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South Australian : a summary of its diversity, production and innovation

Industry Summary

The South Australian aquaculture industry is one Pacific and Native Oysters, Yabbies, Marron, of the largest primary production sectors in South Trout, Barramundi, Murray Cod, Silver and South ’s aquaculture industry Australia with the production value in 2012- Golden Perch and microalgae. produces some of the most sought after 13 amounting to $243 million, contributing to The majority of ’s aquaculture in the world including Southern almost 55% of the State’s total value of seafood farming resides in the coastal waters of Eyre production. Peninsula. Aquaculture has had a positive Bluefin , Pacific Oysters, Yellowfin South Australia’s aquaculture industry produces impact to regional economies and communities Kingfish and Greenlip . some of the most sought after seafood in the with approximately 81% of the state’s regional world including , Pacific aquaculture workforce (1,211 full time Oysters, Yellowfin Kingfish and Greenlip employees) employed in in Abalone. 2012-13. South Australia is home to the most diverse A large proportion of South Australian range of aquaculture systems in Australia, aquaculture production, particularly Tuna, is including subtidal and intertidal mollusc farming, exported overseas, primarily to Japan and sea-cage farming of finfish and a range of land- other Asian countries. A significant amount is based systems. also sold locally and around Australia. Species farmed in South Australia include As the aquaculture industry continues to grow Southern Bluefin Tuna, Yellowtail Kingfish, the opportunity for jobs and benefits to South Mulloway, Blue Mussels, Greenlip Abalone, Australia are also increasing.

Ceduna Spatial distribution of Streaky Bay aquaculture in South Australia

Wallaroo

Coffin Bay

Port Lincoln LEGEND

Barramundi Murray Bridge

Tuna & Finfish Kingscote Abalone

Mussel

Oyster Kingston SE Yabby/Marron

Algae

Mt Gambier

Aquaculture value of production 2012/13

Species farmed in South Australia include Southern Bluefin Tuna, Marron and Yellowtail Kingfish,Mulloway, Blue Yabbies, 0.38 $m Freshwater Mussels, Greenlip Abalone, Pacific Finfish, 5.39 $m and Native Oysters, Yabbies, Marron, Other, Trout, Barramundi, Murray Cod, Abalone, 8.6 $m 25.67 $m Silver and Golden Perch and Mussels, 2.94 $m microalgae.

Oysters, 35 $m

Southern Bluefin Tuna, 153.5 $m

Marine Finfish, 11.26 $m Southern Bluefin Tuna

Over the past 20 years, the Southern Bluefin Tuna companies, who operate 20 aquaculture licences industry has undergone remarkable growth and over approximately 1,983 hectares. change, transforming from a producer of a low Approximately 325 people were employed in value commodity to an innovative industry using direct activities associated with the tuna industry sophisticated harvesting, ranching, logistics, in 2012-13. marketing and sales techniques to deliver a premium product. Southern Bluefin Tuna are caught in the , transferred to and placed Production is expected to grow as a result of in sea-cages to grow under controlled feeding increased wild catch Southern Bluefin Tuna techniques. Pontoons and nets are used and quotas, restrictions on Pacific Bluefin Tuna catch, designed to hold the tuna. This type of holding research into new markets, significant husbandry facility maximises water flow and minimises improvements and the commencement of long marine growth and is regularly monitored by term grow out. Japan is the largest world market dive teams to maintain the structure’s integrity. for Bluefin Tuna (Pacific, Atlantic and Southern) and is an important market for the South 8000 45 Australian product. 12000 200 Tuna production (tonnes) Oyster production (tonnes) Oyster Value ($m) 180 7000 40 Southern Bluefin Tuna generates the highest 10000 Tuna Value ($m) 160 35 farm-gates sales (AUD$153.50 million) in South 6000 140 8000 30 Australia’s aquaculture industry, accounting 5000 120 for more than half of the state’s gross value of 25 6000 100 4000 aquaculture production in recent years. In 2012- 20 80 3000 $ Million 13 the tuna industry produced 7,486 tonnes. 4000 $ Million 15 60 2000 Production (tonnes) Production (tonnes) Production 10 All of Australia’s tuna farming activity is located 40 2000 1000 in western between 6 and 20 20 5 km offshore of Port Lincoln. In 2014, the 0 0 0 0 South Australian tuna industry comprises 15 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

350 12 Abalone production 1600 3.5 Mussel production (tonnes) Mussel Value ($m) 300 (tonnes) 10 1400 3 Abalone Value ($m) 250 1200 8 2.5 1000 200 2 6 800 150

1.5 $ Million 600

4 $ Million

Production (tonnes) Production 100 1 Production (tonnes) Production 400 2 50 200 0.5

