Inland Aquaculture

Inland Aquaculture is probably the most diverse sector in South Australia, in terms of the variety of species grown and production methods employed.

There are currently around 250 inland aquaculture licence holders in South Australia growing a range of aquatic organisms including finfish; barramundi, Murray cod, rainbow/brown trout, black bream and crustaceans; yabbies and marron. Recently there has been a significant increase in the production of ornamental species and brine shrimp

A number of different production methods are employed, the most popular being pond culture, recirculating aquaculture systems and flow through tank systems. 

Major species

The major species produced in South Australia in terms of value and production is Barramundi (.PDF 42KB). The farming of barramundi commenced in South Australia in the early 1990s. Currently, the majority of facilities producing barramundi are fully enclosed, recirculating aquaculture systems, which are able to reproduce the environmental conditions required of this northern Australian fish to ensure rapid growth.

Freshwater crayfish culture in South Australia has developed from a secondary income source for broadacre sheep and crop farmers to many viable stand-alone ventures. Two species of freshwater crayfish are cultured in South Australia; the Yabby - Cherax destructor (.PDF 89KB) and the Marron - Cherax tenuimanus (.PDF 172KB). Whilst the yabby is native to southeastern Australia, the marron was introduced from Western Australia in the 1960’s.

The farming of Rainbow and Brown Trout (.PDF 40KB) is a small but valuable contributor to the aquaculture industry in South Australia. The industry was one of the first forms of aquaculture to develop in the state based around recreational fish out facilities where tourists purchase fish they catch from purpose built dams. Now there are several significant commercial producers who are moving towards value adding their production. One producer has developed a golden coloured variant of Rainbow Trout that is keenly sought by Asian Buyers.

Native finfish (.PDF 282KB) aquaculture is a relatively new but rapidly expanding industry in South Australia. Currently, most interest is being shown in Murray cod, with a number of growers progressing from using extensive farm dam systems to intensive recirculating systems with promising results. Trials with Jade Perch, Silver Perch and Golden Perch are being carried out by a number of aquaculturists as there is a growing demand for these species.

Production

Total production of barramundi has remained relatively stable since 1998/99, when it reached the mid 200 tonne mark. The Economic Impact report 2002/03 (.PDF 242KB) shows production of the other major species remains variable with most having reached a peak and now settling to around average yearly production.

Industry estimates that South Australia will increase production in the three major inland species by 2003/04 (EconSearch 2002).

Markets

There are a number of markets for inland aquaculture produce depending on the species grown and consistency of supply. Some barramundi growers in South Australia are selling fish live into the Sydney and Melbourne markets, where it is popular with the Asian community. However because most of the inland aquaculturists in South Australia produce relatively small volumes of product they find it hard to capture markets, which typically demand high quality and, guaranteed consistent supply. Producers are beginning to join together to explore the development of networking and developing a supply chain to link consumers and producers.

For more information on market opportunities for inland aquaculture products, download the following reports - Aquaculture Industry Market Assessment 2002 (.PDF 3.4MB) and South Australian Aquaculture Market Analysis 2002 (.PDF 3.5MB).

Industry Development

Rising saline groundwater is a major agricultural problem in many regions of South Australia. Landowners are now investigating means of using this saline water, including the farming of aquatic organisms. The use of saline groundwater (.PDF 94KB) for the farming of aquatic organisms is a relatively new industry is South Australia, but interest is expanding with successful trials on a number of marine species including Snapper and Mulloway.

For more technical information on farming freshwater crayfish covering attributes for culture; hatchery production/seed supply; hatching and larval, juvenile rearing; growout; nutrition and feeding; water quality and environmental factors; economics of production and the latest research and development, contact Rural Solutions SA on jeffrey.mathew@saugov.sa.gov.au

The Future

Inland Aquaculture in South Australia is set on a significant growth path. Existing aquaculturists are moving towards value adding their products and working smarter to meet the demands of the growing market.

The market for aquaculture products is increasing every year, however it is also becoming more demanding with respect to quality and food safety. Farmed fish is more expensive to produce than wild caught animals so can only be sold as a premium product.

It is now much easier for someone to build a business in aquaculture in South Australia, as information, training and mentoring are available.
Industry associations are becoming very active; running workshops for new and existing aquaculturists to help them meet the new challenges presented by a fast growing, intelligent seafood consumption sector.

Model farms, quality assurance programmes and networking will help improve the efficiency and profitability of the aquaculture industry whilst maintaining a good record of environmental care and social responsibility.

For further information on the inland aquaculture industry in South Australia, contact:

Inland Aquaculture Association of SA Inc. [External site - opens in new window]
Robin Moseby
Secretary
PO Box 387
Kent Town SA 5264

Phone: 08 8362 8042
Fax: 08 8363 0503
Mobile: 0411105 365
Email: rmoseby@olis.net.au