Aquaculture is the commercial cultivation of aquatic animals or marine vegetation for the purpose of harvesting the animals or marine vegetation (or their progeny) for sale. It may also be the keeping of animals or marine vegetation in a confined area for commercial purposes like a tourism fish-out facility.

NSW aquaculture produces a diverse range of sensational seafood including oysters, marine and freshwater fish, yabbies, mussels and prawns. The quality seafood produced by NSW aquaculture farms has won many fine food awards and accolades from food writers from across Australia.

Aquaculture is an increasingly important sector to support the future food security needs of the state.

Aquaculture contributed more than $113 million to the NSW economy in 2022-23 and provides over 2,321 full and part time jobs in regional areas.

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is encouraging the ecologically sustainable development of aquaculture to ensure production of wholesome, highest quality seafood for the Australian public and for export.