Apply for an aquaculture licence

Aquaculture is the keeping, breeding, hatching, culturing or harvesting of fish. Registered users can apply for a new or variation to an aquaculture licence.
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The main pieces of legislation that regulate aquaculture are the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 and the Fish Resources Management Regulations 1995.

In Western Australia, commercial aquaculture produces species including barramundi, abalone, mussels, marron, silver perch, rainbow trout and yabbies. However, the biggest earner is the pearling industry, which specialises in South Sea pearls and brings in about $90 million annually.

A personal account is required to apply online.  

The account enables a user to:

  • submit an application and correspond with us in a workflow-based environment
  • check the status of an application and know its progress at any time

To request a personal account email aquaculture@dpird.wa.gov.au with the following details:

  • name
  • company name
  • email address
  • contact phone number