The value of South Australia’s aquaculture industry has grown to $229m in 2019-20.
However the value of commercial fisheries has slightly decreased, with the release of two independent reports this week by the State Government.
The increase in value of the aquaculture sector has also led to a more jobs in the industry with direct employment in this sector now estimated at more than 1000 full-time equivalent roles, with nearly 1500 flow on jobs – an increase of about 5% from 2018-19.
The Economic Contribution of Aquaculture in the South Australian State and Regional Economies for 2019-20 found the total value of aquaculture production increased by 8% and total aquaculture production increased by 9% compared to 2018-19.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister David Basham said the report highlighted the strength of South Australia’s aquaculture industry.
“To see the value of South Australia’s aquaculture industry grow is a testament to those working in the sector in the face of a challenging couple of years,” Minister Basham said.
“Aquaculture is a crucial part of the state’s economy supporting thousands of jobs with about 70% of these in regional South Australia.”
Prized Southern Bluefin Tuna remains the largest single aquaculture sector, accounting for approximately 60% or $137m of the state’s gross value of aquaculture production in 2019-20.
The other four main sectors are marine finfish ($39.61m), oysters ($24.95m) and abalone ($11.97m).
The Economic Indicators for the Commercial Fisheries of South Australia Summary Report 2019/20, shows the total catch from South Australia’s commercial fisheries has seen an increasing trend since 2000-01, despite year-to-year fluctuations.
The report shows the total catch in 2019-20 was 48,448 tonnes, a slight decrease of 721 tonnes from the previous year’s total of 49,169 tonnes, with sardines the largest volume fishery (total catch 39,889 tonnes).
The gross value of production across all fisheries in 2019-20 was $240m, a decrease of $46m in real terms from the previous year.
Minister Basham said despite the drop in value there were still approximately 4300 full-time equivalent jobs directly and indirectly associated with commercial fishing in South Australia in 2019-20.
“It’s been a challenging couple of years for our fishing industries with the uncertainty of COVID-19 and disruptions to trade markets leading to lower price to typically strong sectors such as rock lobster, prawn and abalone,” Minister Basham said.
“Despite these challenges the commercial fishing industry has shown great resilience and still remains a key part of South Australia’s economy supporting thousands of jobs across the state.”
