The Australian Parliament’s Agriculture and Water Resources Committee has tabled the report of its inquiry into the Australian aquaculture sector: Supporting a strong future for Australian aquaculture.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 9 February 2022

The Australian Parliament’s Agriculture and Water Resources Committee has tabled the report of its inquiry into the Australian aquaculture sector: Supporting a strong future for Australian aquaculture. The report found that Australian aquaculture is a growing industry with a strong positive outlook. Australia’s aquaculture already has a reputation for producing premium product and further improvements will strengthen our market position. The report noted that unlocking the full potential of the industry will require the removal of some barriers to growth. Committee Chair Mr Rick Wilson MP said, ‘there are many exciting opportunities for the growth of Australian aquaculture. The growth of the industry will help meet domestic demand for seafood, boost exports and provide thousands of additional jobs, especially in regional areas.’ ‘Aquaculture, like all industries, has its share of challenges and potential barriers to growth. The Committee has made a number of recommendations with the aim of overcoming these barriers,’ Mr Wilson added. Mr Wilson notes the confusion caused by current rules around the country of origin labelling of seafood. ‘Consumers are unable to know whether they are buying imported or Australian fish at their local fish and chip shop.’ ‘Consumers have the right to know where the seafood they buy originates from. It is nonsensical that there are no country of origin labelling rules for the food service industry, and this must be addressed’. For further information, please visit the inquiry website. Media enquiries Chris Thomson, Office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair Chris.Thomson@aph.gov.au 0467 710 180 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au

Aquaculture industry groups from Tasmania and South Australia and an environmental peak body will appear before the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee this week as part of its current inquiry into Australia’s aquaculture sector.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 23 November 2021

Aquaculture industry groups from Tasmania and South Australia and an environmental peak body will appear before the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee this week as part of its current inquiry into Australia’s aquaculture sector. The Committee will hear evidence from key industry groups representing operators in southern regions, including the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association, Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association and Australian Abalone Growers Association, as well as conservation group Environment Tasmania.  ‘We are aware that aquaculture operators in the southern regions of Australia face unique opportunities and barriers to their growth when compared to their counterparts in the north, and are working under different regulatory frameworks,’ said Committee Chair, Rick Wilson MP. ‘We look forward to understanding the needs of these operators.’ ‘The Committee is also mindful that there are concerns about aquaculture’s impact on the environment, in Tasmania in particular, and is seeking to understand what can be done to improve consumer confidence in this important sector.’ For further information, please visit the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Friday 26 November 2021 Time: 12:15pm to 2:30pm AEDT A live audio stream of the hearing will be accessible at: www.aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Chris Thomson, Office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair Chris.Thomson@aph.gov.au 0467 710 180 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au

The perspectives of Queensland-based operators and peak industry bodies will be the focus of public hearings next week for the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee as part of its current inquiry into Australia’s aquaculture sector.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 4 November 2021

The perspectives of Queensland-based operators and peak industry bodies will be the focus of public hearings next week for the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee as part of its current inquiry into Australia’s aquaculture sector. On 8 and 9 November, the Committee will hear from organisations with aquaculture interests in Queensland, including the Australian Prawn Farmers Association, Australian Barramundi Farmers Association, Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance, and local operators from the state.   Committee Chair, Rick Wilson MP, commented that the Committee is very interested in perspectives about the opportunities and barriers to the expansion of the aquaculture sector in Queensland. ‘These hearings will contribute to the body of evidence on the status of Queensland’s aquaculture industries. It will be particularly important to understand if there are common issues raised by the stakeholders.’ ‘The Committee is looking forward to hearing about the successes of the attending aquaculture enterprises and how their businesses can continue to flourish with support by the Commonwealth Government’, Mr Wilson said. For further information, please visit the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Monday, 8 November 2021 Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm AEDT Date: Tuesday, 9 November 2021 Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm AEDT A live audio stream of the hearing will be accessible at: www.aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Chris Thomson, Office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair Chris.Thomson@aph.gov.au 0467 710 180 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au

