AquaScope
News from PIRSA’s Aquaculture Division December 2012 Ed. 10
SA prepares for aquatic disease emergency
South Australia has taken the lead in aquatic disease preparedness, hosting a national
emergency response exercise named Sea Fox.
Participants in Sea Fox on a visit to Oyster leases in Coffin Bay
Exercise Sea Fox brought together more than 70 government and industry representatives from across Australia to
develop and practice the skills and procedures required when responding to an aquatic animal disease outbreak.
The three-part exercise began in Port Lincoln in October and included site visits to aquaculture farms and
workshops at the Lincoln Marine Science Centre, aimed at improving the understanding of the aquaculture
environment in a disease context and raising awareness of national and state emergency response arrangements.
The exercise culminated in a hypothetical desktop exercise held in Adelaide in November, based on an outbreak of
Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) - an aquatic disease that is considered a high threat to the State’s
oyster growing sector. While POMS does not pose a risk to human health it has previously caused substantial
economic damage to oyster growing industries in France and New Zealand.
Executive Director of PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture, Professor Mehdi Doroudi said in the area of animal health,
exercises such as Sea Fox were essential for preparing government and industry personnel for a real emergency
event. “This exercise is about testing response procedures, identifying any shortcomings, and ensuring we know
what to do if we had a real disease outbreak,” Professor Doroudi said.
“By involving industry and government in an exercise of this nature we aim to enhance the State’s preparedness for
responding to an emergency aquatic animal disease outbreak.”
Participants of Sea Fox include representatives from PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture, Biosecurity SA, the South
Australian Oyster Growing Association, the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association, Oysters
Australia, Australian Abalone Growers Association and the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry (DAFF).
Exercise Sea Fox is a joint initiative of PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture, Biosecurity SA, the Fisheries Research
and Development Corporation and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, as part of a national
objective to develop Australia’s capacity to prevent and manage disease outbreaks.
The term ‘Fox’ is used for all disease exercises in PIRSA so they are not confused with real events.
For more information regarding Sea Fox or general aquatic animal health issues, contact PIRSA Aquatic
Animal Health Officer, Dr Shane Roberts on (08) 8226 3975 or shane.roberts@sa.gov.au
PIRSA Aquaculture Page 1
Inside Scope
Professor Mehdi Doroudi Executive Director, PIRSA Aquaculture
Since 2010, the South Australian government has had input into future decision making processes of the
Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT), through a close liaison with the Department
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). This input has helped PIRSA to maintain and advance South
Australia’s contribution into the future success and sustainability of this important fishery and its ranching activity.
Between 28 September and 6 October 2012, I travelled to Japan to attend the 19th meeting of the CCSBT in
Takamatsu City, Japan. I attended as an observer as part of the Australian delegation to take part in international
negotiations around management issues for SBT.
While in Japan, I took the opportunity to visit a number of government agencies and research facilities (Kinki
University, the National Fishery Agency and National Research Institute of Aquaculture) to further understand
Japan’s progress in fisheries management issues that relate to South Australian fisheries and aquaculture
industries (e.g. stock enhancement, regional fisheries management, ranching programs, bluefin tuna propagation,
the kingfish industry and recreational fishing).
Kinki University has developed a successful program to close the life cycle of Northern Bluefin Tuna, and through
further liaison with the university to exchange knowledge and expertise, this may lead to improvements in
techniques and opportunities to increase aquaculture production in South Australia.
Discussions with Fisheries Managers and researchers from the National Fishery Agency and National Research
Institute of Aquaculture were particularly informative and their success in a number of areas (e.g. stock
enhancement, tuna propagation, kingfish grow-out, nutrition and farm husbandry) is strongly related to a long
history of research and effective management processes.
Information from this trip is now being shared with our local industry to help inform future decision making
processes, practices and management of fishing and aquaculture in South Australia.
I would like to extend my thanks to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation for their support of the
trip. While the industry in South Australia is still relatively young, there are areas where we have lead (e.g. kingfish
propagation) and with time, research and development and improvement of technologies, I am confident we will
continue to maintain our reputation as world leaders in aquaculture.
Professor Mehdi Doroudi
Executive Director, PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture
PIRSA Aquaculture Page 2
Act amendments to benefit business
The current Aquaculture Act 2001 (the Act) and Aquaculture Regulations 2005 (as a result of changes to the Act)
have been amended, in a move that is focused on streamlining administrative processes, reducing red tape and
increasing transparency and fairness in decision making processes.
The amendments to the Act are necessary to keep legislation up-to-date with the rapid development of industry
practice, aquaculture management standards and administrative world’s best practice.
Some of the key changes resulting from this revision include:

The introduction of the ability to register third party interests in aquaculture leases and licences which will
help facilitate investment.

