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Queensland’s marine
aquaculture industry will be the focus of a new
management plan addressing industry development as
well as ecological sustainability.
The Department of Primary
Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) is
developing the management plan in close consultation
with industry and the public.
QFS Fisheries and Aquaculture Development general
manager, Mike Dredge, said the plan would incorporate
clear guidelines and processes for marine aquaculture
development in Queensland.
Mr Dredge said strict
ecological standards as well as a streamlined
application process would help create a viable
industry without compromising other associated
industries or the environment.
He said there was
currently a great deal of uncertainty for
entrepreneurs hoping to establish marine aquaculture
businesses in Queensland waters.
“Issues such as tenure
and sharing the resources between aquaculture
activities and other water users need to be
clarified,” Mr Dredge said.
“Also, the process of
developing marine aquaculture enterprises need to be
made clear to potential investors.”
Mr Dredge said at the
same time, marine aquaculture needed to be developed
in a manner that ensured environmental sustainability.
“We need to look at these issues closely to determine
how and if various marine industries can work
together,” he said.
Mr Dredge assured the
community the management plan would also closely
address their environmental concerns.
“Again, we need to
look at and assess the environmental impact, address
these issues and ultimately work towards community
acceptance,” he said.
Further
information: Mike Dredge (07) 3224 2257
Media Officer: Liz Smith Ph: +61 7 3224 7757
Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001. Fax +61 7 3239 0860
DPI Call Centre 8am-6pm weekdays on local call 13 25
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