Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), the body representing Australia’s commercial fishing industry, has announced the absorption of the responsibilities of the National Aquaculture Council (NAC) and the launch of the Aquaculture Advisory Committee (AAC).

Australia’s National Aquaculture Council has been absorbed into Seafood industry Australia, with an Aquaculture Advisory Committee launched. Photo: Seafood Industry Australia

Australia’s National Aquaculture Council has been absorbed into Seafood industry Australia, with an Aquaculture Advisory Committee launched. Photo: Seafood Industry Australia

“First and foremost, SIA would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the NAC and those who have ensured its success,” said SIA CEO Veronica Papacosta.

“SIA welcomes the opportunity to strengthen the representation of aquaculture on a national level, and we acknowledge our commitment to a sector that is productive, well resourced, sustainable and profitable. The Australian aquaculture industry is diverse and each sector has different potential impacts of varying degrees of significance.”

The AAC has been established with with sectoral representatives from Australia’s eight key aquaculture sectors.

●    Abalone - David Wood, Yumbah Aquaculture

●    Barramundi - Jo Ruscoe, Australian Barramundi Farmers Association 

●    Inland Aquaculture - to be announced

●    Kingfish - Rob Gratton, CleanSeas

●    Mussels - David Wood, Yumbah Aquaculture

●    Oysters - Andy Myers, Oysters Australia

●    Prawn - Kim Hooper, Australian Prawn Farmers Association

●    Salmon - Angela Williamson, Tassal 

●    Tuna - Michael Van Doorn, Dinko Tuna Farmers

“Our aquaculture sector has a bright future as it continues to set international benchmarks by providing fresh, high-quality, sustainable seafood year-round, while meeting and exceeding regulatory requirements,” SIA CEO Veronica Papacosta said. Photo: SIA

“Our aquaculture sector has a bright future as it continues to set international benchmarks by providing fresh, high-quality, sustainable seafood year-round, while meeting and exceeding regulatory requirements,” SIA CEO Veronica Papacosta said. Photo: SIA

“The AAC has its first meeting next month and from there our first actions will be to develop a strategic plan and acquire the operational resources needed to ensure success,” Veronica Papacosta said.

“We undertake to work with the AAC, the broader industry, Government and other stakeholders to further the sector’s position as world-leaders in operations, environmental management, fish and crustacean health, biosecurity, and sustainability. We will strive for a sector that is well resourced to deliver high-quality, Australian seafood to both the domestic and international markets now and for generations to come.” 

“SIA and the new AAC will revitalise Australia’s aquaculture voice and support fulfilling aquaculture’s tremendous potential to contribute significantly to Australia’s economy and food security,” said Kim Hooper former NAC Chair and AAC member representing prawns.

Veronica Papacosta commented on the importance of acknowledging the changing landscape of primary production and making necessary changes to representation to ensure the industry can focus on producing high-quality Australian seafood.

“The responsibilities of NAC have found their home within SIA, and this can only enhance the strength of our aquaculture representation from a national perspective,” she said, commenting that Australia’s aquaculture sector has maintained steady growth over the last few years, with the sector’s GVP growing 10% in 2019−20.

“This growth can be largely attributed to Tasmania’s growing Atlantic Salmon industry, which is now worth 35% of national fisheries and aquaculture GVP. Aquaculture is an integral food production sector and plays a key role in our nation’s food security. Australia’s aquaculture seafood products are a healthy, safe, and sustainable source of protein,” she said.

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