A new aquaculture zone policy in the Lower Eyre Peninsula has been finalised following a review of the previous policy.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) commenced the review in 2019 to ensure it:
- reflects the latest science and industry developments
- maximises aquaculture’s benefits to the South Australian community in an ecologically sustainable manner.
An Advisory Committee with an independent chair, consisting of representatives from across government and the aquaculture industry, was established to provide advice and inform the review.
The main changes in the Aquaculture (Zones – Lower Eyre Peninsula) Policy 2023 include:
- permitting sustainable growth in both the existing established aquaculture sectors (i.e. tuna, kingfish, mussels, oysters and abalone) and the emerging sectors, such as algae or seaweed, based on the latest scientific data, information and modelling.
- increasing opportunities for integrated multi-trophic aquaculture whereby one aquaculture sector assists to offset nutrient outputs of the other.
- permitting aquaculture-related tourism businesses in addition to research and education.
- improved biosecurity provisions.
- a new aquaculture exclusion zone around Dangerous Reef and additional management arrangements to protect Australian sea-lion populations.
South Australia’s aquaculture industry provided an estimated 1,296 full time equivalent jobs through direct employment and a further 1,547 flow-on jobs in 2021-22. The Lower Eyre Peninsula is the most significant aquaculture zone in the state.
Aquaculture production was estimated at $238 million in 2021-22 with southern bluefin tuna the state’s largest single aquaculture product with overseas exports of $110 million.
For further information on the Aquaculture (Zones – Lower Eyre Peninsula) Policy 2023 read our zone policies.
