10 MARCH 2014 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG For the first time since 1999, Australia will once again be hosting the World Aquaculture Conference and Trade Show. The event will take place at the Adelaide Convention Centre, South Australia, from 7 to 11 June 2014. It will be jointly organized by the World Aquaculture Society and the National Aquaculture Council of Australia and hosted by the Government of South Australia through Primary Industry and Regions South Australia as a major sponsor, with Skretting Australia, a world leader in the nutritional solutions for farmed fish and shrimp, as title commercial sponsor. Other conference sponsors making the event possible are the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and the Australian Seafood Cooperative Research Centre. In addition to their sponsorship, the FRDC is also partnering with the National Aquaculture Council to offer young farmers the opportunity to attend through the Young Leader Bursary Scheme. The event will be the largest gathering of international aquaculture professionals in the Asia Pacific region for 2014, and is expected to attract several thousand delegates from the international aquaculture community – including academics, industry researchers, market and industry analysts, government officials, policy makers and industry representatives. With an extensive program featuring local and international species and disciplines, the conference offers delegates an opportunity to present their work, exchange ideas and develop a vision for the future of the aquaculture industry, focusing on the theme “Create, Nurture, Grow.” Graham Mair, Conference Chair and incoming World Aquaculture Adelaide Set for June President of WAS, wants this conference to be a forum to “discuss and debate the issues, ideas, mechanisms and hands-on practical approaches towards building a better industry.” There will be a number of associated workshops, including AquaEd, Water Treatment and On-Farm Diagnostics (sponsored by Seafood CRC), Scientific Writing, Recirculation & Aquaponics (sponsored by Pentair), Business Skills with Debbie Mayo-Smith (sponsored by Agrifood Skills), Women in Aquaculture, and Spatial Planning (sponsored by Seafood CRC) as part of the Aquaculture Innovation Hub Trans-Tasman Salmon Workshop. Of course, there will be the regular and expected student activities and business meetings, including the annual board meeting of the World Aquaculture Society. The Skretting Australia Farmers Day, a special session on the opening day of the conference, will focus specifically on subjects related to continual improvement of farming practices by concentrating on generic concepts that will benefit all. Special Farmers Day passes are available to further encourage producers, ensuring that, irrespective of size, producers will find an affordable option to attend. Be sure to watch for details on the Sushi Connoisseurs Gourmet Day. Three aquaculture-oriented post-conference tours have been arranged: 1) Port Lincoln aquaculture highlights, 2) abalone, yabbies and oysters and 3) Arno Bay Hatchery and Marine Science Center. Additional information can be found at WAS.org and aquaculture.org.au. DESTINATION SOUTH AUSTRALIA Adelaide was just named one of the World’s Top Ten cities to visit by the world’s largest private travel publisher, Lonely Planet. This cosmopolitan city has many art galleries and museums and is surrounded by parklands. The conference will coincide with Australia’s Queen’s Birthday long weekend, the perfect opportunity for delegates and their families to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of Adelaide and its surrounds throughout this activity-filled weekend. Beyond the attractions of Adelaide itself, South Australia and the access it opens to the rest of Australia has plenty to offer every tourist – the perfect opportunity to make the most of your time down under. South Australia is home to stunning beaches, award-winning wine and events and festivals. It is the wine and seafood capital of Australia, where the Murray River meets the sea and the gateway to Outback South Australia. The Barossa and McLaren Vale, both only a short drive from downtown Adelaide, are the main vineyard areas. The Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island are unique and spectacular. They are on the Australian National Landscapes register as places of great cultural, natural and spiritual significance. World Heritage Listed caves are found at Naracoorte on the Limestone Coast. Post-conference tour options include arranged visits to have experiences with great white sharks, sea lions, or leafy sea dragons. Fishing charters will also be available. Of course, no visit to Australia is complete without going on a tour to see kangaroos and koalas. Visit southaustralia.com or aquaculture.org.au for more information.
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