The launch of the NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement, which outlines an overarching approach to the development of the State’s aquaculture industries.
The Vision Statement is a joint industry and government initiative built on a shared approach to seafood production, developing bioproducts and climate change adaptation.
Key to delivering a doubling in the farm gate value of the NSW aquaculture industries will be industry and government supported initiatives including:
- Managing oyster industry risk through a breeding program, plus alternate species
- Innovative research at DPIRD research stations and with partners
- Opening up new areas for marine aquaculture (mussels, oysters, algae)
- Promoting the environmental benefits of aquaculture – e.g. algae, oysters and mussels all take up excess nutrients and help improve water quality
- Streamlining aquatic biosecurity rules to facilitate access to interstate spat supply
- Protecting and enhancing water quality
- Providing opportunity for Aboriginal people to participate in aquaculture businesses.
The oyster sector, which underpins the aquaculture industry, is the fastest growing seafood segment in NSW, having increased in farm gate value by 30 percent in 2022/23 to $78m.
In addition, the oyster industry contributes more than $30 million to the NSW economy by employing thousands of people across production, wholesale, processing, retail and agri-tourism.
