Seaweed Aquaculture Governance in Australia Report 2023
This report emphasises the significant role of governance in shaping Australia’s seaweed aquaculture industry.
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The main government department(s) that provides guidance and information on establishing and operating a seaweed business in Queensland:
Recreational seaweed harvesting is for personal use, not for commercial sale, like gardening, crafts, or small-scale consumption. If you are interested in understanding about licensing and permits for these activities
The seaweed industry in Queensland is in its early stages, with a focus on small-scale seaweed cultivation for specific purposes like prawn wastewater bioremediation and integration with oyster aquaculture. While there are no large-scale commercial operations yet, Southeast Queensland is seen as a potential area for industry development due to its warm waters and existing aquaculture infrastructure.
Key: N = Native, A = Aquaculture
COMMERCIAL SEAWEED WILD HARVEST & AQUACULTURE
Recreational Seaweed COLLECTION
A collection permit under the Fisheries Act 1994 is needed to gather seaweed from the wild for broodstock and culture stock collection.
If the seaweed is collected from areas managed by the government (e.g., marine parks), permits from agencies like the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) or Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) are required.
Fisheries QLD/QDPI:
13 25 23
info@daf.qld.gov.au
Wild Harvest
fisheriesmanagers@daf.qld.gov.au
State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA):
+61 7 3022 6100
info@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au
PO Box 15009, City East, Queensland 4002
1 William Street, Brisbane 4000
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA):
info@gbrmpa.gov.au
Phone: +61 7 4750 0700
Great Sandy Marine Park
Great Sandy Marine Park Regional Marine Aquaculture Plan – outlines suitable sites and sets rules around infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and biosecurity. If you follow this plan, you won’t need a separate marine park or EPBC Act permit.
Moreton Bay Marine Park
While not specific to seaweed, the Moreton Bay Oyster Industry Plan provides guidance for aquaculture planning and operations that can be applied to seaweed ventures.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan, the Aquaculture Guidelines and permissions information on GBRMPA’s website will guide you on the specific
Fisheries QLD/QDPI:
13 25 23
info@daf.qld.gov.au
Aquaculture and broodstock
aquaculture@daf.qld.gov.au
State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA):
+61 7 3022 6100
info@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au
PO Box 15009, City East, Queensland 4002
1 William Street, Brisbane 4000
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA):
info@gbrmpa.gov.au
Phone: +61 7 4750 0700
We have included links to some resources that are relevant to this state, but additional publications can be found in Seaweed Central, so please search the Knowledge Hub.
This report emphasises the significant role of governance in shaping Australia’s seaweed aquaculture industry.
We have included links to the key legislation for this state, but additional regulations may apply depending on the type of seaweed activities or operations you are undertaking.
What is recreational harvesting and do I need a licence?
Coming soon…
Seaweed found on beaches is not considered food-safe as it is impossible to predict how long the seaweed has been beach-cast or whether it may have come into contact with contaminants.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Fisheries QLD/QDAFF:
13 25 23
info@daf.qld.gov.au
Recreational Fishing
fisheriesmanagers@daf.qld.gov.au
Find more information to help navigate permitting and licensing for Commercial Seaweed businesses in Australia
The information provided on this portal is for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. Users are advised to conduct their own research and consult appropriate professionals before making decisions based on this information.
Seaweed Central is supported by funding from the FRDC on behalf of the Australian Government’s Developing Australia’s Seaweed Farming Grant Program.