November 26, 2024

 

Pompano aquaculture set to boost Australia's economy by over US$649 million

Australia's economy could see a significant boost with the establishment of a new white-flesh fish industry following successful breeding trials and positive market testing of the pompano (Trachinotus anak).

 

The initiative, led by the Australia's science agency CSIRO, has the potential to add over AUD 1 billion (US$649 million) to the economy.

 

The pompano, identified as well-suited for aquaculture in northern Australia's tropical climate, presents a sustainable solution to meet growing demand for locally sourced seafood. The development also aims to reduce the country's reliance on imported white-flesh fish, which currently amounts to 100,000 tonnes annually.

 

"The pompano is a robust, sociable fish endemic to northern Australia that grows really quickly and tastes great, making it an ideal candidate for adapting to our aquaculture environments," said lead scientist Dr Polly Hilder. "We're bringing a new species to Australian plates to give consumers more options while opening new export opportunities to strengthen Australia's white-flesh fish industry. We're now working to scale production processes in commercial trials with industry."

 

Early market testing has indicated strong culinary appeal for the pompano. Chefs have praised its versatility, ease of preparation, and taste, according to research conducted by Fishtales. The fish's qualities will be highlighted at AgCatalyst2024, where Andy Allen, MasterChef Australia judge and co-owner of Three Blue Ducks, will conduct a live cooking demonstration.

 

CSIRO is collaborating with industry partners to accelerate the pompano's introduction into the mainstream market. This effort aims to diversify Australia's seafood market, reduce dependence on imports, and establish a sustainable aquaculture sector.

 

"We're applying innovative circular economy approaches designed around welfare that make use of resources end-to-end – from capturing value from production processes, through to utilizing the whole fish at the consumer end," said Hilder. "For example, fish waste is high in phosphorous and nitrogen nutrients and can be turned into valuable by-products such as fertilizer capsules."

 

According to CSIRO's National Protein Roadmap, the goal of producing 50,000 tonnes of white-flesh fish annually could create over 1,000 jobs. This initiative is part of CSIRO's broader effort to develop sustainable protein solutions to meet growing global demand. The agency's aquaculture research encompasses breeding, genomics, health, nutrition, and production processes, ensuring a comprehensive approach to advancing the industry.

 

-      Global Seafood Alliance