Interview with Australian barramundi farmer – Coral Coast Barramundi
The upper end of Australia’s Eastern Seaboard is home to many of our nation’s most famous attractions: the Daintree Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays. Take a trip to the idyllic seaside town of Bowen, in the northern Whitsunday region and there you’ll find the Coral Coast Barramundi farm overlooking beautiful tropical islands and coral reef.
We chatted with farm manager Justin Forrester, about what it’s like working at Coral Coast Barramundi.
- What’s your favourite thing about Barra Farming?
It’s great to see our Barramundi start as a tiny eggs from our breeding stock and grow to become quality seafood for Aussies to eat and enjoy, whether that’s for them to whip up at home into a delicious meal or to enjoy at a restaurant. There is a real sense of achievement and pride because barramundi is distinctly known as ‘Australia’s fish’ and we are carrying on that legacy.
- What has your biggest success been?
In the past 20 years the farming process has improved immensely at Coral Coast Barramundi, where internal processes have been streamlined to ensure nothing is left to chance. This has meant we have been able to not only double or production but improve the quality of the fish itself. This has led to us winning gold, silver AND bronze awards at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show. After all, the proof is in the pudding – or in this case, in the fish!
- What’s special about your fish?
Our barramundi is renowned for its firm texture and sweet taste and is loved by chefs and home cooks across Australia. Farmed barramundi produced in saltwater have a sweeter flavour and being located in the northern Whitsunday region means we have a constant supply of clean, local seawater to rear our fish. Our marine biologists also keep a very close eye on our fish 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to emulate conditions experienced in the wild so that the fish reproduce naturally when they feel the urge!
- Could you tell me more about the surrounding environment of Coral Coast Barramundi?
Our location and pristine saltwater are very special. We are in the Whitsundays and our fish are raised using clean and pure local water from our beautiful beach. It’s very blue and clear and really is the ideal place to farm fish.
To find out more about our Australian barramundi farms that you can trust for premium quality sustainable barramundi, click here.
