Aquaculture hatcheries

Hatcheries are facilities that hold adult broodstock to induce spawning under carefully controlled conditions. This process produces eggs and larvae for on-growing, as well as for the aquarium trade.

Hatcheries supply seed stock to:

• commercial aquaculture grow-out farms
• the aquarium trade
• fish stocking programs.

A hatchery may produce juveniles for sale or it may be part of a larger aquaculture operation.

Species

Queensland hatcheries produce a diverse range of marine and freshwater species from both tropical and temperate climates.

Marine:

• aquarium fish and invertebrates
• barramundi
• black tiger prawns
• pearl and rock oysters
• scallops.

Freshwater:

• aquarium fish and invertebrates
• Australian bass
• golden perch
• jade perch
• Murray cod
• redclaw crayfish
• silver perch
• sleepy cod.

Grow-out aquaculture

Many grow-out aquaculture operations produce juveniles in their own hatchery facilities, while other growers rely on stock produced by independent Queensland hatcheries.

Some grow-out farms source juveniles from interstate hatcheries. You must follow strict translocation and biosecurity protocols when moving or importing aquatic animal stock.

Design and facilities

A hatchery typically contains:

• a broodstock holding and spawning area
• feed culture facility
• larval culture area
• juvenile culture area
• pump facilities
• laboratory and quarantine area.

The design of a hatchery will be determined by:

• the site requirements
• the species being produced
• funding available.

Accreditation

The Aquaculture Association of Queensland offers accreditation for professional commercial hatcheries under its Commercial Hatchery Code of Best Practice.