The Australian Institute of Marine Science is hosting a workshop on
the 10th and 11th of April to plan research that
will help Australia’s aquaculture industry meet strict new
environmental standards.
The workshop will review the technologies being used around the world
to manage water resources in prawn farming.
After three years of uncertainty an agreement on new guidelines
regarding ‘best practice’ was reached this month between the
Commonwealth and Queensland Governments, and the prawn farming industry.
Martin Breen from the Australian Prawn Farmers’ Association said no
new farms or expansions will be approved unless the strict new
guidelines are met.
"Prawn farmers are committed to developing innovative management
techniques that enhance environmental protection, but knowledge has been
limited by lack of experience and the need to invest more in research
and development," Mr Breen said.
AIMS aquaculture scientist Matt Kenway said this research will also
help to improve the international competitiveness of Australian
aquaculture products.
Matt Kenway said both State and Federal Governments have set
ambitious targets for the expansion of Northern Australia’s
aquaculture industry and they too are looking for sound environmental
and economic options to enable the industry to expand.
The workshop will draw from recent developments overseas where highly
sophisticated systems are used to overcome problems associated with
water rights and water usage. Dr Rod McNeil from the United States is a
world leader in "next generation" prawn farming technology and
will address the workshop.
Major research, industry and government stakeholders will be involved
in developing the research agenda across four key priorities: Australian
recirculation technology, settlement pond design, bio-remediation, and
engineering solutions.
This workshop has been organised by the Australian Prawn Farmers’
Association and is supported by the Queensland Environmental Protection
Agency.
