Aquaculture

Major aquaculture hub 

The Rockhampton Region is home to Queensland’s largest aquaculture development areas and is poised to be a major aquaculture hub close to major transport and logistic options.

The global community will face enormous challenges by the middle of the 21st century when the world’s population is expected to exceed 9 billion people, with the aquaculture industry playing a pivotal role in providing the world’s protein needs.

The Rockhampton Region provides significant opportunities for various saltwater species to be grown. These include black tiger prawns and barramundi with niche potential for Cobia (Black Kingfish), Queensland Groper, Sea Cucumbers and Artemia (Brine Shrimp).

Freshwater species including Redclaw, Jade Perch and Freshwater Eels are also well suited to Rockhampton.

Commercial seaweed and algae production is also an opportunity. Production of these species has the potential for a more advanced circular economy to be enabled, linking potential products such as seaweed fertilisers, seaweed based livestock feed or algae based protein supplements to the Rockhampton Region’s various agricultural supply chains. 

View the Advancing Aquaculture in Rockhampton document(PDF, 2MB) to learn more about aquaculture opportunities in the Rockhampton Region.