What’s Happening?
Rockhampton State High School marked a significant achievement on 12 November by releasing 1,000 tagged barramundi into the Fitzroy River.
This event concluded the school’s inaugural barramundi grow-out program, which began in April following the opening of its $5 million Aquaculture Centre.
Led by teachers Collis Holloway and Josh McCall, alongside aquaculture assistant Goldie Locke, the program provided students hands-on experience with aquaculture, from handling and grading fish to data analysis and tagging.
Reflecting on the program’s progression, Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said, “This is a long journey from the initial conversations with the school and local MPs. To get to this point and see the first batch of fish released into the river is a really exciting development.”
Why it Matters
This initiative supports sustainable fishing while preparing students with skills needed in Queensland’s expanding aquaculture industry.
Mayor Tony Williams highlighted the program’s broader significance, stating, “The aquaculture industry presents a real opportunity for future jobs and growth in our region, but we will need the workforce and skills to support it.
That is what this initiative does – supports learning, training and skills in aquaculture at our local high school while helping improve fish stocks in our river.”
Local Impact
The program reflects strong community and industry support, with backing from Advance Rockhampton, Frenchville Sports Club, Fitzroy Stocking Association, and CapTag.
Released at a length of 35 cm, the barramundi have an increased chance of survival, benefitting the river’s biodiversity and creating recreational fishing opportunities.
Wade Clark, Economic Development Manager at Advance Rockhampton, commented on the project’s alignment with regional growth goals: “In supporting the workforce of tomorrow through Rockhampton State High School’s Aquaculture Centre, our region is readying itself for future growth and investment in the aquaculture industry.”
By the Numbers
- 1,000 barramundi were released into the Fitzroy River.
- 6,000 barramundi are set for future releases to bolster the fish population.
- $5 million was invested in Rockhampton State High School’s Aquaculture Centre.
Zoom In
Students engaged deeply with aquaculture, acquiring skills that are essential for managing fishery stocks.
They learned to monitor feeding habits, handle fish, record growth data, and conduct tagging—experiences that are valuable in both local industry and environmental conservation efforts.
Zoom Out
Aquaculture is a growing industry in Queensland, with the Rockhampton region hosting multiple Aquaculture Development Areas.
This program, supported by local infrastructure like the Rockhampton Airport and Port of Rockhampton, contributes to positioning the region as a leader in aquaculture education and future industry expansion.
Wade Clark further underscored this potential: “The Rockhampton Region hosts a number of Aquaculture Development Areas which are supported by export opportunities through Rockhampton Airport, the Port of Rockhampton, and our rail and road infrastructure.”
What to Look For Next
Rockhampton State High School will launch a Certificate II in Aquaculture for Year 11 students in 2025, extending its commitment to training future aquaculture professionals.
This program is expected to further enhance both student career prospects and the local aquaculture workforce, driving sustainable industry growth in Queensland.
