Northern Australia aquaculture industry situational analysis study

Project locations: Townsville, Darwin, Broome, Torres Strait

Project partners: James Cook University ; CSIRO ; Blueshift Consulting ; Australian Barramundi Farmers Association ; Australian Prawn Farmers Association ; Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation

Project summary and impacts

The objectives of this project were to identify key challenges and opportunities facing the northern Australian aquaculture sector, and to explore potential solutions and/or identify the most strategic research projects for further investment.  The scope of the study included infrastructure, policy, investment, environmental factors, production, knowledge, training and human capital gaps.

This situational analysis examined current industry characteristics – including industry size, production, income, productivity measures and employment levels – to understand capacity and scalability limitations. It included, but was not limited to, an examination of infrastructure, biosecurity, animal health management, the investment landscape, policy, training and human capital gaps, and the research or alternative solutions to address these issues.

A Northern Aquaculture Industry Vision 2028 was developed as part of this study. This vision and strategy were created in collaboration with Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders, associations, aquaculture farmers, researchers, government and non-government organisations, through a series of focus group sessions.

• Over 350 participants engaged through surveys, workshops, webinars, and direct communication, ensuring broad industry input.
• Potential for a fivefold increase in production by 2030, reaching over $1.3 billion GVP annually and creating 1,400–2,300 new jobs.