The Bribie Island Research Centre

The Bribie Island Research Centre (BIRC) was one of the first dedicated multi-functional aquaculture research facilities to be built in Australia. Commercial scale production facilities enable research teams to conduct research that can have direct, industry-wide application. The 15 ha centre plays a significant role in technological development and extension to the aquaculture industry in tropical and subtropical Queensland.

Primary activities

• conduct research and development into areas of significance to aquaculture in Queensland
• liaise with other government agencies on sustainable aquaculture in Queensland
• encourage development of local support industries to aquaculture
• provide information on new and existing technologies to prospective aquaculturists
• conduct contract research and consultancies for industry
• advise government and regulatory authorities on aquaculture

Facilities

• specialist PC2 certified biotechnology laboratory, with capacity to carry out a range of molecular techniques
• controlled environment and wet laboratories
• extensive good quality seawater supply, and filtration and aeration systems
• commercial size nursery and growout ponds
• variety of tanks (from 40 tonnes to 100 litres) for holding and carrying out replicated experiments on live marine organisms
• wide range of scientific equipment for carrying out biological research
• offices, workshop and boatshed.

Achievements

• studies on prawn nutrition and maturation
• development of techniques for live transport of kuruma prawns
• genetic improvement of prawns
• assessment of the potential for eel aquaculture in Queensland
• larval rearing of snapper
• fin fish production aimed at restocking the Maroochy River.

Street address: 144 North Street, Woorim Queensland 4507
Postal address: PO Box 2066, Woorim Queensland 4507
Phone: +61 7 3400 2000
Fax: +61 7 3408 3535
Email: bribie@deedi.qld.gov.au