The Seafood Industry Advisory Council (SIAC) has been established to provide strategic level advice on matters vital to the future commercial viability and environmental sustainability of the NSW seafood industry, including the wild harvest fisheries and aquaculture.

The membership of the Council has been structured to provide expert whole-of-chain representation for the NSW commercial seafood and aquaculture industries. There is a one representative from each commercial fishery management advisory committee, two representatives for the aquaculture industry, and one each for the fishing co-operative, wholesale and retail sectors and for Indigenous and conservation interests. The Directors General of the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the NSW Food Authority are also members. See the Council membership list.

The Council is focussing on the following priority areas:

1. The development of a seafood industry strategy that will build on the significant initiatives outlined in the Minister for Primary Industries’ Vision for the NSW Seafood Industry
2. The sustainable management of the marine environment and the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries that operate within it, including the overall implementation of the fishery management strategies for the major commercial fisheries.
3. The commercial and social viability of those industries, including advice on implementing share management fisheries, building industry viability through adjustment and innovation, implementing appropriate pricing and charging arrangements, exploring alternative fishery management arrangements, and facilitating recognition of the role of the industry in regional communities.
4. Export and domestic marketing opportunities, including value adding, industry branding, the positioning of seafood products on the domestic market and promoting our ‘green’ seafood based on the required environmental approvals.
5. Potential research and development, education and industry training opportunities, including technological transfer and capacity building.
6. Initiatives to support seafood industry development, particularly in planning, natural resource management, industry-based tourism and inter-sectoral co-operation.
7. Other matters that may be referred by the Minister.

The Council forms working groups to assist in the development of its advice. The current working group cover Structural Adjustment, Industry Development, Pricing and Charging and Fishery Management Strategy Implementation. Council involves other industry and departmental representatives in its working groups, as well as various specialists on a needs basis.

Enquiries regarding Council can be made by phoning the Executive Officer, Jackie Gerard on 02 9527 8559 or by email jackie.gerard@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Seafood Industry Advisory Council Meetings

Membership of the Seafood Industry Advisory Council