Aquaculture Consultancy

Aquaculture is an exciting industry but unfortunately it is a relatively new industry in Australia, only really developing over the last 30 years. Unlike the traditional agricultural industries like wheat, sheep or chicken farming, there is not a large amount of information available to new entrants to the aquaculture industry. Furthermore, the industry is in continued development, so much of the information that is available is well out of date. AABio Aquaculture offers the latest information to both existing and new entrants to the industry. We keep our fingers on the pulse of the industry and use our knowledge to assist you in your aquaculture endeavours.

We offer a large range of services to assist aquaculturalists. Click for “MORE INFORMATION”

We can assist if you are looking at buying a farm for aquaculture, and with obtaining permission and permits to conduct aquaculture. As a new industry, there are a mass of regulations and restrictions attached to receiving approval for aquaculture. To construct a farm dam on a property and grow fish in it for yourself has few problems or restrictions, however, to build the same dam and conduct commercial aquaculture is a whole different kettle of fish. Each state has its own regulations, and some states are easier than others. And there are local government obligations to consider as well. AABio Aquaculture specializes in providing tailored assistance for this difficult aspect of establishing a new aquaculture venture – we take care of all the headaches and uncertainty, fill out all paperwork, prepare your aquaculture proposal, and liaise with all relevant authorities on your behalf.

An Example – New South Wales:

In most States you will need an Aquaculture Permit from your Primary Industries or Fisheries department. This is relatively straight forward as they have a set policy for each species and comprehensive information to help you fill in all applications and match all mandatory requirements. In New South Wales, for example, the State government has been working to promote the development of sustainable aquaculture through a whole-of-government approach under State Environmental Planning Policy-62 Sustainable Aquaculture. SEPP 62 is straight forward and your can get a copy of the Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy for NSW from NSW DPI. It’s 130 odd pages and requires a considerable amount of paperwork to complete but that’s okay and NSW DPI can offer guidance if needed on any specific issue. Depending on your aquaculture venture, you may need to obtain several different permits from DPI (e.g. broodstock collection, growout, etc.). There are other State departments that may also require information or applications for approval, depending on the nature of the proposal. The consenting authority for aquaculture developments is the local council and this is where most people struggle to get approval, as there are no set rules for councils. Most NSW councils have a lengthy list of additional information required.

Case Example: 0.3 ha Silver Perch. In June 2009, AABio Aquaculture assisted a NSW farmer to establish a relatively small, simple aquaculture facility on a rural property, to value-add to an existing agricultural enterprise. The proposed aquaculture facility consisted of 0.3 hectares of ponds and a recirculation system inside an existing shed. A small and simple facility, but nonetheless one that requires a lot of paperwork and approval. As part of our tailored service, AABio Aquaculture drew up all plans, filled in all forms and submitted the NSW DPI Fisheries and the Department of Water and Energy applications. The Council Development Application, SEPP62 information and the Statement of Environmental Effects were also submitted. Approximately 150 pages of information, plans and applications that are rather standard procedures for any new aquaculture venture. The local government approvals for aquaculture, however, are highly dependent on the nature of the proposal and the local government area involved. In this case, the Southern Sydney Council required additional Statements of Environmental Effects detailing compliance with the following:

Local Environmental Plan 1991
Agriculture 1(a) Zone Development Plan
Agricultural Lands Development Control Plan
Development Control Plan No. 36 – Development in Rural Areas
Sydney Regional Environment Plan No.20 – Hawkesbury-Nepean River
Development Control Plan No.7
Wastewater Management Plan
Essential Services Plan
Construction and Equipment Quotes

This example, of a rather small facility, gives an idea of the kind of process a new aquaculturist needs to go through to obtain all the necessary approvals. Dealing with this kind of paperwork overload is a difficult thing to tackle as a new entrant to the industry, and drives many promising new aquaculturists to frustration. That is the reason that so many people use our consultancy service. We have done it all many times before, seen it all before - we don’t lose our patience with approval authorities but work with them to plough through the paperwork obstacles on your behalf. And because we have designed numerous aquaculture facilities, with over 25 years of experience in the industry, we know how to help you determine the right kind of facility for your situation.

So, if you want a state of the art aquaculture facility, utilizing best aquaculture practice, designed by experienced industry professionals, with none of the headaches of paperwork and approvals, then contact us. We can do all of the design and administrative paperwork for you. And we’ll hook you up with the support networks and industry contacts relevant to your facility.

For "MORE INFORMATION" click here.

Other Services.

Hatchery Setup and Technician Assistance. If you are going to set up a native fish hatchery for freshwater species like Australian Bass, Silver Perch or Golden Perch, or marine species like Snapper, Whiting or Bream, you will soon discover that there is not a lot of information or assistance available. For new hatcheries, AABio Aquaculture can work with you, in your hatchery, to teach you husbandry methods and procedures to get you on track and into production. If you need assistance – contact us.

Growout Guidance. We have a wealth of experience with most species that have been cultured in Australia, and can provide advice to new or existing farms. In particular, yabby farmers and silver perch farmers regularly use this service – we can come out to your farm just for a few hours or so, work with you, answer all your questions, set you on the right course and then come back a month or so later to follow up on your progress. If you need assistance – contact us.