Overview
According to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Aquaculture is the fastest growing primary industry in Australia and the fastest growing food production sector in the world. The stagnant or diminishing wild caught fisheries together with a growing world population have led to the reliance on aquaculture as the means for fish production to meet the world demand for fish protein.
In Australia, aquaculture is an important part of the Australian fisheries production as a whole. In 2004-05 aquaculture made up 30 per cent of the total fisheries production with a gross value of A$611 million. (Australian Fisheries Statistics 2005, ABARE)
In the world market, Australia has an international reputation as a reliable and consistent supplier of high quality and healthy seafood. Aquaculture exports in 2004-05 totalled A$170 million representing about 0.7 per cent of total food exports.
Pearls and tuna represent the largest proportion of industry revenue, accounting for over 50 per cent. Australia produces around 25 per cent of the world’s South Sea pearls, a large proportion of which are sold at auction in Hong Kong and Japan. Around 90 per cent of Southern Bluefin tuna is exported to Japan after processing.
Other key aquaculture products exported are Atlantic salmon, edible oysters, farmed prawns and trout.
(Sources: DAFF website 2006; Australian Fisheries Statistics 2005, ABARE;
IBISWorld Industry Report – Aquaculture in Australia, July 2006)
What are the key opportunities?
Key seafood growth areas include certain fish species such as barramundi and kingfish, and crustaceans such as prawns and crabs in specific species and sizes.
Key technology growth areas include genetic improvement, nutritional regimes, disease control, enclosures and monitoring systems.
Where are the key opportunities?
Priority markets with the greatest opportunities for Australian aquaculture seafood products include:
- Japan
- China and Hong Kong
- Taiwan
- Italy
- Singapore
Priority markets with the greatest opportunities for Australian aquaculture technology include:
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- China
- Europe
Please see the list of industry country profiles for the aquaculture industry at the end of this overview.
How can we help you?
With a network of around 140 overseas offices in 65 countries backed by highly experienced and qualified staff, Austrade provides a number of dedicated and tailored services to Australian exporters.
Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence and ongoing support (including financial) to Australian businesses looking to develop international markets. Austrade also provides advice and guidance on overseas investment and joint venture opportunities, and helps put Australian businesses in contact with potential overseas investors.
For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email info@austrade.gov.au.
Useful contacts
Austrade’s aquaculture contacts
Gary Hullin – Seafood
Tel: +61 3 9648 3157
Email: gary.hullin@austrade.gov.au
Betina Reid – Pearls
Tel: +61 2 9390 2008
Email: betina.reid@austrade.gov.au
Charles Bowden – Technology
Tel: +61 2 9390 2049
Email: charles.bowden@austrade.gov.au
Government contacts
Federal Government
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – www.daffa.gov.au
State Government
Government of NSW - www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/aquaculture
Government of Queensland – www.aquaculturequeensland.com
Government of South Australia – www.pir.sa.gov.au
Government of Tasmania – www.dpiw.tas.gov.au
Government of Victoria – www.dse.vic.gov.au
Government of Western Australia – www.aquaculturecouncilwa.com
General industry contacts
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) – www.marine.csiro.au
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation - www.frdc.com.au
Gippsland Aquaculture Industry Network Inc (GAIN) – www.growfish.com.au
Government of Tasmania – www.australian-aquacultureportal.com
Inland Aquaculture Association of South Australia Inc – www.iaasa.org.au
Seafood Services Australia - www.seafood.net.au
Last updated: 25 Jun 2008
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