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www. aus t as i aaquac ul t ur e. c om. au
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PRI NTPOSTAPPROVEDNO.76810800002
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Status of Australian Aquaculture In 2010/11 the States to that reported for the previous year (order from last year given in brackets): Tasmania (1) – $416.8 million, up $21.7 million, 5.5% increase (sixth year of increases); South Australia (2) – $207.1 million, up $14.1 million, 7.3% increease (first year of increases); Western Australia (4) – $100 million, up $2.7 million, 2.8% increase (first year of increases); Queensland (3) – $89.2 million, down $15.5 million, 14.7% decrease (first year of decreases); New South Wales (5) – $46.29 million, down 3.4 million, 6.8% decreases (second year of decreases); Northern Territory (6) – $28.15 million, down $0.05 million, 0.3% decrease (first year); and Victoria (7) – $22.8 million, up $1.26 million, 5.8% increase (second year of increases).
Summary For the financial year 2010/11 data on aquaculture (both hatchery-nursery and growout) production and the value of this production has been collated from a number of government and industry sources.
Data on hatchery-nursery production (numbers), growout production (tonnes) and farm gate value of production (Au$) was collated from information and statistics provided by the following State and Territory Government representatives: • NSW Fisheries Website (New South Wales) • PIRSA Website (South Australia) • QLD DPI Website (Queensland) • Vic Fisheries Website (Victoria) • Tim Paice (Tasmania) • Vicki Simlesa and NT Department of Resources Annual Report (Northern Territory)
For the first time in six years there has been a change in order of total value for
1000.0
Tonnes harvested Farm Gate value
70.0
900.0 800.0
60.0
700.0
50.0
600.0
40.0
500.0
30.0
400.0 300.0
20.0
200.0
10.0
Financial Year
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Trade Directory 2013 | Austasia Aquaculture
10/11
09/10
07/08
08/09
06/07
05/06
04/05
02/03
03/04
01/02
99/00
00/01
97/98
98/99
95/96
96/97
93/94
94/95
100.0 92/93
0.0
0.0
Value (A$million)
80.0
90/91
Written by: Jennifer Savage October 2012 1835 Ryan Road St Germains, Vic 3620
Figure 1: 23 Year Trends in Australian Aquaculture Production and Value
91/92
Disclaimer: This report provides estimates as provided to the authors by Government and industry members. The estimates represent the best data available at the time this report was prepared, however, this data is continually being updated or adjusted. This report should not be used for investment purposes and Dosaqua Pty Ltd and its staff and contractors disclaim any liability for losses incurred as a result of reliance of any information contained in this report..
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This article should be referred to as: Savage, J., 2013. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 2010/11. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 2013, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pages 6-25.
Acknowledgements
In order of farm gate value of production, the ten most valuable sectors were Salmonids ($394.9million, up 6.7%), Southern Bluefin Tuna ($125.1 million, up 22.5%), Pearl Oysters ($104.3 million, down 0.1%), Edible Oysters ($94.2 million, down 2.5%), Prawns ($57.3 million, down 24%), Barramundi ($38.2 million, stable), Abalone ($24.4 million, down 6%), Yellowtail Kingfish ($23.9 million, up 3.4%), Mussels ($9.8 million, up 4.2%), and Crocodiles ($8.8 million, stable).
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Notes: • All values are provided in Australian dollars. • Marketing and scientific names are from the Australian Standard® AS SSA 5300 – 2007: Australian Fish Names Standard; a searchable database of all species listed in the Australian Fish Names Standard is available at: www.fishnames.com.au
Just under 74,500 tonnes of product were harvested (the highest ever recorded) as well as just under 11.5 million juveniles (all finfish) produced in hatcheries for recreational and conservation stocking (3.5 million Aquarium Fish are included in these figures). The total farm gate value of production was $910.6 million, an increase over the 2010/11 value ($889.6 million) provided by O’Sullivan and Savage (2012). This is approaching the highest value Australian aquaculture has reached (the value in 2007/08 was $911.4 million).
Thousand tonnes
Specially prepared for the Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 2013
• Kristie Nobles and Department of Fisheries WA Website (Western Australia) • ABARE Reports (website). Additional information supplied from various company websites or by industry members including, Rachel Hawkins, Les Safark, Rene Pinxt, Mal Davidson, Sharyn (Eden Mussels) and Bell Huang. Some conference/workshop presentations as well as company and industry websites were used for adjusting data or estimating figures when firm data was not available. – This report would not be possible without the assistance of these people and their input is gratefully acknowledged.
1. What Constitutes Aquaculture Production? The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has provided the following definition: ‘Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms, including finfish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants. Farming implies some form of intervention in the rearing process to enhance production, such as regular stocking, feeding, protection from predators, etc. Farming also implies individual or corporate ownership of the stock being cultivated.’ Therefore, in addition to the culture of edible species (such as Salmon, Oysters and Prawns), aquaculture in Australia also includes: • The hatchery/nursery production by government or private operations of Molluscan spat, Crustacean postlarvae/juveniles and Finfish fingerlings – Note: in this report, data for hatchery production has only been included when it was referred to the: – Stocking of public waterways (eg. for conservation or recreational fishing enhancement), – Export (eg. such as Rainbow Trout eggs and Native Ornamental Finfish), – Stocking of private dams and ponds for own use (non commercial use), or – Other recreational uses (eg. Aquarium or Ornamental Fish trade). • The harvesting of Microalgae, Brine Shrimp, Zooplankton and other organisms from water bodies which are under some form of lease and/or management;
• The culture of Aquarium and Ornamental Fish and Aquatic Plants for sale; and • The culture of aquatic organisms for the extraction of pigments, fine chemicals, jewellery and other products such as pearls, shells and skins. The holding of aquatic animals for the live seafood market (eg. Rock Cod, Abalone and Rock Lobster) provides significant value-adding to wild caught product. Whilst this holding phase is recognised as an aquaculture activity, the data collection processes currently used in Australia does not allow a value to be determined with any confidence. Additionally, the value of the export of fish ova (eggs) and fingerlings should be
included in these Australian production figures. Unfortunately data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics is not in a form that could be incorporated within the appropriate State totals under hatchery production.
2. Increases in Production and Value Annual reviews have been published by the author(s) on the total value of Australian aquaculture production for the financial years between 1988/89 and 1991/92 and between 1994/95 and 2010/11 (Table 1). During the 2 year period when no data was collected, data that had been collated by ABARE (Brown et al 1997) has been used. Estimates of aquaculture production
Table 1: Comparison of data on Australian aquaculture production for the financial years from 1988/89 to 2010/11 reported by the authors and ABARE (Brown et al 1997). Year
Tonnes (000s)
Value * Au$million
Sources
1988/1989
11.9
135.9
O’Sullivan (1992a)
1989/1990
12.4
188.0
O’Sullivan (1992a)
1990/1991
14.3
237.5
O’Sullivan (1992b)
1991/1992
16.2
254.1
O’Sullivan (1995)
1992/1993
17.6
253.9
Brown et al (1997)
1993/1994
20.4
294.1
Brown et al (1997)
1994/1995
23.7#
464.6
O’Sullivan & Kiley (1996)
1995/1996
27.0
448.9
O’Sullivan & Kiley (1997)
1996/1997
25.6^
441.8^
O’Sullivan (1998)
1997/1998
30.7
517.4
O’Sullivan & Roberts (1999)
1998/1999
32.4
613.6
O’Sullivan & Dobson (2000)
1999/2000
36.8
695.3
O’Sullivan & Dobson (2001)
2000/2001
38.3
730.8
O’Sullivan & Dobson (2002)
2001/2002
48.0
773.2
O’Sullivan & Savage (2003)
2002/2003
48.2
770.1
O’Sullivan & Savage (2004)
2003/2004
51.9
674.0
O’Sullivan, Savage & Fay (2006)
2004/2005
49.6
636.6
O’Sullivan, Savage & Fay (2007)
2005/2006
56.8
760.3
O’Sullivan, Savage & Fay (2008)
2006/2007
62.0
799.6
O’Sullivan & Savage (2009)
2007/2008
66.2
911.4
O’Sullivan & Savage (2010)
2008/2009
70.9
888.4
O’Sullivan & Savage (2011)
2009/2010 2010/2011
73.1 74.3
889.6 910.6
O’Sullivan & Savage (2012) Current Report
* Notes: Figures rounded to nearest decimal place. No adjustment has been made for inflation. # = In O’Sullivan & Kiley (1996) this figure was incorrectly given as 40,363 tonnes. ^ = In O’Sullivan (1998) incorrect values for Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon and Pacific Oyster production were provided, so the previous totals of 25,700 and $444.2 million were incorrect.
Austasia Aquaculture | Trade Directory 2013
5
and value for Australia over the past twenty-two financial years are provided in Figure 1. This figure shows a reasonably steady increase in both production and value in most years since the late 1980s, only 1995/96 and 1996/97 are the exceptions to the rule. Since then the annual increases (decreases) in value have been: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
16.9% in 1997/98, 18.6% in 1998/99, 13.3% in 1999/2000, 5.7% in 2000/2001, -0.4% in 2001/2002 (decrease), -14.3% in 2002/2003 (decrease), -5.5% in 2003/2004 (decrease), -12.4% in 2004/2005 (decrease), 16.3% in 2005/2006, 5.2% in 2006/07, 14.0% in 2007/08, -2.5% in 2008/09 (decrease), Static in 2009/10, and 2.3% in 2010/11 (current report).
3. Estimates for 2010/11 3.1 Overall Figures The current report presents data for 2010/11 financial year and includes data from both Government and industry sources. Over 74, 300 tonnes of product were harvested (the highest ever recorded) as well as over 11.4 million juveniles (all finfish) produced in hatcheries for recreational and conservation stocking (over 3.0 million Aquarium Fish are included in these figures). The total farm gate value of production was $910.6 million, which is slightly higher than the 2010/11 figure ($889.6 million) provided by O’Sullivan and
Savage (2011). This is the second highest value Australian aquaculture has reached (2007/08 was $911.4 million). As up-to-date data has not been provided by some producers in the freshwater and saltwater Salmonid, Marie Finfish, Native Finfish, Crocodiles and Microalgae sectors, these figures should be considered under-estimates (possibly up to $10 million). In addition, the contribution by the large number of ‘backyard’ or unlicensed producers of Ornamental or Aquarium species (Finfish, Crustaceans, Molluscs, and other invertebrates) is unknown, but it is estimated to be at least 40% to 50% greater than the Government statistics (refer to Section 4.6). Table 2 summarises the production data for five aquaculture species groups and gives their percentage increase or decrease (in brackets) over the previous year. Finfish had an increase of 9.1% (2010/11 showed a decrease of 5.1%), whilst Crustaceans decreased by 22.7% (2010/11 showed an increase of 28.2%), Molluscs decreased by 1.6% (2010/11 showed an increase of 2.6%) and Miscellaneous species decreased by 31.2%, mainly in ‘Others’ category (2010/11 showed an increase by 42.6%). During 2010/11 over 30 species were cultured on a commercial scale, with probably the same number of species undergoing pilot or experimental production. The culture species included Salmonids (this is a generic term for 5 species of Salmon and Trout), Southern Bluefin Tuna, Barramundi, Native Freshwater Fish (at least 12 species), Introduced Freshwater Finfish (2 species),
Table 2: Australian aquaculture production for 2010/11 by groups. Group
Production (tonnes)
Hatchery # (,000's)
Value ($,000)
% increase on 2009/10 *
Finfish
48,785.8
11,450.4
600,023.0
9.1
Crustaceans
4,156.1
2.5
61,656.4
(22.7)
Molluscs
18,205.7
0.0
232,911.9
(1.6)
Misc. species1
3,157.3
0.0
16,063.1
(31.2)
Total
74,304.9
11,452.9
910,654.4
2.4
Sources: Information provided by State and Territory Fisheries Departments and industry. Notes: # = Hatchery production of stock for recreation or conservation uses. * Figures in brackets represent a negative growth (i.e. decrease) in value. 1 = In some state/territory reports, Finfish, Crustaceans and Molluscs can be included in ‘Others’ category.
