A sustainable aquaculture industry that provides significant economic and social benefits for the people of the Northern Territory, and Australia.

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2 A sustainable aquaculture industry that provides significant economic and social benefits for the people of the Northern Territory, and Australia. To support and facilitate the continuing development of an economically and ecologically sustainable aquaculture industry. To achieve an annual aquaculture production value of $120 million. Refine and improve the regulatory framework and policies that facilitate the sustainable growth of the aquaculture sector. Assist industry to develop effective production systems for appropriate tropical aquaculture species. Continue to develop an inventory of all suitable coastal areas for aquaculture development in the Northern Territory. Work with the aquaculture industry to ensure high quality environmental performance. In 1999 an aquaculture industry development strategy was adopted by the Northern Territory. Entitled Into the Blue, this strategy has helped to lay a solid foundation upon which to build over the next five years. Significant progress on objectives such as attraction of large scale investment, the development and refinement of commercial production techniques for mud crab and barramundi, and the identification of sites suitable for aquaculture have resulted in unprecedented industry growth over the past few years. Whilst in hindsight the target value of an industry worth $100 million by 2004 was ambitious, it is likely that, based on current projects alone, industry will surpass this value over the next five years. In early 2004 the Fisheries Group, in consultation with industry representatives, government and education sector stakeholders, reviewed the progress made by the Northern Territory aquaculture industry since 1999, a revised set of development strategies for the next five years was produced. Many of the issues identified in 1999 as priorities needing to be addressed to secure long term industry growth, such as aquatic animal health, targeted research and further identification of suitable sites, remain priorities in The result of this review has been the formulation of Farming the Future 2010, the Northern Territory s aquaculture development plan for Operate an aquatic animal health service to help safeguard the health status of the Northern Territory aquaculture industry. Enhance the Northern Territory s reputation as an attractive location for aquaculture investment. Assist the development and implementation of appropriate aquaculture technology for Indigenous communities. Build on the Northern Territory s reputation as a leader in R&D of tropical aquaculture to encourage new investment and to maximise the potential of existing industry. Promote cooperation between Northern Territory aquaculture facilities to support high quality education and training in tropical aquaculture. Farming the Future 2010 identifies issues of strategic importance that may impact on continued industry growth and outlines the actions that need to be taken to ensure that growth targets are met and the industry remains profitable. A number of new objectives have been added into the plan. These include: promoting well managed aquaculture is environmentally sustainable and that there are significant social and economic benefits that may accrue from the development of appropriate aquaculture technology for Indigenous communities. Intrinsic to the plan is the need for government to ensure that research and development activities are undertaken in partnership or in consultation with the aquaculture industry and relevant stakeholders. The Northern Territory Government is committed to the ecologically sustainable development of a vibrant and viable aquaculture industry and also recognises that aquaculture can deliver significant economic and social benefits to the people of the Northern Territory and Australia. The Government is committed to resourcing aquaculture research, development and industry support to ensure that activities identified under this plan can be successfully delivered. The content of this plan is to be reviewed annually to assess performance and to ensure that the strategic actions remain relevant to the future growth of the Northern Territory s aquaculture industry. Implementation of the plan is the responsibility of the Aquaculture Branch of the Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (DBIRD).

