What is aquaculture?

Aquaculture is defined by the Fisheries Management Act 1994 as the production, breeding or rearing of fish (including crustaceans, invertebrates, marine plants etc) for the purposes of sale, trade or barter [more]

Where can I find information on aquaculture?

You will find general and specific information about aquaculture on this web site. This site also has links to a number of other useful sites. If further information is required, contact NSW DPI aquaculture or client services staff for assistance. Also see the NSW Aquaculture Industry Directory.

Do I need a permit to conduct aquaculture?

Aquaculture as defined by the Fisheries Management Act 1994 does require a permit. There are different types of permit depending on the type of activity you are doing, covering everything from hatchery, fishout, land and sea based culture. More information on the types of permits and the permit application process can be obtained from this web site or by talking to staff from the Aquaculture Administration section. If you only wish to produce fish in farm dams for your own consumption, an aquaculture permit is not required.

Do I need an aquaculture permit to breed aquarium fish or other small scale production (eg yabbies for bait)?

If you intend to sell any of the animals, regardless of the size or intensity of the operation, you will require an aquaculture permit.

Once I have an aquaculture permit, where can I sell my product?

Holding an aquaculture permit allows you to sell your product direct to retailers, the public or other markets eg restaurants and clubs, or through registered fish markets such as the Sydney Fish Markets. More information on available markets can be obtained by speaking to the various aquaculture associations, or by speaking to the Sydney Fish Markets.
There is a list of associations in the NSW Aquaculture Industry Directory.

How much will a permit cost me?

Aquaculture permit costs vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for. See the Aquaculture Fee Schedule. There are also annual fees attached to aquaculture permits. Aquaculture farms are required to pay an annual administration fee and an annual research levy. More information can be obtained from this web site, or by speaking to staff from the Aquaculture Administration section.

Where are the best places to put an aquaculture farm?

There are specific criteria that must be considered when investigating a potential site for aquaculture. These include water access, topography, climate, soil type, and proximity to markets, support and infrastructure. These are covered in more detail in the NSW DPI document Site Selection and Design for Aquaculture Facilities.

Also available is the North Coast Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy. This document includes sections on site selection and design of aquaculture facilities, and includes some mapping of potential estuarine culture sites on the north coast, using GIS technology. These maps take into account factors such as proximity to flood heights, acid sulphate soils, and water, and provide a good general guide for investors to narrow the search. NSW DPI is currently working on a strategy to cover all NSW. See also the Hunter and Central Coast Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy.

For oyster farming information the NSW Oyster Industry Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy (OISAS) is available on this website.  OISAS identifies priority oyster aquaculture areas to promote and environmentally sustainable oyster industry.

Can NSW DPI provide me with any funding to start an aquaculture farm?

NSW DPI is not a grant funding agency, and cannot provide financial support to any project for the purposes of establishing or operating an aquaculture operation. NSW DPI can however assist with sourcing funding from other agencies, by providing details on funding schemes and contacts.

Are there any aquaculture associations or support groups?

Yes, there are a number of aquaculture associations that cover a wide range of aquaculture sectors. There is a list of these associations in the NSW Aquaculture Industry Directory or contact NSW DPI Aquaculture staff.

Do I need a permit to stock my farm dam with fish or yabbies?

No - a permit is not required provided that the farm dam is man made and located on a private property, and the species to be stocked comply with all NSW DPI policy.

What type of fish are suitable for stocking into my farm dam?

Fish in Farm Dams details the most appropriate species for stocking, stocking densities etc and should answer any questions on this matter you may have.

Where can I obtain fingerlings to stock my farm dam?

Fingerlings can be obtained from any hatchery with a license to produce that particular species. See the NSW Aquaculture Industry Directory.

Do I need a permit to stock fish into natural waterways or impoundments?

Yes - a permit is required to stock fish into any public impoundment, natural waterway, river, billabong, lake, wetland, stream etc. Proponents need to put the request in writing stating the species name, amount to be stocked, where they will be stocked and from which hatchery they will be purchased.

What educational courses are available for aquaculture?

There are a number of courses on aquaculture available, both through Universities and TAFE. Details on these courses can be obtained from the NSW Aquaculture Industry Directory produced by NSW DPI and the Department of State and Regional Development. See also the Austasia Aquaculture Trade Directory. 

How much is NSW aquaculture worth?

See the Aquaculture Production Reports for details on the aquaculture industry in NSW.