Farming Barramundi

Aquaculture Potential

Production of barramundi from aquaculture in Australia in 1995/96 was approximately 529t, valued at AU$5.83 million. Most product (about 90 per cent) was sold as 400 to 500g whole fish, with the remainder being larger fish for the premium fillet market (Barlow et al., 1996). An increasing proportion is being sold at around 3kg.

South-East Asian markets have a strong preference for live barramundi with product of this type taking 90 per cent of that market. The major markets identified are Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and southern provinces of mainland China. The ideal market size ranges between 600 to 700g per piece (fish) (Ferdouse, 1995).

It is generally accepted that the culture of barramundi has the potential to become a major contributor to Australian aquaculture, but only if two major constraints to industry expansion are overcome (Barlow et al., 1996):

1. The first of these constraints is marketing. Increasing the production of plate-sized product beyond 500t without extensive promotion, will result in a drop in price paid by Australian wholesalers. One aspect of diversification is the production of large (2 to 3kg) fish, which will enable producers to supply the very large domestic market for barramundi fillets. In addition, it will pave the way for an export market which will almost certainly be based on large fish. To be competitive in that market, farm size may have to be relatively high so that economy of scale can be achieved.
2. The second major constraint is production costs. Estimates of current on-farm production costs vary from about AU$5 to AU$7.50/kg for plate sized product. The major variable cost is food, which accounts for 30 to 50 per cent of on-farm costs (the other major components being labour and electricity). A summary of costs associated with farming barramundi in cages in freshwater ponds is given in Barlow (1998). Information on CD format (barramundi farm budget software, called BARRAPROFIT, by B. Johnston, Qld Department of Primary Industries) can be obtained from the Department of Fisheries.

In Western Australia, barramundi are farmed in cages within Lake Argyle and potential exists for a much larger industry there. Trials have been conducted using artesian water in the Gascoyne Region. A supply of fingerlings produced from WA broodstock has been a limiting factor although a new research and development facility at the Broome Aquaculture Park should assist in overcoming such technical impediments.

The Australian Barramundi Farmers Association (ABFA) in conjunction with Government is conducting research to overcome the constraints facing the industry. Annual workshops are held by the Association in conjunction with various State Governments.

Contact the ABFA for information on the current status of the industry (1999 Secretary: Robert Richards (08) 8927 4453).

There is also a WA industry association called the Tropical Aquaculture Association (TAA) which is based in the Kimberley region.

For information on the association contact the secretary, Mr Tony Salisbury on (08) 9192 1769. Such industry groups are vital sources of the latest information, from a farmers perspective.

The proceedings of the 1999 TAA Tropical Aquaculture Workshop are in preparation and should provide a valuable perspective on aquaculture of warm water finfish including barramundi.