Western Australia has a growing aquaculture industry driven by an expanding market for seafood consumption, both domestically and internationally.
The profile of aquaculture in Western Australia has risen with the increasing exploitation of terrestrial aquaculture in the south west, as well as along the coastline. Aquaculture operations have the potential to cause a range of environmental impacts, including pollution, damage to ecosystems, adverse interactions with wildlife, and spread of diseases.
This factsheet looks at the laws relating to marine and inland aquaculture projects in Western Australia. Currently, aquaculture is legislated under the Fish Resources Management Act. Industry has been pushing for separate legislation dealing specifically with aquaculture. The Minister for Fisheries has set 2008 for a review of whether this is necessary. In the interim, amendments to the current legislation are to be implemented.