0 0 0 0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

4000 35 Land-based production (tonnes) 3500 30 3000 Land-based Value ($m) 25 2500 20 2000 15 1500 $ Million 10

Production (tonnes) Production 1000

500 5

0 0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 12000 200 8000 45 Tuna production (tonnes) Oyster production (tonnes) Oyster Value ($m) 180 7000 40 10000 Tuna Value ($m) 160 35 6000 140 8000 30 5000 120 25 6000 100 4000 20 80 3000 $ Million 4000 15 $ Million 60 2000 Production (tonnes) Production (tonnes) 10 40 2000 1000 Marine Finfish 20 5

0 0 0 0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10The marine2010/11 finfish2011/12 aquaculture 2012/13industry Fingerlings are hatched2007/08 in land-based2008/09 facilities2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 comprises a number of species including and transferred to sea-cages to grow under Yellowtail Kingfish, Mulloway and Snapper. controlled feeding techniques. Pontoons and 350 Yellowtail Kingfish is the predominant species12 nets are used and designed to hold the finfish Abalone production 1600 3.5 Mussel production (tonnes) Mussel Value ($m) 300 (tonnes) farmed in South Australia. (similar to that of Tuna). This type of holding 10 1400 3 Abalone Value ($m) facility maximizes water flow and minimises 250 In 2012-13 Yellowtail Kingfish generated 1200 8 marine growth and is regularly monitored by 2.5 farm-gate sales of AUD$11.26 million for South 1000 200 dive teams to maintain the structure’s 2 Australia. The finfish industry produced 6889 800 150

integrity. 1.5 $ Million tonnes and employed approximately 60 people 600

4 $ Million

Production (tonnes) 100 1 in direct activities associated with the industry Production (tonnes) 400 2 50 in 2012-13. 200 0.5 0 Production is expected to grow as a result0 of 0 0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10improved2010/11 feeding technology,2011/12 fingerling2012/13 survival 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 rates and farming strategies. All of South Australia’s marine finfish farming activity is located in Spencer Gulf with the

majority of farming concentrated in Boston Bay, 4000 35 Marine Finfish production (tonnes) near Port Lincoln. In 2014, the South Australian 3500 30 Marine Finfish Value ($m) 3000 finfish industry comprises two companies, 25 2500 who operate 22 aquaculture licences over 20 approximately 1,983 hectares. 2000

15 $ Million 1500 10 1000 Production (tonnes) 500 5 0 0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 Oysters

There are seven main oyster growing regions Culturing systems differ from bay-to-bay and across South Australia extending from Ceduna are developed to allow oysters the greatest across to Eyre and York Peninsulas and Kangaroo access to food to ensure that the optimum Island. These regions are growing two species meat to shell ratio is obtained, as well as of oysters including Pacific oysters (Crassostrea preventing disease. gigas) and the Native flat oyster (Ostrea angasi). In 2014, there are 332 licences in South In 2012-13 production value for oysters in South Australia with a total leased area of 940.107 Australia was AUD$35 million, representing hectares. The South Australian Oyster Growers the second largest aquaculture sector in South Association (SAOGA) has approximately Australia. Approximately 687 people were 80 per cent statewide industry membership. employed in direct activities associated with the oyster industry in 2012-13. South Australian oysters are grown in intertidal and subtidal waters using several methods

12000 including traditional rack and rail systems,200 the 8000 45 uniqueTuna production South Australian (tonnes) developed BST longline Oyster production (tonnes) Oyster Value ($m) 180 7000 40 10000 systemTuna Value and ($m) hybrid systems that are suited to 160 35 6000 particular growing areas. 140 8000 30 5000 120 25 6000 100 4000 20 80 3000 $ Million 4000 15 $ Million 60 2000 Production (tonnes) Production (tonnes) Production 10 40 2000 1000 20 5

0 0 0 0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

350 12 Abalone production 1600 3.5 Mussel production (tonnes) Mussel Value ($m) 300 (tonnes) 10 1400 3 Abalone Value ($m) 250 1200 8 2.5 1000 200 2 6 800 150

1.5 $ Million 600

4 $ Million

Production (tonnes) Production 100 1 Production (tonnes) Production 400 2 50 200 0.5

0 0 0 0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

4000 35 Land-based production (tonnes) 3500 30 3000 Land-based Value ($m) 25 2500 20 2000 15 1500 $ Million 10

Production (tonnes) Production 1000

500 5

0 0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 Mussels

The South Australian mussel aquaculture industry is based on the production of the Blue Mussel

