The Northern Territory s aquaculture industry is on the threshold of a major boom as more big name developers turn their attention and investment dollars to farming marine species across the Top End. Kerry Sharp profiles the industry. The commitment has seen two new pearl farms established in the English Company s Islands. As well, the huge Pivot sea cage project is underway at Bathurst Island and a number of prawn farming ventures are gearing up for construction along the Top End coast. A multi million dollar spirulina farm constructed at Berry Springs is due to come into production in October.
Prospects are also bright for commercial mud crab ventures.
But this is only the beginning of what experts believe the Territory s aquaculture sector can become. The NT Government s Territory Aquaculture Development Advisory Committee has produced a five-year plan titled Into the Blue as a framework for industry and government to combine resources. The plan includes a commitment to identify suitable sites for development. To this end, an inventory for the Darwin Region will be completed soon. Identifying opportunities for joint ventures with Aboriginal communities will be a focus.