
• Western Australian Museum

Node Leader

Dr Chris Battershill
Principal Research Scientist (AIMS)