Australia, especially Queensland, is well placed to take advantage of land-based aquaculture. We are lucky to have an abundance of suitable land. The obvious disadvantage is a distinct lack of water. However this is only a "relative" lack. Plenty of other countries have thriving freshwater aquaculture industries with much less water than we have. With some thought and planing even the driest places in Australia could be actively involved in aquaculture. It is vital that good environmental planning takes place as early as possible. The AAQ has been proactive with its environmental planning.
For the table fish grow-out sector the future looks very promising. There are a number of native Australian fishes that have excellent eating quality and some of these are already being farmed.
Hatcheries producing fingerlings have a positive future as the interest in freshwater angling increases, and the demand for fingerlings to the developing grow-out sector increases.
With all of this potential, now being realised, environmental issues must be carefully managed.
Twenty years ago freshwater angling in southern Queensland was virtually non existent. To be sure of a catch it was necessary to try your luck in far north Queensland where the famous Barramundi resided. Today however, it is almost possible for the freshwater angler to be guaranteed of a catch in most impoundments in southern Queensland. With the introduction of a permit to fish some of these impoundments the stocking of fingerlings has increase. This is a promising situation for those experienced and proven hatcheries producing these fingerlings.
To protect the future sustainable development of the Queensland freshwater finfish aquaculture industry a technical advisory group has formulated an Environmental Code of Practice in recognition of the industry’s need to become recognised as an environmentally responsible and sustainable industry and to assist industry members define standards of performance.
The code is reviewed by the Aquaculture Association of Queensland. These reviews are conducted by a panel of stake holders which may include the EPA, DPI&F and other relevant individuals and organisations. Recently the code has undergone a review. This presentation will explain the need for a code of practice and why it must be followed.
Further Background
AAQ members who fail to comply may have their membership canceled.
Specifically the document aims to:
·
Be relevant to
Queensland finfish aquaculturists;
·
Be practical;
·
Provide options for management;
·
Be flexible;
·
Provide a mechanism for environmental self regulation;
·
Fall within the legal requirements of Queensland’s Environmental Protection Act 1994, Environmental Protection (Interim) Regulations 1995
and relevant Environmental Protection Policies;
·
Fall within the requirements of the Fisheries Act 1994,
Fisheries Regulations 1995 and relevant fisheries policies, and;
·
Provide new entrants
to the industry with clear standards of performance.
In Queensland, every person has a general environmental duty of care to take all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimize environmental harm.
By following the accepted Code of Practice, finfish aquaculturists will be able to show “due diligence” and meet the legal requirements of the General Environmental Duty of Care.
