THE CHALLENGE

Regenerative ocean aquaculture is non-intensive, feed-free aquaculture that allows the stock to grow on its own, using natural food sources and conditions. Regenerative aquaculture aims to minimise environmental impacts and support environmental benefits, such as improving water quality and providing habitat for other marine species. Regenerative aquaculture techniques include shellfish (e.g., oysters, mussels) and kelp farming methods. If done well, regenerative aquaculture can also contribute to diverse and inclusive new economic opportunities for regional communities, as well as consolidate skills and supply chains.

However, new and emerging industries, like seaweed farming, often face roadblocks and risks as they navigate regulatory environments that were often not built with their activities in mind. Entry to new regions can also come at a higher risk if the community does not have sufficient knowledge of the activity and how it intersects with what matters to them.

The solution / outcome

Recognising the potential to further develop nature-based, feed-free aquaculture on the south coast of NSW but also the challenges, this study explored a local approach to introducing regenerative aquaculture by developing baseline social, economic and cultural research and building community awareness.

Together, the University of Wollongong (UOW) and the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre worked with industry, research, government and community to understand the status quo of the regenerative aquaculture industry on the NSW south coast. In particular, exploring how Indigenous, community and economic values can inform the emerging seaweed farming sector and evolving shellfish farming in waters off the NSW south coast.

The study team examined potential social and economic benefits and impacts associated with the growth of this industry and offered a region wide environmental impact assessment for proposed kelp and aquaculture farms.

The impact

To support the transition and responsible growth of a regenerative aquaculture industry in NSW South Coast, the research made a number of recommendations on the establishment of research trial sites, co-designed site selection and the development of a framework to support First Nation leadership in the regenerative aquaculture industry.

The study found a very high degree of in principle support for the development of this industry across the NSW South Coast with an average of 76% of survey participants responding positively to the question ‘would you like to see regenerative aquaculture in your LGA?’.

The study also found that regenerative aquaculture has a great potential to drive economic growth into the NSW South Coast through investment and job creation in a highly sustainable industry. The region is home to regenerative aquaculture industry pioneers who are charting a course for those that follow.

Finally, the study identified a strong interest across First Nation communities and organisations in being leaders in a regenerative aquaculture industry, particularly if it can be designed in a way that restores Sea Country.

"Regenerative aquaculture is currently constrained by a regulatory pathway to approval that places prohibitive levels of risk on individual proponents. With further collective effort across government, industry, research and the community, we see a strong and vibrant future for a regenerative aquaculture industry on the NSW south coast."

Associate Professor Michelle Voyer

University of Wollongong

What’s next

Aboriginal communities along the entire NSW South Coast expressed strong interest in leading the development of a restorative aquaculture industry for the region. In particular, they have identified opportunities for Aboriginal leadership in abalone ranching, seaweed restoration and urchin harvesting and management.

As a next step, the study co-leads are engaging with the Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) on the “Gudu restorative aquaculture proposal” which combines ancient wisdom with modern technologies to deliver opportunities for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities on the NSW South Coast. The proposal brings the LALC together with industry, Government and research partners to deliver on the long held on the aspirations of South Coast Aboriginal people to be leaders of Sea Country management and active participants within the Blue Economy.