Seaweed Education

The Oyster Industry Plan for Moreton Bay Marine Park provides a comprehensive management framework for the sustainable cultivation of Sydney rock oysters within the marine park. Developed by Fisheries Queensland in collaboration with the Queensland Oyster Growers Association, the plan supports long-term investment in the industry while ensuring ecological protection. It outlines approved oyster areas, cultivation methods, infrastructure use, and storage guidelines. Importantly, it exempts growers from needing individual Marine Parks permits if they operate within the plan’s accredited framework, although other development and environmental approvals still apply. The plan also identifies areas of high conservation value that will not be reallocated for aquaculture once current operations cease.

Publisher: Queensland Government

The Great Sandy Regional Marine Aquaculture Plan (GSRMAP) is a strategic, non-statutory plan developed by Fisheries Queensland to support the sustainable growth of marine aquaculture within the Great Sandy Marine Park. The plan outlines 37 potential aquaculture sites (racks, sea ranching, and line systems) across 11 precincts and uses a risk-based management framework to identify suitable locations, ensure ecological sustainability, and streamline the approval process for developers. It includes a competitive allocation process for site selection and prescribes management and monitoring protocols to ensure environmental protection and stakeholder accountability.

Publisher: Queensland Government

The Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027 outlines a 10-year reform plan to modernise the state’s fisheries management system. It responds to outdated frameworks by introducing clearer harvest strategies, improved monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and compliance. The strategy sets sustainability targets for 2020 and 2027, including reducing overfishing, achieving ecological resilience, and enhancing economic viability. Key reforms include better data collection, transparent resource allocation, adaptive decision-making, and tailored fishing rules. It also aligns with broader conservation efforts such as the Reef 2050 Plan, with over $20 million committed to kickstart reforms.

Publisher: Queensland Government

The Queensland Aquaculture Strategy 2024–2034 is a government roadmap aimed at positioning Queensland as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture. It promotes high-quality seafood production through innovation, robust research, and stringent biosecurity measures. Organized around four key pillars—Productive Industry, Environmental Performance, Community Benefits, and Contemporary Governance—it addresses regulatory reform, stakeholder engagement (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation), and operational challenges through detailed action plans and case studies. This strategy is designed to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and community well‑being.

Publisher: Queensland Government

This policy statement articulates the Queensland Governments vision, initiatives and support for land-based and marine non-intensive aquaculture development in Queensland. To enable this development, the policy contains eight key initiatives which set the direction for the future development and growth of a sustainable, diverse and innovative aquaculture industry in Queensland. This statement also identifies core strategies to achieve the key initiatives.

Publisher: Queensland Government

The Victorian Aquaculture Strategy 2017–2022 outlines a five-year vision for building a productive, sustainable, and community-supported aquaculture sector in Victoria. Developed in consultation with industry, government, and Aboriginal groups, the strategy focuses on expanding offshore and land-based aquaculture, streamlining regulation, enhancing biosecurity, supporting innovation, and increasing public awareness. It highlights key opportunities in species such as abalone, trout, barramundi, mussels, and Murray cod, and promotes the use of recirculating aquaculture systems. With strong biosecurity, research capacity, and proximity to major markets, Victoria is positioned to grow both domestic supply and export potential while protecting environmental and cultural values.

Publisher: Victorian Government

Policy Principles and Guidelines Relating to the Assessment of Licences and Exemptions for the Aquaculture of Seaweed in Western Australia 2022

The Aquaculture Plan, developed in consultation with industry and key stakeholders, focuses on the foundations for growth and addresses the key issues which have commonly been considered as barriers to the development of aquaculture in WA. With added pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, building strong foundations and continuing to move forward to address key issues is more important than ever. The purpose of the Aquaculture Plan is to provide realistic and achievable targets in the short, medium and long terms, in a cohesive, logical order that will be the foundation for growth over the next ten years.

Publisher: Western Australian Government

The Macroalgae Management Area Descriptions document provides detailed spatial boundaries for designated macroalgae aquaculture management areas across South Australian state waters. These areas have been delineated to guide future macroalgae aquaculture development, providing clarity on where activities can occur under South Australia’s regulatory framework. Each management area—such as those along the Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula, Spencer Gulf, Gulf St Vincent, and the Southeast coast—is precisely defined using geodetic coordinates (GDA2020) and mapped accordingly. The aim is to support environmentally responsible expansion of the macroalgae industry by clearly establishing suitable zones for development.

The Policy for the Management of the Beach-cast Marine Algae Fishery (September 2023) provides a comprehensive management framework for the commercial harvest of beach-cast seagrass and marine algae (referred to as “wrack”) from South Australian beaches. Managed by PIRSA, this fishery operates under a set of licences and permits and aims to balance ecological sustainability with commercial use. The policy outlines the ecological role of wrack in coastal ecosystems, its importance for shorebird habitats, and the conditions under which harvesting is allowed, including geographic limits, seasonal closures, and reporting requirements. The policy also incorporates an ecosystem-based fisheries management approach and includes a detailed risk assessment to protect threatened species and coastal environments.

Publisher: South Australian Government

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