3 The aquaculture branch is responsible for research, development and aquaculture support in the Northern Territory. The branch is an integral component of the Fisheries Group with the Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (DBIRD). Aquaculture is the fastest growing primary production sector in Australia. Valued at $743 million in , aquaculture accounted for 32 per cent of the total gross value of production for Australia s fisheries for that year. In real terms, the gross value of Australian aquaculture production nearly trebled between and Worldwide, the volume and value of aquaculture production is also growing. The Aquaculture Branch offers a high level of industry support, ranging from case-management of large-scale aquaculture proposals, to development of a policy framework to protect and enhance the growth of the aquaculture industry, through to planning and identification of sites for future aquaculture ventures. Branch staff also provide extension support to existing farmers. In addition, the Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory, delivers a high quality aquatic animal health service to the industry. The Darwin Aquaculture Centre (DAC) is a modern and well-equipped research and development facility. The Centre was constructed in 1998 and is evidence of the government s strong commitment to the development of aquaculture. Staff at the Centre are involved in a number of projects of benefit to the Northern Territory s aquaculture industry, including research into techniques for the culture of tropical marine species such as mud crabs and reef fish, and the operation of a commercial barramundi hatchery. Over recent years the results from both the mud crab program and the refinement of commercial production techniques for marine finfish, place the DAC at the forefront of technology for tropical aquaculture. This leadership in technology is evidenced by the recent strong growth of the barramundi sector and increasing interest in the establishment of commercial mud crab farms. The DAC has also developed a number of strategic collaborative linkages with local, interstate and overseas research and training organisations which have been, and will continue to be, of benefit to local industry. It has been suggested that the Australian aquaculture industry could triple production by 2010 if it can successfully exploit its competitive advantages to meet increasing domestic and global demand for Fisheries products 1. Modified from FAO, The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture With its tropical climate, availability of land and water resources and lack of pollution, the Northern Territory is well suited to a wide range of aquaculture activities such as the culture of pearls, barramundi, prawns, aquarium fish and algae. The gross value of production of Northern Territory aquaculture has increased by more than 30% over the past two years and in 2003 the industry was worth $26 million. The aquaculture industry in the Northern Territory is on course for a combined industry value of $120 million by Whilst much of this value will be derived from expansion of existing industry sectors, the development of new and exciting industries such as mud crab farming, sea sponges and trepang (sea cucumber) ranching may also occur before Source: Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2004.

4 In 2003, the total production from Northern Territory aquaculture was valued at just over $26 million dollars. This represented a 22 per cent increase in industry value compared to 2002 $21.3 million). The fastest growing sector was barramundi farming, which in 2003 increased by 310%, to a value of $5.9 million. In total, the Northern Territory aquaculture industry provided direct employment for over 325 people. Pearl production from the farmed pearl oyster Pinctada maxima was 102,517momme * in 2003, which represented an increase of 29% from 79,224 momme produced in Total value of production only increased by 8% from $17.5M (2002) to $19M (2003) which refl ects the recent depression in world pearl prices. The continued success of pearl production from hatchery reared oysters in the Northern Territory is allowing the steady development of the industry. The current increase in pearl production is forecast to continue over the next few years with industry focusing on the production of high quality, high value cultured pearls and associated products. The Northern Territory pearling industry is quota based and operates using two types of licences: a licence to fi sh for wild pearl oysters and a licence to culture pearl (either from fi shed or hatchery propagated pearl oysters). There are 120 fi shery and 300 hatchery quota units with each unit representing 1,000 oysters. The pearling licensees may substitute wild pearl oysters from their annual pearl oyster fi shing quota for hatchery-reared pearl oysters. * momme is an old Japanese unit of weight equal to 3.75 grams. A 13 mm round pearl weighs about one momme. Barramundi aquaculture is currently going through a rapid phase of growth. This follows the expansion of the government hatchery facility at Channel Island to support the local pond based industry and the establishment of a commercial sea cage farm in Port Hurd, Bathurst Island. In 2003 the Northern Territory industry produced more than 700 tonnes of barramundi, compared to only 270 tonnes in Industry growth is expected to continue at this high level with a possible 3000 tonnes of production achievable by the end of Once considered to be very diffi cult, the technologies for culture and production of tropical reef fi sh such as barramundi cod, grouper and coral trout have now been successfully developed in southeast Asia and Northern Australia. Some of these species may present signifi cant niche marketing opportunities, particularly into the live fi sh trade of Asia or as juvenile stock sold to Asian farms for on-growing. High-health juvenile fi sh are a sort-after commodity. Investment focus in tropical fi sh is expected to remain on barramundi in the short to medium term, with the prospect of diversifi cation into other fi sh species occurring within fi ve years. After many years of possessing latent potential, the prawn farming industry in the Northern Territory is on the rise. Construction of new farms and expansion of existing farms over the next 3-4 years should see an industry worth more than $5 million dollars p.a. by One of the obstacles to local development has been the reliance on imported post-larval prawns from Queensland. The Australian Fisheries Management Authority have recently increased access to local black tiger prawn broodstock within the Northern Prawn Fishery and have helped to reduce this as an impediment to industry growth. Planned hatchery developments should see an end to imports of post-larvae by the end of 2005.

