High-level talks at James Cook University this week will help shape the future of aquaculture in northern Australia.

The discussions are part of the Northern Australia Aquaculture Industry Situational Analysis, a year-long federally-funded program by the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) to plan the future of the sector.

The meeting will feature JCU experts and key industry players from organisations including CSIRO, Blueshift Consulting, Australian Barramundi Farmers Association (ABFA), Australian Prawn Farmers Association (APFA) and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC), as well as stakeholders either currently involved or intending to be involved with the aquaculture supply chain relevant to northern Australia.

JCU’s Professor Dean Jerry, Director of the ARC Research Hub for Advanced Prawn Breeding, said the group is examining infrastructure, biosecurity, animal health management and investment in the industry.

“This study will be the impetus for the industry to come together, share information and develop a common vision for sustainable development and investment in aquaculture in northern Australia,” he said.

Prof Jerry said the overall goal is to produce a report to guide future strategic plans for the industry and identify further R & D opportunities for the CRCNA.

“The meeting over the next couple of days will establish a strategic vision for the aquaculture industry in northern Australia. Then we will identify the barriers in each of the different parts of the industry that prevent us from getting to where we want to go and what we need to do to overcome them,” he said.

What: Representatives from groups planning the future of aquaculture in northern Australia – JCU’s Professor Dean Jerry and conference delegates.

When: 10.40am sharp, Wednesday July 3, JCU Townsville Campus

Where: JCU Townsville’s Science Place – by the aquarium – map here