Aquaponics, the combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, is an emerging technology. It offers the hope of high returns for investors, and a means to augment wild fish populations that have been depleted. With the commercial development of aquaponic technologies still in its infancy, Nick is convinced that his combined barramundi and lettuce facility will provide a 'blueprint' for others to follow.
Plants take up the organic nutrients and act as a natural filter of the waste water.
Like all farming, aquaponics involves a series of trade-offs between different considerations, and the skill applied to this juggling act determines the level of success. Nick and his fellow shareholders are newcomers to aquaponic farming. It all began 2 years ago, when a group of recreational fishing friends became concerned about the steady decline in wild fish populations along the NSW coast. A chance remark to another friend, a marine biologist with a background in barramundi farming, led to the formation of Tailormade Fish Farms. Among its 12 shareholders are two builders, an electrician, marketing manager, project engineer, and marine biologist.