Extensive research has been conducted on the growth cycle of marron, a type of freshwater crayfish. in Western Australia. The research suggests that the most favorable area for marron is near Cape Leeuwin. People interested in setting up an aquaculture facility for marron are advised to seek a pond site in this area. The current FIRTA project is an extension of this research and aims to develop commercial aquaculture of marron. The Western Australia State Government provided limited funds for building a pond facility near Augusta in 1976, and the Commonwealth FIRTA provided a grant for employment and equipment. After examining various locations near Augusta, an agreement was reached with a local farmer to build ponds on his property. This choice has turned out to be highly successful; the farmer was most co-operative in helping to locate and build the ponds, providing on-the-spot needed supervision of the bulldozer driver, and he has continued to maintain water levels and upgrade the pond area in many ways, without interfering with the research work. The choice of site has drawn out a considerable local interest to the extent of further help with additions and the ponds are easily viewed from a public road close-by.