Fisheries Minister Leon Bignell said Yellowtail Kingfish farming had been identified nationally as a major opportunity to increase productivity and exports.
The Federal Government, through its Rural Research and Development for Profit Programme, has contributed $3 million to the project.
Industry and research groups, including the State Government’s South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) will also contribute funding.
“We want to change the focus from the small volume, high price sashimi market currently dominating the sector, to the larger volume, lower price Australian white fish market,” Mr Bignell said.
“This will result in growth for regional economies and more jobs.
“Knowledge of Yellowtail Kingfish nutrition, health and their interaction is currently in very early stages.
“The focus of the project is on developing more cost effective, sustainable feeds and feeding strategies to enhance fish growth and health.”
The project will be led by the Fisheries and Research Development Corporation (FRDC), and developed with SARDI, Clean Seas Tuna and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
It will commence in the next financial year.