5 The Northern Territory has excellent climatic conditions for the growth of valuable algal products for the health food industry. A multi million dollar spirulina farm and associated processing facilities has already been successfully established close to Darwin and is a signifi cant contributor to the local economy. The aquaculture industry in the Northern Territory has commenced a period of considerable expansion. The rapid growth of the barramundi sector since 2001 and the creation and redevelopment of a number of prawn farms have created a strong industry base. Successes of these ventures and the continued improvement of production techniques for tropical marine species achieved at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre, have resulted in an increased level of interest in investing in aquaculture in the Northern Territory. It is expected that the next fi ve years will bring further growth in the established industry sectors and in new sectors currently undergoing development. The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Aquaculture in the Northern Territory (MACANT) is a key forum in which industry consults with government on issues of concern and identifi es options to address them. The committee aims to promote industry development and to help improve the effi ciency of government services. The Northern Territory Government remains committed to a strong and viable aquaculture industry. Environmental responsibility is of paramount importance and the industry will be developed using the national guidelines for the environmentally sustainable development of aquaculture. Increasingly, opportunities are being identifi ed which hold potential to involve indigenous people in aquaculture. These opportunities range from larger scale joint ventures to smaller community or individual projects. Recent developments in the areas of sponge, mud crab and trepang culture, have raised the level of interest in aquaculture in indigenous communities and it is likely there will be several pilot projects developed by the end of In a world where we increasingly recognise the need to preserve our unique environment for future generations, ensuring that our rapidly developing aquaculture industry remains environmentally sustainable is extremely important. The Territory is a leader in aquaculture. The Government s strong commitment to the development of the aquaculture industry has helped to attract major investment in recent years. The vision for aquaculture contained in Farming the Future aligns well with the Government s broader vision to have a strong, vibrant, growing and sustainable Northern Territory economy. The Territory has a well managed aquaculture industry that is developing as our researchers strive to improve the techniques for farming in our tropical environment. Aquaculture benefi ts the entire Territory, not just through the removal of pressure on wild fi sheries (whilst increasing economic output), but also by involving indigenous communities and bringing positive economic and social outcomes. Aquaculture is the way of the future, and the Territory is at the forefront. Our goal is to have an industry valued at $120 million by 2010, and by government and industry working together, the future looks bright. Kon Vatskalis Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries

6 Objective 1: In conjunction with all stakeholders, continue to develop and refine the regulatory framework and policies that facilitate the sustainable growth of the aquaculture sector. Prepare and implement policies that reduce uncertainty, support and protect the developing aquaculture industry, including: - translocation (sponges, trepang, prawn broodstock etc.); - guidelines for aquaculture leases, both marine and terrestrial, stock enhancement and ranching; - genetic improvement of farmed stock; - joint venture arrangements between government and industry for aquaculture development (including research and commercial production); and - Indigenous economic development. Review and update current legislation and regulations as part of a wider review of the Fisheries Act. Review the licensing process and implement licensing procedures that are both simplifi ed and endorsed by all government and industry groups. Review the aquaculture development strategy annually to ensure that it remains relevant to the needs of government, industry and other stakeholders. Objective 2: Assist industry to develop effective production systems for tropical aquaculture species. Work with industry to produce strategies for growth that ensure economic viability and sustainability. In response to industry demand, assist or conduct research and development on suitable tropical species. Build and promote the Northern Territory aquaculture industry s reputation as a source of high quality farmed products. Encourage, support and promote industry codes of practice and quality control processes. Objective 3: To develop an inventory of all suitable areas for aquaculture development in the Northern Territory. Following extensive stakeholder consultation, develop regional plans for aquaculture to ensure adequate areas are identifi ed to cater for industry growth within an integrated coastal management system. The initial focus will be on the Darwin and Bynoe/Port Patterson regions as the highest priority. Continue to collate an inventory of resources available for aquaculture development in each of the regions. Objective 4: Work with the aquaculture industry to ensure high quality environmental performance. Government agencies will continue to ensure that the industry is developed according to recognised Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) guidelines. Help to promote the aquaculture industry as a responsible user of land and water resources. Ensure that the Environmental Management Plans for each aquaculture venture are kept current and relevant.

