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Federal Science Minister Peter McGauran today challenged Australian
researchers and industry groups to exploit the opportunities of
aquaculture and produce more fish and seafood.
Mr
McGauran warned that depleted fish stocks throughout the world would
lead to greater dependence on aquaculture, providing a unique
opportunity for Australian industry and the broader science
community.
The
Minister was commenting after attending the Prime Minister’s
Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC) meeting, which
received a working party’s report on sustainable aquaculture. Deputy
Prime Minister and National Party Leader John Anderson chaired the
PMSEIC meeting.
"The working party’s report will serve as a wake up call to industry
groups, along with the science and research community of Australia,"
Mr McGauran said.
"Aquaculture is the wine industry of the 21st century. The experts
are predicting meteoric growth and Australia should be diversifying
to take advantage of booming world-wide demand.
"Our regional and coastal areas have a natural competitive advantage
and it is up to the Government to work in close partnership with the
science community and industry to provide for sustainable growth
that doesn’t compromise the environment required for aquaculture to
flourish."
The
working group featured representatives from the seafood industry
along with researchers, the Australian Fisheries Management
Authority and PMSEIC.
The
report tabled at the PMSEIC meeting highlighted aquaculture industry
aims to grow from its 2000/01 production of $746 million to $2.5
billion by 2010. It also indicated the need for a more coordinated
approach to research and a willingness to specialise on harvesting
species with the greatest market potential.
Mr
McGauran said aquaculture was poised to take the next step from a
fledgling industry to a major driver of economic prosperity,
particularly in rural and regional areas.
"Producers will rely on high-tech advice from scientists and
researchers on breeding and feeding techniques; waste management;
harvesting; and product development," Mr McGauran said.
"Wild fish stocks in some parts of the world are already being
harvested at unsustainable levels but the demand for fresh seafood
is increasing. It is inevitable that we will need to farm more fresh
fish, prawns and other shellfish to meet the growing domestic
demand, as well as lucrative foreign markets.
"Markets and consumers will demand that seafood is harvested at
sustainable levels."
Mr
McGauran said the science and research sector would have a key role
to play in providing for a sustainable aquaculture industry.
"There is a need for greater collaboration between institutions,
agencies and industry to provide for the expansion of aquaculture,"
Mr McGauran said.
"Science can help to increase the profitability of the industry
while also making sure aquaculture develops in a manner that is
socially and environmentally acceptable to the community."
The
theme of sustainability featured throughout the PMSEIC meeting with
Mr McGauran describing discussions as both informative and
thought-provoking.
"In
addition to aquaculture, PMSEIC considered several issues related to
sustainability of natural systems and biodiversity, along with
industry competitiveness," he said.
"It
also provided an opportunity to update the Council on the National
Research Priority Setting process.
"PMSEIC
is an outstanding forum for canvassing major science portfolio
initiatives and involving some of the Government’s key
decision-makers in issues of great importance to both the science
community and all Australians."
Further information: Contact Media Adviser Darren Chester or Science
Adviser
Gemma Allman on (02) 62777440 |
