It's hoped a landmark project by Queensland researchers will help safeguard the Prawn industry from viruses and diseases, while slashing the costs associated. 

The James Cook University Study will use environmental DNA, which tests water samples, to monitor water from prawn farm ponds to test for viruses leading to deformities and death in Tiger and Banana Prawns.

It'll replace the more costly and time consuming tissue sampling.

Rural Reporter Emily Minney spoke with Scientist Kelly Condon about how it will the streamline the monitoring process.