full steam ahead for tuna hatchery

http://www.portlincolntimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/full-steam-ahead-for-tuna-hatchery/1688421.aspx



Full steam ahead for tuna hatchery
CHRISTOPHER COOTE
26 Nov, 2009 12:30 AM


CLEAN Seas has contractors working "flat to the board" to prepare its new southern bluefin tuna hatchery in time to have fingerlings ready to shift to sea cages early next year.
Five cranes were used to lift the roof of the new hatchery into place on Monday, which is expected to be finished by the middle of February next year.

The hatchery, which is larger than the existing tuna facility, is one of two being built at the moment.

Clean Seas is building a temporary facility as well in case the tuna broodstock produce fertilised eggs before the permanent hatchery is ready.

Company chairman Hagen Stehr, who will step down from the role at the annual general meeting next Monday, said the new hatchery is a lot larger than the existing facility, and it being built in such a way that it can be added on to as the company grows.

Adding to the urgent need for infrastructure is that Clean Seas also needs to spawn its yellowtail kingfish at the same time so those eggs can be used to feed the tuna as they grow into fingerlings, before they are put into sea cages.

"We're coming up to a very busy but exciting time for the company," Mr Stehr said.

"It is crucial we get this right so Australia can continue to supply tuna to the rest of the world."

A small number of surviving southern blufin tuna that were bred by Clean Seas earlier this year have been shifted to an onshore dam at the Arno Bay facility and have grown substantiall