Yellowtail kingfish (YTK) farming is identified nationally as the greatest opportunity for new aquaculture development in the next few decades through substantial increases in farmed area. This will deliver substantial increase in product to market, and increased use of locally produced aqua feeds, resulting in growth in regional economies and employment. Within 10 years, YTK production is expected to increase by 34,000 tonnes, worth $440 million, and using 68,000 tonnes of aqua feed worth $136 million.

The culture of this species in warm water has many advantages, yet creates some unique challenges. Managing flukes in the warm water environment is currently a major cost burden on the YTK industry because the life cycle duration of the monogenean parasites is more rapid, therefore requiring more frequent bathing. Moreover, the standard management practice of bathing in hydrogen peroxide carries a greater risk in warm water and must therefore be optimised and more carefully managed. Whilst we are aware that some research has been conducted previously on peroxide optimisation for YTK, this information has not been made available to WA YTK farmers and has had a significant financial impact on the fledgling WA industry.

Bacterial diseases are also problematic in warm water YTK farming. Photobacterium damselae ssp damselae is a recurring problem in warm water culture and outbreaks of this disease are often associated with Vibrio harveyi. An autogenous vaccine has been developed for Photobacterium, but its efficacy has not been tested experimentally.