South Coast aquaculture seminar

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), today called on all interested parties to attend the annual South Coast Aquaculture Seminar this week.

The conference draws together a range of stakeholders with a common interest in developing the potential of aquaculture for communities along the NSW coastline.

This year's seminar will include researchers from the NSW DPI, innovators from within the industry and those involved in aquaculture education.

Aquaculture is already one of the world's fastest-growing food sectors and currently represents around one-quarter of the world seafood market.

Total aquaculture production in NSW passed the $50 million mark for the first this year - a 10.8% increase from last year.

Conferences such as this, give people a chance to learn about the opportunities that already exist in aquaculture production and how to go about starting up an aquaculture development.

As well as being a dynamic new stand-alone industry, there are also opportunities for existing farmers to think about diversifying into aquaculture on the side.

NSW DPI is working on a range of exciting aquaculture research projects, including selectively breeding a faster-growing breed of Sydney Rock Oysters.

In 2002, the State Government released its five-year NSW Aquaculture Strategy to help develop and support our aquaculture industry.

Interested parties are urged to attend the seminar and ask any questions they may have.

• The seminar will be held in Batemans Bay on Wednesday, October 20;
• For more information, contact your local Department of Primary Industries office at Batemans Bay on (02) 4478-9101.

Media contact: Doug Chapman, Department of Primary Industries 8289 3927 or 0408 484 176