The giant saltwater specimens that venture too close to urban or tourist areas are sold to Queensland farmers keen to cash in on breeding the genetically "gifted" reptiles.

But the industry's financial gain comes at a huge cost to taxpayers.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this month spent $75,000 hunting a four-metre "crocodile of concern" off Fraser Island.

"Crocodiles of concern" include those that behave aggressively, have attacked a person or are longer than two metres and outside known crocodile habitats.

Since 2003, the EPA has removed 97 saltwater crocodiles from the wild.

Killing a wild crocodile is illegal and carries a maximum fine of $22,500.

Peter Fisher owns the Melaleuca Crocodile Farm, one of only three in the state with access to problem crocodiles.

He said he bought captured crocs from the EPA for about $220 a metre.

Aggressive crocodiles were genetically wired to produce superior skins, but only the third generation of offspring were sold for their leather, Mr Fisher said.

"It's very expensive for us to produce because a first- to second-grade skin has to be virtually perfect," he said.

Mr Fisher said Australian crocodile farming helped save wild populations.

"There is huge demand for crocodile skin and if we don't fill it, the animals will be poached from the wild in the developing world," he said.

Mr Fisher said he sold skins to tanneries that dealt with luxury brands including Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Prada.

The holy grail for high-end fashion was a crocodile belly with 40 rows of scales from the neck to the back legs.

Brisbane leather-goods maker Joan Reville, of Ozotic Leather, said the buying power of European fashion houses made it tougher for Australian manufacturers.

She paid about $700 for a large skin that could produce one bag, one clutch and a small purse.

Sourcing crocodile skins had been easier when she started her business 10 years ago.

Now, luxury brands were signing long-term contracts with farms and effectively locking out local manufacturers, she said.

"I can't get skins because they are all sold to the large companies ... they have the market stitched up," Ms Reville said.