Aquaculture is a fast-growing component of Western Australia’s economy. Photo: Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
The Western Australian Government has announced a plan to bolster the state’s rapidly growing aquaculture industry against the impacts of climate change.
Part of the Farm Business Resilience Program, the Aquaculture for the Future plan provides comprehensive in-person training, professional business planning, industry analysis and climate risk assessment.
Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector around the world and is increasingly playing a role in the diversifying Western Australian economy. The industry is also creating jobs across the state, particularly in regional areas, making it a priority for the government.
“Our state’s aquaculture industry makes an important contribution to sustainable food production, from marron and trout produced from dams and ponds in the South West to oysters at the Abrolhos Islands,” Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis said.
The Farm Business Resilience Program is funded by the Cook Government and the Federal Government through the Future Drought Fund.
The Aquaculture Council of Western Australia (ACWA) has received more than $1 million in government support and will deliver Aquaculture for the Future on behalf of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
By supporting the rollout of the Aquaculture for the Future program, the Western Australian Government intends to build the sustainability and strength of the state’s aquaculture businesses to deal with the impacts of climate change on farming systems and species.
“The changing climate will present unique challenges and opportunities for aquaculture operators, and the rollout of the Aquaculture for the Future program will support businesses to be prepared and build resilience now and into the future,” Ms Jarvis said.
