Our Premium Sustainable Barramundi Selected for Australian Open 2023
We are proud to announce that our barramundi was selected for the Australian Open 2023. It is a moment of immense pride for us to be the exclusive supplier of barramundi for one of the biggest sporting events in the country.
The Australian Open is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, and being selected as a supplier is a testament to the quality of our product. Our barramundi is not only delicious but also sustainable, which sets us apart from other suppliers in the market.
At our company, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality, sustainably sourced barramundi. We take pride in the fact that our fish is raised in a way that is both environmentally and socially responsible.
We are proud to be able to offer our customers a premium product that is not only delicious but also sustainable. We believe that it is our responsibility to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices, and we take this responsibility very seriously.
If you are looking for a delicious and sustainable seafood option, our barramundi is the perfect choice. We are proud to offer our customers a premium product that is not only delicious but also sustainable and environmentally responsible.
Aquaculture now accounts for over 50% of global seafood production.
Within the world of aquculture, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems are a sustainability game-changer. Paul Harrison is the founder of Mainstream Barramundi and is at the leading edge in the innovative world of RAS.
Please listen to the full podcast below
Sustainability is a core principle of MainStream. We believe we have a responsibility to do everything we can to create a healthier, cleaner and happier planet – today and for future generations.
From the way we design our farms to the partners we work with, our decisions are guided by three simple questions:
Does it protect our environment?
Does it support our people and communities?
Does it make our fish – and our food system – better?
Smarter farming, lighter footprint
Our barramundi are raised in carefully managed, land-based and coastal systems that are designed to use resources efficiently and reduce environmental impact. This includes:
Responsible water use – treating and recirculating water wherever possible, and continuously monitoring quality to protect both fish health and surrounding ecosystems.
Optimised feed – working with leading feed partners to improve feed conversion ratios and reduce reliance on wild-caught fish ingredients.
Waste minimisation – reducing waste at every stage of the production chain and exploring opportunities to repurpose by-products.
Healthy fish, healthy people
Sustainability isn’t just about the environment – it’s also about producing nutritious, safe and consistent food for our customers and communities.
Our barramundi are raised under strict animal welfare and biosecurity standards.
We prioritise traceability, so every fish can be tracked from farm to fork.
We’re proud to provide a high-quality source of lean protein that supports healthier diets in Australia and around the world.
Supporting our people and communities
We are committed to being a responsible employer and a good neighbour in every region we operate in:
Creating skilled, long-term jobs in regional areas
Partnering with local organisations, chefs, retailers and community groups
Sharing knowledge and innovation with industry and research partners
Always improving
Sustainability is not a box to tick – it’s ongoing work. MainStream continues to invest in:
New technologies and farm designs that reduce our footprint
Data and research to improve efficiency and welfare outcomes
Collaborative projects that help shift the broader seafood industry towards a more sustainable future
At MainStream, growing great barramundi goes hand in hand with caring for the planet, our people and our communities. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to – every fish, every day.
Our Nursery team has set a new internal record, completing the fastest B2–B3 transfer in MainStream history.
By 12:00 PM, the team successfully and safely transferred 120,000 juvenile barramundi into their new home – a major operational milestone for the business and a credit to the skill and coordination of everyone involved.
The record-breaking transfer was the result of:
Careful planning across nursery operations, animal health and production
Tight teamwork on grading, counting and movement logistics
A strong focus on fish health and welfare at every stage of the process
The B2–B3 transfer is a critical step in our barramundi lifecycle, setting up each cohort for strong growth performance in the grow-out phase. Hitting this milestone so efficiently helps us maximise tank utilisation, improve flow-through, and keep pace with growing demand for MainStream barramundi in Australia and around the world.
A huge congratulations and thank you to everyone in the Nursery team and supporting departments who helped make this record possible.
Here’s to the next milestone. 🐟🚀
Seafood Industry Australia welcomes progress on Country-of-Origin-Labelling
Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) welcomes today’s announcement from the Albanese Government on the continued progress on mandatory Country-of-Origin Labelling (CoOL) for seafood in food service, with implementation set to begin on 1 July 2025.
“This announcement marks a significant milestone in ensuring Australian consumers have the information they need to make informed choices when dining out,” said SIA CEO Veronica Papacosta. “CoOL is a win for both consumers and industry, empowering people to choose Australian seafood when they want to.”
