Nathan Cleasby

Demand far outstrips supply for freshwater crayfish, and Nathan Cleasby – a new force in the industry – is set to investigate how Australian farmers can innovate and supply a greater percentage of the global market. 

Based in Townsville, Queensland, Nathan has rapidly scaled his business – Australia’s only operational commercial Redclaw hatchery – to full-scale production, supplying 400,000 juveniles to eight farms in 2024 and expanding his grow-out operations to 5.5 hectares.

With significant investment now returning to the sector, Nathan believes the time is right for Australian producers to capitalise and grow this delicious and sustainable product.

Nathan’s academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a Master of Science in Aquaculture. His industry recognition includes Hatchery International’s Top 10 Under 40 and dual ABARES Science and Innovation Awards in 2023 for his Redclaw hatchery technology.

His proposed Nuffield study topic, “Leveraging Global Techniques to Enhance and Expand Australia’s Freshwater Crayfish Production,” aims to address the critical knowledge gaps in commercial-scale crayfish farming. 

He says crayfish aquaculture in Australia has never risen to the highs of other species farmed in similar areas – such as prawns and barramundi. 

Nathan sees immense potential for Australia to scale beyond its current production. His research will explore husbandry, technology, and post-harvest processing techniques in high-performing regions such as the US, China, Vietnam, and Europe.

Nathan’s study aligns with industry priorities, particularly in seedstock supply, nursery development, feed optimisation, and pond management. His collaborations with James Cook University and CSIRO include research into early-stage nutrition, juvenile mortality, and feed improvement – laying the groundwork for broader industry transformation.