- Author CRCNA and research partners
- Publish date 21 September 2026
- Type Report
- Documents
- Aquaculture
- First Nations led business development
Summary
This impact evaluation examines the outcomes of the CRCNA-funded project: AT.2.1718098 Cherabin aquaculture production as an enabler for Indigenous business development, and its potential to support Indigenous enterprise development in northern Australia.
Delivered in partnership with North Regional TAFE and Aboriginal corporations in the Kimberley WA, the project combined aquaculture training with research into hatchery production, larval rearing and growout systems.
The research advanced understanding of cherabin production requirements, developed practical hatchery and business planning resources, and strengthened local aquaculture skills. While production challenges prevented the project from demonstrating commercial viability, its findings identified important technical barriers and research priorities for future industry development.
The evaluation documents the project’s research, workforce and enterprise development outcomes, providing an evidence base to inform future investment and Indigenous-led aquaculture initiatives.
Projects
Cherabin aquaculture production as an enabler for Indigenous business development
Cherabin aquaculture production as an enabler for Indigenous business development explored the potential for Indigenous-led freshwater prawn aquaculture in northern Western Australia, combining workforce development, aquaculture research and regional business opportunities. Delivered through a partnership between North Regional TAFE’s Broome Aquaculture Centre and the Emama Nguda Aboriginal Corporation, the project investigated hatchery production, larval rearing, transport and growout systems for cherabin while providing accredited aquaculture training and skills development for Aboriginal participants. The project generated valuable knowledge on cherabin production systems, biosecurity management and hatchery operations under northern Australian conditions. Researchers refined larval rearing techniques, improved hatchery survival rates and developed practical production protocols that provide a foundation for future freshwater prawn aquaculture ventures. The project also highlighted the importance of workforce development, local capability building and culturally appropriate business models in supporting Indigenous participation in aquaculture industries. While a range of technical, operational and environmental challenges limited the project’s ability to demonstrate commercially viable production at scale, the research identified key production requirements and critical areas for future development. The project’s findings have improved understanding of cherabin aquaculture systems and continue to inform future Indigenous aquaculture initiatives, training programs and industry development opportunities across northern Australia.