Aquaculture Gladstone has reached a new milestone with record fingerling production.
More than five million Barramundi fingerlings have been produced in less than three years.
Gladstone Area Water Board has now produced more than 10 million fingerlings of various species since its hatchery operations began in 1995.
GAWB Chief Executive Officer Darren Barlow said the achievement is the result of more than three decades of dedication and innovation.
“Our aquaculture journey began in the 1980s when we partnered with recreational fish stocking groups and the Queensland Government to stock native species in Lake Awoonga,” Mr Barlow said.
“In 1995, we commenced fingerling production at our Lord Street hatchery on the banks of the Auckland Creek Inlet. Over the decades, we’ve refined our operations, ensuring biosecurity and innovation remain at the forefront.
“In late 2023 we opened a brand new, state-of-the-art hatchery at Lake Awoonga, and this has greatly accelerated our ability to efficiently produce healthy fingerlings at a much larger scale, which is why our production numbers have increased so dramatically in the past three years.”
The fingerlings, which also include Sea Mullet and Mangrove Jack, are used to stock Lake Awoonga primarily, but GAWB also supports and distributes Barramundi fingerlings across Queensland.
These Barramundi fingerlings play a key role in supporting recreational fishing, promotes economic development, and maintaining a healthy aquatic environment.
