FLOODED OUT AND CHANGING SPECIES FROM BARRAMUNDI TO REDCLAW AQUACULTURE
Cyclone Jasper struck our aquaculture and aquaponics farm in December 2023, leaving a trail of devastation and subsequent inundation of water. This has been a story of resilience, no less! The cyclone’s impact was severe, causing extensive damage to our infrastructure, including our barramundi ponds, aquaponics systems bush food gardens. The aftermath saw our farm submerged, with floodwaters wreaking havoc on our carefully maintained systems and disrupting our operations.
Despite the challenges, we are determined to bounce back stronger than ever. Our restoration efforts are well underway, though we still have a long way to go. One of our primary tasks has been draining the barramundi ponds, a time-consuming and labour-intensive process. These ponds, full of river fish and little else, once drained, are being retrofitted with pipes and habitats suitable for redclaw. This transformation is crucial as it allows us to pivot and adapt our farm’s focus while rebuilding.
Our “Building Back Better” initiative is at the heart of our recovery plan. This initiative isn’t just about restoration; it’s about innovation and improvement. We are working closely with far north Queensland redclaw farmers association and aquaculture experts to ensure that our new redclaw installations and retrofits meet the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability. The new habitats for redclaw are designed to be more resilient to future environmental challenges, incorporating plans for advanced aquaponics techniques and robust infrastructure.
In addition to physical rebuilding, we’ve been engaging with the community and seeking partnerships to enhance our farm’s operations. The support we’ve received has been overwhelming and heartening. It has reinforced our belief in the importance of community and collaboration in overcoming adversity. The insights and knowledge shared by fellow farmers and industry experts have been invaluable, guiding our efforts and inspiring us to innovate further.
Our goal is not only to restore our farm but to make it a model of sustainable aquaculture in Far North Queensland. We are integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices, aiming to create a farm that respects the land and its history while embracing modern technology. Our partnerships with Indigenous communities are vital, and we are committed to involving Indigenous people in various aspects of our farm, from our future bush food nursery to our aquaponics systems.
While the road to full recovery is still ahead, we are confident that our efforts will lead to a stronger, more resilient farm. The journey has been challenging, but it has also been an opportunity to innovate and improve. We are excited about the future and the possibilities it holds for our farm and the community.
For more details and ongoing updates, check out https://issuu.com/gulfsavannahnrm/docs/_gulf_croaker_march_2024_final_