South Australia aquaculture to benefit from new research project

A new A$1.16 million (US$925,000) research project in the Spencer Gulf will investigate the capacity to accommodate for future growth in South Australian aquaculture, according to Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Paul Caica.

The majority of the state's seafood production of southern bluefin tuna, yellowtail kingfish, mussels, oysters and abalone are all in Spencer Gulf, said Caica.

By using Spencer Gulf as a microcosm, the project will develop a model that can be applied elsewhere in South Australia and potentially nationwide, he said.

Caica said the project will be undertaken over three years, but they will be receiving data and information throughout that period for decision-making so that decisions can be implemented during the project.

The research will study the interactions between zones, and whether optimal production and environmental outcomes can be achieved by farming certain types of species together, Caica said.