Opportunity for innovative fishing and aquaculture

Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management (NRM) Board Member and Executive Officer of the Spencer Gulf and West Coast Prawn Fishermen's Association, Simon Clark said the recent Australian Government announcement of ‘Smart Farming Partnerships’ funding presents an exciting opportunity for fishing and aquaculture industries to develop, trial and implement new and innovative tools that can support improvements to industry.

“I encourage the fishing and aquaculture industries with project ideas that fit the criteria to speak with Natural Resources EP about a regional collaborative project application,” Mr Clark said.

“These types of sustainable marine industry projects are at the heart of the Eyre Peninsula’s Regional NRM Plan key actions. Partnering with the seafood industry on mutually beneficial projects that consider holistic marine management, such as improved interactions between land based environments and marine biodiversity/seafood industries/recreational users, monitoring and improving water quality, habitat protection, marine debris reduction and clean-up are all highlighted with the Plan,” Mr Clark said.

Eligible ‘expressions of interest’ up to $250,000, that align with Eyre Peninsula Regional Natural Resources Management Plan and assist in delivering more productive, profitable and sustainable fishing or aquaculture industries are sought.

They must also have a demonstrated ‘proof of concept’ underpinned by scientific research and evidence. All expressions of interests must be received by close of business Monday 27 November 2017. To download a form visit www.landscape.sa.gov.au/ep or call into your local Natural Resources EP office.

For more information contact Seb Drewer seb.drewer@sa.gov.au or phone 0427 004 324.