 In sites where the water is cooled by persistent winds, farms have been relatively successful at the northern end of the extended range for marron. Marron will tolerate (though not necessarily reproduce in) salinities ranging from freshwater to 15 parts per thousand (ppt), but low salinities are most suitable for farming, as growth decreases when salinities are above 6-8 ppt (Morrissy et al 1990).
Marron live in waters which generally have pH levels ranging between 7.0 and 8.5 (Morrissy 1976a) but sunrise readings of pH in ponds on relatively successful farms may be in the range of 6.0 - 9.0. Excessive algal blooms can cause extremely high pH values and unstable dissolved oxygen levels. Oxygen levels should be maintained at or above 6 parts per million (ppm) and marron become stressed when levels drop below 3 ppm. As marron are susceptible to low levels of dissolved oxygen, the use of aeration is strongly recommended in ponds to maintain adequate levels and avoid stagnant bottom water or stratification (Morrissy et al. 1984, Morrissy et al. 1990). In general, the water quality experienced by the marron is reflected by the design and management of the grow-out system used. Informtation courtesy of the WA Department of Fisheries | 