The ability to amalgamate adjoining aquaculture leases and/or licences.

The introduction of more effective emergency lease provisions.

The introduction of research leases which removes the potential for competition between research
providers and aquaculture farmers for lease area.

Remodeling of the Aquaculture Resource Management Fund to clarify that research monies may be
collected and the fund may hold funds collected for the purpose of lease rehabilitation.

A new and more transparent tenure allocation scheme.
A fact sheet outlining some of the changes is available at www.pir.sa.gov.au/aquaculture
The revised Act and Regulations can be viewed on the South Australian Legislation website
www.legislation.sa.gov.au
PIRSA Aquaculture Page 3
Chemical use and translocation requests
Veterinary chemicals are important tools in primary production systems, although few are registered for use in
aquaculture. When used correctly, they play a valuable role in maximising the quality and yield of primary produce.
However, product integrity, the environment and human health can be put at risk when they are not adequately
controlled.
Aquaculture licence holders are required to apply for Ministerial approval to use off-label chemicals under
veterinarian prescription (Regulation 10 (1) of the Aquaculture Regulations 2005). Off-label use provides for one-off,
irregular, emergency or experimental treatment. Chemicals that are considered off-label are those that are not
registered with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
Ministerial approval is also required to translocate some species that are considered high risk, particularly the
importation of live aquatic animals into South Australia. Translocation (movement) of aquatic animals has
historically been for the purposes of domestic stocking of farm dams, recreational fishing and aquaculture. While
these have provided significant economic benefits, in the case of uncontrolled or illegal translocations, it has
resulted in environmental damage (introduced pests) and disease spread.
Aquaculture operators considering using off- label chemicals or translocation of stock, must first complete a
Chemical Use and Translocation Application Form. The form can be found on the PIRSA website at
www.pir.sa.gov.au/aquaticanimalhealth
For more information, contact Aquatic Animal Health Officer, Dr Shane Roberts on 8226 3975 or
shane.roberts@sa.gov.au
PIRSA Aquaculture Page 4
Land-based category review
A review of land-based sector categories is underway in response to industry
feedback.
In 2012, PIRSA identified the need to engage an independent consultant to review the current categories within the
land-based sector (i.e. categories A, B and C). The current categories have been in place since 2008. A review of
categories was also considered timely by the land-based sector representatives engaged by PIRSA to assist in the
2012/13 cost recovery process.
The aim of this project is to review current aquaculture land-based licence risk category criteria to ensure they are
relevant, meet legislative requirements and promote best practice environmental management of land-based
aquaculture activities.
The terms of reference for the review are:

Review and report on the current aquaculture land-based licence risk category criteria, making
recommendations on how to improve the current criteria used by PIRSA.

Identify risks and opportunities including review regulations, policy or industry impediments to the
implementation of these recommendations.

Identify possible improvements in the efficiency of the current risk category system.
An aquaculture industry representative was involved in the evaluation process to select an independent consultant
to conduct the review. In October, consultancy firm Science to Manage Uncertainty, a consultancy company
established by Professor Anthony Cheshire, was appointed to conduct the review process which is currently
underway.
Consultation with land-based licence holders is an important part of the review process and PIRSA Fisheries and
Aquaculture encourages all land-based licence holders to contribute to the review. The project is due for
completion in December 2012, with outcomes aimed at contributing to the 2013/14 Cost Recovery process.
PIRSA Aquaculture Page 5
EPA & PIRSA working together
The assessment of aquaculture licenses conducted by PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture includes independent
review, advice and approval by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
The EPA is a mandatory referral agency for all aquaculture licence applications and lease conversions outside an
aquaculture zone. PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture is currently working with the EPA to promote collaboration on
shared issues to investigate areas for increased efficiency and potential red tape reduction.
The following business processes are currently being workshopped by PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture with EPA
staff:

