Fishing & Aquaculture

While rock lobster dominates the fishing industry in the Wheatbelt, there are significant opportunities for both inland and coastal aquaculture in the Region. Commercial production and export of freshwater marron and yabbies has been successful for several years, and with aquaculture now considered the fastest growing primary industry in the world there is major potential for investors.

Facts and Figures

• The most common species of fish caught are dhufish, snapper, mullet and shark
• Commercial yabby farming is restricted to the inland agricultural areas including Beverley, Merredin, Pingelly, Dumbleyung and Lake Grace
• Marron production facilities east of Jurien have the potential to produce more than 20 tonnes per annum
• Barramundi have been successfully farmed in the Wheatbelt
• There is significant interest in the development of the saline waters of salt-affected farmland for the cultivation of rainbow trout and other species

Wheatbelt Advantages

• Proximity to metropolitan markets
• Proximity to ports
• Abundant inland saline waters
• Healthy, clean environment for production of quality seafood
• Access to up to date, world class, technical advice through Aquaculture Development Officers and WA researchers

Opportunities

• Potential to cultivate a variety of species of fish and crustaceans in both inland and coastal areas
• Extensive value-adding opportunities
• Opportunity for the development of associated industries, particularly grains and processing industries for the production of fishfeed alternatives
• Production of brine shrimp for hatchery feeds.