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Trade Directory 2013 | Austasia Aquaculture
Brackish Water and Marine Fish (at least 10 species), Aquarium Fish (numerous species), Eels (2 species), Freshwater Crayfish (3 species), Penaeid Prawns (5 species), Brine Shrimp, Mud Crabs, Freshwater Shrimp, Freshwater Prawns, Edible Oysters (at least 4 species), Pearl Oysters (at least 5 species), Blue Mussels, Freshwater Mussels, Scallops, Clams (at least 3 species), Abalone (2 main species plus a hybrid), Microalgae (2 species), Crocodiles (2 species) and Polychaete Worms (3 species). The value of production has increased over the estimates for 2010/11 for Salmonids (6.7%), Barramundi (0.1%), Aquatic Worms (3.2%), Eels (27%), Aquarium Fish (15.3%), Misc. Marine fish (1.7%), Freshwater Crayfish (6.1%), Southern Bluefin Tuna (22.5%), Blue Mussels (4.2%), Microalgae (469%) and Native Freshwater Fish (1.7%). Decreases in value were reported for Prawns (-24%), Edible Oysters (-2.5%), Abalone (-6%), Brine Shrimp (-53.3%), and Pearl Oysters (-0.1%). No changes were recorded in the value of Scallops or Crocodiles. Due to the irregular (year to year) inclusion of some data in the ‘others’ category by some States (due to confidentiality concerns) this year saw a decrease of 31%. 3.2 Ten Most Valuable Sectors/Species In order of value of production, the important sectors (last year’s ranking, i.e. for 2010/11, is provided in brackets) and the value of their production (including increases or decreases over the previous years) were: 1. Salmonids (1) $394 million, up $24 million (6.7%), 6th year of increases (3 of those years were major increases). 2. Southern Bluefin Tuna (2) $125.2 million, up $23 million (22.5%), 1st year of major increases. 3. Pearl Oysters (3) $104.3 million, down $2 million (0.1%), the 4th year of decreases. 4. Edible Oysters (4) $94.2 million, down $2.4 million (2.5%), the 1st year of decreases. 5. Prawns (5) $57.3 million, down $18.1 million (24%), first year of decreases. 6. Barramundi (6) $38.2 million, stable (0.1%), 3rd year of increases over past 4 years.
Status of Australian Aquaculture In 2010/11 7. Abalone (7) $24.4 million, down $1.6 million (6%), 1st decrease. 8. Yellowtail Kingfish (8) $23.9 million, up $0.1 million (3.4%), 1st year of increase. 9. Mussels (9) $9.8 million, up $0.3 million (4.2%), 2nd year of increases. 10. Crocodiles (10) $8.8 million, static.
3.3 Averaged Farm Gate or ‘Beach’ Prices In this report, only the average prices over the calendar year as provided by the states/ territories are used – thus a figure of $15/ kg could be for a species that fetched between $10 and $20/kg, depending on the type (eg. live or dead), quality and the state/territory the species was sold.
The order for the remaining sectors is Native Freshwater Fish ($7.6 million, 1.7% increase); Freshwater Crayfish ($4.1 million, 6.1% increase); Aquarium Fish ($3.5 million, 15.3% increase); and Microalgae ($2.8 million, 469% increase, some Brine shrimp included in here also).
Remarkably over the past decade, even though production increased in most sectors, domestic farm gate (onland production) or ‘beach’ (at sea production) prices generally remained firm, or rose slightly due to increased local demand. However, as can be seen in Figure 2, over the past 5-6 years there has been a higher increase in the trends for production (tonnes) than for total value ($million) – this suggests there must have been overall decreases in average farm gate or beach prices.
For the fourth year in a row, the order of the top ten sectors/species was unchanged. Except for Edible oyster, Prawns, Abalone and Pearl Oysters, the other top ten sectors/species all showed increases in production value. O’Sullivan (1998) noted that between 1988/89 and 1995/96, three ‘traditional’ aquaculture sectors – Pearl Oysters [mainly Pinctada maxima], Edible Oysters [mostly Sydney Rock and Pacific Oysters] and Salmonids [Atlantic Salmon and Rainbow Trout, both freshwater and ocean raised] – accounted for over 80% of the total value of aquaculture production. This fell to below 60% by the late 1990s and early part of this decade. Combining these sectors with the value of Southern Bluefin Tuna and Prawn production resulted in a contribution of over 90% of the value of production for each of the financial years since 1996/97. Since 2002/2003 this value fell slightly as other sectors increased (eg. Barramundi, Yellowtail Kingfish and Abalone), however, the top four groups still contribute over 80% of the total value.
As in previous years, the targeting of overseas markets by some sectors of the aquaculture industry has been subject to considerable problems. The continued highs of the Australian dollar and cheaper production costs in many competitor countries has meant that demand for exports of Pearls, Southern Bluefin Tuna and Abalone slowed or stopped completely (Kuruma Prawns), and was often reflected by lower prices in those markets (this of course can have a direct effect on the local farm gate or beach prices).
4. Finfish Unlike the previous year, the total aquaculture production of finfish in Australia increased from 47,845.3 to 48,785.8
tonnes whilst the number of juveniles being produced increased from 10,877,800 to 11,450,400, contributing to a total value of over $600 million (Table 3). This is an increase in value of 9.1% over the estimates for 2010/11. The main contributors were the Salmonids $394 million, up $24 million (6.7%), Southern Bluefin Tuna $125.2 million, up $23 million (22.5%), Barramundi $38.2 million, stable (0.1%), Yellowtail Kingfish $23.9 million, up $0.1 million (3.4%), and Native Fish $7.6 million (up 1.7%). 4.1 Salmonids Figure 2 shows the trend in the value of production of Salmonids for the ten year period since 2000/01. Over the past 6 years there has been more than a doubling of the value. The two main commercial Salmonid species were the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar). There were over 50 Salmonid farms in operation across Australia, with many being freshwater farms growing pan-sized (<500 grams) Rainbow Trout. The largest production of Salmonids, however, came from sea cage production of Atlantic Salmon and ocean run Rainbow Trout (previously called ‘Ocean Trout’) in Tasmania – about six years ago there was also some sea cage production of both species occurring in South Australia. In addition, almost 70,000 fingerlings (worth approx. $0.1 million) of Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout (Salmo trutta), Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and Chinook
Figure 2: Ten Year Trends for Major Aquaculture Species Group 450
2002/03
400
2003/04
350
Value (A$million)
Initial trends over eight years (2000/01 to 2010/11) for the major species groups (Figure 2) show falls in the value of production occurred for Southern Bluefin Tuna and Pearls. There have been significant increase in Salmonids and ‘Others’ and small increases for Edible Oysters and Prawns. Further production and value information is provided for each of these groups later in this report.
2001/02
2004/05
300 2005/06 250 2006/07
200
2007/08
150 100
2008/09
50
2009/10 2010/11
0 Tuna
Salmonids
Prawns
Oysters
Pearls
Others
Groups
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Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were produced in Government and private hatcheries for restocking public and private water bodies – this is a huge decrease over the 1.0 million released in 2005/06, no doubt the fall has been due to the drought; the February 7 2009 ‘Black Saturday’ bushfires have also caused falls in production in Victoria’s main trout production area. There was some commercial growout of Brown Trout, Atlantic Salmon and Chinook Salmon in freshwater, although data was not always available due to confidentiality reasons. The total value of Salmonid production was around $370.0 million. This included approximately $0.1 million for hatchery production (mostly Rainbow and Brown Trout), mostly for Government releases for recreational fishing.
The Tasmanian Salmonid Growers’ Association has worked hard to develop the industry and its involvement in the AquaFin CRC saw significant improvements in health management, nutrition and product/flesh quality. For a fifth consecutive year Atlantic Salmon production and value in Australia showed an increase (the previous three years showed significant increases), this time to over 31,033 tonnes (mostly head-on, gilled-gutted) worth $363.2 million. This was produced in Tasmania by four medium to very large and vertically integrated operations. It is reported that the small sea cage site with cool upwelling water that had been utilised for Atlantic Salmon production in the early 2000’s in South Australia could be re-established.
Table 3: Australian aquaculture production of Finfish for 2010/11. Species
Production (tonnes)
Hatchery # (,000’s)
Value ($,000)
Atlantic Salmon1
33,081.5
1.0
387,024.8
Chinook Salmon
0.0
0.0
0.0
Brown Trout
78.1
56.5
419.8
Rainbow Trout (f/w)
1,048.3
588.0
7,498.4
Australian Bass
1.0
1,456.0
425.3
Eel-tailed Catfish
0.0
16.0
28.8
Golden Perch
4.1
2,453.5
642.2
Silver Perch
405.9
461.5
4,996.0
Murray Cod2
55.4
1,096.7
1,209.8
Trout Cod
0.0
65.0
65.0
Barcoo Grunter
18.9
0.00
247.1
Short Finned
Eels3
70.2
NA
850.2
Long Finned
Eels3
75.5
NA
999.2
Barramundi
4,455.0
570.2
38,240.8
Southern Bluefin Tuna
5,800.0
0.00
125,160.0
Yellowtail Kingfish
3,120.0
0.0
23,910.0
Mulloway
571.9
0.0
4,684.1
Seahorses
NA
3.0
36.0
Native Aquarium Fish
NA
260.0
613.8
Exotic Aquarium Fish
NA
4,423.1
2,971.6
Subtotal
48,785.8
11,450.5
599,802.9
Sources: Information provided by State and Territory Fisheries Departments and industry. Notes: # = Hatchery production of stock for recreation or conservation uses. NA = not applicable, NDA = no details available (assume some production was undertaken). * = figures for previous year used 1 = Includes saltwater grown Rainbow Trout. 2= Includes some data for Mary River Cod and Sleepy Cod, no production this year for Eastern Freshwater Cod. 3 = In Qld and Vic, Longfin Eels are grouped with Shortfin Eels.
