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Aquaculture market guide

Aquaculture in Australia: suppliers, costs and project planning

FishMatch Group helps commercial buyers in Australia source aquaculture equipment and complete farm projects through a private, human-reviewed RFQ process. Key species are salmon, barramundi, shrimp; typical water temperatures are 12–30 °C and industrial electricity costs about USD 0.24 per kWh.

Tasmanian salmon cages and northern barramundi and prawn farms drive Australia's sector under strict biosecurity import rules.

Open the Australia fish farm cost calculatorRequest a reviewed quote

Key planning facts

Main species
salmon, barramundi, shrimp
Common systems
Cages, Ponds, RAS (recirculating)
Water temperature
12–30 °C
Industrial electricity
USD 0.24 / kWh
Water cost
≈ USD 2.50 / m³
Compound feed
≈ A$2 (≈ $2) / kg
VAT / GST on equipment
10%
Currency
AUD (≈ 1.52 / USD)
Licensing authority
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and state agencies
Main import ports
Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart
See vetted supplier categories for Australia

What to check before requesting quotes in Australia

  1. Confirm your water source and year-round temperature (12–30 °C) for salmon.
  2. Budget energy carefully: at about USD 0.24/kWh, pumping and aeration are a major operating cost.
  3. Start permits and environmental licensing early with Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and state agencies.
  4. Plan equipment logistics and lead times through Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart.
  5. Check water rights or tariffs: municipal water costs about USD 2.50 per m³, so RAS make-up water and pond filling need a secured source.
  6. Budget taxes: standard VAT/GST is 10% on equipment; ask about import duty exemptions for aquaculture.

Electricity: GlobalPetrolPrices business tariffs (2026). Water tariffs and exchange rates are estimates; VAT is the standard national rate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a fish farm cost in Australia?

An indicative 250-tonne-per-year RAS in Australia costs roughly A$4.4M (≈ $2.9M) – A$6.9M (≈ $4.6M) in equipment and installation, before land and buildings. Ponds and cages usually cost less per tonne. Use the calculator for your species and scale, then request supplier quotes.

Which fish and shrimp are farmed in Australia?

Commercial projects in Australia mainly focus on salmon, barramundi, shrimp.

Who licenses aquaculture in Australia?

Licensing and environmental approval usually involve Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and state agencies. Requirements change, so confirm with the authority before committing capital.

Does FishMatch Group sell equipment?

No. FishMatch Group is an independent, human-reviewed sourcing service. We qualify your project, match it with vetted suppliers and keep supplier details private until an introduction is approved.

More Australia questions: see the market FAQ

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