Undertaking an audit and assessment of past Australian aquaculture research, development and extension for all species, to determine what factors led to successful or not successful development of the aquaculture species
To meet the projected seafood demand by 2030 Australian aquaculture needs to increase its rate of growth in both production and competitiveness (FRDC 2016). Extensive R&D efforts have been invested in more than 90 aquaculture species over the last five decades in Australia. Nonetheless, fewer than 10% of these species have reach recognized production in either tonnage or value. Presently, only Atlantic salmon, tiger prawn, barramundi and oysters are considered as major aquaculture species in Australia. This highlights the need to identify possible gaps in our research and extension activities, and the barriers to successful commercialization of new aquaculture species.
Importantly, research interest alone is unlikely to be sufficient to drive aquaculture production of targeted species. The observed limited production or lack of investment in new species may indicate differences in new species preferences among the relevant stakeholders, i.e. scientists, consumers, traders, investors, producers, policy makers and regulators. These differing perspectives should therefore be analysed to provide a better understanding of the conditions required for successful development of a new aquaculture species.
The project proposed here - “Auditing research effort on aquaculture species and industry adoption for production growth” - is consistent with national priorities and strategies of both FRDC and CSIRO. Under the FRDC’s Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) Plan 2015-20, one of three national priorities is to develop new or emerging aquaculture growth opportunities with the aim of delivering RD&E to help promote the establishment of one or two species at commercial scale production. To address this priority the FRDC has established the New and Emerging Aquaculture Opportunities (NEAO) subprogram. Similarly, CSIRO Aquaculture has continuously emphasized the importance of delivering innovative impacts that transform aquaculture production in more-sustainable ways. This implies either removing identified barriers for current aquaculture species or investing in targeted strategic R&D on carefully-selected new species in collaboration with industrial partners.
Final report
This report presents the results of an FRDC project that audited research effort and industry adoption for aquaculture species in Australia and overseas. The goal was to identify opportunities and barriers for commercial aquaculture production. The study involved online surveys, one for scientists and the other for aquaculture producers/consultants which were designed, tested and conducted from late 2018. It also involved interviews, and data collection from experts and stakeholders. Key findings include the need for more investment in RD&E as it is recommended that RD&E should focus on improving production efficiencies for aquaculture of the more consolidated species, challenges related to seed supply and disease risks, and a recommendation to focus on efficient production for key aquaculture species in Australia. The report suggests strategies for stakeholders, industry investors, consumers, and scientists to support aquaculture development in Australia.