12000 (Mytilus galloprovincialis). In 2012-13 total200 8000 45 commercialTuna production production (tonnes) was 1,480 tonnes and Oyster production (tonnes) Oyster Value ($m) 180 7000 40 10000 worthTuna AUD$2.94 Value ($m) million. Approximately 39 160 35 6000 people were employed in direct activities140 8000 30 5000 associated with the mussel industry in 120 25 6000 2012-13. 100 4000 20 In 2014, 38 subtidal (mussel) licences over80 573 3000 4000 $ Million 15 $ Million hectares were located in Boston Bay and60 Louth 2000 Production (tonnes) Production (tonnes) Production 10 40 2000 Bay in lower Spencer Gulf. 1000 20 5 All Australian farmed blue mussels are grown 0 0 0 0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10using 2010/11long-line culture2011/12 techniques.2012/13 Long-lining 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 involves a system of horizontal ropes with buoys to provide flotation, to which vertical droppers

350 are attached every 1–4 m, depending on12 site Abalone production 1600 3.5 conditions. Long-lines are used for spat collection Mussel production (tonnes) Mussel Value ($m) 300 (tonnes) 10 1400 3 Abalone Value ($m) as well as for on-growing juvenile mussels to 250 1200 market size. 8 2.5 1000 200 Mussels are generally harvested after a period of 2 6 800 150

18 months at ~10–11 cm length. 1.5 $ Million 600

4 $ Million

Production (tonnes) Production 100 1 Production (tonnes) Production 400 2 50 200 0.5

0 0 0 0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

4000 35 Land-based production (tonnes) 3500 30 3000 Land-based Value ($m) 25 2500 20 2000 15 1500 $ Million 10

Production (tonnes) Production 1000

500 5

0 0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 Abalone

The primary species of abalone farmed in South Marine abalone aquaculture must obtain the Australia is the highly prized greenlip abalone spat or juvenile abalone for their farms from

(Haliotis laevigata) to cater for a national and land-based12000 hatcheries. These hatcheries 200 8000 45 international Chinese market. operate extensive and intensive grow-out Tuna production (tonnes) Oyster production (tonnes) Oyster Value ($m) 180 7000 40 systems, which10000 are most often based around Tuna Value ($m) In 2014, there are 15 land-based aquaculture 160 35 6000 raceway technologies. 140 sites and 15 marine sites licensed to farm 8000 30 5000 120 abalone in South Australia. These are located Broodstock are sourced from wild and 25 on coastal land or in waters off the West Coast, juvenile abalone6000 and grown in land-based 100 4000 20 Eyre Peninsula and . hatchery complexes. The stock are then 80 3000 4000 $ Million 15 $ Million transferred to sea-cages of benthic 60 2000 Marine and land-based abalone production (tonnes) Production (tonnes) Production 10 40 structures where2000 the abalone are on-grown in 2012-13 was 236 tonnes and valued at 1000 20 5 AUD$8.6 million. Approximately 44 people until harvested for market. 0 0 0 0 were employed in direct activities associated 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 with the abalone industry in 2012-13. The two types of marine abalone farming systems utilised in 2014 include sea-cage 350 12 Abalone production 1600 3.5 Mussel production (tonnes) Mussel Value ($m) technology and benthic structures. 300 (tonnes) 10 1400 3 Abalone Value ($m) 250 1200 8 2.5 1000 200 2 6 800 150

1.5 $ Million 600

4 $ Million

Production (tonnes) Production 100 1 Production (tonnes) Production 400 2 50 200 0.5

0 0 0 0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

4000 35 Land-based production (tonnes) 3500 30 3000 Land-based Value ($m) 25 2500 20 2000 15 1500 $ Million 10

Production (tonnes) Production 1000

500 5

0 0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 12000 200 8000 45 Tuna production (tonnes) Oyster production (tonnes) Oyster Value ($m) 180 7000 40 10000 Tuna Value ($m) 160 35 6000 140 8000 30 5000 120 25 6000 100 4000 20 80 3000 4000 $ Million 15 $ Million 60 2000 Production (tonnes) Production (tonnes) Production 10 40 Land-based 2000 1000 20 5

0 0 0 0 The land-based sector is the most diverse of the Land-based aquaculture2007/08 licences2008/09 are located2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 South Australian aquaculture industry in terms all over South Australia including the Eyre of farming systems and culture species. Species Peninsula, , Kangaroo Island, farmed include freshwater and marine finfish, Adelaide 350Hills, and South East. 12 Abalone production 1600 3.5 marron, yabbies, algae and marine molluscs. Mussel production (tonnes) Mussel Value ($m) A number300 of production(tonnes) systems are utilised 10 1400 3 In 2014, there are 112 land-based aquaculture by the land-based aquacultureAbalone Value sector. ($m) The 250 1200 licences in South Australia. most popular systems are pond culture, 8 2.5 1000 recirculating200 aquaculture systems and 2 Land-based licence holders consist of private 6 800 150 flow-through systems. 1.5 $ Million businesses, educational and research facilities as 600 4 $ Million

