Thinking of Buying a Fish Farm in Australia? Here Are 3 Vital Questions to Ask
Australia’s aquaculture industry, which includes fish, crustacean, and mollusc farming, generated $2.83 billion in revenue in 2025 across 1,126 enterprises, employing more than 8,000 people.
Salmon remains the dominant species, accounting for over one-third of total production value, with Tasmania producing about 75% of Australia’s farmed salmon and trout. Other key products include prawns, tuna, barramundi, and oysters. Despite rising competition from cheaper imports and growing environmental scrutiny, the domestic aquaculture sector continues to expand through innovation, sustainability, and government-backed investment in marine farming infrastructure.
1. Is the Business Environmentally Compliant and Technologically Efficient?
Why It Matters:
Environmental regulation and sustainability are at the core of modern aquaculture operations. Businesses that meet compliance standards while integrating new technologies are more likely to maintain profitability and avoid costly shutdowns.
What to Check:
-
Regulatory approvals – Fish farms must comply with state-level environmental and water-quality permits, as well as the Australian Aquaculture Code of Conduct, which sets national sustainability benchmarks.
-
Production methods – Modern recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) recycle water in closed loops, minimising waste and improving efficiency. Huon Aquaculture’s $110 million RAS facility at Whale Point, Tasmania, is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
-
Feed management – Feed costs make up the largest share of expenses. Efficient feed formulations and alternative plant-based proteins help reduce input costs.
-
Disease control – Monitoring systems and genetic breeding programs improve fish health and resilience against outbreaks such as infectious salmon anaemia.
-
Waste and environmental impact – Farms must manage water quality and prevent contamination, as seen with Tasmanian regulations following salmon waste concerns in Macquarie Harbour.
2. How Stable Are Supply Chains and Market Demand?
Why It Matters:
Fish farming success depends on balancing strong local demand with export opportunities while managing exposure to fluctuating global seafood prices and competition.
What to Check:
-
Domestic consumption – Per capita seafood consumption in Australia has grown by 0.6% annually since 1991, though it is forecast to decline slightly due to higher living costs.
-
Export reliance – Aquaculture exports totalled $37 million in 2025, led by salmon and tuna, with key markets in Japan, China, and the US.
-
Import competition – Around 62% of seafood consumed in Australia is imported, mainly from Asia, putting downward pressure on local prices.
-
Wholesale partnerships – Major supermarket chains like Coles and Woolworths increasingly bypass wholesalers, buying directly from farms to cut costs.
-
Industry consolidation – Acquisitions by foreign investors such as Cooke (Tassal) and JBS (Huon Aquaculture) show a trend toward larger, more integrated producers.
3. Is the Business Positioned for Growth in a Sustainable Future?
Why It Matters:
Long-term growth will come from sustainability leadership, product diversification, and adapting to consumer preferences for healthy and ethically produced seafood.
What to Check:
-
Sustainability credentials – Government support and consumer demand are pushing farms to adopt eco-friendly production systems and traceable sourcing.
-
Product diversification – Expanding into barramundi, prawns, and oysters helps reduce reliance on salmon while tapping into new export channels.
-
Climate adaptation – Farms must plan for extreme weather and warming waters, which can affect yields and trigger regulatory restrictions.
-
Innovation and automation – AI-based feeding systems and automated monitoring improve efficiency and reduce labour costs, helping offset rising wages.
-
Government support – The 2024 National Aquaculture Statement reinforces federal commitment to sustainable seafood production and First Nations engagement.
Ready to Invest in a Thriving Fish Farm Business?
With domestic seafood demand rising and wild fish stocks in decline, aquaculture remains one of Australia’s most sustainable growth sectors.
Businesses that prioritise environmental compliance, efficient production, and strategic innovation are best placed to capitalise on the steady expansion of Australia’s premium seafood market.
For Buyers:
Create an account to set up alerts here.
For Sellers:
Sell Your Business here.
