TOTAL production of NSW aquaculture has increased by almost five per cent to $52 million, according to the latest yearly snapshot released by the Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald on Monday.
He said the NSW Government’s Aquaculture Production report revealed the industry continued to prosper.
“The NSW aquaculture sector produces high quality seafood and provides employment and significant contributions to many regional communities,” Mr Macdonald said.
“Aquaculture covers all farmed fish in NSW, including oysters, prawns, ornamental fish, silver perch, trout and yabbies.
“The value of the Sydney rock oyster industry rose by 4 per cent in the past year to $36 million, this is our most valuable aquaculture industry.”
Mr Macdonald said the report revealed the Hawkesbury River was on its way to regaining its historical position as a major oyster producing estuary in NSW.
His statement follows the devastating impact of QX oyster disease in 2004.
“Drought has had an ongoing impact on freshwater aquaculture farms but despite this, production figures are still comparable to last financial year and the easing of the drought in some regions has resulted in a 48 per cent increase in hatchery production,” he said.
“Prawn farming also increased in production by 8 per cent to $3 million.”
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