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Trade Directory 2013 | Austasia Aquaculture
Saltwater production of Rainbow Trout in Tasmania was thought to be around 500 tonnes (no official estimates are available); there was no production in South Australia. For the fourth year Freshwater Rainbow Trout production decreased significantly, this year to less than 927.0 tonnes. The majority of this production occurred in Victoria (771 tonnes), which was a decrease in production of more than 18 tonnes on the previous year. Reductions in water flows due to drought conditions caused major problems in many areas. Almost seventy tonnes of Brown Trout was reported. Generally farm gate prices remained strong for the seacage product on the domestic market; however, export markets (mostly to Japan) were affected by the high Australian dollar. Farm gate prices (HOGG – head-on, gilled and gutted) were around $11.70/kg (in Tasmania) for Atlantic Salmon, no data was available for ocean reared Rainbow Trout. With lower production of freshwater Rainbow Trout, prices increased slightly and varied between approx. $6.00 to $11.00 per kilogram, with more farms diversifying into ‘fish-out’ operations and tourism to ensure year round cash flow (also higher farm gate prices as the fish are sold direct to the public). Several of the smaller and medium growers used value adding of products (eg. smoked Trout or Salmon, pate, pickled Trout). At least one of the larger farms was producing larger fish (up to 1kg) and concentrating on quality aspects to gain a higher farm gate price (>$10/kg). At least two hatcheries were exporting live (‘disease free’) Rainbow Trout eggs to a number of countries. Markets were being expanded for Salmon roe by a Victorian company which was selling it as ‘Salmon caviar’, including some exports. Several tonnes have been sold; the reported farm gate price was over $100/kg. Prospects for Next Three Years Despite the opening of the once protected Australian market for fresh Salmonid products to overseas producers (mainly Canadian and New
Status of Australian Aquaculture In 2010/11 Zealand), strong local prices for Atlantic Salmon has seen the value of Tasmanian production increase for the fifth year in a row. In the export markets the high regard for our premium products mostly kept prices relatively firm, however, overall export demand is flat due to cheaper competitors (increases in the Foreign Exchange Rates can contribute to significant price, and subsequently demand, changes). Industry consolidation and a move to offshore sites with improved cage and feeding technologies were predicted by the National Aquaculture Council to result in significant increases in production (to be worth $1,000 million [$1 billion] by the end of 2010). The increases for 2010/11 put the value to almost 40% of those predictions, and the immediate future continues to look promising for the seacage product (Atlantic Salmon and Rainbow Trout) with Tasmanian producers predicting another good year in 2010/11 and beyond. Freshwater Trout production will continue to suffer from the drought conditions in various parts of Australia and the bush fires in Victoria; however, product diversification, tourism and fish-out ventures are allowing some farms to maintain profits. Higher market prices for fresh and smoked product is providing some comfort to farms, although most farms have lowered their stock holdings due to low water levels and several operations are only maintaining some holding stock. Flooding during 2010 in Victoria is likely to cause falls in production. 4.2 Native Freshwater Fish Government and private hatcheries produced fingerlings of several species of native freshwater fish. Other than production for stocking commercial farms, the major market for the hatchery-reared native fish fry was for stocking private farm dams or for release into public waterways to improve recreational fisheries. The production of fingerlings has fluctuated over the past ten years; in 2010/ 11 the production increased to over 5.5 million worth approximately $5.5 million. The main species were Golden Perch (Macquaria ambiqua) with 2.0 million
fingerlings, Silver Perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) with 0.8 million, Australian Bass (Macquaria novemaculeata) with over 1.6 million and Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii) with over 1.0 million (Table 3). The other species for restocking or recreational fishing were Eel-tailed Catfish (Tandanus tandanus), Trout Cod (Macquaria macquariensis), Macquarie Perch (Macquaria australasica), Mary River Cod (Maccullochella peelii mariensis), Eastern Cod (Maccullochella ikei) and Sleepy Cod (Oxyeleotris lineolatus). Several of these native ‘food’ fish species were also being sold to the ornamental market – these sales were included under Native Aquarium Fish in some states but not in others. The drought has seen more hatcheries scale or close down as demand for private farm restocking falls. This has seen prices decline slightly; the most common species varying from $0.22 to $0.70 each depending on species, sizes (lengths), volumes purchased, and the State in which the fish were sold. Highest individual prices were for Eel-tailed Catfish ($1.55) and Murray Cod ($1.05), the lowest were for Australian Bass ($0.22) and Golden Perch ($0.22). Almost 500 tonnes of market sized (mostly 350 to 900 grams) Native Fish were sold. Silver Perch sales were up 40 tonnes to 406 tonnes, whilst Golden Perch increased slightly to 8.2 tonnes. Murray Cod production decreased significantly from 112.7 to 59.2 tonnes, while production increased for the Barcoo Grunter (Scortum barcoo, which is sometimes incorrectly marketed as the Jade Perch) also significantly decreased from 41.8 to 17.0 tonnes. Small number of Australian Bass, Eel-tailed Catfish and Sleepy Cod were also harvested as food. Farm gate prices increased for both Golden Perch and Barcoo Grunter; live fish demanded the higher prices ($10 to 15/kg), while gilled-gutted fish averaged $8 to $14/kg depending on species and which State the fish was sold in. The price for Murray Cod was between $10.30 and $19.37/kg, the highest prices for live product sold was in New South Wales.
The combined value of food fish production and fingerling sales was approximately $7.5 million, a 7.4% decrease on the total for the previous year. Around 20% of this value was for the sale of fingerlings for restocking. Prospects for Next Three Years With the end of the drought, demand for fingerlings is expected to continue to increase as more people begin restocking private dams. Thus some hatcheries may reopen. Growout operations are expected to re-establish in many areas (particularly pond-based farms). However, the highly variable product quality, off flavours as well as poor grading and handling practises may continue to restrict market acceptance of some Native Fish species (i.e. as supply increases market prices will fall). Another area for concern was the low growth rates experienced in temperate growing areas due to cold water temperatures over winter. This has lead to an increase in production of Murray Cod, Barcoo Grunter and other species in heated recirculating tanks. 4.3 Eels The two species of Eels of commercial importance are the Shortfin Eel (Anguilla australis) in Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria, and the Longfin Eel (A. reinhardti) in New South Wales. In Victoria and Queensland the species were not separated in the production data. The majority of production was from RAS and enhanced fishery operations in Victoria, some RAS production is underway in Queensland and NSW. The RAS farms continued to be stocked with glass eels (<01g) or elvers (<0.5g) from Tasmania as well as Queensland, with elver supply a major factor limiting Eel production. In N.S.W. Longfin production increased by over 17 tonnes to 22 tonnes (no production was reported for Shortfin Eels). In Queensland, no Shortfin production was reported. In Victoria, production (majority is Shortfin from re-stockers 50g plus) increased by 20 tonnes to 77.9 tonnes. The growth rates of the restocked Shortfin Eels in these licensed waterways can be very slow (a 50 cm individual may
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only weigh about 200 grams after 20 years) and is dependent on stocking densities. In Tasmania, Shortfin Eels production remained over 12 tonnes, mostly part of a restocking industry. Production in 2010/11 increased by 7.3%, this was worth over $1.4 million (Table 3). The farm gate price again ranged between $13 and $15 per kilogram excepted in Tasmania where it was only $6/kg. Prospects for Next Three Years The breaking of the extended drought conditions across most of Australia will reflect in increased productivity in eel farming in coming years. Long term increases in production will be limited as noted in previous reports, due to the supply of seedstock (particularly glass eels and elvers) due to droughts, lack of appropriate culture system design (particularly low cost food) and slow growth rates in stocked waterways (particularly during drought conditions and lower water flow) will continue to limit production. An expansion in the use of RAS technology may result in increased production over the longer term as seedstock recruitment improves. 4.4 Barramundi Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is the only aquaculture species that is grown in all mainland states and is one of the few species that has exhibited regular increases in annual production – recently increases in the value have occurred in five of the past six years. In 2010/11 production was 4,127.4 tonnes and value was $38.2 million. Significant R&D followed by technology development has resulted in increased production and reliable hatchery supply, whilst work by the Australian Barramundi Farmers Association has addressed market development, particularly quality assurance, and other issues such as vaccination of fingerlings and effluent quality. Indoor tank production (recirculating aquaculture systems, or RAS, plus one ‘flow-through’ farm in SA) contribute around 15% of the total Australian farmed Barramundi harvest. The remainder comes from seacage (10%) or freshwater or brackish water pond-based (75%) production.
In the 1990s, the major focus was for live plate-sized fish (350 to 400 grams, often marketed as ‘Baby Barra’), although with increasing pond and cage production, recently the emphasis has shifted to the production of larger fish, 1.5 to 2kg, for the fillet market. With culture in tanks there has been a trend to producing fish around 600 to 800g, often these are sold live into Asian restaurants. This has resulted in higher prices, up to $15/kg for live fish. In NSW RAS production drained to 85.5 tonnes, worth $1.0 million (average price of $12.23/kg, an increase of $0.40/ kg). In SA RAS and a flow-through tank operation using hot artesian water produced a total of 415 tonnes, at $11.80/kg this resulted in a total value of $4.9 million. The majority of Barramundi production was in Queensland (mainly pond based), which showed a production increase of 10 tonnes to 2,410.0 tonnes. A decreased average price of $8.60/kg (down $0.16/ kg) resulted in a decrease in value of $0.2 million to $21.1 million. Victorian RAS production increased by 22 tonnes to 82 tonnes worth $861,000 ($10.50/kg). Northern Territory production increased by 147 tonnes to 699.0 tonnes, all from freshwater or brackishwater ponds. The farm gate price increased to average $8.25/kg, again making it the lowest of all the states. In Western Australia there was a decrease in production of 19 tonnes to 435.9 tonnes, the majority coming from a seacage farm. With a farm gate price of $10.35/kg the total value was $4.5 million, a decrease of $0.3 million. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Barramundi was also important for the stocking of impoundments and farm dams in Queensland for recreational fishing, in some years there were more than 5 million releases. This year, once again the numbers were significantly lower; however, no data was available. Prospects for Next Three Years Further production growth is predicted, however, considerable funds and
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resources will be needed to promote Australian product to maintain market prices, particularly due to significant qualities of Asian frozen fillet product being landed in Australia at less than $10/kg. The growth of production from tank systems (both flow through and recirculating) will see increased harvests from the southern States and NSW. Significant increases in production in NT are expected with expansions by a producer to increase production to 1000 tonnes p.a. with plans to continue expansion to 5000 tonnes p.a. over the coming years. The expansion in seacage production in WA is likely to continue over the longer term. 4.5 Southern Bluefin Tuna Figure 2 shows the trend in the value of production of SBT for the ten year period since 2000/01. The value has fallen significantly since 2001/01 (when it was over $260 million) to $102.2 million. For a decade since 1993, the fattening in seacages or ‘pens’ off Port Lincoln (SA) of Southern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) was by far the fastest growing sector in Australian aquaculture. By 2000/2001 Tuna farming had surpassed Pearl Oysters as the most valuable aquaculture species and production reached over 9,000 tonnes, worth over $260 million. Since then there has been a major decrease in production to 2010/11 (down from 7,284.0 tonnes) and value (down to $102.2 million). Due to the high Australian dollar and increased overseas competition, demand in the exports markets is slow; the average farm gate price has continued to fall to $14.03/kg; this is still well below the $28-30/kg gained in the early 2000s. Purse seine nets are used to catch Tuna on the fishing grounds off the south coast of Australia; this is managed under a quota system to prevent overfishing (the Australian fishery is shared with Japanese and New Zealand boats). After being transferred to floating cages the fish are towed to Port Lincoln (this can take 6-10 weeks depending on where the fish were caught) and then transferred into the growout cages or pens. Initially the farming sites were inside Boston Harbour, but now they are all offshore in
Status of Australian Aquaculture In 2010/11 deeper water with good current flows. This has reduced many of the environmental impacts that were causing problems in the shallower waters closer to shore. In the early 2000s an overseas multinational aquaculture company entered this sector through the purchase of one of the farms. It was expected that other overseas interests would explore opportunities to participate in this industry; however this has not eventuated. The overseas company sold its share in 2006. Some Tuna companies are consolidating their production, some are leasing quota, and some have diversified into other species (see Marine Fish Section 4.7) and one is working to commercialise domestication (hatchery breeding). Another company unsuccessfully attempted to build a seacage farm in Western Australia in 2004/2005; the opposition came from concerns over environmental pollution and interactions with marine mammals and sharks. Several companies have established overseas joint venture operations for farming other species of Tuna, especially in the Mediterranean and Mexico. Up to 2008 the Australian Tuna Boat Operators Association through the AquaFin Cooperative Research Centre Aquaculture completed a number of R&D program to address sustainability concerns, including environmental monitoring, use of artificial diets (with pilchards and other whole fish, the food conversion ratios can sometimes be in excess of 10:1), and ways to prevent the entanglement of seals, dolphins and sharks in the cage nets. At least one of the companies is involved with the Australian Seafood CRC which started in 2007. Prospects for Next Three Years Access to stock a quota will continue to limit production levels to under 9,000 tonnes. Hatchery production of SBT juveniles is now unlikely to create additional seedstock in 2013. A continued high Australian dollar combined with strong competition from overseas will continued low export demand (some companies insure for foreign exchange changes). Further
