Aquaculture licences, fees and environmental issues

Fees and approvals

Aquaculture is an industry managed by several government agencies at all levels of government including local council, state and federal government. Starting an aquaculture venture may require several different approvals. Which approvals you need will depend on the type, scale and location of your aquaculture project. The regulatory framework provides details of the approvals assessed by Fisheries Queensland under the Fisheries Act 1994.

Contact Fisheries Queensland on 13 25 23 to find out what aquaculture approvals you will need for your business.

You will also need to find out what aquaculture fees are applicable to your fisheries development.

Environmental issues

Aquaculture projects vary considerably in their potential environmental, economic and social impacts. It is extremely important to consider site characteristics such as soil type, its permeability and chemical composition, previous land use, the sensitivity of the environment around the site, water supply and quality, flooding, pond water management, stock security measures and water storage, intake and discharge facilities.

You will need to discuss the technical and licensing aspects of your proposed aquaculture venture with staff from Fisheries Queensland and the Department of Environment and Science before proceeding with site selection, design and, where applicable, land purchase.

Also consider...

• Get in touch with your aquaculture industry association for more information about licensing, fees and environmental issues.