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Aquaculture collaborations with the regions
Aquaculture in Australia is a relatively new industry but the farming practices are more innovative and high tech and being carried out in a sustainable manner. The success is drawn from the experiences gained with the collaborations between Australia and the regions which enables resources, expertises and experiences sharing. This avoids expensive duplicated researches.
Australia continues to promote Australian aquaculture products and services overseas and in particular, develop and implement an agreed engagement strategy to promote our aquaculture products and services in the Asia-Pacific.
The Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific
NACA is a regional aquaculture research and development network. In 2005 NACA consisted of 17 member governments:
- Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Iran, Korea (DPR), Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
- There are also participating (non-member) governments include Rep. of Korea, Lao PDR and Singapore.
Australia has had a long association with NACA, however our membership was formalised when the Instrument of Accession was lodged in the Australian Parliament on the 1 July 1998.
Through membership to this network, we can greatly enhance aquaculture research and development in Australia. NACA operates on a principle of collaboration between member economies, and therefore research costs can be minimised through collaborative projects and training capacity.
The Asia-Pacific region has a long history in aquaculture, and Australia has much to benefit through developing closer links with aquaculture producers and researchers in the region.
Current NACA projects in which Australia is participating include:
- The Asia-Pacific Marine Finfish Aquaculture Network
- Better Management Practices for Shrimp Farming
- Aquaculture Genetic and Biodiversity
- Inland Culture-based Fisheries
- Asia Regional Advisory Group on Aquatic Animal Health
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Fisheries Working Group (FWG)
FWG was created in 1991 and aims to promote:
- the conservation and sustainable use of fisheries resources
- sustainable development of aquaculture and habitat preservation
- development of solutions to common resource management problems
- the enhancement of food safety and quality of fish and fisheries products
- sector-specific work relating to trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation.
Australia engages in the APEC FWG to promote a regional agenda in fish trade, aquaculture, environmental management and fisheries management that benefits Australian and regional communities.