Distributed in tropical coastal and fresh waters from the Ashburton River in Western Australia to the Noosa River in Queensland (Ref. 6390).

Stock structure: Four barramundi stocks have been identified in Western Australia (Ref. 28140) and another study suggests the existence of at least 16 genetically isolated populations of barramundi in northern Australian waters east of the Ord River (Ref. 28141). In the Northern Territory, genetically discrete stocks were found to exist in different groups of river systems (Ref. 28142).

The linear coastal distribution of barramundi, combined with moderate levels of larval migration, can explain the differences observed between barramundi stocks (Ref. 28143). Barramundi populations from geographically close rivers (within 50 km radius) are probably part of a common stock.

Commercial fishery: Barramundi are fished in coastal waters and the tidal reaches of many of the accessible rivers of northern Australia. In Western Australia most fishing efforts is centred in Cambridge Gulf, King Sound and along the Kimberley coast, although small quantities of barramundi are taken from tidal waters as far south as the Ashburton River (Ref. 28140). In the Northern Territory, most fishing effort is centred on the rivers between the Victoria and McArthur rivers. In Queensland, most barramundi are caught in the rivers of the Gulf of Carpentaria, although barramundi are also caught in the east coast gillnet fishery (Ref. 28144).

Gillnets are the primary method used to catch barramundi in all States. Gillnet fishers set nets in the tidal reaches of rivers and estuaries, and on coastal mud flats (Ref. 28140, 28144). Small dinghies are used to check and clear the nets and return the catch to shore camps or larger boats where they are filleted, packed and frozen. Fixed tidal traps are used to catch barramundi in the Northern Territory.

In the Northern Territory, small numbers of barramundi are taken live for sale in the aquarium trade.

Historically, Western Australian fishers supplied only local markets, often tethering their fish live in rivers until they could transport them to town. An increase in demand and higher prices in southern capital city markets has seen a marketing shift from whole fish fillets, which are easier to process, pack and transport (Ref. 28140). In Queensland, barramundi are sold either whole as fillets. Prices for barramundi vary around the country.

Aquaculture: Research into the culture of barramundi in Australia began in 1984 with studies carried out by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries. This work was aimed at adapting culture techniques developed in Thailand to Australian conditions (Ref. 28146). Barramundi are now being farmed in Queensland, the Northern Territory and South Australia.

Eggs for culture operations initially came from wild broodstock, and after hatching, the larvae were reared in a flow-through tank system until they reached fingerling size (30-40 mm total length) (Ref. 28146). Most operations now retain captive broodstock, and use extensive systems of fertilised brackish or salt water earthen ponds for larval rearing. This method has the advantages of requiring less labour and hence is less expensive than tank system hatcheries and larval rearing facilities for the production of an equivalent number of larvae. Furthermore, in extensive systems, growth rates are 2 to 3 times faster and the number of observed deformities is lower than in tank systems.

Barramundi fingerlings are used either for stocking freshwater reservoirs for recreational fishing, or in 'grow-out' operations. In grow-out operations, fingerlings are usually stocked in floating cages in ponds where they are held until they reach a marketable size of about 400 g - usually in as little as 6 months. Growth rates vary, and regular grading of the fish reduces cannibalism on smaller fish (Ref. 28146).

Farmed barramundi are sold as 'plate-sized' fish. These are scaled, gilled and gutted, packed on ice and sold as whole, fresh fish at the Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne fish markets.

Recreational fishery: Barramundi are caught by recreational fishers throughout their range, although fishing pressure is greatest on accessible rivers near population centres. Anglers fish for barramundi in freshwater billabongs and creeks, the upper tidal reaches of rivers, and throughout the estuarine and coastal habitats of barramundi. Most anglers use light rods and lines or handlines rigged with flies, lures or occasionally live bait. They fish either from the bank or from small dinghies.

Recreational fishing effort for barramundi has increased in recent years, particularly with improved access to the more remote fishing areas in north Queensland and the Northern Territory. Barramundi is a recognised game fish under International Game Fishing Association rules, and is sought by anglers for both its eating and sporting qualities (Ref. 28150). According to records of the Australian Anglers Association the largest barramundi landed by a recreational angler weighed 22.2 kg and was caught in the Northern Territory.

In the Northern Territory and Queensland, recreational barramundi fishing is a major industry. Many fishing charter operators in the Northern Territory specifically target barramundi (Ref. 28150), catering for the increasing numbers of fishing tourists.

Resource status: As of 1993, the exploitation rate of barramundi was low, largely because of the management policies effected in each State. The resource appeared to be stable. Known from Mulgrave river, Wet Tropics, Northern Queensland (Ref. 40054). Recorded from Shark bay (WA) around to the Mary river (south-eastern Qld) (Ref. 44894).

Also Ref. 3281, 9987, 13465, 36654, 84364.