South Australia’s aquaculture industry continues to be a significant economic contributor to the state, worth more than $200 million in 2020-21, according to an independent report released by the State Government.
The Economic Contribution of Aquaculture in the South Australian State and Regional Economies report reveals tuna was the single largest sector, accounting for close to half of South Australia’s aquaculture production value at $91 million. The next three largest sectors were oysters (22% and $43.75 million); marine finfish (17% or $33.56 million); and abalone (9% or $18.47 million).
South Australian oysters were worth $43.75 million in 2020–21, the highest value on record, and an increase of 75% on the previous year’s value. The increase was thanks to an increase in production, with spat levels from hatcheries recovering following the shortage caused by the 2016–17 Tasmanian Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome outbreak. The abalone sector increased in value by 54%, reaching $18.4 million.
Some sectors continued to be impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and resulting drops in demand or price. The value of tuna decreased by 34%, with a production decline of 9%, attributed to smaller fish being caught, which do not receive premium prices. The marine finfish sector production decreased by 8% and the value also decreased by 8%, a result of restaurant closures, oversupply of fish, and overseas flight suspension so fresh fish could not be exported.
In 2020–21, the total value of aquaculture decreased by 13% compared to 2019–20; while there was an increase in production of 5% over the same period.
Direct employment in the aquaculture industry is estimated to be around 1224 full-time employees, with 1538 flow-on jobs. Around 67% of these jobs are in regional South Australia.
The total value of the aquaculture industry is forecast to grow by 36% to $272.4 million by 2023–24, as the industry continues its recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.
Download the Economic Contribution of Aquaculture in the South Australian State and Regional Economies 2020/21 ().
The value of aquaculture in South Australia is based on production returns as reported by South Australian aquaculture licence holders.