“Despite Australia having the world’s third-largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), a staggering 64% of the seafood we consume is imported. This highlights the importance of clear labelling so consumers can make informed choices,” said Veronica Papacosta.
Under the new regulations, restaurants, cafes, takeaways, pubs, and clubs will be required to indicate the origin of their seafood using the Australian-Imported-Mixed (AIM) model:
A (Australian)
I (Imported or international)
M (Mixed origin containing both Australian and imported seafood)
SIA acknowledges the extensive consultation undertaken by the government and industry to develop a model that improves consumer transparency while minimising business impact.
“This has been a long time coming, and while today’s announcement is a positive step forward, we know there is still work to do,” Papacosta said. “Ensuring a smooth transition for food service businesses and driving consumer awareness will be critical to the success of this new legislation.”
“A strong public awareness campaign will be essential—not only to support the hospitality sector but also to encourage Australians to ask for Australian seafood,” she added.
“We thank the government for its commitment to delivering this long-awaited initiative and look forward to working together to ensure its success.”
Exciting news! 🎉 We are proud to announce our participation in the 31st edition of Seafood Expo Global, the world’s largest seafood trade fair! Please use below link to register & visit for FREE! Please use the Customer Registration Code: SEG2531909 when registering here
Why Choose Barramundi?
Barramundi is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for maintaining good health and supporting overall wellbeing. Whether you’re aiming for a balanced diet or simply looking for a tasty, nutritious meal, Infinity Blue Barramundi is a delicious and sustainable option for everyone.
Seafood Expo Global – World’s largest seafood fair
With exhibitors from 79 countries and counting, this event promises unparalleled opportunities to connect with global seafood industry leaders, innovators, and seafood lovers alike.
Join us as we showcase our premium Australian barramundi, 100% sustainably grown in pristine saltwater conditions at our Australian farms. Experience the exceptional taste, superior quality, and sustainability that make our barramundi a favourite among chefs and consumers worldwide.
Exciting news for seafood enthusiasts and conscientious diners across Australia! We are delighted to announce that State Governments have unanimously voted to endorse the implementation of mandatory Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) for seafood in hospitality settings. 🙌🐟🎉
🦐 What does this mean for you? 🍽️
Starting somewhere in 2025, when you dine in Aussie cafes, restaurants, and other food service areas, you can now enjoy your seafood with confidence, armed with clear and transparent information about its origin. The introduction of CoOL is a significant step forward in providing consumers with the knowledge they deserve, empowering them to make informed choices about the seafood on their plate. 🦐
🌱 Sustainability at the Heart of Aussie Seafood
Australian farmers, fishers, and seafood producers are deeply committed to sustainability. They dedicate major efforts to ensure that our oceans thrive, practicing responsible and ethical methods in their operations. Unlike some imported seafood that may be of questionable quality and sourced without stringent environmental standards, Aussie seafood comes with a guarantee of quality and a commitment to preserving our marine ecosystems.
🌏 The Hidden Truth About Imported Seafood
Unfortunately, many consumers unknowingly consume imported seafood that may not adhere to the same rigorous standards upheld by our local producers. The allure of cheaper prices can mask the true cost of environmental impact and questionable practices associated with some imported products. With CoOL in place, you’ll be empowered to choose local, supporting the sustainability efforts of Aussie farmers and ensuring the highest quality on your plate.
🐟 Infinity Blue Barramundi: A Beacon of Commitment
At Infinity Blue Barramundi, we take pride in our unwavering commitment to education, sustainability, and transparency. Our mission is not only to deliver exceptional barramundi to your table but also to raise awareness about the importance of responsible seafood consumption. Through educational initiatives and sustainable practices, we strive to contribute to the health of our oceans while providing you with a dining experience you can feel good about.
🌊 Join the Movement
As we celebrate the unanimous CoOL vote, we invite you to join us in supporting the #SeafoodIndustry, championing #CountryOfOriginLabelling, and embracing #SeafoodTransparency. Together, let’s savour the flavours of the sea responsibly and sustainably, ensuring a brighter future for our oceans and generations to come. 🎣🌏🍽️
We are delighted to share the news that MainStream Aquaculture has been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Melbourne Veterinary School in recognition of our contributions to aquatic education and medicine. This esteemed acknowledgement underscores our commitment to advancing knowledge and practices in the field of aquaculture health.
