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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 the sharing of resources, expertise and experiences.
The Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific
The Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA) is a regional aquaculture research and development network. In 2008 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, and 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 the sharing of training capacity.
The Asia-Pacific region has a long history in aquaculture, and Australia stands to benefit from this contribution to the development of aquaculture 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 Genetics and Biodiversity
- Inland Culture-based Fisheries
- Asia Regional Advisory Group on Aquatic Animal Health
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Fisheries Working Group (FWG)
The 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.