Queensland Crayfish Farmers Assoc.

Questions relating to areas of Major Public Concern Answered !!

Over the years - our association has identified areas of major public concern with regard to environmental and other issues pertaining to our industry. Here we will endeavour to address these concerns by providing answers to frequently asked questions on these subjects.

Does redclaw farming use up a lot of precious water?
No, we really only have a lend of the water. Some water is lost due to evaporation which goes into the atmosphere as humidity and eventually contributes to rainfall. By regulation, water drained from ponds is collected in a catchment dam then either used for irrigation or recycled back into filling another pond.

We have heard the term "effluent water" used. Does this mean that water drained from a redclaw pond is a health risk?

The term "effluent" is an unfortunately chosen term used by people unfamiliar with our industry. We much prefer the term "pre-loved water"!! Any being will thrive in a healthy environment and in our case, that means healthy water in our ponds. It is obviously to our great advantage to put in the effort to keep our pond water in top condition.

Isn't all that water a breeding ground for mosquitos, especially the disease carrying Aedes aegypti?

A crayfish pond is a "live" body of water. It contains various species of animals living in the water column that would prey on mosquito larva. Mosquitos are much more likely to be found breeding in stagnant water such as pot plant bases in a dark corner of the family home.

Do redclaw farmers use a lot of dangerous chemicals?

Virtually the only thing our farmers put into redclaw ponds is redclaw! A little organic fertiliser is used to encourage a "bloom" when first filling the pond and sometimes lime is added after draining to sweeten the substrate.

We hear of health problems associated with aquaculture farms in other countries - Is there a risk in the Queensland redclaw industry?

Our industry is regulated by strict health controls and as well as which, our farmers are proud of their "clean, green" image. We are in no position to comment on the practices of aquaculturists in other countries.

Is redclaw farming a source of noise and visual pollution?

Redclaw farming is by nature one of the quietest of rural pursuits - after all the redclaw is a very quiet animal! Certainly pumps are used extensively, but a noisy pump does not make a noise for very long. Farms are set out geometrically with grassed banks and services underground. While this is done for operating reasons, the result is pleasing to the eye and could never be described as a blight on the landscape.

Does the establishment of redclaw farms pose a threat to heritage areas, wetlands and the like?

Site selection plays an important part in the success of any redclaw farm. Because the animal is a fresh water creature, proximity to a tidal plain is to be avoided and the most sought after soil type is hard clay. It is therefore unusual to find any kind of lush vegetation on a site mooted ideal for redclaw farming. It is of course necessary to clear the land in the area where the ponds are to be built, but there is land not under water where quality trees can be left unharmed.

Do aquaculture products have a bland or muddy taste compared to wildcaught?

Farmed redclaw are put through a post harvest purging treatment which makes their taste, cleanliness and appearance superior to wildcaught redclaw.

There seems to be a lack of real information and also some misinformation on the www regarding redclaw.

This is the very reason our association decided to establish its own website. As farmers, we know which information is genuine and the sites recommended on our website have been vetted by us.

Redclaw farming sounds OK, but would I want a redclaw farm as a neighbour?

Redclaw farming is a rural pursuit and not likely to be found in suburbia. In the rural community, a redclaw farm is seen as a friendly neighbour as it does not conflict with other rural industries and often there is a spin off for neighbours who are able to use our pre-loved water for irrigation and stock watering.

Does redclaw farming offer competition to native animals for natural food?

Farmed redclaw are fed regularly and farmed in purpose built ponds from which native animals are excluded.

Is it true that there is an infestation of redclaw in water impoundments throughout the State and that they have a detrimental effect on native fish stocks?

Legislation requires all redclaw ponds to be fenced to prevent escape of redclaw into adjacent waterways. It is a fact however, that many impoundments do abound with redclaw much to the delight of recreational fishers. How this happened is not clear, but at this time there is no evidence of redclaw having an impact upon other marine life populations in impoundments whether native or stocked.
Where can I find information regarding the appropriate licensing required for redclaw farming?
Licensing information can be attained by contacting the Department of Primary Industries in your area.