As the global demand for fresh seafood increases, so does the pressure on the world's wild stocks. In Australia, overfishing has led to restocking programs as well as size and bag limits for commercial and recreational fishing. Aquaculture is one way to guarantee the survival of many threatened fish species, on which the world's delicate ecosystem depends. It also provides a far more reliable supply chain for wholesalers and retailers.
Palmers Island Mulloway is a pioneer in aquaculture. We are committed to providing high quality product in a way that is environmentally responsible and ecologically sustainable. With increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues, Mulloway has huge growth potential for diners who are environmentally aware.
Traditionally, Mulloway have been fished in the wild. However, they are an ideal fish for aquaculture. They are hardy, fast-growing and highly adaptable. They have a natural preference to form schools and spend long periods of time 'hovering' rather than swimming.They naturally live in a range of salinities and prefer slightly turbid water, especially as juveniles. Mulloway enjoy an environment with minimal disturbances from humans and other animals and adjust readily to non-river conditions.
Palmers Island Mulloway is leading the way for land based aquaculture in this species. Palmers Island Mulloway, in partnership with the National Maritime Research Centre, aims to build a working model for growing Mulloway to market size using ponds. The joint project focuses on growth rates, feed conversion rates, stocking densities and more, over a two year period. The aim is to develop the 'Mulloway' industry and see this fish on every menu in Australia.
Environmental Concerns and Sustainability
Aquaculture has occasionally received bad press owing to dubious farming practices, including the use of illegal drugs and practices in ignorance of their environmental impact. Many of these practices are confined to overseas farmers. Unfortunately, international farming practices can incorrectly adversely impact on the reputation of the Australian aquaculture industry.
In contrast to the majority of overseas farmers, Australian aquaculture farmers adhere to some of the strictest environmental standards in the world. The standards are enforced by various government agencies. In New South Wales alone, there are several regulators: the NSW Fisheries Department, the Environmental Protection Agency, Local Government and the NSW Food and Safety Authority.
Palmers Island Mulloway is committed to maintaining and going beyond the high standards set by these agencies by:
- Maintaining water quality for fish through frequent water testing
- Conducting fortnightly independent tests of discharge water to ensure environmental compliance
- Not using unsafe or banned drugs or chemicals
- Maintaining proper diet and health management to avoid the need for vaccination
- Not using feed additives to modify flesh colour
- Implementing a Quality Assurance Program and HACCP systems designed to ensure safe eating as well as truth in labelling.
