Supporting aquaculture business

The Australian 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.

In April 2003, the Primary Industries Ministerial Council considered and endorsed the National Aquaculture Policy Statement. Prepared by the Australian Government, state and territory governments, the National Aquaculture Policy 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 National Aquaculture Policy Statement encourages:

• the ecologically sustainable development of 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

For more information on the Australian Aquaculture Industry visit the Australian Aquaculture Portal.