The Nature Conservancy, a global conservation organisation with an interest in sustainable aquaculture, will appear before the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee this week as part of the current inquiry into Australia’s aquaculture sector.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 27 October 2021

The Nature Conservancy, a global conservation organisation with an interest in sustainable aquaculture, will appear before the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee this week as part of the current inquiry into Australia’s aquaculture sector.   The Nature Conservancy collaborates with farmers, fishers, governments, Indigenous groups, corporations and local communities in Australia to balance the needs of people and nature. Its Oceans Program is focused on researching and developing sustainable aquaculture methods. ‘Research from The Nature Conservancy has shown that aquaculture can be a highly sustainable source of food and deliver environmental benefits,’ said the Committee Chair, Rick Wilson MP. ‘The Committee is interested in learning more about how different aquaculture methods can create solutions for sustainability and lead to increased investment and growth for operators in the industry.’ For further information, please visit the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 28 October 2021 Time: 10.15am to 10:55am AEST A live audio stream of the hearing will be accessible at: www.aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Chris Thomson, office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair Chris.Thomson@aph.gov.au 0467 710 180 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au

Potential for expanding the aquaculture industry in Australia has been a frequent theme among contributors to a federal parliamentary committee inquiry.

Media release issue date: Monday, 18 October 2021

Potential for expanding the aquaculture industry in Australia has been a frequent theme among contributors to a federal parliamentary committee inquiry. The House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee will hear evidence from the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre this week as part of its current inquiry into Australia’s aquaculture sector.   The Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre, based in Tasmania, brings together industry, government and research partners with expertise in aquaculture, marine renewable energy and maritime engineering. It delivers targeted training and research to support innovation in commercially-viable and sustainable offshore developments. The Committee Chair, Rick Wilson MP, noted that the topic of offshore aquaculture production and its potential for expanding the aquaculture industry in Australia has been a frequent theme among submitters and witnesses to this inquiry. ‘This hearing is an opportunity for the committee to learn more about the significant research and development currently being undertaken by the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre to support new and innovative approaches to aquaculture production in Australian waters.’ For further information, please visit the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 21 October 2021 Time: 10.15am to 10:55am AEST A live audio stream of the hearing will be accessible at: www.aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Chris Thomson, office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair Chris.Thomson@aph.gov.au 0467 710 180 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au

Issues such as Country of Origin labelling, regional infrastructure and regulatory pathways in aquaculture will be considered by the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee at an upcoming public hearing.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 24 August 2021

Issues such as Country of Origin labelling, regional infrastructure and regulatory pathways in aquaculture will be considered by the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee at an upcoming public hearing. The committee will hear from Seafood Industry Australia, the national peak body representing the Australian seafood industry, as part of its current inquiry into Australia’s aquaculture sector. The organisation will be appearing via videoconference. Committee Chair, Rick Wilson MP, said that Seafood Industry Australia represents a wide range of stakeholders in aquaculture throughout Australia and offers perspectives from across the industry on a broad range of topics such as policy, regulation, workforce, infrastructure and export market growth. ‘While the committee has heard that there are many region-specific issues to be considered in this inquiry, it is valuable to understand how these are reflected on a national scale,’ Mr Wilson said. For further information, please visit the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 26 August 2021 Time: 10.10am to 10:50am AEST A live audio stream of the hearing will be accessible at: www.aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Elysia Harverson, office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair elysia.harverson@aph.gov.au 0477 360 087 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au

The Northern Territory Seafood Council, which represents seafood operators across the aquaculture, wild catch and trader/processing sectors, and Seafarms, the organisation behind Project Sea Dragon, a large-scale staged development of prawn production ponds across Northern Australia, will give valuable evidence this week to a parliamentary committee inquiry into aquaculture.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 10 August 2021