rationalisation of the industry may see some smaller operations consolidated into larger companies. Most people in the industry believe that improvements in production (particularly artificial diets, mechanisation and easier to operate ocean cage systems) and reduced costs in environmental management will increase viability. 4.6 Ornamental and Aquarium Fish The keeping of Ornamental or Aquarium Fish is a popular activity in Australia for several million hobbyists – ‘fish’ is used to refer to in excess of 3,000 species of a variety of aquatic organisms including Exotic and Native Finfish, Amphibians, Crustaceans, Molluscs and other invertebrates as well as a range of aquatic plants. Historically the vast majority of finfish have been imported from overseas, mostly through Asia, however, local farmed production is continuing to increase. Industry sources estimate that in excess of 30 million ‘tails are sold annually, of which it was estimated 40% are produced locally. Using 2010/11 data, the total harvest of locally produced Aquarium Fish (both natives and exotic species) has stabilised at 4.68 million. The value of this local production increased by over 15% to be worth almost $3.58 million (Table 3). In previous years, the vast majority of the reported exotic fish production was Goldfish (Carassius auratus). In 2005/06 over 5 million Goldfish were sold. Production is now over 3 million, sold for an average $0.56 each. The main producer, located in Victoria, has continued to upscale production post drought conditions. A range of other species are being produced including livebearers such as Guppies (Poecilia reticulata), Platys (Xiphophorus maculatus) and Swordtails (Xiphophorus helleri), as well as Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) and Koi Carp (Carassius hybrids, these can only be produced in WA and NSW). A number of native species, such as the Rainbow Fish (Melanotaenia spp), but also including several food fish fingerlings (refer to Section 4.2) such as Barramundi and Black Bream, were also sold, with
prices varying considerably from species to species. The popularity of tropical native species and the prices which hobbyists are willing to pay for these species, have increased over the past few years encouraging local breeders to dedicate more time to culturing these fish. Several marine species are being cultured, including the Clown Fish (Amphiprion spp.) but largely on an experimental scale. In Tasmania, SA, WA and NSW sales of several species of Seahorse (Hippocampus spp.) and other related species were recorded but due to confidentiality reasons, data was often not available. Initially it was thought the main demand for these species would be the traditional Chinese medicine market (and as an alleged aphrodisiac). However, the main demand for Seahorses and other Syngnathids has been for the aquarium industry. With the current over exploitation by wild fishers in many of the traditional supplying countries, the cultured product is finding a large and profitable market niche. In the NT, WA and Qld there is a vigorous trade in marine organisms other than Finfish, including Shrimp, Corals, ‘live’ rock, Molluscs and other invertebrates. As these are commonly held in tanks for several weeks, or months, for conditioning or quarantine, or simply waiting for transport to wholesalers and buyers, theoretically (using the FAO definition) this valueadding stage could be included as an aquaculture activity, however, data was not collated for this activity. Industry sources suggested the trade could be worth up to $1 million, of which the aquaculture component might be up to a quarter of this value. Although licenses are issued for the commercial production of Ornamental and Aquarium Fish in most states, this sector comprises of many more small ‘backyard’ or ‘cottage style’ operations that are not licensed. This means that accurate data collection on production and value still remains extremely difficult. The O’Sullivan, Clark and Morison 2008 report ‘The Australian Ornamental Fish Industry in 2010/11X’ suggested that
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domestic production in 2006/07 was over 8.3 million – 7.7 million from aquaculture and 0.6 million from wild catch, mainly marine species. This was 30% higher than the estimates for that year reported by O’Sullivan et al (2008). This highlights the difficulties in the collection of aquaculture statistics by state authorities for all of the ornamental hatcheries. Prospects for Next Three Years Pet shop industry reports show a slowing interest in ornamentals, particularly for the more expensive marine species. While the vast majority of local production consists of exotic species, interest in the native species, especially those from the tropics and marines, will ensure increased production and export opportunities. Local production of exotics could be threatened from increased importation of cheaper Asian stock (at present these must undergo a regulated quarantine period of between 7 and 21 days which is monitored by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service). Led by the domestic culture of more Goldfish and other ‘bread and butter species’ as well as the higher value marine (esp. Seahorses and Clown Fish), it is likely that increases in value should occur, however due to the slowing of the global economies production may stabilise in the short term before continuing to grow once more. 4.7 Marine Finfish Species A range of temperate estuarine and ocean species have been targeted; production initially focussed on Snapper (Pagrus auratus). However, difficulties with product quality and growth rates have seen no commercial production since 2002/03. In 2010/11 sea cage production of Mulloway (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) in SA increased to 572 tonnes. In NSW a company is using prawn ponds with increases in production to over 31 tonnes; the value of this species is $4.68 million. A significant fall in Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi) from seacage production in South Australia; harvest decreased to 3,120 tonnes worth $23.9 million. Farm gate prices raised slightly to average $7.70/kg in SA. Problems with controlling escapees and ectoparasites, as well as
with market acceptance (low price) were limiting profits of the cage operations. Experimental and pilot-scale culture were undertaken with temperate species such as Whiting (Sillago spp.), Striped Trumpeter (Latris lineata), Black Bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri), Greenback Flounder (Rhombosolea tapirina), Tarwhine (Rhabdosarsus sarba), Mangrove Jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus), Australian Salmon (Arripis trutta), Australian Herring (Arripis georgianus), Mullet (various species) and Snubnose Garfish (Arrhamphuus sclerolepis). Areas requiring further research included broodstock conditioning, juvenile nutrition, disease control, and adult growout techniques. Interest has also been shown in the farming of tropical reef fish species, such as Rockcods (previously called Groupers), due to high prices for exported live fish (up to almost $90/kg, but usually around $20-30/kg). The main focus has been on Goldspotted Rockcod (Epinephelus coioides), Barramundi Cod (Cromileptes altivelis) and Coral Cod (Cephalopholis spp.). Problems with the production of commercial quantities of seedstock limited production. However, there has been some trial culture of the Goldspotted Rockcod in prawn ponds. Prospects for Next Three Years In South Australia with two commercial hatcheries regularly producing Yellowtail Kingfish and some Mulloway, and a government hatchery producing Mulloway fingerlings in NSW, only market focus will limit annual increases in production and value. For other species, although some industry sources were excited about their prospects, marine fish culture was still in a very early stage of development due to slow progress, and any predictions would be highly speculative. 4.8 Exotic Finfish Species While interest has been expressed in the pond culture of some of the exotic species (eg. Redfin [Perca fluviatilis], Tilapia [hybrid species] and European Carp [Cyprinus carpio]), already present in Australia, concerns over escapees causing habitat damage and predation of Native Fish has precluded developments. In New South
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Wales some 0.1 tonnes of Carp were produced in 2001/2002, however, the farm gate price was less than $4/kg. No production has been reported since then. Prospects for Next Three Years Intensive indoor tank culture systems (such as those used in for Barramundi culture) could enable licenses to be granted for the culture of exotic species, although low farm gate prices will typically make this technology economically unviable for low value species.
5. Crustaceans Total production of crustaceans was 4,154 tonnes worth over $61.65 million (Table 4), a 22% decrease over the value estimate for the previous year (the first decrease after two years of increases). The main species groups were Prawns (decreased value by 24% to $57.3 million) and Freshwater Crayfish (increased by 6.1% to $4.1 million, first year of increase after 3 years of decreases). Brine shrimp decreased by over 50% to $0.23 million. 5.1 Marine Prawns Figure 2 shows the trend in the value of production of prawns for the ten year period since 2001/02. In 2010/11the value was the fourth highest recorded ($57.3 million) from 3,969 tonnes. The majority of farming was undertaken in north Queensland, with some other successful operations located in southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales. Production in the Northern Territory has resumed however is small, and although some farms have been built in Western Australia, no production was reported. NSW production in 2010/11 fell to 147.6 tonnes and value of $1.7 million. In Qld there was a decrease of over 25% due to a 20% decrease in yields (t/ha). This resulted in a decrease in value of $17.5 million to $55.5 million. Previously the Black Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon) has been the main species of marine prawn farmed in Australia, however, limited seedstock and other issues saw other species being tested. Since the early 2000s an increasing number of ponds in north Queensland were stocked by the largest producer
Status of Australian Aquaculture In 2010/11 with either Banana (Fenneropenaeus [ex Penaeus] merguiensis) or Brown Tiger (Penaeus esculentus) Prawns at the expense of Black Tiger Prawns. For reasons of confidentiality, data for these three species has been combined for Queensland. In the past Banana Prawns have also been produced in New South Wales and Northern Territory (again no breakdowns were provided). The relative contribution of each was thought to be around 75% for Black Tiger and 25% for Banana Prawns. Local market demand for larger cultured prawns remained tight with the average farm gate price for Tigers and Bananas decreased to $11.74/kg average in NSW and rose slightly to $14.54/kg in Queensland. The increase in cheaper and smaller imported farmed prawns maybe having an impact in NSW adversely affecting the markets for the local product; however, there continues to be good evidence that consumers in Queensland prefer to buy the local farmed product. Several other species have been trialled. One N.T. farm diversified into School Prawns (Metapenaeus spp.) with mixed results in 2003/04. Inexpensive sources of seedstock and rapid growth rates were the main drivers of this decision. No further culture of this species has been reported. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, production of the Kuruma Prawn (Marsupenaeus [ex Penaeus] japonicus) had contributed up to 20% of the total value for Prawns. All these Prawns were exported to Japan. Competition from cheaper product from China and other Asian producers have reduced the market price. There have been no reports of farms stocking these Prawns in New South Wales or Queensland since 2006/07. Over 10 years of selective breeding programs at several hatcheries has resulted in significant increases in production at some farms. The diversification into Banana prawns by some hatcheries combined with procedural improvements and increased capacity for Black Tigers at several hatcheries allowed most farmers to stock all their ponds, although, supply of Black Tiger post larvae can sometimes create a problems. Former disease issues seem to
have been overcome as most farms implement biosecurity measures.
continues to work to create more consumer demand for the local farmed product.
As in previous years, most farms used smaller ponds, with improved aeration and water exchange capacity that allowed high levels of water quality management.
5.2 Freshwater Crayfish Three species of Freshwater Crayfish were farmed – Marron (Cherax tenuimanus), Redclaw (C. quadricarinatus) and Yabbies (C. destructor, C. albidus). While the sector consists of a couple of larger, semiintensive operations (in excess of 10 hectares) with purpose-built ponds, the majority of the 300+ licence holders farm extensively (usually farm dams) or have 1 to 2 ha of small semi-intensive ponds. The flooding rains that followed the extensive drought provided difficulties for growers to maintain their stock in the eastern states. Overall growers returned to more favourable conditions for growth with a 6.1% increase ($4.12 million) in value of freshwater crayfish industry in 2010/11 from 184.5 tonnes. The changing nature of this industry and its exposure to environmental pressures (droughts, floods) will continue to fluctuate production and values for some time to come.
Effluent from prawn ponds was a major issue for Government authorities in all states and territories due to the already increased background levels of pollution in the waterways. As a result some Government scientists and farmers have been testing recirculating systems and zero water exchange systems with good success. Significant increases in the area of settlement ponds have also been undertaken on many farms; over 30% of total pond area was dedicated on some farms. Work is underway for use of Biofloc for increased stocking and less water release. There haven’t been any new farms since early 2000s and an overall reduction in harvesting area by 20% across QLD on the existing farms in 2010/11 due to environmental regulations (in particular Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in Qld).
Production of Freshwater Crayfish was mostly focussed on the restaurant trade (domestic and some niche overseas markets). Depending on species and growing conditions, the crayfish were usually harvested at 1 to 2 years of age (50 to 80+ grams).
