The Australian prawn farmers are under intense competition from cheaper imported prawns. Most of the imported prawns are in the small size segment. Female prawns grow larger then males, therefore the creation of all-female prawn populations will provide a much needed competitive advantage and enable a more profitable farming of P. monodon in Australia.
Final report
Australian prawn aquaculture production is based predominantly on P. monodon farming, with larger sized prawns attract premium prices in the local market. Females grow significantly larger than males, and hence, a technology to develop all-female monosex populations would offer competitive advantage at a local as well as international market. The primary objectives of this study were to first produce, and then cross, WW P. monodon females and obtain viable all-female offspring.
Unfortunately, the trials to achieve neo-males resulted only in external signs of masculinisation. Hence, other objectives could not be addressed. Since the project did not meet the agreed go-no go point, it was prematurely terminated. However, suggestions for subsequent studies are given to forward this research into the future.
