Current Southern Bluefin Tuna Production

Juvenile Southern Bluefin Tuna fish weigh an average of 15 Kilograms and are caught from December to April each year.  The Southern Bluefin Tuna are then “grown-out” in sea pontoon cages for three to eight months, reaching an average of 30 to 40 kilograms.  The fish are then exported either fresh or frozen to Japan. With the future propagation of Southern Bluefin Tuna at its Arno Bay hatchery, Clean Seas is poised to capitalise on many lucrative international markets through its specialised aquaculture endeavour.  The successful closing of the Southern Bluefin Tuna life cycle by Clean Seas to produce unrestricted large additional tonnages of this valuable fish to supply a growing global demand for Southern Bluefin Tuna and other high quality aquaculture based products.

Australian Supply of Southern Bluefin Tuna

The majority of Australia’s Southern Bluefin Tuna quota is farmed in waters of Port Lincoln. Boasting a farm gate value of $242 million, the total weight of Port Lincoln tuna farmed output increased to 9,290 tonnes of tuna in 2003-2004.

The Hatchery

State-of-the-art, world-class and innovative – Clean Seas’ Arno Bay hatchery impresses all who have passed through its doors. Clean Seas acquired the hatchery in November, 2000 and undertook a $2.5 million upgrade.

During this process Kingfish and Mulloway broodstock facilities were constructed, along with a live-feed production plant.  The hatchery is staffed by highly trained technicians all with a great passion to succeed.

What Next?

Clean Seas is confident of the future potential for the aquaculture industry across the world.  This view is evident by:

• Global decline in the wild catch supply
• Growth of aquaculture-bred fish throughout the world
• Shift in the value of healthy eating habits and the role fish plays in a balanced diet.