Prospects for Next Three Years For most of the 2000s, inexpensive imports, rising costs (particularly compliance with environmental regulations) and lack of skilled seasonal labour have eroded profitability to create financial pressure on a number of prawn growers. However, selectively bred seedstock, improved water quality and stock management and more effective feeding regimes will continue to ensure that production volumes improve. The Australian Prawn Farmers Association
In Table 4 the most valuable species was the Marron ($2.4 million, up $0.3 million), followed by Redclaw ($0.91 million, down almost $0.1 million) and Yabbies ($0.8 million, stable).
Table 4: Australian aquaculture production of Crustaceans for 2010/11. Species
Production (tonnes)
Hatchery # (,000’s)
Value ($,000)
Black Tiger / Banana Prawns
3,969.6
0.0
57,304.4
Marron
87.1
0.0
2,388.7
Redclaw
52.0
0.0
914.2
Yabbies
45.4
0.0
818.1
2.1
NA
231.0
4,156.5
0.0
61,656.4
Brine Total
Shrimp1
Sources: Information provided by State and Territory Fisheries Departments and industry. Notes: # = Hatchery production of stock for recreation or conservation uses. NA = not applicable, NDA = no details available (assume some production was undertaken). * = figures for previous year used. 1 Brine Shrimp production was included with microalgae in WA
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The multiple drought years across southern Australia has had a major effect on Yabby production, as did the subsequent flooding rains in more recent times. In New South Wales production increased 2.1 tonnes to 5.4 tonnes value of $104,000, with bait Yabbies sold for a total of $112,657. South Australia combined Yabby production into their Marron figures; however, it is thought that less than 1 tonne was produced. In Victoria production increased to 3 tonnes. In Western Australia where extensive culture in farm dams was undertaken with Yabbies, production has decreased by 4.1 tonnes to 37 tonnes (at $18.49/kg the value was $0.68 million). The Redclaw production in Queensland continued to decrease to 52 tonnes (at $17.58/kg with a value of $0.914 million). Marron production in Western Australia also decreased by 2.9 tonnes to 50.1 tonnes (at $27.12/kg the value was $1.38 million). The ability for an exemption to collect Marron from private dams ended in May 2011. A fisheries review will determine if this will continue to enable this industry to continue to grow. In South Australia, Marron production increased 60% to 37 tonnes worth $1.03 million (some Yabby production is included in these figures). With low production due to the drought and other causes, some increase in farm gate prices were reported for Freshwater Crayfish. However, the prices ranged between species with Marron being the highest (over $27.84/kg), followed by Yabbies (over $18/kg) and Redclaw (average over $17.58/kg). Prospects for Next Three Years Industry commentators suggest that with sufficient water supply production of freshwater crayfish can increase at least five fold utilising current infrastructure (production could be in excess of 500 tonnes). However, as suggested in previous reports, the lack of appropriate diets, losses through predation or other mortalities, under-capitalisation, lack of mechanisation and poor water quality/quantity remain issues that limit production. As supply increases, prices for Yabbies and Redclaw will stabilise around $10 to $12
per kilogram, while the prices for Marron could decrease below $20 per kilogram. More consistent production volumes for Freshwater Crayfish could open the potential for export to overseas markets. 5.3 Other Crustacean Species Only 4.5 tonnes of the Brine Shrimp (Artemia spp) was produced in Victoria; with a stable market price at $110/kg, total value was $0.5 million. Production restarted in South Australia although no data was available due to only one operator. A producer in Western Australia is also undertaking commercial production.
years culture in tanks or on-bottom cages. However, R&D was underway at a semicommercial level in W.A. and north Queensland. The holding over of wild caught Rocklobsters in recirculating tanks until after the close of the fishing season when the farm gate prices increase continued to be a production option. Research is underway into the culture of Balmain or Moreton Bay Bugs (Ibacus spp and Thenus spp.) as well as the Slipper Lobster (Scyllarides spp.) in Western Australia.
Production of other live feed species such as Rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) has commenced in WA, however no production details are available due to only one producer.
Prospects for Next Three Years Except for Brine Shrimp which continues to have steady production, the other crustacean species are several years away from any significant production.
Harvested in the past as a by-product of Prawn farming, a small amount of Mud Crabs (Scylla serrata) were reported from New South Wales in 2003/2004. No production has been shown for the Mud Crab this year; however, with expanding markets (including export) culture of this species is likely to increase. There has been juvenile production research underway on Bribie Island in Queensland and at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre, Northern Territory. An intensive indoor RAS has been established for a Mud Crab farm in Brisbane using innovative feeding and harvesting methods.
6. Molluscs
As for the past 6 or more years, no production of the Blue-swimmer Crab (Portunus pelagicus), Freshwater Shrimp (Atyidae sp.) or Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium sp.) was reported. Following promising research results, there was increasing interest in culture of Southern and Western Rocklobsters (Jasus noveahollandiae and Panuliris cygnus) in Tasmania, South Australia and south coast of Western Australia, and for Tropical Rocklobsters (P. ornatus) in Queensland and Western Australia. Research had focussed around the ongrowing of pueruli and juvenile Rocklobsters due to lack of success with larval production in hatcheries. For the Japanese market, the expected size was around 200 to 300g which could be achieved in less than four
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The harvest of Molluscs decreased by 1.6% (210.8 tonnes) from 18,416.5 tonnes to 18,205.7 tonnes, however, falling Pearl Oyster value, by 1.7%, mean the overall oyster value decreased by 1.6% from $236.6 million to $232.9 million (Table 5). The main sectors were Sydney Rock Oysters (decreased by 9.9% to $31.98 million), Pacific Oysters (increased by 1.3% to $61.93 million), Pearl Oysters (stable at $104.3 million), Blue Mussels (increased by 4.2% to $9.87 million) and Abalone (decreased by 6% to $24.4 million). 6.1 Edible Oysters Figure 2 shows the steady increase in the value of production of edible oysters for the ten year period since 2001/02. Over this period the value of edible mollusc production has almost doubled â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in excess of 18,400 tonnes were harvested, the highest recorded. Several edible Oyster species were cultivated on over 300 farms in Australia, although the majority of production was for the Sydney Rock Oyster (Saccostrea glomerata â&#x20AC;&#x201C; includes both S. amasa and S. commercialis) in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, and for the Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) in Tasmania, South Australia and some parts of New South Wales.
Status of Australian Aquaculture In 2010/11 Overall, the value of Australian edible Oyster production decreased in 2010/11 to be worth over $94.2 million (Table 5). In terms of tonnes produced and overall value, the Pacific Oyster sector continued to be higher than the Sydney Rock sector – 10,721 tonnes worth $61.9 million versus 3,296 tonnes worth $31.98 million. As mentioned in previous reports, in previous years there were major problems for the Sydney Rock sector over food safety from contaminated growing waters, disease losses (QX and winter mortality), out-dated culture practices and reduced spat settlement due to overset from Pacific Oyster spat. However, an increasing number of farmers were turning to single seed production and at least two hatcheries were providing selectively bred seed. The NSW and Qld Shellfish Quality Assurance programs lifted consumer confidence in the safety of eating Oysters and other shellfish grown in those waters. NSW Sydney Rock production fell by 363 tonnes to 3,242.1 tonnes with a decrease in value of $3.5 million to $31.5 million. With respect to the Pacific Oyster (including specially bred triploids or spawnless oysters to avoid over catch issues), NSW production and value decreased over 51.7 tonnes to 609.4 tonnes and by $0.332 million to $4.17 million respectively. As in the past 5-6 years, Queensland’s production of Sydney Rock Oysters fell by 8%, this time by 4.5 tonnes to 54 tonnes, whilst higher prices meant the value of production fell to $0.472 million. This decrease was a direct result of flooding in the Brisbane River resulting in the loss of high number of stock and the destruction of structures within this area. In South Australia, new and more productive culture areas saw a significant further annual increase in Pacific Oyster culture of 1%, or more than 31 tonnes to 6,154 tonnes, and a stable farm gate price ($5.72/kg) saw the overall value increase by $0.214 million to $35.21 million. Once again this state was the major Pacific Oyster producer. With some new culture areas coming online in Tasmania for the Pacific Oyster
growers, production and value increased over 170 tonnes to 3,958 tonnes and by $1.06 million to $22.56 million. Whilst there was some development of hatchery and culture techniques for the Native Oyster (Ostrea angasi), commercial production had not yet developed. In NSW some 30.5 tonnes worth $271,500 were produced in 2007/08. Whilst there was an increase in production, no official statistics were available for 2010/11. Two tropical species, the Milky Oyster (S. cuccullata) and the Black-lipped Oyster (S. echinata) have been cultured in Queensland in small quantities. In 2003/2004 the total production of Tropical Oysters was 11.6 tonnes, this was worth just over $0.4 million. However, this was essentially a wild collection business. At least one hatchery was able to produce seed of the Tropical Oysters but there was little interest in their culture. The lack of infrastructure and the high costs of labour and equipment in tropical Australia may be the reasons for this. Prospects for Next Three Years The steady rollout of the Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance (or Clean Waters) Programs will continue to increase consumer confidence in the food safety of farmed shellfish produce. This should continue to increase demand and average market prices. Access to new sites and improved production methods (both intertidal and subtidal) should provide increased production
over the next few years in both the Pacific and Sydney Rock Oyster sectors. Selective breeding for growth and appearance as well as disease resistance is progressing well and will increase production. If farm gate prices can continue to be held or even increased, there will be significant increases in the value of oyster production 6.2 Pearl Oysters Figure 2 shows the steady decrease in the value of production of pearl oysters for the ten year period since 2001/02; the value has more than halved during this period. In 2010/11 the overall value of the Silver or Golden Lipped Pearl Oyster (Pinctada maxima) production remained stable at $104.32 million. Less than 20 operations were farming Pearl Oysters with the bulk of the Australian production occurring in Western Australia, valued around $85.5 million, which remained consistent with the previous year. Production from the Northern Territory decreased slightly to $18.82 million. In 2007/08 Queensland Pearl farming decreased to $1.2 million, while production has resumed in 2010/11, not all production returns were received, so figures were contained within ‘others’ for confidentiality reasons. The use of hatchery-reared stock continued to allow more stock on the farms for seeding, and as these animals seemed to suffer less from handling than their wild
Table 5: Australian aquaculture production of Molluscs for 2010/11. Species
Production (tonnes)
Pacific Oysters Sydney Rock Oysters1 Pearl Oysters
(maxima)2
Pearl (non-maxima)2
Hatchery # (,000's)
Value ($,000)
10,721.4
0.0
61,939.2
3,296.1
0.0
31,988.8
NDA
0.0
104,320.0
NDA
0.0
49.3
Blue Mussels
3,445.2
0.0
9,866.7
Abalone
743.0
0.0
24,430.0
Subtotal
18,205.7
0.0
232,594.0
Sources: Information provided by State and Territory Fisheries Departments and industry. Notes: Figures rounded to nearest decimal place. # = Hatchery production of stock for recreation or conservation uses. NDA = no details available (assume some production was undertaken), NA = not applicable. * = figures for previous year used. 1 = May include some Western Rock Oysters, 2 = Pearl production, also Mother-of-Pearl shell and some meat harvested from P. maxima and other species. Some non-maxima production in NSW (included in Others).
