The Advisory Group supports the present sectoral arrangements for setting fisheries research priorities at a national and regional level. The current arrangements for setting fisheries research priorities at a national level and regional level should continue. The best way to ensure stocks remain viable and strong is to protect and rehabilitate habitats, and stock enhancement should not be viewed as an alternative to this. Stock enhancement should be explored as an option for provision of fish stocks and smaller species in the food chain, in association with the protection and rehabilitation of fish habitats. Stock enhancement should be subject to strict ecological considerations, and should not be seen as an alternative to properly managing natural resources.
Australian waters have potential for aquaculture.
It has already proved to be of great economic benefit in some States. While it seems unlikely aquaculture could replace harvesting of wild fish, it can contribute to reducing the pressure on certain fish stocks, and has the capacity to supply high value products. Awareness of potential aquaculture areas will help to minimise possible future conflict between aquaculturalists, commercial and recreational industries, and other users. However there are a number of issues relevant to aquaculture management within the context of oceans policy principles that need to be considered. These include conflict with existing water users including recreational and commercial fishers, alteration to habitat, waste production, demand for species lower in the food chain for fish food, culling of natural predators, reductions in genetic diversity, increased risk of introduction of exotic species and diseases into wild fisheries, and effects of disease and fouling control measures.