The Northern Territory Seafood Council, which represents seafood operators across the aquaculture, wild catch and trader/processing sectors, and Seafarms, the organisation behind Project Sea Dragon, a large-scale staged development of prawn production ponds across Northern Australia, will give valuable evidence this week to a parliamentary committee inquiry into aquaculture. The House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee will be holding the public hearing as part of its current inquiry into Australia’s aquaculture sector.  The Committee Chair, Rick Wilson MP, noted that ‘This hearing will round out evidence from aquaculture stakeholders in the Northern Territory received during a public hearing and site visits in Darwin in July.’ ‘The committee has seen first-hand the significant aquaculture work being undertaken in the Northern Territory. We look forward to hearing further perspectives about current challenges and new opportunities for aquaculture in the Territory, and how the Government can help address barriers being faced by operators.’ For further information, please visit the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 12 August 2021 Time: 10.10am to 11:10am AEST A live audio stream of the hearing will be accessible at: www.aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Elysia Harverson, office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair elysia.harverson@aph.gov.au 0477 360 087 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au

House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee to travel to NT next week to hear from a range of stakeholders as part of its inquiry into the Australian aquaculture sector. The hearings and several site visits in the Darwin region will form part of the committee’s inquiry into the Australian aquaculture sector.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 21 July 2021

The House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee will travel to the Northern Territory next week to hear from a range of stakeholders as part of its inquiry into the Australian aquaculture sector. The hearings and several site visits in the Darwin region will form part of the committee’s inquiry into the Australian aquaculture sector. Committee Chair, Rick Wilson MP, noted that aquaculture businesses and research organisations will be among the witnesses appearing before the Committee, including: Humpty Doo Barramundi, Paspaley Group, and the Northern Territory Government, with representatives from the Darwin Aquaculture Centre. ‘These hearings will contribute significantly to the existing body of evidence for this inquiry. The Committee looks forward to discussing opportunities for the expansion of the aquaculture sector in northern Australia.’ ‘We look forward to hearing from aquaculture enterprises about their experiences running successful ventures. It will be particularly useful to learn about present challenges and how the Government can help redress concerns around biosecurity, environmental management, and current regulatory frameworks’, Mr Wilson said. For further information, please visit the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Monday, 26 July 2021 Time: 10.10 am to 12.10 pm ACST A live audio stream of the hearing will be accessible at www.aph.gov.au/Watch_Read_Listen. Media enquiries Elysia Harverson, office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair elysia.harverson@aph.gov.au 0477 360 087 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The status of Australian aquaculture and opportunities for its expansion will be discussed at an upcoming public hearing by the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee.

Media release issue date: Monday, 21 June 2021

The status of Australian aquaculture and opportunities for its expansion will be discussed at an upcoming public hearing by the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee.    The Committee will speak to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) this Thursday as part of its inquiry into the Australian aquaculture sector. Witnesses will appear in person. The FRDC is a national statutory authority responsible for funding and coordinating fisheries and aquaculture research, development, and extension activities in Australia. Committee Chair, Rick Wilson MP, noted that ‘For over 30 years, the FRDC has provided strategic leadership to the aquaculture sector, helping both government and industry to direct investment. Their work ensures that research priorities are identified and that subsequent findings are accessible to stakeholders.’ ‘The FRDC’s submission to the inquiry was detailed and wide-ranging and the Committee looks forward to discussing the many opportunities for growth, as well as solutions to current barriers, within the aquaculture sector’, Mr Wilson said.         For further information, please visit the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 24 June 2021 Time: 10.10am to 10.45am AEST A live audio stream of the hearing will be accessible at: www.aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Elysia Harverson, office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair elysia.harverson@aph.gov.au 0477 360 087 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Ways to maximise the commercial potential of innovations in science will be discussed at an upcoming public hearing by the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 15 June 2021

