June 7, 2022

 

World Aquaculture Conference 2023 to be held in Darwin, Australia

 

 

The World Aquaculture 2023 (WA2023) will attract thousands of international attendees for a four-day conference featuring industry speakers, showcasing innovative research, workshops and tours, its organiser said.

 

Australia will host the annual WA2023 from May 29 to June 1, 2023 at the Darwin Convention Centre. This is the first World Aquaculture conference to be hosted by Australia since 2014.

 

With a value of US$263.6 billion, world aquaculture production reached 114.5 million tonnes in 2018.

 

Darwin is the ideal location for WA2023, in close proximity to the expanding Australian industry, and to around 89% of the world's aquaculture from major production regions in Asia.

 

With the Australian government recently recognising the need to support a strong future for Australian aquaculture, WA2023 is a timely event to bring international and national industry representatives, scientists, sector analysts, government officials, educators and policy makers to present, exchange ideas and progress sustainable industry development.

 

Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), the Australian peak-body representing the commercial seafood industry, said they are excited to be hosting the event.

 

"We are thrilled to welcome the World Aquaculture 2023 conference to Australia," SIA chief executive officer Veronica Papacosta said.

 

"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 securing international food security, a role which is forecast to grow in years to come. Australia's 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.

 

"We look forward to hosting national and international delegates in Darwin, and for them to experience our great Australian seafood first-hand."

 

Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said Tourism Australia is excited to be supporting the World Aquaculture Conference 2023 in Darwin through its Business Events Bid Fund Program.

 

"We congratulate the Northern Territory on its successful bid to host this conference, which has the potential to deliver significant benefits," Harrison said.

"Attracting events, like this, is helping to generate global attention for Australia's world-class business events offering whilst also delivering short and long term benefits to our tourism industry and economy more broadly."

- World Aquaculture Society