The Minns Labor Government has committed to working with industry to double the farm gate value of the NSW aquaculture sector to $300 million by 2030 through innovative research, continual investment in breeding programs and a commitment to water quality improvements.
The launch of the NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement, which outlines an overarching approach to the development of the State's aquaculture industries, came as more than 300 state, interstate and international delegates attended the national Oyster Industry Conference in Port Macquarie.
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 Government and industry will develop a detailed roadmap that will guide implementation of the target initiatives of the Vision Statement to reach the target of $300m by 2030.
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 by employing thousands of people across production, wholesale, processing, retail and agri-tourism.
The oyster industry also prides itself on their commitment to water quality monitoring and protection of the marine environment.
The Minns Government has recently announced it is investing more than $3 million to provide much needed upgrades at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute to enhance breeding and research facilities for shellfish, including oysters and finfish, for innovation in seafood production to support the industry vision.
The Government has also provided financial support for aquaculture and commercial fishing businesses with fee relief as they were impacted by natural disaster and aquatic disease - the White Spot prawn virus, and QX disease in Sydney Rock Oysters.
Quotes attributed to Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty
"These past few years have been tough for oyster farmers with NSW estuaries having suffered from storms, floods, harvest area closures, disease and climate change impacts.
"Despite this, the increasing output of produce highlights the strength of the industry and the people who work in it.
"The NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement is the result of the hard work of oyster farmers and the aquaculture industry, working in collaboration with government, looking to a future where NSW grown oysters are enjoyed across Australia and in every country around the world.
"The Government is investing in research infrastructure and collaborative activities to drive industry growth, the sustainable development of our natural resources, and to support innovation so that industry can manage the risks and take advantage of opportunities for the coming decades."
Quotes attributed to Brandon Armstrong, Chair of the NSW Farmers Oyster Committee
"Our growers are embracing new opportunities and innovation, and we're excited to see the industry grow in line with our Vision Statement launched today.
"This conference is a great way to bring the industry together to share, learn and connect with other farmers and industry stakeholders.
"The Mid Coast region has experienced a lot of hardship the past few years, but the industry is recovering well.