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caught cousins, they could result in improved nucleus retention rates and increased quality and size of the pearl. As stated in previous reports, for a number of years Pearl Oysters were Australia’s most valuable aquaculture sector, upheld by the ‘South-Seas’ Pearl’s reputation as the finest quality in the world. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the market outlook was depressed due to increased competition from several overseas countries, especially Indonesia. Australian farmers concentrated on increasing pearl quality and size to combat this growing competition. Unfortunately, for several years, the main markets in Japan and Hong Kong have suffered from depressed economic conditions that caused a decrease in prices, especially for the larger pearls. Whilst several other by-products were sold, including dried Pearl Oyster meat (prices over $50/kg were reported in previous years) and shells for Mother-of-Pearl, the quantity or value of these were not known. In several states (including Western Australia, N.S.W. and Victoria), some experimentation was underway with a number of non-P. maxima Pearl Oysters, including the Black lip (P. margaritiferia), the New South Wales (P. imbricata) and the Penguin (Pteria penguin) Pearl Oysters. In 2010/11 NSW production of non-P. maxima Pearl Oysters increased by over $27,000 to a value of $49,300, second only to 2008/09 where non-P.maxima Pearl Oysters in NSW value was $49,400. Prospects for Next Three Years The continuation of depressed overseas market conditions will continue to slow demand for the larger, higher quality Australian product. Several companies will continue to ‘warehouse’ excess stock and wait for improved prices. Further farm expansion, or at least consolidation, could occur due to increased stock from improved hatchery production. Innovations in longline and bottom culture methods could also lift production. 6.3 Blue Mussels The Blue Mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis, ex-M. edulis) is farmed commercially in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales,
Western Australia and South Australia. Although hatchery techniques are available except in Victoria, Blue Mussel farming is almost exclusively based on natural settlement. Ongrowing to market size is undertaken on droppers suspended from floating longlines, or sometime rafts.
factor to low demand. Problems included rough weather stripping culture lines, poaching and vandalism, and competition for markets with wild harvested produce and cheaper imports of the Green Mussel (Perna canaliculus) from New Zealand.
This sector has shown continued growth over the previous decade. In 2010/11 total production increased by over 48 tonnes to 3,445.2 tonnes, worth over $9.8 million (Table 5), an increase of almost $0.1 million. Since 2007/08, the average (in the shell) farm gate price has increased slightly from $2.70 to $2.80/ kg although the price ranged between states – $4.30/kg in NSW, $2.07/kg for SA, $2.80/kg in Vic, $3.50/kg in Tas and $3.69/kg in WA.
Prospects for Next Three Years With all States participating in the Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program, the increased consumer confidence will enable Blue Mussel farms to capitalise on their ‘clean-green’ product. Continued increases in hatchery production may lead to cheaper seedstock. The continued investigation of a hatchery in Victoria will provide growers with a reliable seedstock if completed. Improved culture techniques and restocked leases should mean Blue Mussel production will increase in all southern states. However, the sector will need to increase market prices through value-adding rather than just selling bulk bags of harvested Blue Mussels; ideas include cleaned, debyssed ready to heat and serve packs, as well as meat and sauce combos.
Production in NSW increased to 71 tonnes; farm gate price remained stable at $4.30/kg, the highest average farm gate price in Australia. South Australian production decreased by 13% to 1,174 tonnes, value to over $2.43 million. At $2.07/kg the average farm gate price was the lowest in Australia. This increase in prices could be the result of one company working on value-added packs to result in market demand and prices increase. Victoria saw the second consecutive year of increases in production in 2010/11, production rose from 566 to 951 tonnes. The average farm gate price stayed at $2.80/kg and overall value increased $1.6 to over $2.6 million making Victoria the most valuable producer. Production in Tasmania decreased for the second consecutive year by 173 tonnes to 742 tonnes. Again the farm gate value was $3.50/kg; the overall value fell by $0.7 to over $2.5 million. Western Australian production remained stable, at 507.2 tonnes; value $1.87 million, with an average farm gate value of $3.69/kg. As stated in previous reports the variations in spat fall continued to cause some difficulties, hatchery production was available as a back-up option in some states, however, the prices for hatchery spat may be a contributing
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6.4 Scallops Although interest has been shown in Scallop culture in several states, the only developments have occurred in Tasmania with the Commercial Scallop (Pecten fumatus). Two Tasmanian-Japanese joint ventures (one government based and one private) were established in the early 1990s and these demonstrated that overseas Scallop growing methods could be applied to Tasmanian conditions with some degree of success – in the early 2000s the annual harvests were over 150 tonnes worth just over $1.0 million. In recent years the production dropped significantly as the main company moved into Blue Mussel farming. Likewise in South Australia large areas originally for scallop enhancement are now being stocked with Blue Mussels. Like Mussel culture, overseas scallop farming has been reliant on natural spatfall and was therefore unpredictable and risky. However, scallops can be produced in shellfish hatcheries at prices that could make growing hatchery reared stock feasible.
Status of Australian Aquaculture In 2010/11 Two different growout techniques can be used, the first involves longline culture using lantern nets (often used by oyster farmers as a means for diversification); the second (enhancement) involves re-seeding of scallops into areas which are dredge harvested a couple of years later (often undertaken by people with fishing interests). No reports of production were received for 2010/11. Prospects for Next Three Years The main producer in Tasmania has finished its move out of cultured scallops and diversification into Blue Mussels and other production options. Likewise there are no leases in South Australia in operation. With no new investor interest and no new farms likely to be built over the next few years, production will remain zero for a few more years. 6.5 Abalone The abalone species cultured included the Blacklip (Haliotis rubra), the Greenlip (H. laevigata) and a hybrid of the two species, known as the ‘Tiger’ Abalone. Other species in which some interest was shown in the past included Roe’s Abalone (H. roei), the Staircase Abalone (H. scalaris), the Ass’s ear or Tropical Abalone (H. asinina) and the Brownlip Abalone (H. concipora), however, there was no commercial production reported for these species. After recent increases in the value of production, the value decreased in 2010/11 by 6% to over $24.4 million from $26 million in 2010/11. Whilst production decreased from 782.0 to 743 tonnes, the farm gate value decreased slightly to $32.40/kg. In South Australia production (all Greenlip) increased by 11% (31 tonnes) for a total of $10.84 million; the average farm gate price decreased from $36.16 to 34.20/kg. In Victoria production (mostly hybrid, some Greenlip) rose by 91 tonnes to 270 tonnes ($8.91 million); the average farm gate price fell $0.94/kg to $33/kg. Several farms were continuing to increase in production.
In Tasmania production (Greenlip, Blacklip and hybrids) decreased by 80 tonnes to 156.0 tonnes ($4.68 million); the average farm gate price was stable at $30.00/kg. Several farms were significantly impacted by the Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis disease. Pilot scale culture was undertaken in both N.S.W. and Western Australia (Greenlip); reports that production may begin with Tropical Abalone in Queensland were yet to be confirmed. The favoured growout method was using on-land culture in tanks or raceways with several different designs available. These included flat canoe-shaped tanks, plastic maze tanks and mazes of PVC pipes, all of which didn’t require large amounts of water or supplementary aeration. However, the major innovation was the concrete ‘slab’ tank, which was several metres wide and up to 25m long; at least one farm was also testing plastic slab tanks. Other culture methods included sea-based culture with barrels on longlines, floating or on-bottom cages, including ‘self-feeding’ systems. Continued interest was shown in seeding artificial reefs, however, no developments took place. The marketable size for cocktail or entree animals, 6 to 8 cm shell length (i.e. 60 to 90 grams) was reached after a culture period of 3.5 to 4 years depending on water temperatures. With improvements in management techniques, selective breeding and nutrition the production period continues to be reduced. The consistently high Australian dollar meant that exports of abalone were
expensive on overseas markets; this caused lower farm gate prices in several states. Prospects for Next Three Years Stock levels increased on existing farms so over the next few years production should continue to increase. Tasmanian production is expected to increase harvests once control of Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis disease is established. Farm gate prices are expected to remain in the low $30/kg, particularly as the main producer of cultured Abalone (China with around 5,000 tonnes in 2000) has difficulties with high levels of coastal water pollution. However, South Africa was becoming a major competitor with production of over 1,500 tonnes per year. Farmers reported that as the vast majority of their sales are for exports, the high Australian dollar and the slowing of the Asia economies could further limit demand or continue to push farm gate prices lower. 6.6 Other Shellfish Species In the past, small quantities of Freshwater Mussels (Velesunio ambiguus) were produced in New South Wales. Several groups have examined the potential for freshwater pearl production; however, no commercial activity has been reported. The potential for Cockle or Clam culture integrated with Oyster farms was studied in Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales. The two main species in Tasmania were Katelysia scalarina and Venerupis largillierti. Various varieties of Anadara are commercially cultured in Asia, so there could be some potential in Australia. To date, no production was reported. Several species of giant clam (Tridacnidae)
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have been investigated with regard to their commercial potential (Tridacna gigas, T. derasa, T. squamosa, T. crocea and Hippopus hippopus). No commercial production was reported, although an operation in Western Australia was known to be selling cultured product to the aquarium market. Production difficulties included wide variations in growth rates, losses due to cyclones and lack of suitable culture sites (mainly due to restrictions regarding aquaculture activities in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park).
7. Miscellaneous Species
Interest has been expressed in the culture of Trochus (Trochus niloticus) for its shell and for restocking reefs. Some research has been undertaken in the Northern Territory and Western Australia; however
The total value of the miscellaneous (Microalgae, Crocodiles, Aquatic Worms and ‘Others’) species showed a 31.2% decrease over the value in the previous year to over $16 million (Table 6).
there was no commercial production recorded in 2010/11 Periwinkles for Italian seafood dishes have been trialled in Tasmania with no production recorded in 2010/11. Prospects for Next Three Years Development of these industries appears unpredictable at present – their potential appears to be limited by a lack of investor and/or grower interest.
Table 6: Australian aquaculture production of Miscellaneous Species for 2010/11. Species Crocodiles (flesh) Crocodiles
(skins)1*
Production (tonnes)
Hatchery # (,000's)
Value ($,000)
62.0
NA
2,988.0
NDA
NA
5,800.0
Microalgae2
NDA
NA
2,847.0
Aquatic Worms3
17.0
NA
859.9
Others4
1,319.0
NDA
3,568.2
Subtotal
1,398
0.0
16,063.1
Sources: Information provided by State and Territory Fisheries Departments and industry. Notes: Figures rounded to nearest decimal place. # = Hatchery production of stock for recreation or conservation uses. NDA = no details available (assume some production was undertaken), NA = not applicable. * = figures for previous year used. 1 = Includes skins plus other Crocodile curios items such as feet, teeth, skulls, back straps, etc. 2 =WA production includes Brine Shrimp production due to confidentiality concerns. 3 = Polychaete Worms were sold in litre quantities, 1 litre = 1 kilogram (approx.). 4= Includes a wide range of Finfish, Crustaceans and Molluscs lumped in ‘Others’ Category as specific data could not be published due to confidentiality concerns.
Table 7: Australian aquaculture production for 2010/11 by States/Territories. State/Territory
Production (tonnes)
Hatchery # (,000's)
Value ($,000)
% increase over 2009/10*
New South Wales
4,607.8
2,386.3
46,291.2
(6.8)
South Australia
20,247.0
23.0
207,158.5
7.3
Queensland
6,972.5
5,003.0
89,282.1
(14.7)
Victoria
2,458.8
3,343.5
22,869.9
5.8
Tasmania
37,936.0
3.0
416,835.5
5.5
Northern Territory
760.0
0.0
28,159.0
(0.3)
Western Australia
1,322.8
694.2
100,058.1
2.8
Total
74,304.9
11,452.9
910,654.4
2.4
Sources: Information provided by State and Territory Fisheries Departments and industry. Notes: Figures rounded to nearest decimal place. # = Hatchery production of stock for recreation or conservation uses. *Figures in brackets represent a negative growth (i.e. decrease) in value over the previous year.
