Tarzali Lakes has endeavoured to embrace a non-conformist attitude to aquaculture production. We have managed to promote a symbiotic relationship within our pond ecology. Our natural and eco friendly fish farming techniques have allowed for the proliferation of natural aquatic micro organisms in our ponds such as zooplankton, macro braakii and rotifers.

The expansion of the Aquaculture Centre’s pond infrastructure has led to an increase in the number of tropical freshwater crayfish (redclaw) and prawns. These have played an important role in improving the natural balance of our lakes.  As bottom feeders, they play a role in the ponds’ ecosystem, feeding on waste and other debris.

Also benefiting from this increase has been the native platypus population that feed on the juvenile redclaw and prawns. This allows Tarzali Lakes to offer the only guaranteed platypus sighting tours on the Tablelands.

By correctly managing our fish stocks and feeding regimes, we have been able to reduce the quantity of food added to the ponds by approximately 75% while maintaining commercially acceptable growth levels. These efficiencies are also aided by the production of our own food formula and cultivating sufficient levels of plankton.  A combination of these efforts reduces our operational costs, add to the overall water quality and most importantly maintain the health and vitality of our stock.

Also, by encouraging various birds of prey such as the Sea Eagles and the Goss Hawks, we have achieved a natural barrier surrounding our farm that is relatively free from prolific fish eaters such as the Cormorants and Whitetail Rats. In fact, the Sea Eagles with the aid of the various Hawks, rule the sky. These birds are a good indicator of the health of our fish population and can alert us to any fish related problems that may arise. They are nature’s own health barometer and aerial janitors.