NSW Land Based Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy 2021 - Second Edition

Summary

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food producing industries in the world. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, global aquaculture production rose 520% for the period 1990-2018 (FAO, 2020).

Already 54% of seafood consumed worldwide is produced through aquaculture. However, approximately 87% of seafood purchased in New South Wales is imported.

Sustainable seafood production that supports future demands of food security for the state is a key focus of the NSW Government.

NSW is poised to capture a significant proportion of this projected growth. NSW has large areas suitable for the development of land based aquaculture with access to high quality surface water, ground water, estuarine and marine waters.

The NSW Land Based Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy was developed by the NSW Aquaculture Steering Committee as a whole of government approach under the stewardship of NSW Premier’s Department. It followed extensive consultation with key government agencies, the NSW land based aquaculture industry, local government and the general public.

The streamlined approvals pathways for land based aquaculture outlined in the NSW Land Based Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy takes effect through the State Environmental Planning Policy (Primary Production and Rural Development) 2019.

The NSW Land Based Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy identifies best practice management for:

• business planning
• species selection
• site selection and design
• business planning and operation of a facility
• and includes performance requirements for relevant environmental regulations.

The NSW Land Based Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy was reviewed in 2020-21 in recognition of the need to meet a changing operational environment and reflect industry best practice.

The NSW Land Based Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy (Second Edition) 2021 adds to the NSW Oyster Industry Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy (Fourth Edition) 2021 and the NSW Marine Waters Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy 2018 that each provide increased confidence for the aquaculture industry, investors and the community that aquaculture is being established and operated in a sustainable manner with clear social licence.

For further information email: aquaculture.management@dpi.nsw.gov.au, or call an Aquaculture Management Officer on (02) 4916 3900.