Education Initiatives:
At MainStream Aquaculture, we have dedicated ourselves to fostering excellence in education, and this certificate reflects the success of our efforts in collaboration with Melbourne Veterinary School. Our educational initiatives are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of aquaculture health. Through a well-rounded curriculum, students gain theoretical knowledge paired with practical skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges presented by the ever-evolving aquaculture industry.
The Certificate of Appreciation serves as a testament to the effectiveness of our educational programs, where students are exposed to cutting-edge technologies and real-world scenarios. Our commitment to excellence in education aligns with the standards set by Melbourne Veterinary School, and we are proud to be recognised for our contributions to the development of future professionals in aquatic health.
Medicine Program:
Our joint medicine program with Melbourne Veterinary School has been instrumental in advancing veterinary practices specific to aquatic species. This recognition acknowledges the strides we have made in research and application within the field of aquatic medicine. The program not only equips students with the necessary skills to address the unique health challenges of aquatic organisms but also contributes to the overall progress of veterinary medicine in the aquatic realm.
We are sincerely honoured to receive the Certificate of Appreciation from Melbourne Veterinary School, and we view this as a shared achievement that highlights the success of our partnership. As we continue our commitment to excellence in education and the advancement of veterinary medicine in aquaculture, we are excited about the positive impact our collaborative efforts will have on the industry’s future.
The Global Seafood Alliance’s “Spotlight Stories” highlight certified producers around the world and the stories of the people behind them. This Spotlight Story features MainStream Aquaculture, a BAP-certified barramundi producer in Australia.
Feature by BAP
What inspired you to become involved in the seafood industry?
Dr. Paul Harrison was inspired to feed the world with delicious, sustainably produced fish through best-practice aquaculture technology. Holding a PhD in aquatic biology and having experience working across Australia and abroad, Paul and his mate decided to set up Mainstream Aquaculture in Wyndham, Victoria, Australia in 2001.
Please tell us a little about MainStream Aquaculture.
MainStream has five aquaculture sites in Australia – two in Wyndham Victoria and three in Far North Queensland. The company has also established a farm in Arizona to satisfy the growing demand for the species in the US. The Wyndham farms use state-of-the-art, low-footprint, low-water-use technology. “We located it here because it is so close to the vibrant Melbourne market,” Harrison says. “And because we can source pristine geothermal water from about 300 meters below the ground. This sustainable water source supports our farms from which we can harvest and supply to market in a matter of hours.” The Far North Queensland farms, located in Innisfail and Port Douglas, use salt water from the Coral Sea to grow the fish. These farms feature beautiful wetlands that clean the water used in farming and support an abundance of natural wildlife.
How is MainStream Aquaculture involved in the local community?
MainStream works and supports various Universities, especially aquaculture-focused Universities such as James Cook University. We also support culinary & trade-focused programs and love being involved in supporting young food service professionals.
Why did your company choose to become BAP-certified? How has it improved your business?
“Sustainability is one of our core principles; it drives decisions we make in growing the business and ensures that we can supply a great tasting, healthy fish while supporting the planet,” Dr. Harrison says. “Showcasing that we hold sustainability credentials is important to us as a company and producer as well as to the general market.”
Why do you love working in aquaculture?
Dr. Harrison and all the people working at MainStream Aquaculture believe in the positive impacts that aquaculture can have on oceans and wild fish stocks. MainStream Aquaculture’s mission is to feed the world with high-quality fish and supply it in an environmentally sustainable way.
MainStream Aquaculture’s farm in Queensland, Australia
The efficiencies and benefits of aquaculture on the natural environment have been evident in the past 20 years. In particular, the main advantage is that it takes a lot of pressure off wild fisheries. Aquaculture allows us to provide fish as food without stripping the oceans bare.
Dr. Harrison adds that “there is a lot we need to do to make the ocean better. Population growth has gone far enough along that we may never get back to what it was when there were fewer people around. But the ocean can still be a great and healthy environment”. “Our motto is that by eating Infinity Blue Barramundi, you are saving the oceans, one fish at a time!”
About Best Aquaculture Practices
Best Aquaculture Practices is a third-party certification program developed by the Global Seafood Alliance, an international, nonprofit trade association headquartered in Portsmouth, N.H., USA, dedicated to advancing environmentally and socially responsible seafood practices through education, advocacy and third-party assurances. Through the development of its Best Aquaculture Practices and Best Seafood Practices certification standards, GSA has become the leading standards-setting organization for seafood. To learn more, visit www.bapcertification.org.
