Sandfish production and development of sea ranching in northern Australia

Sea cucumber harvesting has been carried out in the Northern Territory (NT) since 1700 when Macassans regularly visited the area. Tasmanian Seafoods Pty Ltd currently holds all licences for sea cucumber in the NT, with the main target species being sandfish (Holothuria scabra). Tasmanian Seafoods has successfully trialled propagation and juvenile production for wild fishery stock enhancement and land-based grow-out in ponds. Lease of an ex-prawn farm and hatchery facilities at Darwin Aquaculture Centre has progressed its efforts. Tasmanians Seafoods has established working relationships with remote Indigenous communities situated nearby on recognised fishing grounds on Groote Eylandt, to develop the sea-ranching component of the project and establish joint ventures for the harvesting of the ‘released’ sea cucumbers. Appropriate policies and management arrangements are also being negotiated with the NT Government Department of Resources Fisheries Group.