Aquaculture Industries
Prawn farming is the largest aquaculture sector in Queensland, followed second by barramundi production. Prawn farming in 2009-10 is estimated to be worth at farm-gate at about $74.3 million, with production at about 5115 tonnes. Industry body, Australian Prawn Farmers’ Association, estimates that Australian prawn farms now provide more than 1000 direct jobs and 1800 indirect jobs. The Australian industry is one of the smaller volumetric producers in the world but leads the world in productivity with an average yield of more than 8000kg per hectare. Farms are currently located in two Australian states – NSW and Queensland.
The Australian Barramundi Farmers’ Association estimates the farm gate value of production at $20.7 million. Quality and reliability are hall marks of this expanding industry and recent studies found that Australian farmed Barramundi met the highest international food safety standards, delivering consumers a great tasting, healthy product, from farm to table.
The Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation estimates the aquaculture sector in Queensland is worth about $103 million in 2009-2010.