aq•ua•cul•ture: the commercial farming of fish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants, in natural or controlled marine or freshwater environments; underwater agriculture.

With increasing pressure on wild fish stocks, aquaculture is a growing industry in NSW.

The Aquaculture Unit of the NSW Department of Primary Industries is responsible for working with the industries, the community and other agencies to ensure aquaculture develops in a sustainable manner - both environmentally and economically.

We're conducting extensive aquaculture research. We have pioneered the way for farming of a number of species, such as silver perch, snapper and oysters, and are leading the way in the development and transfer of technology to industry to support aquaculture.

We're also helping to enhance job creation and economic growth in rural NSW by encouraging responsible aquaculture investment. [more]

• Aquaculture facts and figures 2009
• Ornamental fish update – important information [62Kb]