Malaysia and Australia Nexus Aquasciences Buys into Darden’s Lobster Project

Malaysian-based EverNexus, Sdn., Bhd., recently purchased interests in the development  of lobster aquaculture that were owned by the USA restaurant company Darden.   As a result, Darden Aquasciences, Sdn., Bhd. changed its name to Nexus Aquasciences,  Sdn., Bhd.  EverNexus was created to revolutionize the Malaysian aquaculture sector,  turning it into a quality investment destination for high-quality, safe seafood. Nexus Aquasciences chairman Bill Herzig said  that research undertaken by the University of Tasmania has made it possible  to develop lobster aquaculture in Malaysia. The Malaysian commercial operations are located in the state of Sabah, Malaysia,  and encompass a broodstock and lobster juvenile production facility in Kudat and  a lobster growout farm in Semporna.  The multi-million dollar commercialization project  has strong support from the Malaysian Government. Nexus Aquasciences managing director Dr. Shah Faiez said lobster farming in Malaysia  will change lives.  He said: “It will help individuals and families realize their true potential  and provide support to local communities in Sabah to establish sustainable livelihoods.   An estimated 20,000 jobs will be created over a 15-year period.   These will include contract growers, farm workers, technicians, engineers and  scientists with Masters and PhD degrees.” Nexus Aquasciences will continue as an international industry partner in the  Australian Research Council Research Hub for Commercial Development of  Rock Lobster Culture Systems.  The hub, based at Australia’s University of Tasmania,  conducts research in partnership with the University of Auckland (New Zealand)  and University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia).  Research Hub Director,  Associate Professor Stephen Battaglene, said that the pilot lobster hatchery in  Malaysia is using highly sophisticated systems designed, built and tested by  the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies in  collaboration with local industry partners JSA Consulting Engineering and the PFG Group.   “This achievement has emerged from more than 15 years of research led by the  University of Tasmania,” he said.  “We are also exploring a number of options for  growing lobsters in Australia including novel approaches like stock enhancement.”