Project description
Greenlip abalone (Haliotis laevigata) are a high-value marine species which are farmed exclusively in Australia. Industry expansion has historically been limited by temperature-driven “summer mortality” events, where elevated water temperatures trigger large abalone stock losses. Summer mortality events are thought to result from complex interactions between water temperature, abalone immunity, and oxidative stress. Previous studies have suggested that dietary supplements may enhance thermal resilience in abalone and reduce stock losses. This project will test how nutrition influences oxidative stress and tissue damage under simulated summer mortality conditions in farmed abalone. Using existing samples from industry-aligned experiments, the student who leads this project will conduct laboratory assays to measure oxidative stress. This project provides a unique opportunity to engage with the aquaculture industry and deliver practical, evidence-based insights to safeguard the future of abalone aquaculture. There may be an opportunity for a short term work placement at Yumbah Aquaculture to develop hands-on skills relevant to the aquculture industry.
Co-supervisors
Rebecca Pedler - PhD Candidate (Flinders University), Research and Development Support Officer (Yumbah Aquaculture
Assumed knowledge
No prior experience or skills are required but you should have an interest in learning laboratory assays.
Industry involvement
Yumbah Aquaculture
Note: You need to register interest in projects from different supervisors (not a number of projects with the one supervisor).
You must also contact each supervisor directly to discuss both the project details and your suitability to undertake the project.