Researchers from the Physics and Biology Unit, led by Professor Jonathan Miller, at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have developed the first squid aquaculture system that has the potential to be commercialized. Successfully rearing squid in a way that is compatible with aquaculture has never before been achieved due to several of the animal’s traits, such as their aggressive behavior, sensitivity to water flow, food preferences, and complex lifecycle.

For the past 60 years, scientists have been trying to establish squid aquaculture with minor success. This invention has not only closed the lifecycle of the squid but it’s also done in a way that’s efficient and cheap enough to be commercialized. Zdenek Lajbner, who is responsible for squid culturing within the OIST Unit, highlighted that the system specifically focuses on providing good conditions for spawning and hatching. 

This aquaculture system is aimed at a group of species called oval squid. Okinawa has three species of oval squid, with the ocean around mainland Japan having one or two. “This is a ground-breaking step towards the development of sustainable squid farming over multiple generations,” said Miller.

Researchers are now working closely with OIST’s Office of Technology Development and Innovation (TDIC) to meet with companies that would be interested in commercializing the invention. As part of this, they have filled a provisional patent.