The NSW Government has committed to working with industry to double the farm gate value of the NSW aquaculture sector to $300 million by 2030 with the release of the NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement.
The new statement outlines an overarching approach to the development of the State’s aquaculture industries which includes research, investment in breeding programs and a commitment to water quality improvements.
The statement came as more than 300 state, interstate and international delegates attended the national Oyster Industry Conference in Port Macquarie.
The Vision Statement is a joint industry and government initiative built on a shared approach to seafood production, developing bioproducts and climate change adaptation.
“The Government is investing in research infrastructure and collaborative activities to drive industry growth, the sustainable development of our natural resources, and to support innovation so that industry can manage the risks and take advantage of opportunities for the coming decades,” said minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty.
Key to delivering a doubling in the farm gate value of the NSW aquaculture industries will be industry and government supported initiatives including:
- Managing oyster industry risk through a breeding program, plus alternate species.
- Innovative research at DPIRD research stations and with partners.
- Opening up new areas for marine aquaculture (mussels, oysters, algae).
- Promoting the environmental benefits of aquaculture – e.g. algae, oysters and mussels all take up excess nutrients and help improve water quality.
- Streamlining aquatic biosecurity rules to facilitate access to interstate spat supply
- Protecting and enhancing water quality.
- Providing opportunities for Aboriginal people to participate in aquaculture businesses.
The Government and industry will develop a detailed roadmap that will guide implementation of the target initiatives.
The oyster sector, which underpins the aquaculture industry, is the fastest growing seafood segment in NSW, having increased in farm gate value by 30 percent in 2022/23 to $78m.
In addition, the oyster industry contributes more than $30 million to NSW by employing thousands of people across production, wholesale, processing, retail and agri-tourism.
The oyster industry also prides itself on their commitment to water quality monitoring and protection of the marine environment.
The NSW Government has recently announced it is investing more than $3 million to provide much needed upgrades at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute.
This is set to enhance breeding and research facilities for shellfish, including oysters and finfish, for innovation in seafood production to support the industry vision.
The Government has also provided financial support for aquaculture and commercial fishing businesses with fee relief as they were impacted by natural disaster and aquatic disease – the White Spot prawn virus, and QX disease in Sydney Rock Oysters.