Aquaculture Investment Opportunities

Aquaculture is currently one of the fastest growing primary industries in Australia. While aquaculture in NSW is currently only worth around $44 million per annum, it is predicted that this industry will be worth $250 million in NSW in 10 years time. Aquaculture production in NSW already constitutes around 40% of total fisheries production in this state.

New South Wales is in a prime position to capitalise on this developing sector, having a number of characteristics that make it ideal for aquaculture. These include the following advantages:

• Wide climate range, including subtropical to temperate environments. This allows the culture of warm water species such as prawns in the north, as well as cold water species such as trout in the highlands or abalone on the south coast.
• A large diversity of native and exotic species available for culture.
• An abundance of available land suitable for both earthen pond and indoor tank culture.
• Excellent opportunities for existing primary producers to diversify their operations and integrate aquaculture into current farming programs eg aquaculture and irrigation production.
• Proximity to Australia's largest seafood retailer, Sydney Fish Market, as well as access to other major markets, good support and infrastructure.
• A growing workforce of trained and skilled staff in aquaculture management and husbandry.
• A commitment by the NSW Government to promote and assist industry development.

As part of its commitment to industry development, the NSW Government has also injected funds into NSW Fisheries under the Aquaculture Initiative, to provide the resources to develop industry to its full potential. Under the Initiative, NSW Fisheries has established an Industry Development Branch, dedicated to the development and promotion of industry in NSW. Resources have also been put into the development of Regional Aquaculture Strategies, which streamline the approvals process, making it easier for projects to commence operations. Under the Initiative, and as part of its core services, NSW Fisheries can provide the following assistance:

• Site appraisals and technical advice.
• Case management of applications and investment advice.
• Aquaculture extension services for in-field assistance.
• Research into freshwater and marine aquaculture species.
• Streamlined approvals processes under Regional Aquaculture Strategies.
• Mapping of suitable aquaculture sites.

The Aquaculture Industry Development Branch also has a close working relationship with the NSW Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD), and have assisted with the organisation of a number of investment forums specifically for the aquaculture industry. DSRD have also co-sponsored a number of studies and programs with NSW Fisheries based on developing and promoting aquaculture in NSW. DSRD have a list of current aquaculture investment opportunities on their website, covering a wide range of species and production techniques, as well as a wide regional base within NSW. Click on the website below if you are interested in investing in an aquaculture development within NSW. Other investment opportunities can be obtained by contacting the NSW Fisheries Aquaculture Industry Development Branch on 02 4916 3867.

Case Study - NSW First for Aquaculture 1.1 MB

View some of the aquaculture investment opportunities on the NSW Department of State and Regional Development website.