A fishing trawler near Stradbroke Island, Queensland.
Photo: Adobe Stock.
Authorities in Queensland, Australia, are looking to develop the region's growing aquaculture sector, which according to a recent report, is worth AUS $263 million (EUR 161.1 million / USD 175.5 million).
In support of this, a public consultation is now open for the Queensland Aquaculture Strategy 2024-2034, giving stakeholders a chance to have their say on the strategy's outline of research priorities, regulatory best practices, and direction for the future of aquaculture in Queensland.
"The strategy aims to enable Queenslanders to make the most of the opportunities that aquaculture offers, while balancing environmental and social values," according to the Queensland Aquaculture Strategy consultation website.
Launching the consultation this week, Queensland authorities said that the strategy and planned initiatives are part of a $15 million commitment under the Future Fishing Taskforce’s recommendations, which aim to significantly reduce high-risk fishing activities impacting the Great Barrier Reef.
In total, AUS $185 million has been allocated by the Queensland and Australian governments to impelement the Taskforce recommendations.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said Queensland’s aquaculture industry is "on a strong growth trajectory".
“It’s important that we continue to grow an industry which delivers investment and jobs across the state, especially in our regional areas. We want to hear from all sectors of the community so we can further enhance Queensland’s reputation as a supplier of sustainable, responsibly sourced and farmed products," Furner said in a press release.
“Earlier this year I released the Ross Lobegeiger Report, which showed a 17% increase in the growth of the sector over a 12-month period to hit a record high of $263 million. Key to this continued growth will be considering protections for our unique environments that strengthen stock sustainability," Furner said.
“We also want to make Queensland’s aquaculture sector a world-leader in the adoption of new technologies. That’s why the new strategy will have a strong focus on keeping Queensland a step ahead of the rest technologically," he added.
The consultation paper for the Queensland Aquaculture Strategy is available at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries' engagement hub, with submissions due by 5pm on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.