Mossamat Rashida Akter
James Cook University, Australia
Title: An assessment of the current status and future potential of the fresh water and marine aquaculture of Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) industries in Cairns region 2015
Biography
Biography: Mossamat Rashida Akter
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the current status and future potential of the fresh water and marine aquaculture industries in Far North Queensland 2015 using semi-structured interviews and administered questionnaires to elicit information from aquaculturalists in the region (n= 5 comprising 4 barramundi farmers and 1 Queensland grouper farmer).The results revealed that despite aquaculture undergoing rapid growth and transformation around the world, the industry in Far North Queensland has a long way to go to reach its full potential and to compete with other countries in the region in terms of technology and in updating government policy and legislative frameworks to facilitate the expansion of sustainable aquaculture. Those interviewed stated that here have been no applications for new aquaculture farms for last 15 years in Far North Queensland, and that the lack of development may be attributed to the following factors: the regulatory burden is high; the standards imposed by regulators do not reflect the true impact of the industry and are in need of review; that the industry has difficulty attracting, training and maintaining appropriately qualified labour; and, that the industry needs to modernise and diversify. Nonetheless, most of those interviewed are optimistic about the future of their industry, provided these matters are urgently and constructively addressed.