How navigate through ACWA's Aquaculture Information Gateway

"In the fish farming business, only the best prepared can survive. Every decision must be made after thoughtful consideration, but all too often impatience and the prospect of a ‘quick buck’ makes even the most level head lose sight of the end goal - survival"

- John Dalimore

This section of the ACWA website has been designed to provide a one-stop-shop to Western Australian aquaculture information. The main aim is to allow existing aquaculturists and soon-to-be aquaculturists find key information to assist them to better manage their farm management and research and evaluate potential business opportunities.

Aquaculture can be a good business option, but like all businesses it has an element of risk which needs to be understood, evaluated and managed. It is critical to realistically evaluate the prospects of a good financial return and the feasibility of the operation.In order to prevent some of the pitfalls, any intending farmer should seek a wide range of advice. To assist you ACWA has put together the Aquaculture Gateway:

Each section of the gateway links the user to articles, documents, publications or other websites that will be useful in the development of their aquaculture venture.

Under each species area, information is divided into six sections that are critical to any aquaculturists business - market and marketing, business planning, farm management, production systems, government approvals and assistance.

Aquaculture Production System	Production Intensity	Suitable Species	What species can I grow in my water source?
Pond Culture Pond aquaculture is the use of earthen impoundments, generally with water supply and drainage infrastructure incorporated, to grow fish and crustaceans. Ponds are the most widely used structure for commercial aquaculture production and are most commonly used in fresh and brackish water aquaculture. In Western Australia, ponds for aquaculture production are generally static (ie. no regular water exchange, eg farm dams), however, intensive systems with high stocking and feed rates and regular water exchange are utilised to produce trout.	extensive to semi-intensive	Yabby Marron Mussels Silver Perch Trout Barramundi	Salinity Calculator
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are systems which re-use water with mechanical and biological treatment between each use. A recirculating system generally occupies very little area, requires less water than conventional aquaculture, allows higher stocking densities and provides a predictable and constant environment for the culture species.	intensive	Silver Perch Trout Barramundi Murray Cod Ornamental Fish	Salinity Calculator
Flow Through Systems Flow through systems are generally used for the intensive production of marine finfish eg Mahi mahi and abalone and may either be designed as ponds, tanks or raceways. This type of farming requires considerable amounts of water to be pumped or diverted from adjacent waterways, passed through the tanks and discharged back into the waterway.	intensive	Abalone Trout Barramundi	Salinity Calculator
Longlines The use of longlines is a key component in many marine based aquaculture industries around the world. Longlines are generally used for the culture of shellfish, algal and sponge species. Shellfish traditionally cultured using this system include mussels, edible oysters, pearl oysters, scallop and abalone. Extensive	extensive	Mussels Pearl Oysters	Salinity Calculator
Cage Culture Cage culture is an aquaculture production system where fish are held in floating net pens. Cages are widely used in commercial aquaculture overseas and individual cage units come in many shapes and sizes. Each cage systems can be tailored to suit individual farmer's needs and culture environment. Cages can be used in both freshwater and marine environments.	semi-intensive to intensive	Silver Perch Snapper Southern Bluefin Tuna Trout Barramundi Murray Cod Ornamental Fish	Salinity Calculator

How navigate through ACWA's Aquaculture Information Gateway

Aquaculture Production System

Production Intensity

Suitable

Species

What species can I grow in my water source?