Production (tonnes) Production 100 1 well as tourism and hobby farm businesses. (tonnes) Production 400 2 In 2012-13 the land-based aquaculture sector 50 200 0.5 in South Australia produced approximately 3,729 0 0 0 0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 tonnes at a value of $31.4 million; the major 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 species being Algae, Barramundi, freshwater crayfish (Yabby and Marron) and Rainbow Trout. Approximately 79 people were employed in direct activities associated with the land-based 4000 35 Land-based production (tonnes) aquaculture industry in 2012-13. 3500 30 3000 Land-based Value ($m) 25 2500 20 2000 15 1500 $ Million 10

Production (tonnes) Production 1000

500 5

0 0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 Industry Innovation

Propagated Southern Bluefin Tuna fishery, the Tuna Boat Owners Association of experiencing significant increase in the stocks’ Clean Seas Tuna have been conducting research SA, Japanese Overseas Fisheries Cooperative ability to put on weight throughout the ranching into closing the life cycle of the Southern Bluefin Foundation and the State Government undertook process, along with a significant reduced Tuna with the aim to enhance the availability a collaborative research and development project mortality rate of stock associated with disease. of this valuable stock for aquaculture in to assess the feasibility of establishing a Southern South Australia and increase the value of the Bluefin Tuna farming industry in South Australia. Integrated multi trophic aquaculture industry. Early successes were recognised by This led to the establishment of commercial tuna Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) refers Time magazine as the second most innovative ranching off the coast of Port Lincoln. to the farming of different aquaculture species invention in 2009. Since then the Southern Bluefin Tuna sector together in a way that allows one species’ wastes has continued to look for both expansion and to be recycled as feed for another. Typically IMTA Benthic abalone aquaculture diversification opportunities within the Lower Eyre systems combine an aquaculture species that South Australian aquaculture licence holders Peninsula. In 2010, offshore pilot leases were requires external feeding, such as salmon and are trialing benthic structures for abalone trialed in Spencer Gulf with a means to improve other finfish, with species capable of deriving production, which more similarly replicate the growth and reduce the impacts of aquatic animal nutrients from the wastes of the ‘fed’ species. natural habitat that abalone is grown on. Although disease. In 2013 the Lower Eyre Peninsula By recycling nutrients that would otherwise be these structures have not yet been used in South Aquaculture Zone policy was amended to include wasted, IMTA systems offer farmers the potential Australia, successful trials of this method of offshore areas to enable industry expansion. of increased economic gains. IMTA systems farming have taken place in Western Australia. could also lead to “greener” aquaculture Adaption to the offshore environment involved practices through the reduction in waste modification of infrastructure and logistics for Offshore aquaculture development products in the marine environment. growers. Although there is significant cost and In the late 1980’s in response to the ongoing risk to this form of aquaculture with growers decline in the traditional pole and line wild Industry Innovation

Value adding initiatives Industry is continuously coming up with value adding initiatives to improve/diversify their products. Some examples of this include packaging of live mussels and developing a premium range of spawnless oysters that are available all year round, varying in size, colour and taste, with appeal to different consumer tastes and markets.

BST Adjustable Longline Oyster Farm System The BST Adjustable Longline Oyster Farming System was developed in South Australia, produced and commercialised by three local growers to suit the rough and weedy conditions in Franklin Harbour. The system is now recognised world-wide as an example of best practice oyster farming and has added to the positive growth of Cowell in the Eyre Peninsula region along with the overall development of the State’s aquaculture industry. Future Trends

Trends in production and value are expected With continued growth in seafood demand to grow as the industry works to develop and expected both globally and domestically, markets The South Australian Government is implement new technologies and species. that value premium sustainable seafood are committed to working with industry Looking ahead, the South Australian Government providing increasing opportunities for South is committed to working with industry to ensure Australian producers and investors alike. There to ensure the state remains at the the state remains at the forefront of Australian is potential for growth and value-adding to be forefront of Australian aquaculture realised in the production of Southern Bluefin aquaculture planning, management and planning, management and development and that future industry growth Tuna, Oysters, Mussels, Kingfish, Algae and continues in a productive, competitive innovative Abalone, as well as the opportunity to culture development. and ecologically sustainable way. and develop new species. This cooperative approach to research, planning, management and environmental monitoring processes is assisting the industry to make significant inroads in international and domestic markets.

©Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) 2014. This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwlth), no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from PIRSA. This information can be provided in an alternative format or another language on request for those who need it.

CONTACT US: PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND REGIONS SA (PIRSA) Level 14, 25 Grenfell Street GPO Box 1671 Adelaide SA 5001 Phone: 8226 0900 Fax: 8226 0476 www.pir.sa.gov.au

Thanks to Regional Development Australia – Eyre Peninsula for use of photos from the Seafood Frontier booklet.