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The decreases were mostly due to the ‘Others’ figures (31% decrease). Many species previously contained in ‘Others’ were able to be allotted to their correct category due to the ability to report in 2010/11. This category was used by several states to combine data for species that have less than 5 producers; this was done for confidentiality reasons. Usually, industry sources provide estimates which allow the segregation of the data into the specific categories; however, occasionally the figures can’t be confirmed. 7.1 Crocodiles Australia’s two species of crocodile – the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and the indigenous Freshwater Crocodile (C. johnstoni) are both protected species (both in Australia and under the CITES convention). Thus there were many regulations involved with their culture and sale, which increased production costs. However, the quality of the Australian product continued to allow it to gain a reputation overseas. The Crocodiles were cultivated for their belly skins and flesh (most from the tail, but also from the mid-section and legs). The preferred species was the larger and faster growing ‘saltie’. On the farms, the harvest size was about 1.5m, which represented an animal of 2 to 3 years age. In addition a wide range of other products were sold including back straps, feet, heads (skulls), claws and teeth. The availability of data from the individual States or Territories was limited. The value of skin and other products fell slightly to $5.8 million. Flesh sales decreased again this year from 64.1 to 62 tonnes, at an average farm gate of $22/kg, this was worth over $2.8 million (Table 6). For the third year the total value of crocodile production was stable at $8.78 million. In addition to their use for human food and clothing, Crocodiles played a major role in tourism with more than 20 tourist operations and zoos exhibiting Crocodiles around Australia. The value of this to the Australian economy was thought to be in the tens of millions. Prospects for Next Three Years Improvements in farming technology and increasing demand for quality product
Status of Australian Aquaculture In 2010/11 may see the number, quality and value of Crocodiles in Australia rise over the next few years. The high Australian Dollar in a currently depressed global market may limit sales, or see a price adjustment. 7.2 Microalgae and Seaweeds The salt tolerant Microalgae (Dunaliella salina) was cultured commercially in Port Gregory, Western Australia and Whyalla, South Australia. A multi-national food company runs both these operations with a total of more than 800 ha of hypersaline ponds in production; the two sites provide security of supply and year round production. The main product was betacarotene, an important food additive, colour and dietary supplement. In addition, by-products such as microalgal meal were sold for use in animal feeds. A Spirulina plant in the Northern Territory has been operating for several years. The estimated value from Western Australia increased to $0.6 million (Table 6), a new marine micro algae project comme-nced during 2010/11. This project is expected to lead to significant growth in production in future production returns. In South Australia micro algae and brine shrimp were reported together with a combined value of over $2.2 million, still significantly lower than the previous production recorded of $3 million in 2008/09. Northern Territory is estimated to remain at $0.1 million as this figure was included in ‘Others’ in 2010/11. Interest in Seaweed (Macroalgae) increased with several Abalone farms using seaweeds as nutrient strippers. In addition one or more Atlantic Salmon farms have examined the benefits of seaweed culture being integrated into the finfish seacage operations. As yet no commercial production was reported. A number of species of aquatic plants (eg. water lilies) were produced for the Aquarium and Ornamental Pond markets although no figures were available. Prospects for Next Three Years The high costs of production and extraction are thought to prevent new operations from being established. Applied R&D is commencing into other species of Microalgae for a wide range of
pigments, feeds and fine chemicals; however, the main interest is for biofuels and carbon credits (through fixation of carbon dioxide). If successful, the value and production will increase significantly over the next few years. 7.3 Aquatic Worms Over 17 tonnes of aquatic (Polychaete) Worms were produced in Victoria and New South Wales to provide food for Aquarium Fish; this was valued at over $0.85 million (Table 6). The main species cultured included the Black Worm Lumbriculus variegatus and L. veligans with some limited quantities of the Redworm Tubifex and the Aquatic Worm Diopatra dentata.
cucumbers (Beche-de-mer, Trepang), no production was reported. Prospects for Next Three Years Due to the infancy of their production, no predictions were possible.
8. State Totals Table 7 provides a breakdown of the production for each State and Territory. In 2010/11 there were there were increases in the value of production for South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania. There were decreases in NSW, Queensland and Northern Territory.
Prospects for Next Three Years Production is expected to remain stable.
For the first time in six years there has been a change in order of total value for the States to that reported for the previous year (order from last year given in brackets):
7.4 Other Aquatic Organisms While interest had been expressed in the commercial culture of sea urchins or sea
1. Tasmania (1) – $416.8 million, up $21.7 million, 5.5% increase (sixth year of increases);
Table 8: Aquaculture production for New South Wales and ACT in 2010/11. Species
Production (tonnes)
Hatchery # (,000’s)
Value ($,000)
Rainbow Trout (f/w)
167.7
0.0
1,957.0
Australian Bass
0.0
256.0
151.0
Eel-tailed Catfish
0.0
16.0
28.8
Golden Perch
0.1
853.0
248.4
Silver Perch
194.3
354.2
2,440.2
Murray Cod
5.4
906.0
545.1
Longfin Eels
12.2
0.0
124.4
Barramundi
75.1
0.0
938.0
Mulloway
71.9
0.0
684.1
Native Aquarium Fish
NA
0.0
112.7
Black Tiger Prawns
147.6
0.0
1,732.5
Yabbies
5.4
0.0
104.0
Pacific Oysters1
609.4
0.0
4,168.6
Sydney Rock Oysters2
3242.1
0.0
31,515.9
Pearls Non-maxima
NDA
0.0
49.3
Blue Mussels
71.0*
0.0
305.3*
Aquatic Worms3
4.8*
0.0
422.4.0*
Subtotal
4,650.2
2,385.2
45,527.7
Sources: Data provided by NSW Fisheries, estimates from industry indicated by *. Notes: Figures rounded to nearest decimal place. # = Hatchery production of stock for recreation or conservation uses. NDA = no details available (assume some production was undertaken), NA = not applicable. 1 = Including Triploid Pacific Oysters, one dozen of unopened oysters = 0.8kg. 2 = For Sydney Rock Oysters, 14 standard bags equal 1 tonne for unopened oysters. 3 = Aquatic Polychaete Worms were sold in litre quantities, 1 litre = 1 kilogram (approx.).
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Table 9: Aquaculture production for South Australia in 2010/11. Species
Production (tonnes)
Hatchery # (,000’s)
Value ($,000)
Barramundi
168.0
0.0
2,320.0
Southern Bluefin Tuna
5,800.0
0.0
125,160.0
Yellowtail Kingfish
3,120.0
0.0
23,910.0
Mulloway
500.0*
0.0
4,000.0*
Exotic Aquarium Fish1
NA
23.0
11.5
Marron2
37.0
0.0
1,030.0
Pacific Oysters3
6,154.0
0.0
35,210.0
Blue Mussels
1,174.0
0.0
2,430.0
Abalone
317.0
0.0
10,840.0
MicroAlgae & Brine Shrimp
2,977.0
0.0
2,247.0
Subtotal
20,247.0
23.0
207,158.5
Sources: Data provided by PIRSA, estimates from industry indicated by *. Notes: Figures rounded to nearest decimal place. # = Hatchery production of stock for recreation or conservation uses. NDA = no details available (assume some production was undertaken), NA = not applicable. 1 = No data available, based on previous year’s figures. 2 =Includes Yabbies. 3 = For Pacific Oysters, a conversion factor of 1.0 (i.e. 83 grams each) was used to convert dozens to kilograms for unopened Oysters. 4 = Includes Microalgae, Brine Shrimp, Ornamentals.
Table 10: Aquaculture production for Queensland in 2010/11. Species
Production (tonnes)
Hatchery # (,000’s)
Value ($,000)
Australian Bass
0.0
1,200.0
264.0
Golden
Perch1
2.0
1,600.0
373.0
Silver Perch
113.5
107.3
1,385.5
Murray Cod2
NDA
120.7
79.7
Barcoo grunter
18.7
0.0
244.8
Barramundi
2,746.0
570.2
21,286.8
Native Aquarium Fish
NA
212.8
270.3
Exotic Aquarium Fish
NA
1,192.0
524.5
3,822.0
0.0
55,571.9
52.0
0.0
914.2
Black Tiger
Prawns3
Redclaw Sydney Rock
Oysters4
54.0
0.0
472.9
Crocodile flesh5
NDA
NA
1,520.0*
Crocodile skins5
NA
NA
3,800.0*
Others6
NDA
NDA
1,700.0
Subtotal
6,808.2
5,003
88,407.6
Sources: Data provided by agencies of Department of Primary Industry, estimates from industry indicated by *. Notes: Figures rounded to nearest decimal place. # = Hatchery production of stock for recreation or conservation uses. NDA = no details available (assume some production was undertaken), NA = not applicable. 1 = includes hatchery production of Australian Bass & Sleepy Cod. 2 = Murray Cod includes Mary River Cod, growout included in Others. 3 = Includes Black/Brown Tiger and Banana Prawns, split possibly is 75% : 25%. 4 = For Sydney Rock Oysters, a conversion factor of 0.60 (i.e. 50 grams each) was used to convert dozens to kilograms for unopened Oysters, Tropical Oysters now considered a wild fishery, 5 = No data available, used previous year’s figures - includes skins as well as other Crocodile curios items such as feet, teeth, skulls, back straps, etc. 6: Includes Murray Cod growout, marine finfish, eels, crabs, pearls.
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2. South Australia (2) – $207.1 million, up $14.1 million, 7.3% decrease (first year of increases); 3. Western Australia (4) – $100 million, up $2.7 million, 2.8% increase (first year of increases); 4. Queensland (3) – $89.2 million, down $15.5 million, 14.7% decrease (first year of decreases); 5. New South Wales (5) – $46.29 million, down 3.4 million, 6.8% decreases (second year of decreases); 6. Northern Territory (6) – $28.15 million, down $0.05 million, 0.3% decrease (first year); and 7. Victoria (7) – $22.8 million, up $1.26 million, 5.8% increase (second year of increases). Table 8 shows that in New South Wales production was 4,607.8 tonnes, with 2.3 million fingerlings/fry for a value of production which decreased by $3.4 to $46.29 million. The most commercially important species were Sydney Rock Oysters ($31.5million, down $3.2 million, second year of decrease) followed by Pacific Oysters ($4.16 million, down $0.3 million, first year of decreases), Black Tiger Prawns ($1.7 million, down $0.4 million, first year of decrease), Silver Perch ($2.4 million, down $0.1 million, first year of decreases), Rainbow Trout ($1.9 million, up $0.3 million, third year of increases) and Barramundi ($0.9 million, down $0.1 million, third year of decreases). Other species with a total value > $0.2 million included Murray Cod ($0.5 million), Golden Perch ($0.2 million), Aquarium Fish ($0.5 million), Eels ($0.1 million), Mulloway ($0.6 million), Mussels ($0.3 million), Yabbies ($0.1 million) and Aquatic Worms ($0.4 million). In terms of the total production value, South Australia stayed as the second leading State up 14.1 million to $207.1 million (Table 9). After an decrease in value in 2010/11, Southern Bluefin Tuna increased by $22.9 million to $125.1 million. Yellowtail Kingfish remained stable at a value of $23.1 million. Pacific Oysters in value of $0.21 million to $35.21 million (third year of increase). Abalone increased
Status of Australian Aquaculture In 2010/11 tonnage by 11% to 317 tonnes ($10.8 million) showed an increase ($0.5 million, third year of increase). Barramundi decreased to $2.3 million (first year). Mulloway was stable at $4.0 million. The value of Blue Mussels decreased to $2.4 million. Other commercially important sectors (value >$0.2 million) included Marron (up slightly to over $1 million). The total value of production in Queensland increased by 14% to give a total of $89.2 million (Table 10) to become the fourth most valuable state. Marine Prawns ($55.5 million) showed a decrease of 1,293 tonnes; the production figures included Tiger and Banana Prawns – no Kuruma Prawns were produced. Barramundi tonnes raised 14%, however value increased by $0.1 million; still the second most valuable aquaculture species in Queensland. No data was available for Crocodiles so the 2006/07 value ($5.3 million) was used. Murray Cod production was not able to be reported due to limited growers remaining in this market, whilst Silver Perch increased to $1.38 million. Redclaw ($0.9 million) showed a $0.1 million decrease in value, its lowest value since the 1990’s. Other commercially important species (value >$0.2 million) included Australian Bass ($0.2 million), Barcoo Grunter ($0.2 million), Exotic Aquarium Fish ($0.5 million), Native Aquarium Fish ($0.2 million), and Sydney Rock Oyster ($0.4 million). In Victoria the value of farmed production increased by 5.8% to $22.8million (Table 11). This is the second year of increase. For the third year the most valuable species were Abalone ($8.9 million, up $0.3 million, third year of increases). Other important species were Freshwater Rainbow Trout ($5.3 million, up $0.6 million), Eels ($0.7 million down $0.3 million), Exotic Aquarium Fish ($1.7 million, down $0.1 million), and Blue Mussels ($2.6 million, up $1 million). Barramundi harvest decreased by 10 tonnes to 72 tonnes.
