Australia-based Port Stephens Fisheries Institute will upgrade its mollusc hatchery, rebuild its fish nutrition center and improve its already existing fish hatcheries through a $5.8 million (€5.3 million) expansion, Port Stephens Examiner reported.

The institute is also putting more effort into increasing public awareness of the fisheries site, located off Taylors Beach Road.

The research center looks into the potential threats, sustainability and biodiversity of farmed species both on land and at the sea.

One offshore trial with yellowtail kingfish giant Huon Aquaculture proved many benefits, however, the company decided to cease operations earlier than thought.