[4] After testing over 30 species of fish in order to determine which was optimal for aquaculture, Goldman chose barramundi because of its low environmental impact, ability to reliably breed in captivity, appealing taste and exceptional nutritional value.
Although Australis was able to raise barramundi successfully, one of the largest challenges the company faced was popularizing a relatively unknown fish in the American market.
[6] Goldman said: “We were reaching out and building relationships with top chefs who were passionate about sustainability, dietitians who were trying to get people to eat more fish (but often worried about contaminants), and environmentalists whose mission was to protect the oceans.”[7] In 2004, Australis Aquaculture established its first barramundi farm in Turner Falls, Massachusetts.
[9] Australis used Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) technology in its land-based Turner Falls, MA facility to raise barramundi.
The company’s Vietnamese operations produce primary flash frozen filets and portions which are sold to foodservice distributors and prominent retailers, including the restaurant French Laundry, which first carried Australis Barramundi in 2008,[12] Whole Foods and HelloFresh.