“Quicklook” Assessment of Greater Adelaide's Assets & Challenges ...

abalone industry pays several million to the government each year, money is split to
compliance, management and licensing, and research - also pay on top of that 2.5% of
GDP collected by state for FRDC fisheries research and development Corporation.
Some of overseas universities have better interface on vocational experience and
education – just starting to do this. This is similar to apprenticeship in the schools for
“real world” job training.” They feel some should go to higher education sector
(University level) and saying “hey fellas how about working with industry?” The last six
years there has been a part of formalized program entry – (for the last three year levels
of high school for 1/3 to ½ industry). The issue is getting competency based learning
that is related to work on the job. How to create for students? Some places did change
this education to replace some core courses and now have 54 currently signed up for
new apprenticeships – South Australia is leading the nation on this. These students are
aligning themselves with this industry. But, do not understand why just now supporting
beyond high school. Much more should be focused in this area for undergraduate and
graduate students. A setback was an instance where Flinders were placing undergrads
within industry but got dropped last year. They are looking to rekindle this year. At the
university level skills for dealing with aquaculture are not where they should be.
Business background is required, but people are coming out of Marine Biology with no
Business background. Too many biologists compared to engineers and physicists.
Worldwide trends are an issue where South Australia can hold head up high – managing
the environment, simple things and practical things like companies environmental plan
where community itself demands better environment. Want to be sure build and not tear
down. Environment issues are supremely important. Understanding of factors worldwide
are of critical issue. First time new generation of leaders and had to provide leadership
programs.
A great success story is the Tuna Industry. It has gone more high tech where capture
cages getting further and further off shore. Was in decline in terms of maritime skills to
high job growth with wide array of skills. There is a diverse amount of responsibility, one
foot seems to be in aquaculture, commercial fishing, and food processing.
SUMMARY
The SARDI group and the aquaculture industry have a lot to be proud of in South
Australia. They have worked hard utilizing many bootstrapping techniques with
competition on an international basis. The growth and economic return from all
indicators is massive, with low risk factors. They are almost desperately looking for
more governmental including legislative, educational, and citizen support. Lack of
improved and continued support can kill this industry. There is a wide range of diversity
in this market area from feeds and diets to implementation of various species that have
potential for large economic return. Improvements in strategic growth plans, improved
direction/coordination, and roadmapping are often a common barrier within new growth
industries. It is suggested that careful analysis of each of the points made throughout
this paper can lead to improved wealth as well as technological advancement for the
region.
Interview participants:
Steven Clark
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