A new government enquiry report acknowledging the value and the need to strongly support Australia’s expanding aquaculture sector has been welcomed by industry trade body Seafood Industry Australia’s (SIA) Aquaculture Advisory Committee (AAC).
Released on 9 February 2022, the Australian Government’s House Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources’ report “Supporting a Strong Future for Australian Aquaculture” found that Australian aquaculture is a growing industry with a strong, positive outlook.
It learned that the sector already has a reputation for producing premium products and further improvements will strengthen its market position.
The report also noted that unlocking the full potential of the industry will require the removal of some barriers to growth and makes 15 recommendations.
Rick Wilson, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources, said, “‘there are many exciting opportunities for the growth of Australian aquaculture. The growth of the industry will help meet domestic demand for seafood, boost exports and provide thousands of additional jobs, especially in regional areas.
“Aquaculture, like all industries, has its share of challenges and potential barriers to growth. The committee has made a number of recommendations with the aim of overcoming these barriers.”
Wilson also noted the confusion caused by current rules around the country-of-origin labelling of seafood.
“Consumers are unable to know whether they are buying imported or Australian fish at their local fish and chip shop,” he said. “Consumers have the right to know where the seafood they buy originates from. It is nonsensical that there are no country-of-origin labelling rules for the foodservice industry, and this must be addressed.”
SIA CEO Veronica Papacosta said the committee’s recommendations support SIA’s key positions around the legislated country-of-origin labelling for seafood sold in foodservice, as well as the establishment of a dedicated aquaculture unit within the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, strong biosecurity frameworks, streamlined jurisdiction regulations, and for government support to improve aquaculture’s social licence by addressing consumer and community concerns.
“Aquaculture is now the largest sector of the Australian seafood industry, accounting for 51% of GVP. The sector is currently worth AUD 1.6 billion nationally, and is forecast to grow both domestically and internationally, backing the sector’s growth towards the AUD 100 billion Ag2030 goal. The AAC and SIA welcomes the Committee’s report as it marks an important step to delivering on that commitment.
“We applaud the report’s recommendations and support from the government for our aquaculture sector who continue to set international benchmarks by providing fresh, high-quality, sustainable seafood year-round, while exceeding regulatory requirements. We look forward to working with the governments to further our world-leading sector,” Papacosta said.
She also acknowledged the hard work of industry members and stakeholders throughout the enquiry. These included Tassal, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, the Australian Barramundi Farmers’ Association, and the Australian Prawn Farmers Association.
