Australia Yearbook - 2001

Chapter 16—Forestry and fishing 667
Aquaculture
Aquaculture is one of Australia’s fastest growing
primary industries. As indicated earlier in this
chapter under Fisheries resources, the 1998–99
farmgate value of production was $602m,
compared with $188m in 1989–90. The major
sectors contributing to this growth were pearl
and edible oysters, tuna, salmon, prawns and
southern bluefin tuna.
Australia has enjoyed a relatively long history of
success in the farming of the Sydney rock oyster.
Pearl culture operations, prawn, barramundi,
freshwater crayfish and ornamental fish farming
are well established. The production of juveniles
of several species of fin fish, molluscs and
crustaceans has been undertaken for some years,
initially for restocking wild populations and
subsequently for grow-out operations.
Australian aquaculture is expected to continue to
show strong growth for the next 10 years and, on
current estimates, the value of production will be
in excess of $1b by the end of this period. The
industry provides regional development and
employment opportunities in rural Australia, as
well as contributing to export growth.
An Aquaculture Action Agenda was jointly
announced by the Federal Ministers for
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Industry,
Science and Resources on 24 May 2000. The
aquaculture industry has strong growth prospects
and offers enormous potential as a major
contributor to Australia’s economic growth and
to rural and regional development. The boost
provided by the Action Agenda program will assist
Government and industry to develop strategies
which maximise industry growth opportunities,
increase export opportunities, improve
innovation and expand the skills base of people
working in the industry.
Developmental work is taking place in a number
of areas including in a range of fin fish, freshwater
crayfish (marron), mussels and algae. Research is
continuing into the hatchery rearing of species
such as abalone, scallops, giant clams, and flat
and pearl oysters. Over half by value of the
established aquaculture output goes to markets
other than for direct consumption. However, the
output of the newer industries goes mainly to
markets for direct consumption.
The operational responsibility for the
development of aquaculture in Australia rests
with State and Territory Governments. A number
of States have aquaculture and coastal
development plans in place. These plans take
into account the needs of the multiple user
groups and provide a focus for aquaculture as an
industry and as a legitimate user of water and
land resources.
Aquaculture provides a basis for improved
biological understanding of Australia’s native
marine and freshwater species and can be used to
re-establish populations of endangered aquatic
species. Aquaculture may also improve the catch
in both recreational and commercial fisheries
through restocking programs.
See also the Section Fisheries management and
aquaculture in Chapter 14, Environment.
Recreational fishing
Recreational fishing in Australia is an important
leisure activity for over three million Australians,
with some 120,000 fishers identified as members
of fishing clubs in 1996–97. Recreational fishing
also supports about 90,000 Australian jobs. Two
main industries are involved. The Australian
fishing tackle and bait industry has an annual
turnover in excess of $170m. The recreational
boating industry, with around 60% being related
to fishing, accounts for another $500m in
turnover. In addition to Australian fishers,
international tourists spend over $200m on
fishing in Australia each year. There are often
significant flow-on benefits to regional areas,
including employment opportunities in the
tackle, boating, tourism, charter and associated
industries.