Marron lobster, Cherax tenuimanus, a freshwater lobster or crayfish indigenous to southwest Australia, is a promising new species for U.S. aquaculture. It looks and tastes like American lobster and grows in pond culture feeding on detrital organisms. Results from Phase I indicate that marron aquaculture may be feasible in the U.S. During Phase I of this project, it was demonstrated that marron grow at rates equal or greater than those reported in Australia; evidence of reproduction was observed; marron shipping methods were perfected; and key water temperature and quality parameters for marron aquaculture were identified. During the two-year Phase II, it is proposed to conduct the following activities to prepare for commercializa- tion: (1) examine marron growout and refine marron aquaculture production techniques under commercial pilot-scale conditions at two sites in ponds and tanks; (2) continue experimental growout, survival, and density work at Auburn University; (3) conduct physiological, nutritional, and pathological studies; (4) examine marron through one or two reproductive cycles; and (5) complete a financial feasibility analysis in preparation for commercializa- tion.
