Adelaide will virtually host more than 1,100 delegates from over 60 countries at the World Fisheries Congress 2021 which starts today.
The World Fisheries Congress is the premier fishing research, management and industry event which is held every four years and this is the first time Adelaide has been the host city.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said winning the right to host this prestigious event which runs through to Friday, provides a significant boost for the state’s fishing industry as it recovers from the impacts of COVID-19 and market disruptions.
“South Australia is Australia’s Seafood State with our pristine marine and freshwater environments producing some of the world’s most sought-after seafood,” Minister Basham said.
“With the Congress theme of ‘Sharing our oceans and rivers – a vision for the world’s fisheries’ our growers, scientists and policy makers will be exchanging ideas with their international counterparts over the next four days on production techniques, regulatory frameworks, research and a future vision for the industry worldwide.
“While COVID-19 has forced WFC 2021 to be delivered virtually, by featuring more than 1,100 delegates from over 60 countries, this event provides an ideal platform to showcase our lifestyle and investment opportunities in the fisheries, aquaculture, tourism and recreational sectors.
“Our fisheries and aquaculture industries are among the state’s largest primary production sectors, with a joint production value of $469 million in 2019-20. Our commercial fisheries harvested around 48,500 tonnes of seafood, while our aquaculture sector produced around 17,500 tonnes.
“We have a diverse range of commercial fisheries and seafood processors all producing large scale high value products, including Southern Rock Lobster, Southern Bluefin Tuna, oysters, mussels, prawns, abalone and Yellowtail Kingfish.
“These sectors make a significant contribution to regional development, with more than 5,300 full time jobs generated by the industry, mostly in our coastal towns and communities across the state.
“The fisheries sector also provides important social, cultural and economic values through recreational and Aboriginal traditional fishing.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to working with industry to ensure South Australia remains at the forefront of Australian fisheries and aquaculture management and that future industry growth continues in a productive, competitive, innovative and ecologically sustainable way.”
WFC 2021 is being delivered in partnership with the World Council of Fisheries Societies, the Australian Society for Fish Biology and the Australian and South Australian State Governments.
For further information visit www.wfc2021.com.au
