Located on Queensland's Whitsunday Coast, Coral Coast Barramundi is one of the case studies included in the 'Queensland Aquaculture Strategy 2024–2034' for its use of innovation and technology to minimize the impact on its coastal environment.
Photo: Coral Coast Barramundi.
Late last week, Queensland's Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner, unveiled the new aquaculture strategy for the next ten years in this Australian state. Moreover, he also announced that PM Steven Miles executive will invest AUD 15 million (EUR 9.1 million / USD 10.1 million) to boost what they call "Queensland's booming aquaculture industry."
The 'Queensland Aquaculture Strategy 2024–2034' aims to put "more premium Queensland seafood" on plates in the state and across the globe. To this end, it supports additional research, development, and extension, as well as new technologies and equipment, including a grants program.
"It’s important we're continuing to invest in our aquaculture sector to give consumers choice, variety, and confidence that all Queensland seafood is sustainable and responsibly sourced," said Queensland's Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister.
This investment is in addition to the AUD 7.5 million (EUR 4.5 million / USD 5 million) already committed to aquaculture in March 2023.
Opened for public consultation during July, the 'Queensland Aquaculture Strategy 2024–2034' was developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders, including industry associations, operators, First Nations Traditional Custodians and aquaculture businesses, as well as government and non-government organizations and universities.
The strategy seeks to improve participation and support for First Nations operators in the industry and responds to stakeholder feedback on how to chart the next phase of development of Queensland's aquaculture industry.
Among the key initiatives included in it, the Ministry of Fisheries highlighted a research and development program to support industry diversification; research into innovative and cost-effective waste treatment, farm automation and energy-efficient businesses; enhanced biosecurity initiatives to support the industry; the establishment of an Aquaculture Stakeholder Reference Group; and a limited grants program to support First Nations businesses and the adoption of new technologies to enhance business sustainability and resilience.
It's worth noting that, in May, we learned that the total value of the Queensland aquaculture industry increased by 17.1% in 2022-23, mostly driven by the prawn sector. Prawn and barramundi are the most valuable species in an industry that also farms other freshwater fish such as silver perch, jade perch, and Murray cod, or shellfish such as redclaw crayfish and oysters. Additional support for the future development of tropical rock oysters in the area is one of the initiatives included in the strategy.
As recalled in the statement released by the Queensland Ministry of Agriculture Industry Development and Fisheries, the funding for the strategy and its initiatives is part of PM Miles Government's consideration of the Future Fisheries Taskforce recommendation to support the phasing-out of gillnet fishing on the Great Barrier Reef to better protect threatened, endangered, and protected species.
But, Queensland's aquaculture industry can not only help meet growing consumer demand for high-quality sustainable seafood, complementing the wild fishing sector, it can also provide a boost to regional economies and jobs.
"We're backing Queensland's aquaculture industry with a combined AUD 22.5 million (EUR 13.6 million / USD 15.1 million) of investment and we are onto a winner — the industry continues to grow and has now hit a record high of AUD 263 million (EUR 159.7 million / USD 177.6 million)," Minister Furner pointed out.
"I’ve seen first-hand the jobs, community benefits and positive economic impact Queensland aquaculture can create, with businesses like Ornatas north of Townsville and Tassal in the Whitsunday region thriving," he added.
Finally, the Queensland Government also said it will work with the industry to strengthen the marketing of Queensland seafood to take advantage of the growing opportunities ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.