7 Objective 5: Provide an aquatic animal health and diagnostic service to help safeguard the health status of the NT aquaculture industry. Undertake disease investigations and health certifi cation, as required, on behalf of the aquaculture industry. Be proactive in setting and managing aquatic animal health policy and protocols to protect the aquaculture industry and the Northern Territory s aquatic resources. Facilitate the adoption by industry of appropriate health and quarantine practices. Develop and implement an aquatic animal disease emergency response plan that is appropriate to the Northern Territory. Ensure that the aquatic animal health program of the Northern Territory is adequately resourced to service the aquaculture industry. Objective 6: Enhance the Northern Territory s reputation as an attractive location for aquaculture investment. Government will continue, where appropriate, to use the establishment of joint venture projects to assist the development of new industry sectors. Comprehensive information packages on available physical and government resources will be compiled and made available to potential investors. Continue to offer a case-management approach as the best way of ensuring that viable aquaculture ventures become established in the Northern Territory. Provide an extension service that is relevant to the needs of industry. Objective 7: Assist the development and implementation of appropriate aquaculture technology for indigenous communities. Develop a widely endorsed policy and strategic plan for indigenous aquaculture development in the Northern Territory. Investigate suitable aquaculture species and technology in partnership with Indigenous communities. Assist Indigenous communities implement appropriate aquaculture technologies and management plans. Specifi c projects will be generated to raise the profi le, and recognise the potential, for Indigenous aquaculture development. Objective 8: Build on the Northern Territory s reputation as a leader in research and development of tropical aquaculture to encourage new investment and to maximise the potential of existing industry. Continue to seek involvement in local, national and international collaborative research projects of economic and social benefi t to the Northern Territory. Focus research on readily marketable products with the potential to produce measurable economic benefi ts to the Territory. Foster linkages with local research agencies to enhance and maximise the use of available resources in R&D. Regularly review the Northern Territory s Research and Development priorities to ensure that they remain relevant to the needs of the aquaculture industry. Objective 9: Promote cooperation between Northern Territory aquaculture facilities to support high quality education and training in tropical aquaculture. Cultivate productive working relationships with industry, education and training providers to support development of NT aquaculture through training and research activities. Foster and enhance linkages with local research, education and training agencies to maximise the best use of resources in R&D and extension. Provide advice to education and training providers to assist them to meet current and future skill needs of local industry. Collaborate with education and training providers to, where appropriate, incorporate training outcomes for industry during the development and implementation of aquaculture R&D. Continue to identify the professional development needs of staff and identify and source appropriate programs to address training needs.

8 Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development Fisheries Group Aquaculture Branch Darwin Aquaculture Centre Channel Island Northern Territory Australia GPO Box 3000 Darwin Northern Territory 0801 Australia Phone: Fax: Web: DISCLAIMER While all care has been taken to ensure that information contained in this brochure is true and correct at the time of publication, the Northern Territory of Australia gives no warranty or assurance, and makes no representation as to the accuracy of any information or advice contained in this publication, or that it is suitable for your intended use. No serious, business or investment decisions should be made in reliance on this information without obtaining independent / or professional advice in relation to your particular situation.