12 MARCH 2014 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG regulate and facilitate the sustainable development of aquaculture industries. The framework established by the South Australian Government and industry stakeholders ensures ecological sustainable development while providing certainty and opportunity for industry investment. The industry has taken a cooperative approach to research, planning, management and environmental monitoring processes that is seeing the industry make significant inroads in international and domestic markets with continued growth expected. The State Government has developed a rigorous aquaculture resource management framework that ensures the ecologically sustainable development of aquaculture while providing certainty and opportunity for industry investment. Central to the framework is the Aquaculture Act 2001, which recognizes and balances environmental, social and economic benefits. This is supported by the Aquaculture Regulations 2005, which outline the operational requirements of aquaculture activities. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) is responsible for administering the Act and Regulations. This is implemented through a science-based, consultative and transparent resource management framework that includes three key elements: aquaculture zones, leases and licenses, and environmental monitoring programs. Aquaculture zones are the primary planning tool for marine aquaculture development in South Australia. The zones are established to ensure a co-ordinated approach to aquaculture development in State Waters. To determine suitable areas for aquaculture zones, a twophase zone investigation process is conducted. In phase one, an assessment is conducted to determine which areas are suitable for aquaculture. Once an area is identified, a second phase of investigation commences that involves collecting a range of areaspecific data, including biological properties and the presence of environmentally sensitive habitats. Aquaculture leases give operators secure access over defined areas of State Waters. Aquaculture licenses permit certain farming activities on the leased area and restrict the types of activities through specified license conditions. Each new license application undergoes a risk assessment based on Australia’s National Ecologically Sustainable Development Framework for Aquaculture. This assessment evaluates risks associated with a range of issues, such as disease, wildlife interactions and environmental effects. Environmental Monitoring Programs (EMP) are mandatory for all aquaculture licence holders and allow for ongoing assessment of environmental performance. The marine-based aquaculture EMP process focuses on the health of the seafloor and includes underwater video monitoring and examination of seafloor animal communities. EMP reports must also contain farm management information relating to feeding practices, chemical usage and details of any known wildlife interactions. In land-based aquaculture sectors, the EMP process focuses on the quality of discharged water. Monitoring requirements depend on the scale of the aquaculture operation, the degree to which wastewater is treated prior to release and discharge location. For some sites this requires water quality to be tested by laboratories for organic pollutants, with the concentration limits defined by South Australia’s Environmental Protection Authority. General interest in the aquaculture industry has been high in South Australia. As a consequence, there is an active dialogue between government and industry on the development of strategies for this sector to grow. Research and the Future PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture faces the challenge of ensuring that the Government of South Australia remains at the forefront of aquaculture planning and management and that future industry growth continues in an ecologically sustainable way. Research is a key element of South Australia’s effort to continually improve its resource management framework. The Innovative Solutions for Aquaculture Planning and Management Program has been established in conjunction with Australian Government Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, with the aim of developing tools and management responses to further enhance ecological sustainability and competitiveness. The outcomes of initiatives conducted through the program are integrated into PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture’s decisionmaking processes associated with zoning, disease control and managing interactions with protected wildlife species. Because of the special advantages as a location for aquaculture production, South Australia will remain an attractive option for the location of aquaculture businesses compared to other States and overseas. With advantages offered by a unique coastline, access to resources and globally competitive expertise, the industry is expected to grow, if it can continue to be sustainable, productive, competitive and innovative. Editors Note: This article is based on information published by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia. ABOVE. Land-based tanks for abalone aquaculture. Photo: Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia.
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