September 29, 2004

 

 

Australia's Aquaculture Industry At Crossroads

 

The aquaculture or fish farming industry in Australia is at the crossroads, and needs to firm up its position as a serious primary producer.

 

According to South Australian oyster grower Bruce Zippel, there should be more recognition with regards to the role aquaculture plays in reducing the pressure on native fish stocks.

 

Mr Zippel says the industry is currently worth $800 million. But a lack of awareness and over-regulation are obstacles that need to be overcome.

 

"We have to prove to the community that we are a sustainable industry.

 

"Aquaculture in Australia is probably the most regulated food-producing sector, because we are the new kid on the block.

 

"But over-regulation is going to drive investment away from the aquaculture industry in this country. And that's driving investment away from the regional areas of Australia that are crying out for that sort of investment."

 

The industry has been told it needs to integrate with others, like the grain industry.

 

Australia's biggest aqua-feed producer, Tasmanian James Rose, has grown his business by producing feed pellets for fish farms.

 

But most of the ingredients are currently imported, and Mr Rose says links with Australian grain growers would help change the situation.

 

"We get into selective plant breeding and are really starting to tailor some of our plant products.

 

"There are fantastic opportunities for canola and canola oil with use of oils in feeds; there's lupins, there's wheats.

 

"Australia has this huge agricultural industry that aquaculture can really form some fantastic partnerships with."