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Yellowtail Kingfish - Description
The yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) is a marine species of finfish distributed globally in the cool temperate waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans around South Africa, Japan, southern Australia and the United States.
In Australian waters, yellowtail kingfish are distributed from North Reef in Queensland and around the southern coast to Trigg Island in Western Australia. The species is also found off the east coast of Tasmania, and around Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands. The yellowtail kingfish and related species such as the yellowtail, amberjack and striped jack are commonly cultured in Japan.
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Farming Production
Yellowtail kingfish farming is being developed in the Spencer Gulf of South Australia, where there are currently five operators. In June 2000, it was reported that production in calendar 2002 may be around 5001000 tonnes, but more recent reports, quoting South Australias finfish growers association, suggest production may be around 1200 tonnes valued at around $13 million (FIS.com 2002; Gorton 2002). The fish, which are found in abundance in local waters, are propagated at two hatcheries in the area. The fingerlings are grown to a harvest size of three kilograms in about twelve months.
As a result of the significant increase in the quantity of yellowtail kingfish reaching market size in 2001-02, the gross value at the farm gate of Australia's total marine finfish production excluding southern bluefin tuna could rise from $0.5 million in 1999-2000 and $0.9 million in 2000-01 to an estimated $8.0 in 2001-02.
Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) growout production continued to increase strongly and has averaged more than 34% per annum over the past six years (from 569 tonnes in 2000–01). The product marketed (converted to a whole fish basis) was 1745 tonnes in 2005–06 compared with 1437 tonnes in 2004–05 which equates to a 21.5% increase. The majority of production came from pond-based systems (25 farms) although the production from 11 recirculating tank systems increased from 44 tonnes to 105 tonnes (+139%). There was also production from one sea cage farm.
The total value of production increased by 18%, from $11.9 million in 2004–05 to $14.0 million in 2005–06. The average price (whole fish basis) decreased from $8.30 to $8.04/kg. In addition to growout production, hatcheries sold barramundi fingerlings for growout, stocking and to the aquarium trade.
The main species of fish, other than barramundi, raised in fresh water for human consumption have been silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) jade perch and Barcoo grunter (Scortum barcoo). In 2005–06 there was a significant increase in Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) growout production and some interest in the production of, sleepy cod (Oxyeleotris lineolatis) and golden perch (Macquaria ambigua).
The total production of the freshwater fish sector increased by 45% from 105 to 152 tonnes in 2005-06, with the value increasing by 64% from $0.9 million to $1.48 million. In 2005–06 silver perch accounted for 40% of freshwater fish production, jade perch 28%, Murray cod 28% and other species 4%, whereas in 2004–05 silver perch accounted for 60%, jade perch 29% and Murray cod was less then 10%. Recirculating tank systems accounted for nearly 27% (40 tonnes) of the total freshwater fish production.
Sales of freshwater ornamentals (exotic and native fish and invertebrates) totalled 2.88 million with a value of $1.26 million. Freshwater ornamental aquarium species were produced and sold from 26 hatcheries.
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REF. Australian Aquaculture. Industry profiles for selected species)
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