"Australia, especially Queensland, is well placed to take advantage of freshwater finfish aquaculture. We are lucky to have an abundance of suitable land, that is, land with excellent clay close to the surface. The obvious disadvantage is a distinct lack of water. However this is only a "relative" lack. Plenty of other countries have thriving freshwater aquaculture industries with much less water than we have. (Perhaps we are a little spoiled?) With some thought and planning even the driest places in Australia could be actively involved in aquaculture. It is very early days for those entering this industry.

For the table fish grow-out sector the future looks very promising. There are a number of native Australian fishes that have excellent eating quality and some of these are already being farmed. It is my firm belief that this sector of aquaculture will become a leading primary industry in Australia, especially Queensland. 

Hatcheries producing fingerlings have a positive future as the interest in freshwater angling increases, and the demand for fingerlings to the developing grow-out sector increases. 

Fifteen years ago freshwater angling in southern Queensland was virtually non existent. To be sure of a catch it was necessary to try your luck in far north Queensland where the famous Barramundi resided. Today however, it is almost possible for the freshwater angler to be guaranteed of a catch in most impoundments in southern Queensland. With the introduction of a permit to fish some of these impoundments the stocking of fingerlings is set to increase. The money raised from the permit goes towards the purchase of fingerlings. 

This is a promising situation for those experienced and proven hatcheries producing these fingerlings. The ornamental fish producers are also seeing a favourable reception from their market sector. The domestic wholesalers are keen to source the stock from within Australia. Imported ornamental fish are required to undergo a prescribed period of quarantine. This is an expensive process and space in licensed quarantine facilities is limited. Any fish that can be obtained locally leaves precious room for a different species to go through the quarantine process."

Being a member of the AAQ will give individuals and companies contact with the other industry members. The AAQ holds regular workshops and conferences for members. At these meetings issues are covered which affect the future of the industry. The very latest production developments and information is available through these meetings. Take a look at the "conference page" of this web site for details of theses meetings. Members also have access to a comprehensive video/DVD library. The information contained in this library cannot be found in any books. This is an extremely valuable resource.

Another vital function of the AAQ is the represent the industry at all levels of government. Without this representation government departments would have no central point of contact with industry. This would result in policy development which often impacts adversely on industries and/or individuals. The costs associated with this representation can be high. Without a strong industry organisation this representation would not be possible."