About the Global Seafood Alliance
The Global Seafood Alliance is an international, nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing responsible seafood practices through education, advocacy and third-party assurances. Through the development of its Best Aquaculture Practices and Best Seafood Practices certification programs, GSA has become the leading provider of assurances for seafood globally. The organization’s work addresses the full spectrum of responsibility, from environmental responsibility and social accountability to food safety. Established in 1997 as the Global Aquaculture Alliance, GSA is headquartered in Portsmouth, N.H., USA. To learn more, visit www.globalseafood.org
In the bustling city of Melbourne, a remarkable event took place – the Women In Seafood Australasia (WISA) & Stay Afloat Network Event. This article is a journey through this exceptional event, sharing insights, experiences, and heartfelt gratitude for the event.
What WISA is about
Women in Seafood Australasia (WISA) is the only national organisation representing women working in the seafood industry. WISA is a unique network covering the tough world of commercial fishing and aquaculture, postharvest, cutting edge research, policy and resource management.
The seafood industry is often seen as male-dominated, but the Women In Seafood Australasia (WISA) & Stay Afloat Network Event in Melbourne was a testament to the remarkable women who have contributed significantly to this dynamic field and the supportive men in seafood who want to see women succeed & increase their role & presence.
Celebrating Extraordinary Women
Beyond the shimmering oceans and seafood on our plates, the event was a heartfelt celebration of the extraordinary women who have made the seafood industry what it is today. Their dedication and hard work were honoured in a memorable way.
Fostering Collaboration
The event wasn’t just about celebration; it was also about fostering collaboration. The seafood industry thrives on partnerships and knowledge exchange. This gathering encouraged camaraderie and innovation.
We are happy to share another Sustainability story feature with GoodFish, a sustainability initiative by the Australian Marine Conservation Society, designed to help the community understand more about their seafood.
As our demand for seafood increases, aquaculture (or fish farming) is an increasingly important sector; making up almost half of the seafood produced in Australia. This industry is not without its sustainability concerns, however, it’s important to know that some Aussie fish farmers are going above and beyond – and we’d love to celebrate them with you!
In this film series, you’ll hear some of the stories of five remarkable aquaculture businesses that are paving the way to a better future for fish farming. Enjoy the journey through their innovations (or their back to basics approaches) and commitment to supplying us with delicious, truly sustainable seafood.
Featured in the video:
Mainstream Aquaculture AKA Infinity Blue Barramundi (Werribee, VIC) have gone old-school, like geologically old. They use geothermal water heating for their indoor barramundi farm tanks, significantly reducing energy use and their carbon footprint. This innovation enables them to grow this tropical species in a temperate environment at maximum efficiency with no disease issues and no discharge to the natural environment – right next to a major market.
Leeuwin Coast Akoya Harvest Road (Albany, WA) discovered that this pearl oyster species grows beautifully if farmed like mussels in cool coastal waters, and developed ultra-low impact approaches to bring a whole new truly sustainable seafood option to the market. This doesn’t happen every day, and it’s something to celebrate.
Flinders Mussels (Melbourne, VIC) focuses on small artisanal scale operations located right on the doorstep of a major city. Operating without additional feed or chemicals, Harry’s mussel farming system actually helps capture nutrients lost from land-based food production washed off the land.
Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod (Griffith, NSW) farms native Murray cod within dams used for crop irrigation. They have ingeniously created an additional layer of food production for these precious and limited water resources. Instead of the nutrient waste from the fish farm impacting our oceans, it gets recycled as fertiliser for crops.
Blue Ridge Marron (Southern Forests, WA) is a beacon of collaborative sustainability, managing, harvesting and marketing on behalf of artisanal growers in the area. After these growers have farmed marron in dams on their farms, orchards, or vineyards at ultra low-intensity, Blue Ridge Marron continues to grow them semi-intensively in their own ponds. They embrace the natural environment, allowing the marron to breed and grow until they’re ready for harvest, minimising interference and using zero chemicals.
We’re always striving for better efficiency while increasing sustainability at our farms. Our Head of Queensland business, Marty Phillips, is featured in this great article on the “Reef and Rivers” magazine published by Wet Tropics Waterways on the importance of continuous improvement and staying pro-active.
