In 1995-96, the
aquaculture production of sea bass in Australia
was about 529 tons worth A.U. $5.83 million.
About 90% of this production was sold as 400-500
gms whole fish. The rest were large fish which
were reserved for the premium market for fillets.
In South east
Asian countries, there is a strong consumer
demand for live sea bass. About 90% of the market
dealt with live fish. In reference to this,
the most important markets were Malayasia, Singapore,
Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and Southern Provinces
of Mainland China. The fish size sold in these
markets mainly ranged from 600-700 grams per
piece of fish.
Aquaculture of
sea bass in Australia has high potential. But
there are two major obstacles, which need to
be overcome.
Marketing is
the first hurdle. If production of plate sized
sea bass products beyond 500 tons is increased
without substantial promotion, the prices which
Australian whole sellers pay will drop. The
production of large sized sea bass, i.e. 2-3
kgs should increase. The producers can thus
feel the very large domestic market with fillets.
This increased production of large sized fish
will also create a very lucrative export market.
In order to get the maximum out of this export
market, the size and number of aquaculture farms
should increase.
The second major
hurdle is increased production cost. Currently
production costs vary from A.U $ 5-7.50 per
kg for plate sized sea bass products. The major
factor which accounts for 30-50 % of farm costs
is food. However food is a variable cost. The
other major cost components are labor and electricity.
In western Australia,
sea bass is farmed in cages in lake Argyle and
tthis farming can help to develop a larger industry.
There have been some technical problems which
can be overcomed. Artesian water has been used
in trials in the Gascoyne Region.
These obstacles
described above are being taken care of by the
Australian farmers association in collaboration
with the state government. There are also some
other technical bodies which can provide valuable
information and give and overall perspective
of aquaculture farming of sea bass in Australia.
For price
quotes and any further information, feel free
to call us today at:
Siam
Canadian Foods Co., Ltd.
9th Floor, Suite 283/44, Home Place Office Building.
283 Thonglor 13, Sukhumvit 55
Kongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110,
THAILAND
Call us at +66-2-185-3311
Fax: +66-2-185-3317
Email us at info@siamcanadian.com
