| | | The black bream is a relatively hardy species that is adaptable to a range of environments. This may provide some aquaculture options, from brackish ponds, or ponds in salt-damaged farming land, through to ocean cage culture. The species has an established market acceptance Australia-wide. Related species of sparids are successfully cultured in sea cages and tanks in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Asia, especially Japan (Cataudella et al., 1995). The black bream is also a popular sport fish and may offer potential for stocking recreational fishing waters | |
Growth Rate IssuesThe major concern is whether growth rates are adequate for commercial aquaculture. Due to the existence of genetically discrete strains, it is possible that some black bream populations could demonstrate desirable characteristics for aquaculture, including more rapid growth. Alternatively, selective breeding could be attempted. In the shorter term, low intensity farming in saline farm dams, for personal use or fish-out operations, is the most likely use for diet-reared black bream (other than for restocking estuaries on an experimental basis). A new project, involving Murdoch University and the FMC, will address key issues of reducing predation by cormorants and improving food supply for black bream (Sarre, in prep). However, unless information to the contrary is generated by such research, the Department of Fisheries does not recommend the stocking of juvenile black bream in freshwater dams in southern areas. Informtation courtesy of the WA Department of Fisheries  |