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Supporting aquaculture business
The Commonwealth Government plays a significant role in supporting aquaculture through national programs for research, quarantine, fish health, food safety, market access and trade, business development and farm management assistance.
The Aquaculture Industry Action Agenda (AIAA) was launched in December 2002 and activities commenced in June 2003. Over that period the Government committed $3.5 million to its implementation.
The AIAA was aimed at assisting Australian industry achieve its vision to increase profitability through efficient and sustainable production.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) takes a leadership and coordination role in aquaculture with the state/ territory and local governments, which are responsible for day-to-day management and regulation of the industry.
The Statement commits all Australian governments to work with the aquaculture industry to achieve maximum sustainable growth, while also meeting national and international expectations for environmental, social and economic performance.
The Statement encourages:
- development of ecologically sustainable aquaculture
- recognition that aquaculture provides innovative use of water, land and other natural resources
- acknowledgement that aquaculture can provide significant investment and employment opportunities to rural and regional economies
- development of an investment, policy and regulatory framework that encourages industry growth
- recognition that Australia is a leader in regional aquaculture development
- recognition that aquaculture can provide self-determination opportunities for indigenous communities
- allocation of natural resources for aquaculture
- protection of aquatic environments
- acknowledgement of the importance of knowledge transfer to develop the aquaculture industry, and
- fostering dynamic industry leadership to support long-term industry resilience
DAFF’s Domestic Fisheries and Aquaculture Branch includes a specialist Indigenous Aquaculture Unit that promotes the involvement of indigenous people in the aquaculture industry.