Ways to maximise the commercial potential of innovations in science will be discussed at an upcoming public hearing by the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee.    The Committee will speak to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) this Thursday as part of its inquiry into the Australian aquaculture sector. Witnesses will appear via videoconference. Committee Chair, Rick Wilson MP, noted that both organisations are engaged in pioneering research which aims to boost the overall efficiency, sustainability, and profitability of domestic aquaculture enterprises. ‘CSIRO research into marine microbes led to the development of a natural supplement which has helped Australian farmers to rear bigger, healthier prawns. Similarly, ANSTO has used nuclear techniques to maximise seafood growth by identifying optimal feed ingredients and percentages.’ ‘The Committee looks forward to discussing these and other emerging scientific innovations, as well as their potential commercial applications in the expansion of the aquaculture sector’, Mr Wilson said. For further information, please visit the inquiry website. Media enquiries Elysia Harverson, office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair elysia.harverson@aph.gov.au 0477 360 087 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Government’s ongoing commitment to grow the value of Australian aquaculture to $2 billion by 2027 will be discussed at an upcoming public hearing by the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 2 June 2021

The Government’s ongoing commitment to grow the value of Australian aquaculture to $2 billion by 2027 will be discussed at an upcoming public hearing by the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee.  The Committee will speak to the Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment this Thursday as part of its inquiry into the Australian aquaculture sector. Witnesses will appear in person. Committee Chair, Rick Wilson MP, noted that, while the day-to-day operations of aquaculture enterprises are regulated by state and territory governments, the Commonwealth holds several key functions which directly affect the sector. These include biosecurity and environmental management, aquatic animal health, food safety, national research programs, and market access and trade.  ‘The Government is currently implementing a National Aquaculture Strategy which recognises the increasingly important role of the sector to the Australian economy and aims to grow its value to $2 billion by 2027. The Committee looks forward to discussing the progress of this strategy with the Department’, Mr Wilson said.  For further information, please visit the inquiry website. Media inquiries Elysia Harverson, office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair elysia.harverson@aph.gov.au 0477 360 087 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee will discuss ways to harness the development of new technologies and mariculture methods in order to grow the aquaculture sector in Australia.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 25 May 2021

The House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee will discuss ways to harness the development of new technologies and mariculture methods in order to grow the aquaculture sector in Australia. The Committee will speak to the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) this Thursday in the first public hearing for its inquiry into the Australian aquaculture sector. Witnesses will appear via videoconference. Committee Chair, Rick Wilson MP, said that AIMS is the national authority on tropical marine science and has conducted ground-breaking research into coral reef restoration. This has the potential to stimulate new opportunities for the aquaculture sector and provide meaningful employment in regional areas. ‘Research and innovation are vital to ensuring the ongoing viability of aquaculture enterprises’, Mr Wilson said.  For further information, please visit the inquiry website. Media inquiries Elysia Harverson, office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair elysia.harverson@aph.gov.au 0477 360 087 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.  

Australian aquaculture has experienced steady growth since 2002, yet its annual worth has plateaued at just over $1 billion in recent years. A new inquiry into the Australian aquaculture sector by the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee plans to find out why.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 6 April 2021

Australian aquaculture has experienced steady growth since 2002, yet its annual worth has plateaued at just over $1 billion in recent years. A new inquiry into the Australian aquaculture sector by the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee plans to find out why. The inquiry will investigate the status of the sector, including ways to streamline and increase the effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks, as well as the ability of business to access and commercialise new innovations. Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair of the Agriculture and Water Resources Committee, stated that ‘Australia has a well-deserved reputation for producing high quality, sustainable seafood, with aquaculture products accounting for over 40 per cent of Australian seafood production in terms of value.’ ‘Increasing consumer demand for Australian native species, together with internationally recognised seafood quality and standards, means that Australian aquaculture is competitively positioned to access high value domestic and overseas markets. The Committee will be examining opportunities and barriers to the expansion of the sector, including the ability of enterprise to access capital and investment’ Mr Wilson said.    The Committee is accepting submissions to the inquiry until Friday 14 May. For further information on making a submission please visit the inquiry website. Media inquiries Elysia Harverson, office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair elysia.harverson@aph.gov.au 0477 360 087 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.