Land based - getting started

Getting started

To become a land-based aquaculture producer, you will need a land-based aquaculture permit:

1. Class C – allows the activity of extensive aquaculture (no food or nutrients are provided), such as finfish, crustacea or oyster nursery.
2. Class D – allows the activity of intensive aquaculture (food and nutrients are provided) such as Murray Cod production.
3. Class E - allows the activity of extensive aquaculture on two or more properties, such as growing Yabbies in farm dams.
4. Class F – allows the operation of a commercial fish-out.
5. Class H – allows the operation of a commercial hatchery.

To apply for an aquaculture permit, start with the <new permit application kit>. You will need to prepare a commercial farm development plan (CFDP) and a biosecurity management plan.

In most instances, if you are looking to build aquaculture infrastructure on your property, you will need development consent from your local Council. This approval will need to be finalised before DPIRD will give you an aquaculture permit.

If you are interested in starting up a land-based aquaculture business, it is essential that you read the NSW Land Based Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy (LBSAS) 2021