Australian Aquaculture: Novel Innovations and Approaches to Drive Future Growth

The further development of aquaculture in Australia is highly desirable for increasing the production of fresh, healthy and safe seafood, as well as creating economic wealth and employment, particularly in regional areas,... [ view full abstract ]

The further development of aquaculture in Australia is highly desirable for increasing the production of fresh, healthy and safe seafood, as well as creating economic wealth and employment, particularly in regional areas, through the farm to market value supply chain and the further growth of associated service industries. Despite the latest 2011-12 national aquaculture production figures indicating a growth in value of 9% to $1,054 million, as compared to 8% the year before, a closer examination of the figures indicates a general plateauing of the economic value of most sectors, other than the expanding Tasmanian salmon industry.

Why has aquaculture production in general levelled off and what can be done to turn this around so that a ‘high growth phase’ can be achieved? How do we, as marine scientists with our recognised responsibilities in communication, innovation and integrity, address this challenge to support industry to enhance production without causing more environmental harm? One logical and practical approach is to identify, distil and synthesise the diverse experiences of the entrepreneurs, famers and scientists involved in the Australian aquaculture and aquatic biotechnology sectors. The focus should be on identifying common ‘bottlenecks’ and unifying ‘strategic directions’, as well as working collaboratively to develop and implement ‘solutions’.

This presentation will overview the present status of the Australian aquaculture industry, identify some of its key issues, and highlight the authors views as to the science behind the solutions to enhancing the sustainable development of this industry. Aspects that will be discussed include the need for greater cohesiveness between traditional aquaculturists and aquatic biotechnologists to create new opportunities; optimising the balance and type of science support provided to further enhance leading industry sectors, encourage their diversification and develop new sectors; demonstrating the use of alternative and potentially more sustainable aquaculture systems; and further establishing and promoting the Australian aquacultures industry’s social license to operate.