CSIRO pioneers new white-flesh fish variety for Australian aquaculture  

AUSTRALIA – Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has unveiled an innovative addition to its aquaculture portfolio—a new white-flesh fish variety, the Pompano (Trachinotus anak), poised to revolutionize the seafood industry. 

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is an Australian Government agency responsible for scientific research and its commercial and industrial applications.

CSIRO works with leading organisations worldwide and maintains more than 50 sites across Australia, France, Chile, and the United States, employing about 5,500 people.

Following successful breeding trials and positive feedback from chefs and consumers, this new tropical fish could soon be splashing on Australian plates and contributing over US$1 billion to the economy.  

As demand for Australian-sourced white fish surges, the Pompano offers an opportunity to diversify aquaculture and decrease the country’s reliance on 100,000 tonnes of imported white-flesh fish. 

Suited to northern Australia’s tropical climate, the Pompano promises to be a sustainable, highly nutritious, and economically viable protein source.  

Lead scientist Dr. Polly Hilder showcased the project at CSIRO’s AgCatalyst2024 event, emphasizing the species’ sustainability and welfare benefits. 

“The Pompano is robust, sociable, and grows quickly. It’s an ideal candidate for our aquaculture environments and a versatile, high-quality option for consumers,” Dr. Hilder said.  

CSIRO is collaborating with industry partners to refine commercial production processes. Chefs involved in early market testing, including Andy Allen, MasterChef Australia judge and chef at Three Blue Ducks, praised the Pompano’s culinary qualities.  

“I’ve worked with Pompano at home, and it’s exceptional—mildly sweet, firm, and finely flaked. It’s versatile, whether fillets simply cooked in olive oil and lemon or using the head and wings creatively,” Allen said during a live cooking demonstration.  

The fish’s sustainability credentials extend beyond farming. CSIRO’s innovative circular economy approach incorporates the transformation of production by-products, such as fish waste, into valuable items like nutrient-rich fertilizers.  

CSIRO’s National Protein Roadmap highlights ambitions to produce 50,000 tonnes of white-flesh fish annually, potentially creating over 1,000 jobs. 

By spearheading this initiative, CSIRO aims to establish a sustainable white-flesh fish industry that reduces import dependency and enhances Australia’s seafood export market.  

With its robust aquaculture research spanning breeding, genomics, health, and nutrition, CSIRO’s introduction of Pompano exemplifies its commitment to sustainable protein solutions, paving the way for a future of diversified, eco-friendly aquaculture in Australia. 

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.