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Aquaculture is a relatively new farming activity in Western Australia. Aquaculture farmers cultivate marine and freshwater animals and plants in both natural and artificial environments. Fish, shellfish or plants are raised for our consumption, to replace stocks that have been 'fished out' and for pharmaceuticals and jewellery.
''In Western Australia, we are still at the stage of determining the optimum conditions for cultivating species that are unique to our part of the world,'' says aquaculture farmer, Scott Bellerby.
It's Not All Fishy Business
Aquaculture farmers are involved in all aspects of the planning, design and operation of hatcheries where breeding takes place, and grow-out ponds and floating fish cages, where fish are raised. They are also involved in the marketing of their product and the management of the overall business and its finances.
Aquaculture technicians usually work under the supervision of a qualified aquaculture farmer. They undertake the many detailed tasks and processes involved in the cultivation of freshwater and marine life and the care of their environment. In many cases, particularly on small farms, aquaculture farmers also perform these duties.
On a typical aquaculture farm, there's a grow-out facility, as well as brood stock (adult breeding fish) ponds and a hatchery. Because female fish in captivity don't usually spawn naturally, eggs that are laid are often fertilised artificially to produce fish larvae.
The technician anaesthetises the fish, separates the males and females and then injects the females with hormones to induce spawning. In some cases, the aquaculture technician is required to manually extract eggs from female fish and mix them with sperm for fertilisation.
In addition to raising the eggs, technicians are responsible for feeding the stock, preparing algal cultures, which are essential to the feeding process, and ensuring that the environment is in optimum condition. They also collect and record growth, production, and water quality data, check stock for disease and treat them when necessary.
The harvesting of fish is also undertaken by aquaculture technicians using a variety of techniques. To maintain the freshness of the fish, technicians bag and box them live for transportation to a processing plant, to the fish markets or for release into the wild.
An Expanding Sector
In general, employment opportunities for both aquaculture technicians and farmers are on the increase as major developments in the industry look set to take off. At the moment, it is projected that areas for major growth are Broome, Shark Bay, Exmouth, Wheatbelt region, Albany and Pemberton. Employers include the Fisheries Department, CSIRO, aquaculture farmers, the research departments of universities, and private enterprise.
Opportunities for employment in some regional areas are likely to expand with the continued development of 'mine void' aquaculture or 'arid land' aquaculture, where cultivation takes place in expended mine voids and salt lakes. Some traditional aquaculture farms are also beginning to diversify into aquaculture tourism activities.
Curtin University Head of Department of Applied Biosciences, Glen Whisson, explains that mining companies with an environmental responsibility to rehabilitate mine sites are considering aquaculture.
''Mine sites can be filled in with soil and the trees replanted. Another option is to look at using some of these sites for aquaculture and recreational fishing.''
Glen adds that anyone can get involved in aquaculture, as there are so many areas to go into.
Anyone for Science?
''Ecotoxicology studies is an area you might want to consider if you enjoy science. As an ecotoxicologist, you might find yourself consulting to industry or researching the effects of natural and synthetic pollutants on aquatic animals, plants and micro-organisms. Or, as a fish farm hand, you'll spend most of your time undertaking general labouring duties on the farm,'' says Scott Bellerby.
For others considering research, opportunities in this area are expanding due to a recent state government aquatic strategy.
However, Glen stresses the need for people to combine aquaculture studies with other sciences, where possible, to enhance one's employment opportunities in aquaculture-related industries.
You'll need to be physically fit to work on a farm, and those involved in research must have excellent problem solving skills. It's highly likely you'll also need a scuba diving and boat driving licence if you want to work in the marine area.
There are opportunities to become a self-employed fish farmer; however, you'll have to come up with an innovative idea, and seek out interested investors. To do this, an aquaculture licence is required, and it's important to note that aquaculture is an expensive development that has its share of risks.
Salaries for both aquaculture farmers and technicians start at around $30,000, possibly reaching $50,000 for those with high level qualifications and experience. Self-employed aquaculture farmers may earn above this amount, when the farm is well established. For a better idea about salaries, you could contact an organisation such as the Department of Fisheries (WA).
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