The Aquaculture Branch works in partnership with related regulatory bodies and agencies to manage and administer aquaculture in Tasmania under a robust legislative framework.
Key Legislation
The
Marine Farming Planning Act 1995 is designed to integrate aquaculture activities with other marine and land uses, while minimising any adverse impacts. It provides for the preparation, amendment and review of
Marine Farming Development Plans.
The Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995 is designed to achieve sustainable development of living marine resources, while taking account of community needs and interest in response of living marine resources. It provides the framework under which permits and marine farming licences are issued.
Regulatory Bodies and Agencies
The Aquaculture Branch works alongside other Government agencies and regulatory bodies to manage Tasmania’s aquaculture and related activities. This includes:
- Environment Protection Authority
- Biosecurity Tasmania (within NRE Tas)
- Environment, Heritage and Land (within NRE Tas)
- Inland Fisheries Service
- Agriculture and Water (within NRE Tas)
Key responsibilities and legislation (relating to aquaculture) for each of these agencies includes:
Aquaculture Branch
| Marine farming planning, development and operations
| Supporting sustainable development and operational compliance of marine farms, including managing planning and licencing processes.
| Marine Farming Planning Act 1995
Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995 |
Environment Protection Authority
| Environment
| Assessing finfish farm compliance against environmental conditions set out in environmental licences.
| Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994
Finfish Farming Environmental Regulation Act 2017 |
Biosecurity Tasmania
| Biosecurity
| Managing biosecurity risks, managing food safety risks, and enforcing animal welfare standards, including monitoring fish health to detect new or emerging diseases.
| Biosecurity Act 2019
Primary Produce Safety Act 2011
Agriculture and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1995
Animal Welfare Act 1993 |
Environment, Heritage and Land
| Wildlife interactions
| Monitoring, conservation and management of marine and seabird wildlife.
| Animal Welfare Act 1993
Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010
Seal Management Framework 2018
|
Inland Fisheries Service
| Hatcheries
| Managing fish and fisheries in inland waters, including inland fish farms and hatcheries (in partnership with the Environment Protection Authority).
| Inland Fisheries Act 1995
|
Agriculture and Water
| Freshwater resources
| Designing policy and regulatory frameworks to ensure equitable, efficient and sustainable allocation/use of surface and groundwater resources.
| Water Management Act 1999
|