Tucked away in an industrial estate in Werribee you’ll find the world’s largest barramundi hatchery. Not a typical spot to grow a tropical marine fish … Until you learn they’re above an aquifer with the perfect groundwater for production.
Mainstream Aquaculture was founded in 2001 by an aquatic biologist and a plumber who wanted to combine their skills to produce delicious, sustainably produced fish. Their first challenge was to find the perfect location to build their dream.
Dr Paul Harrison, Chief Scientist, said he found a property in Werribee they bought on the condition they could drill an exploratory bore.
“I knew we were on top of an aquifer and the moment the water popped out the ground we all started dancing in the spray. It was magic and a great relief because we’d invested a lot,” he said.
Mainstream’s Werribee fish hatchery and aquaculture facility sit above an ancient sandstone aquifer. The groundwater in this area is managed by Southern Rural Water and Mainstream has a take and use licence for its operations.
“The water that comes out the ground is pristine, geothermally heated, brackish and with a mineral content that provides the perfect medium to grow barramundi,” said Paul.
Paul said this water is estimated to have rained in the outskirts of Melbourne over 1,500 years ago.
“We draw it from 300 metres underground and it comes naturally heated to Barramundi’s preferred temperature of 29 degrees Celsius,” he said.
Paul said sustainability is a core business principle because reliable, clean and sustainable water is their most important asset (other than people). Their efficient aquaculture processes can take pressure off our oceans, whilst producing protein using far less land and water compared to other forms of agriculture.
“We use a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), which means only a small percentage of water leaves the site per day, reducing our impact on this precious natural resource,” he said.
“Our selective breeding program, minimal use of wild fish in our fish diet, and advanced hatchery methods allow us to produce food efficiently with low environmental impact. This is critical if we want to protect wild fisheries while still feeding the planet.”
Mainstream have come a long way since striking groundwater gold in Werribee 20 years ago. They now own six barramundi farms including facilities in Queensland and Arizona in America. They’re also recognised for their world-leading breeding program and distribute to 31 countries around the globe.
Paul said they employ some of the brightest minds in the aquaculture industry and are incredibly proud of the work they do in their mission to grow the world’s best barramundi.
“Our hatchery team is stocked with talented geneticists and aquaculture professionals who look after our fish like they were cherished friends,” he said.
“The result is that we produce fish that are fit, robust, high-yielding and great tasting. And it’s these qualities that are allowing us to put more barramundi on plates here in Australia and around the world.”
It begs the question: what does Mainstream barramundi taste like? Really good. Mainstream’s fish are sold under the brand Infinity Blue Barramundi across Australia. It’s a delicious fish with firm, white succulent flesh that’s loved among some of Melbourne’s top chefs and fish bar owners. From fine diners to fish and chip connoisseurs, barramundi can sate most appetites.
Mainstream is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of barramundi to restaurants and supermarkets. So, next time you’re hungry and want to eat something that is good for you and good for the environment, chose their barramundi and enjoy a meal grown in the pristine water we supply in Werribee.