Licence assessment framework

Licence assessment requirements

Requirements for lease and licence application forms
Once reviewed, improvements to these processes will aim to ensure that the information exchanged by both PIRSA
and the EPA is collated and assessed in a manner that is both efficient and effective.
This should also create operational transparency for both agencies and clear expectations for areas of business
overlap when working on aquaculture- related applications and initiatives.
As a result of this work, a more streamlined approach to lease and licence assessments undertaken by PIRSA
Fisheries and Aquaculture should be achieved, as well as a whole of government approach in the assessment of
environmental issues associated with aquaculture development in South Australia.
PIRSA Aquaculture Page 6
Lease Amalgamations Now Possible
One of the key highlights of the recently implemented amendments to the Aquaculture Act 2001, is the ability to
amalgamate aquaculture leases and/or licences.
Developed in consultation with industry and relevant State Government agencies, amalgamating leases will have
multiple benefits, including creating farm management efficiencies, simpler reporting requirements and
administrative red-tape reduction for both PIRSA and the lease/licence holder.
Application forms are now available from PIRSA and have been designed to incorporate all possibilities for an
amalgamation, making the process simple for lease/licence holders. It includes the ability to indicate the need to
complete any associated transfers, movements, or variations to the lease and/or licence to enable the
amalgamation to occur, all in the one application form.
Fees apply for PIRSA to process the application for a lease/licence amalgamation. For more information or
to obtain a lease amalgamation application form contact PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture on 8226 0087 or
email PIRSA.aquaculture@sa.gov.au
PIRSA Aquaculture Page 7
Seafood directions conference 2013
Every two years, the Australian Seafood Industry National Conference is held to set the future direction of the
seafood industry and allow participants to connect directly with other seafood stakeholders.
In 2013, the Seafood Directors Conference will be hosted by Wildcatch Fisheries South Australia and held at the
Port Lincoln Hotel in Port Lincoln from 27-30 October.
In line with the conference theme, ‘Adapt, Interact and See Food’, the event will commence with a trade show and
Seafood Awards Dinner, ahead of a two day program of presentations, workshops and activities that provides
delegates with the opportunity to experience Port Lincoln’s worldclass seafood industry.
For anyone associated with the fishing industry, Seafood Directions 2013 will be a valuable forum to share and
learn, as well as a great opportunity to network. Mark the date in your diary now and find out more at
www.seafooddirections.net.au
Aquascope moving online
In 2013, Aquascope, will be moving to a new enewsletter format.
Next edition will be the last hard copy version of Aquascope distributed. To ensure you remain in touch with the
latest information on aquaculture policy and industry news in South Australia will need to join the mailing list.
To subscribe, visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/subscribe, add in your contact details and select “Aquascope”.
Skretting World Aquaculture Adelaide 2014
While World Aquaculture 2014 may seem some way off, the conference steering committee are actively preparing
for the June 2014 event. The international event is expected to attract more than 3000 delegates from across the
world, for the four-day conference in Adelaide.
Naming rights sponsor Skretting Australia Ltd has stepped up to the plate to engage as they have on previous
occasions with aquaculture events in our zone. Likewise the Australian Seafood Cooperative Research Centre has
committed to sponsorship, joining major Conference Sponsor, the State Government, and the Fisheries Research
and Development Corporation.
Arrangements are also being made for all aquaculture associations to hold their meetings in Adelaide on 7 June
2014 to ensure the industry can engage with the planned Farmers’ Day on the first day of the Conference.
The World Aquaculture Conference and Trade Show presents an important opportunity to showcase Australian
aquaculture on the world stage. If you have any ideas or suggestions for the event, please contact Roy Palmer at
roy.palmer@australianseafood.com.au or Benn Gramola at benn.gramola@sa.gov.au
PIRSA Aquaculture Page 8
Inland Aquaculture Association - Join now
The Inland Aquaculture Association of South Australia (IAASA) was formed in 2000 to represent the interests of
land based licence holders on issues related to the development and regulation of the state’s aquaculture industry.
Regular meetings are held to engage members in providing feedback and establishing views for discussion with
PIRSA and other stakeholders.
To join the association and ensure your views are heard, register your details with Executive Officer, Martin
Hernen, on mhernen@optusnet.com.au or 0401 737 255
Aquascope is the quarterly newsletter from PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture, providing information on
aquaculture.
email PIRSA.aquaculture@sa.gov.au website www.pir.sa.gov.au/aquaculture
Licence payments
8204 1370
Leasing & licensing enquiries
8226 0087
Renewals and transfers
8226 0347
Environmental monitoring
8226 0397
Chemical use and translocation
8226 3975
Aquatic animal health
8226 3975
FISHWATCH
1800 065 522
The information in this publication can be provided on request in an alternative format or another
language. Please call 8226 2922.
PIRSA Aquaculture Page 9