Australia.- James Cook University scientists are starting work on a study that will map out the future of aquaculture in northern Australia.
Minister for Developing Northern Australia Senator Matthew Canavan today announced the start of the northern Australia aquaculture industry situational analysis study.
The 12-month, $420,000 project will identify the challenges and opportunities facing the northern Australian aquaculture sector.
Leading aquaculture researchers will team up with key industry players, from organisations including JCU, CSIRO, Blueshift Consulting, Australian Barramundi Farmers Association (ABFA), Australian Prawn Farmers Association (APFA) and the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC).
Together they will produce a report to guide future strategic plans for the industry, identify further R & D opportunities for the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA), and assist in developing a long-term northern Aquaculture Industry Vision.
JCU’s Professor Dean Jerry said the analysis will examine infrastructure, biosecurity, animal health management and investment in the industry, and identify possible gaps or further research needs across the sector.
“This study will be the impetus for the industry to come together, share information and develop a common vision to sustainable development and investment in aquaculture in northern Australia,” he said.
CRCNA CEO Jed Matz said the project has been structured to ensure as many industry stakeholders as possible will benefit from the study’s outcomes.
“Collaboration is a critical success factor for any project and this situational analysis will see representatives from indigenous groups, aquaculture farmers, industry organisations, government agencies and university researchers working together to deliver a meaningful summation of key areas for future investment and R & D planning.”
Source: James Cook University
Editor at the digital magazine AquaHoy. He holds a degree in Aquaculture Biology from the National University of Santa (UNS) and a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with postgraduate diplomas in Business Innovation and Innovation Management. He possesses extensive experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector, having led the Fisheries Innovation Unit of the National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA). He has served as a senior consultant in technology watch, an innovation project formulator and advisor, and a lecturer at UNS. He is a member of the Peruvian College of Biologists and was recognized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in 2016 for his contribution to aquaculture.