Table 11: Aquaculture production for Victoria in 2010/11. Species
Production (tonnes)
Hatchery # (,000’s)
Value ($,000)
Atlantic Salmon1
14.5*
1.0
140.9*
Brown Trout
77.4*
35.0
408.4*
Rainbow Trout (f/w)
876.1*
35.0
5,356.7*
Australian Bass
1.0*
0.0
10.3*
Golden Perch
2.0*
0.5
20.8*
Silver Perch
70.0*
0.0
721.0*
Murray Cod
50.0*
70.0
585.0*
Trout
Cod2
NA
65.0
65.0
Short Finned Eels3
57.2
0.0
772.2
Barramundi
72.0*
0.0
756.0*
Exotic Aquarium Fish4
NA
3,147.0
1,762.3
Yabbies
3.0
0.0
30.0
Brine Shrimp
2.1*
0.0
231.0*
Blue Mussels
951.0
0.0
2,662.8
Abalone
270.0*
0.0
8,910.0*
Aquatic Worms5
12.5*
NA
437.5*
Subtotal
2,458.8
3,353.5
22,869.9
Sources: Data gained by estimates from industry indicated by *, except data on freshwater Natives releases. Notes: Figures rounded to nearest decimal place. # = Hatchery production of stock for recreation or conservation uses. NDA = no details available (assume some production was undertaken), NA = not applicable. 1 = Value does not includes caviar sold at $100/kg. 2 = Endangered species, not sold, assumed same price as Murray Cod. 3 = Combination of Shortfin (majority) and Longfin Eels. 4 = Majority are Goldfish although some Natives (Murray Cod, Golden Perch, Yabbies) are included. 5 = Aquatic Polychaete Worms were sold in litre quantities, 1 litre = 1 kilogram (approx.).
Table 12: Aquaculture production for Tasmania in 2010/11. Species Atlantic Salmon1 Shortfin
Eels2
Seahorses Pacific
Oysters3
Production (tonnes)
Hatchery # (,000's)
Value ($,000)
33,067.0
0.0
386,883.9
13.0
NA
78.0
NA
3.0*
36.0*
3,958.0
0.0
22,560.6
Blue Mussels
742.0
0.0
2,597.0
Abalone
156.0
0.0
4,680.0
Subtotal
37,936
3.0
416,835.5
Sources: Data provided by agencies of the Department of Primary Industry & Fisheries, estimates from industry indicated by *. Notes: Figures rounded to nearest decimal place. # = Hatchery production of stock for recreation or conservation uses. NDA = no details available (assume some production was undertaken), NA = not applicable. 1 = Government production figures only for Salmonids, i.e. includes Atlantic Salmon, freshwater Rainbow Trout and sea cultured Rainbow Trout. 2 = Catch and restock only, mostly Shortfin Eels, no details so used data for previous year. 3 = For Pacific Oysters, a conversion factor of 1.0 (i.e. 83 grams each) was used to convert dozens to kilograms for unopened oysters in Tasmania.
Other commercially important species (value >$0.2 million) included Brown Trout ($0.4 million, stable); Silver Perch Austasia Aquaculture | Trade Directory 2013
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suggested majority of sales were for bait yabbies due to the regulations.
($0.7 million, down $0.2 million); Murray Cod ($0.5 million, down $0.2 million) Brine Shrimp ($0.2 million, down $0.3 million); and Aquatic Worms ($0.4 million, steady). Yabbies production raised slightly (3 tonnes valued at $30,000) despite many growers being unhappy with Prime Safe regulations for a live product harvest and transport. Industry sources
The most valuable aquaculture state was Tasmania with 37,936 tonnes worth $416.8 million (Table 12), a 5.5% increase from the estimates for 2010/11; this is the seventh year of increases. The most valuable sectors were Atlantic Salmon ($386.8 million, up $23 million,
Table 13: Aquaculture production for Northern Territory in 2010/11. Species
Production (tonnes)
Hatchery # (,000's)
Value ($,000)
Barramundi
708.0
0.0
5,841.0
Pearls (P. maxima)
NDA
0.0
18,820.0
Crocodile Flesh
52
NA
1,248.0
Crocodile
Skins1
NDA
NA
1,500.0*
Others2
NDA
NDA
750.0
Subtotal
760.0
0.0
28,159
Sources: Data provided by NT Department of Primary Industry & Fisheries, estimates from industry indicated by *. Notes: Figures rounded to nearest decimal place. # = Hatchery production of stock for recreation or conservation uses. NDA = no details available (assume some production was undertaken), NA = not applicable. 1 = Based on previous year, 2 =Includes corals, invertebrates, aquarium fish, Trepang, Spirulina.
Table 14: Aquaculture production for Western Australia in 2010/11. Species
Production (tonnes)
Hatchery # (,000's)
Value ($,000)
Rainbow Trout (f/w)
4.5
563.0
184.7
Silver Perch
28.1
0.0
449.3
Barramundi
685.9
0.0
7,099.1
Native Aquarium Fish1
NDA
47.2
230.9
Exotic Aquarium Fish
NDA
60.0
236.8
Marron
50.1
0.0
1,358.7
Yabbies
37.0
0.0
684.1
Pearls (P. maxima)
NDA
NA
85,500.0
Blue Mussels
507.2
0.0
1,871.6
Crocodile Flesh3 4
10.0*
NA
220.0*
Crocodile Skins4
NDA
NA
500.0*
Microalgae4
NDA
NA
600.0
Others5
NDA
NDA
1,118.2
Subtotal
1,322.8
670.2
100,053.4
Sources: Data provided by WA Fisheries, estimates from industry indicated by *. Notes: Figures rounded to nearest decimal place. # = Hatchery production of stock for recreation or conservation uses. NDA = no details available (assume some production was undertaken), NA = not applicable. 1 = Includes some Marron and Seahorses, used average price for previous year. 2 = No details available so used figure from ABARE 2011. 3 = Based on an Australia-wide price $20/kg. 3 = Includes skins for export and other Crocodile curios items such as feet, teeth, skulls, back straps, etc. 4 = No data available, used figure from previous year. 5 = includes production of Artemia, Abalone, Mulloway, Yellowtail Kingfish, Sydney Rock Oysters, Murray Cod, Rotifers.
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the seventh year of significant increases); Pacific Oysters ($22.5 million, up $1 million, the fourth year of increases); Blue Mussels ($2.5 million, down $1.1 million), Abalone ($4.6 million, down $2.7 million). Low or zero production was recorded for Ornamental Fish (Seahorses mainly), Scallops and Eels. In the Northern Territory production was limited to five main species groups â&#x20AC;&#x201C; together they were worth $28.1 million, a 0.3% decrease over the value for 2010/11; the first year of decrease. Pearls ($18.8 million, down $0.1 million, the first year of decrease), Crocodiles ($2.8 million, stable), Barramundi ($5.7 million, down $0.1 million). No data for Microalgae, Native Aquarium Fish and Prawns. Third in terms of the total production value, Western Australian production was worth $100 million (Table 14), an increase of 2.8% over the 2010/11 estimates. This is the first year of increased value. The main sectors were Pearls ($85.5 million, stable) and Barramundi (up $2.5 million to $7 million). Non-maxima pearls contributed $0.6 million in 2007/08; no data was available for 2010/11 however production was thought to be the same this year. Other species were Silver Perch ($0.4 million, stable), Native Aquarium Fish ($0.2 million, stable), Exotic Aquarium Fish ($0.2 million), Marron ($1.3 million, stable), Yabbies ($0.6 million, down $0.2 million), Blue Mussels ($1.8 million, down $0.1 million), Microalgae ($0.5 million, no change), and Crocodiles ($0.7 million, no change).
Status of Australian Aquaculture In 2010/11 O’Sullivan, D. and Dobson, J., 2001. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 1999/2000. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 2001, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pp 3-19.
O’Sullivan, D., Savage, J. and Fay, A., 2006. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 2003/2004. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 2006, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pages 3-23.
O’Sullivan, D. and Dobson, J., 2002. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 2000/2001. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 2002, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pp 3-19.
O’Sullivan, D., Savage, J. and Fay, A., 2007. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 2004/2005. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 2007, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pages 3-23.
O’Sullivan, D. 1992b. Aquaculture in Australian (Parts 1 & 2). Aquaculture Magazine 18 (4): 32-47 and 18 (5): 40-47.
O’Sullivan, D. and Kiley, T., 1996. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 1994/95. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 1996, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pp 2-12.
O’Sullivan, D., Savage, J. and Fay, A., 2008. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 2005/2006. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 2008, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pages 3-23.
O’Sullivan, D. 1995. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 1991-92. Aquaculture Sourcebook No 10, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, 41 pp.
O’Sullivan, D. and Kiley, T., 1997. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 1995/96. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 1997, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pp 2-12.
O’Sullivan, D. 1998. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 1996/97. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 1998, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pp 14-26.
O’Sullivan, D. and Roberts, N., 1999. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 1997/98. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 1999, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pp 3-17, 37.
O’Sullivan, D. and Savage, J., 2010. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 2007/08. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 2010, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pages 6-25.
O’Sullivan, D., Clark, E. and Morison, J., 2008. The Australian Ornamental Fish Industry in 2007/08. Dosaqua Pty Ltd (for FRDC), Adelaide, 215pp.
O’Sullivan, D. and Savage, J., 2003. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 2001/2002. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 2003, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pages 3-22.
O’Sullivan, D. and Savage, J., 2011. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 2008/09. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 2011, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pages 6-25.
O’Sullivan, D. and Dobson, J., 2000. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 1998/99. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 2000, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pp 3-17.
O’Sullivan, D. and Savage, J., 2004. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 2003/2004. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 2004, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pages 3-22.
9. References and Previous Status Reports Brown, D., Van Landeghem, K. and Schuele, M. 1997. Australian Aquaculture: Industry Profiles for Selected Species. ABARE Research Report 97.3, Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Canberra, 102 pp. O’Sullivan, D. 1992a. Revised statistics for aquaculture production. Austasia Aquaculture Magazine 6 (1): 29-31.
O’Sullivan, D. and Savage, J., 2009. Status of Australian Aquaculture in 2006/07. Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory 2009, Turtle Press, Hobart, Tasmania, pages 6-25.
Education and Training Institutions offering Aquaculture Courses South Australia Codes To summarise the information on these courses, the following codes are used: VET: Vocational Education Training High Schools SITP: Competency units from the Seafood Industry Training Package are offered UG: Undergraduate Tertiary PG: Postgraduate Tertiary COR: courses may be undertaken by correspondence or externally would include some SITP units P: course can be undertaken on a part-time basis S: short courses are offered not SITP units *Indicates that the course is not totally on aquaculture but it has some aquaculture units or subjects.
Australian Maritime and Fisheries Academy PO Box 2099 Port Adelaide SA 5015 T: 08 8303 2780; F: 08 8303 2791 E: info@afa.edu.au W: www.afa.edu.au Contact: Maureen Jones Codes: SITP, P, S Course Titles: • Seafood Industry Training Package • Certificate III • Certificate I and II Aquaculture Course • Certificate III Fisheries Compliance Course
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