Policy and legislation for aquaculture
Competition for, and access to South Australia's natural resources is increasing. The efficient and effective use of these resources must be supported by sound policies and planning.
Legislation
Legislation governing aquaculture industry in South Australia:
- Aquaculture Act 2001
- Aquaculture Regulations 2016
- Aquaculture (Standard Lease and Licence Conditions) Policy 2022
- Fisheries Management Act 2007
Recent changes to legislation
- Aquaculture (Tourism Development) Amendment Act 2021 – amended the Aquaculture Act 2001 on 9 December 2023.
View further information about the Amendment Act.
- Aquaculture (Miscellaneous) Amendment Regulations 2023 – amended the Aquaculture Regulations 2016 on 9 December 2023.
View further information about this amendment Regulations.
Aquaculture policies and guidelines
Aquaculture zone policies
Aquaculture zone policies promote orderly development of aquaculture by securing access and reducing red tape. They describe what type of aquaculture, how much and which species can be farmed in a particular area.
Aquaculture standard lease and licence conditions policy
The Aquaculture (Standard Lease and Licence Conditions) Policy 2022 was approved on 16 February 2022, and came into operation on 18 August 2022. The policy prescribes standard conditions of aquaculture leases and licences which holders are required to adhere to.
View further information about this policy.
Aquaculture draft policies
Draft aquaculture policies are prepared to inform and involve all stakeholders in the decision making process for making statutory policies under the Aquaculture Act 2001, including for making zone policies and policies which prescribe the standard conditions of aquaculture leases and licences.
Aquaculture governance
The Aquaculture Tenure Allocation Board (ATAB) is the statutory body that considers marine aquaculture lease applications from a public call and recommends actions to the Minister responsible for the Aquaculture Act 2001. The Board's role is to ensure a fair and efficient means of allocating the State's aquaculture resources that is consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development.
Translocation (movement) of aquaculture stock requirements
Prohibition of Entry into and Movement within South Australia of Aquaculture Stock Notice 2020 () – under section 33 of the Livestock Act 1997.
This notice includes conditions that must be met for the translocation (movement) of aquaculture stock within and into South Australia.
Food safety requirements
Learn about the food safety scheme accreditation for bivalve molluscs, and legislation for other seafood.