The world-renowned aquaculture sector of South Australia will take center stage at next year’s World Aquaculture Conference hosted by Adelaide, according to the ministerial news release issued by the Government of South Australia.
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Between 2,000 and 3,000 delegates are expected to attend and inject up to $11.5 million into SA’s economy.
Gail Gago, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries said that winning the hosting rights was a coup for South Australia.
“Port Lincoln just hosted the Australian seafood industry national conference, and now with the premier international aquaculture science and industry event coming to Adelaide next year, it shows how well regarded South Australia is as a producer of premium and safe seafood from a clean aquatic environment,” said Ms. Gago.
“Hosting the conference presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase to the international industry our production techniques, regulatory frameworks, research and innovation as well as the growing connection between aquaculture and tourism.”
The conference is expected to be one of the largest ever held in South Australia.
Ms. Gago said South Australian aquaculture production is valued at over $241 million and the sector is making up more than 54% of the state’s seafood production.
She further pointed out that the industry is a significant employer, particularly in regional areas.
“The recently released independent Economic Impact of Aquaculture on the South Australian State and Regional Economies for 2011-12 shows the value of aquaculture production grew 11% on the previous year, up by more than $23 million,” said Ms. Gago.
“These aquaculture businesses are regional businesses, and it is testament to the ingenuity and enterprise of regional communities that they continue to grow and prosper.”
Ms. Gago further added that aquaculture is one of the great success stories of regional employment and innovation. The sector directly generates 1,147 full time jobs and another 1,510 indirectly. 65% of these are based outside the greater Adelaide area.
Dr. Graham Mair, Chair of the conference steering committee and President-elect of the World Aquaculture Society, said the conference and its theme of ‘Create Nurture Grow’ will showcase industry success stories as aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food producing sectors in the world.
