To establish the economic and technical feasibility of utilising saline ground water for the production of Beta-Carotene, for aquaculture, production of potable water and production of commercial salt. Background Inland aquaculture has the potential to be one of the biggest growth industries in Australia. Saline water is relatively cheap to obtain and at the same time its removal addresses a significant land degradation problem. Furthermore, inland aquaculture is not be affected by the problems such as toxic algae and tidal fluctuations. The cost of setting up an inland aquaculture industry could be cheaper than a sea based aquaculture.
Access is easier during all types of weather and supplying fin fish all year round to markets.
Research Saline ground water was pumped into PVC covered horticultural tunnels containing shallow pool liners. Evaporation was high. The project was run by the Coorong District Council, SA and also supported by the South Australian Research and Development Institute. Outcome Fish, beta carotene and other saleable commodities were produced. The process was comparatively cheap to set up.