AUSTRALIAN DESERT IMPORTANCE FOR SALINE AND BRACKISH WATER AQUACULTURE AND FISH FARMING
Australia is a continental island that occupies a fascinating position on the world map it is a very huge landmass of unproductive land (desert area) surrounded by seawater and this desert area has a great potential for fish production which boosts the economy of the country at low cost and support the desert ecosystem due to the availability of Underground Saline and Brackish Water. In addition, the conversion of the Australian waste/arid/unproductive land for aquaculture and fish farming ponds plays a great role in providing a neat and clean protein source and livelihood which ultimately enhances the inhabitants of the desert area which is a main theme and important part of our ongoing saline and brackish water Aquaculture Project as well as a part of UNO Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The total Land Area of Australia is 7,688,287 square kilometers makes a significant contribution to the Earth’s total landmass and has the great potential to produce high-quality proteins if used and managed properly for Aquaculture and fish farming. This expansive landmass provides a significant opportunity to transform barren/desert landscapes into thriving brackish water aquaculture systems.
Desert Area in Australia:
Australia is known for its extensive arid and semi-arid regions, encompassing multiple prominent deserts. Notable examples include the Great Victoria Desert, Gibson Desert, Simpson Desert, and the Tanami Desert. Collectively, these deserts cover over 1.3 million square kilometers, offering immense potential for brackish water aquaculture ventures.
Desert Area: Approximately 2.3 million square kilometers (563 million acres), or 30% of the total mainland area.
Climate:
Australia exhibits diverse climatic conditions due to its vast geographical expanse. The northern regions experience a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. In contrast, the central and southern parts of the country have a more arid and semi-arid climate, featuring hot summers and unpredictable rainfall patterns.
Landscape:
The desert regions of Australia are mostly flat and sandy, with some areas of rocky outcrops and dunes. Australia’s desert regions is typically characterized by vast expanses of flat or undulating landscapes, sandy or rocky surfaces, and sparse vegetation. The terrain’s unique characteristics play a role in determining the feasibility and design of brackish water aquaculture systems.
Rainfall in Desert Areas:
Highly variable, ranging from less than 100 millimeters (4 inches) per year in the driest areas to over 500 millimeters (20 inches) in some inland regions. Rainfall in Australian deserts is generally scarce, with arid conditions prevailing throughout most of the year. However, specific desert regions may exhibit variations in rainfall patterns. For instance, the Great Victoria Desert receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 200 millimeters, while the Simpson Desert experiences around 150 millimeters of rainfall per year.
Underground Water:
Australia’s desert regions are characterized by the presence of underground water reservoirs, offering a valuable resource for brackish water aquaculture. Notable examples include the Great Artesian Basin and the Canning Basin, where extensive underground water sources can be tapped for aquaculture purposes. Extensive aquifers exist beneath the desert regions of Australia, containing significant quantities of brackish water. The salinity levels of this water vary widely, ranging from slightly brackish to highly saline.
Salinity Levels of Underground Brackish Water:
- Great Artesian Basin: Salinity levels ranging from 1.0 to 10 ppt.
- Murray-Darling Basin: Salinity levels ranging from 0.5 to 3 ppt.
- Pilbara region: Salinity levels ranging from 1.0 to 5 ppt.
Salinity levels in underground water sources across Australia vary depending on the specific regions. Brackish water, with salinity levels ranging from 5 to 30 ppt, is suitable for certain fish and shrimp species.
Potential Income from Brackish Water Aquaculture:
The potential income from brackish water aquaculture in Australia depends on several factors, including the salinity level of the water, the species of fish or shellfish being farmed, and the market demand for the products. Assuming a conservative estimate of per acre of desert land can generate the net income used for brackish water aquaculture, the potential income for Australia could be substantial. With approximately 2.3 million square kilometers of desert land, the total potential income:
Calculations for economic purpose
“Essential Economic Analytics for Informed Decision-Making/Policy making for future”
The desert area of Australia in km2 = 2,700,000 km2
The desert area of Australia in Acres = 667.18453 millions
1 acre of Desert area can generate minimum income excluding the expenditures is=$2877
667.184530 million acres of Desert area can generate income= 1919.47 US Billion Dollars
So, we can generate a reasonable earning by utilizing the unused/waste/spare land/neglected resources of the Australian Desert
Additional Benefits:
- The development of brackish water aquaculture in Australia could create new jobs and economic opportunities in remote and regional areas.
- It could also contribute to food security by providing a sustainable source of seafood.
- The establishment of the Pond in desert utilizing the underground brackish water will strengthen the ecosystem and also support the wildlife of the desert.
Conclusion:
Brackish water aquaculture has the potential to generate significant income in Australia considering the neglected resources i.e. desert/barren land and underground brackish water reservoirs contributing to food security, livelihood and creating new economic opportunities as well as it also strengthen the desert ecosystem and support the wildlife of the desert. Australia’s vast desert regions, coupled with the availability of brackish water resources, make it an ideal candidate to promote brackish water aquaculture and fisheries. By leveraging the potential of barren lands, brackish water aquaculture not only presents economic opportunities but also contributes to sustainable food production and resource management. The successful implementation of the Saline and Brackish Water Aquaculture Project in Australia serves as a testament to the viability and profitability of this approach.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deserts_of_Australia#cite_note-dtee-3