Aquaculture & fishing

Sarah Herrmann. Garfish, whiting and calamari stock assessment began in Gulf St Vincent last week, with the opposition calling the government's timing "sluggish". The state government announced a "rapid assessment of fish stocks and fisheries" on July 22 to measure the impact of the algal bloom, but more than two months later, Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Nicola Centofanti said there had been little evidence of a rapid response.

Tasmania has emerged as a "standout success story" in Australian agriculture, powered by a vibrant and varied farming sector which has experienced sustained and widespread growth in recent decades, according to a new report. In the report, Gearing up for mature growth in Tasmanian agriculture, agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank says agriculture remains the cornerstone of Tasmania’s economy...

McLaren Vale’s Grenache & Gourmet, the festival for curious palates, returns this Friday 19 September to Monday 6 October, enticing visitors to explore and experience all that Fleurieu Peninsula has on offer.

A fin-tastic new project is set to bring more fish swimming into Sunshine Coast rivers ... Two new fishways will be installed on Petrie Creek, providing vital passage for a variety of native fish.

Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry production is expected to hit a record combined value of $101.6 billion in 2025-2026, according to the latest ABARES forecasts released today. ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville said the new record value was mostly down to livestock.

Sarah Herrmann. Marion Bay Community Centre is home to a new mural calling on the federal government to classify the algal bloom as a natural disaster. Sydney artist Patrick Hunter drove more than 1600 kilometres to donate his time and talent, painting a vibrant depiction of the giant cuttlefish and weedy sea dragon — iconic native species threatened by the unprecedented marine crisis.

Sarah Herrmann. An Ardrossan commercial fisherman gave state government representatives a piece of his mind at a government-run algal bloom community forum in Minlaton last week, criticising their grant eligibility criteria and calling for action on fish stocks.

Since 2023, the Clarence River prawn trawl industry has been on its knees, with fishermen locked out of their livelihoods due to a White Spot Control Order costing countless millions in income. White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) was detected by the NSW Department of Primary Industries DPI in August 2022 at a Palmers Island prawn farm…

South Australia has much to learn from New Zealand's trade and export strategy, says Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone. Mr Whetstone, also opposition spokesperson for trade and investment, recently made the trip overseas to meet with his New Zealand counterpart, who has committed to doubling NZ's export value within the next decade.

The State Government is rolling out a suite of measures to back South Australia’s recreational fishing community, helping them weather the impacts of the unprecedented algal bloom and setting the stage for a strong recovery of fish stocks. The algal bloom presents a real challenge for fishers, causing foamy and discoloured water in some areas and has impacted about 400 types of fish and marine animals.

This year’s Spanish mackerel stock assessment found the population was now likely to have doubled since the 2021 review. Based on this, the Department Primary Industries has proposed raising Spanish mackerel catch limits for both commercial and recreational fishing.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has launched eight new purpose-built aquaculture ponds for endangered Macquarie Perch breeding at Narrandera Fisheries Centre, funded by Snowy Hydro under the Snowy 2.0 Threatened Fish Management Plan.

Sarah Herrmann. Grants of up to $100,000 will be available to fisheries and aquaculture businesses significantly affected by the harmful algae bloom, Premier Peter Malinauskas announced during his visit to Yorke Peninsula yesterday, July 28.

Queensland’s inland fishing program, the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS), was introduced in 2000 and has since grown from 25 dams to 63 impoundments. To celebrate, the “SIPS 25” fishing competition will be held in the September school holidays at SIPS destinations across the State.

Yorke Peninsula businesses are calling for financial support from the state and federal governments, while also encouraging tourists to still visit the region, amid the ongoing harmful algal bloom. This was the sentiment shared by a crowd of almost 100 business owners and members of the public who gathered at a meeting organised by Port Vincent Progress Association on July 15.

The State Government’s Emergency Management Committee of Cabinet has met this morning and signed off on a $28 million harmful algal bloom support package. The comprehensive package covers industry support, science and research, communications, community support and clean up.

Sarah Herrmann. The Federal Government has pledged $14 million towards South Australia's harmful algae bloom, but has not declared it a national disaster. Federal environment minister Murray Watt made the announcement yesterday (Monday, July 21) during a visit to Adelaide's beaches, saying $14 million was the formal request made by the State Government the day before.

The work done on rehabilitating the Upper Murray waterways following the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires has been an inspiring story of devastation to regeneration.

South Australia’s flagship fisheries patrol vessel Southern Ranger will be operating in the Gulf of St Vincent tomorrow to conduct underwater observations of the harmful algal … State Government agencies are also taking weekly water samples at 17 sites across West Lakes, the Port River, the Patawalonga River and the end of four jetties at Largs Bay, Grange, Glenelg and Port Noarlunga.

There’s been movement on the stalemate between WaterNSW and Kyogle Fishing Club with a formal interim licence to be issued next week. The gates to Bells Bay Campground are still locked despite initial reports they would be opened last Wednesday, July 9.