Announcing details of the Aquaculture Industry Action Agenda, Federal Fisheries Minister Senator Ian Macdonald and Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said aquaculture was one of the country's fastest growing primary industries, both in terms of production capacity and in finding new markets, and it is the economic mainstay of many communities.

In an official statement Senator Macdonald said: "Aquaculture in Australia is currently worth approximately AUD 746 million and employs around 7,000 people, mostly in regional areas.

"The expansion, which is expected to take place as a result of the Action Agenda will provide these communities with significant spin-offs, including better educational and social services, improved infrastructure, better employment opportunities and new investment."

He said the recent strong growth of aquaculture demonstrated the "dramatic shift from using wild fisheries to the only sustainable alternative - farmed products."

The Action Agenda includes a national policy statement, developing a more efficient regulatory environment, improving animal health standards, and more emphasis on R&D and training.

National Aquaculture Council chairman Bruce Zippel said the AUD 2.5 billion production target was achievable, but he emphasised that the public must be informed "about the potential of the industry so that it can be recognised as a legitimate use of natural resources," reports The Age.

Up to 38 per cent of the country's aquaculture output comes from South Australia, which produces mainly farmed tuna. Tasmania contributes 15 per cent, comprising 85 per cent Atlantic salmon and 13 per cent oysters, while pearling dominates in Western Australia and Northern Territory.

The country's main producer of farmed prawn is Queensland while oysters and trout are the largest contributors to aquaculture production in New South Wales and Victoria.

By FIS.com