- Author WA DPIRD and the Aquaculture Council of WA
- Publish date 9 September 2026
- Type Report
- Documents
- First Nations led business development
- Aquaculture
Summary
This practical guide will help Aboriginal organisations explore business and employment opportunities in Western Australia’s growing aquaculture industry.
- New guide to support Aboriginal participation in Western Australia’s growing aquaculture industry
- Resource provides information on opportunities, risks, business models, and regulatory requirements
The guide will help Aboriginal organisations explore business and employment opportunities in Western Australia’s growing aquaculture industry. The Setting up for Success: Aquaculture guide, providing Aboriginal groups interested in entering the sector with practical information to help understand the opportunities, requirements, and risks involved.
Aquaculture is one of the world’s fastest-growing food production sectors and has significant potential to create new jobs, support regional communities, and diversify Western Australia’s economy through the sustainable production of marine and freshwater species.
The guide was initiated by the Aquaculture Council of Western Australia and was developed in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and supported through funding from the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia.
Developed following consultation with Aboriginal people and organisations, the guide provides practical information about the WA aquaculture industry, including production systems, regulatory requirements, business models, and key considerations for organisations looking to participate in the sector.
It joins DPIRD’s existing Setting up for Success resources, which provide practical information to support Aboriginal participation in pastoral, bushfood, and carbon farming industries.
Projects
Aboriginal commercial fishing and aquaculture (WA)
This project builds upon existing government support structures, research, and identified industry needs to develop Aboriginal ownership and participation in Western Australia’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. The project has three key focus areas: De-risking new commercialisation pathways for three key species – sea cucumber, mud crab and black-lipped rock oyster – identified as suitable from the Northern Gascoyne waters through to the Kimberley. Delivering an introductory workshop package on regionally appropriate commercial fishing and aquaculture opportunities to saltwater Aboriginal Corporations with authorised consent to operate on native title land and waters. Drawing implications from the project back towards a Northern WA-wide policy and planning approach towards de-risking for Aboriginal fishing and aquaculture, consistent with the WA Aquaculture Development Plan.