Determination and Manipulation of Reproductive Status of the Captive Reared Southern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyii)

• Project Number - 2008/780
• PhD Student - Ms Erin Bubner
• Student Affiliation - Flinders University
• Primary Supervisor - Dr Philip Thomas
• Co-Supervisor - Assoc Professor Abigail Elizur
• Mentor - Dr Mike Thomson (Clean Seas Tuna Ltd)

About the Project

This project aims to gain more knowledge to close the life-cycle of captive Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT), with an emphasis of reproduction. Specifically, it will examine the reproductive dynamics of captive reared SBT and their reproductive physiology.

Response to hormonal manipulations aimed at spawning induction
and advancement of early sexual maturation will be investigated using both in-vivo and in-vitro approaches. The development of cryopreservation of sperm and primordial germ cells will be undertaken, to support the development of a germ cell transplantation program, exploring the feasibility of using Yellowtail
Kingfish as surrogate host for tuna germ cells.

As the handling of tuna is a key requirement to facilitate the above work, the physiological effect of SBT anaesthesia and handling will also be studied

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This page was last updated: 9th April 2009