Australia has always faced challenges in relation to its vast landscape and supply chain reliability to regional communities. These communities have historically been reliant on industries such as mining to provide temporary economic stability but face economic downturn once operations cease. Regernerative aquaculture has the opportunity to address this by providing a diverse range of products which can be adopted regionally and internationally.
The seaweed industry has been growing in interest with a strong focus on Asparagopsis for cattle feed to reduce methane emissions and Kelps for soil rehabilitation products. Australia has missed opportunities to develop a diverse seaweed industry, leveraging off existing multi-million dollar. However, tapping into this market in Australia is challenging with high yield, low-cost existing operations, predominately in Asia.
This presentation will discuss key problems being faced by the seaweed industry and how North Australia can address these by developing seaweed hubs in regional coastal communities.