Indigenous aquaculture – extension and community development (T1.7)

Task leader: Mr Chris Robertson, Queensland Fisheries Service.

The project will facilitate indigenous aquaculture in the Torres Straits region by providing an extension and economic development role for the implementation of research outcomes from the CRC and other related research activities. It is proposed that CRC funds are used to cover 50% of a full time position (with travel provisions) for an Indigenous Aquaculture Extension Officer, who would cater for indigenous communities in the Torres Straits, as well as Cape York/Gulf country (i.e 50% to cover each, with the other 50% yet to be sourced from state based funding programs.

Direct linkages to current QFS indigenous aquaculture strategic planning activities, including a North Queensland Indigenous Aquaculture Scoping Study to be completed by late 2003, will facilitate the interaction of CRC activities with community aspirations. It will also provide assistance for Torres Strait Islanders to investigate aquaculture opportunities, through consultation with existing aquaculture researchers within QDPI, AIMS and other agencies in the CRC. For example, information about the potential for sponge farming technologies will be provided at the community and individual level as part of the extension role by QFS as part of the CRC.

Torres Strait Islanders and other indigenous communities in Cape York have shown an increasing interest in aquaculture and the potential for economic development in the regions. Aquaculture of pearls, trochus, tropical rock lobster and prawns appear to have the most potential, either as community based projects or as larger enterprises in partnership with expertise companies. QFS has recently assisted by providing workshops and establishing representative indigenous groups to facilitate and assist in the set up of aquaculture projects for indigenous people in the North Queensland region. The Torres Straits Aquaculture Committee (TSAC) was formed in 2002 to assist in the development of indigenous based aquaculture projects in the Torres Straits region. Membership includes island community fishing representatives as well as state and federal agencies.
Current DPI activities include aquaculture R&D by AFFS in the culture and farming of tropical rock lobster. This is currently funded through FRDC and industry partnerships, and it is anticipated that further funding from ACIAR as well will form part of the future community development component of the program. QFS can facilitate, through the CRC, an extension and industry development program that assists Torres Strait Islanders to establish aquaculture farms. Similarly, a proposed ACIAR funded project to be lead by Dr Mike Rimmer, AFFS Cairns, will investigate the development of sustainable aquaculture in the Torres Straits as well as in Pacific Island countries, with core components including sea cucumber aquaculture and stock enhancement. Linkages to indigenous aquaculture training funded through Department of Employment and Training, Queensland, will clearly benefit and support the objectives of the CRC indigenous aquaculture extension program.

Following the QFS workshops held in 2002 there is now strong interest in the various communities as well as in government for the development of an indigenous aquaculture development program, particularly the establishment of training programs and a multi-species hatchery. QFS will assist TSAC and other representative indigenous aquaculture groups to bid for major funding to establish a multi-species hatchery and program of development in North Queensland.

Objectives

• Community extension program to facilitate a better understanding of aquaculture technologies appropriate and feasible in the Torres Straits – workshops, newsletters, client liaison to develop business planning strategies etc
• Facilitation and client assistance to connect the outcomes of aquaculture research by the CRC Torres Strait (in sponge aquaculture) and other agencies with community aspirations – assistance in Torres Strait Islander aquaculture projects, research pilot projects for implementation of research, eg. tropical rock lobster, beche de mer restocking.
• Strategic development role in building linkages between the TSAC and other indigenous aquaculture groups, TSRA, state and federal agencies to bid for major funding for a multi-species hatchery program of development for North Queensland and the Torres Straits.

Outcomes

• Extension of information about the potential for sponge farming will provide facilitation of the aims of the CRC Torres Strait sponge farming research and is expected to initiate community and individual based pilot ventures. In extension of aquaculture information to indigenous communities, QFS programs have an emphasis on a cautionary approach to investment of funds in aquaculture ventures, particularly where the technologies are still developing. Sponge farming will be facilitated in this context, with the need for small-scale pilot projects in various locations to ascertain the long term viability of an industry.
• A contribution to planning and funding of a north Queensland Indigenous Aquaculture Development Program, which may include the establishment of a multi-species hatchery.
• Establishment of a dedicated community information resource covering all aspects of aquaculture development for Torres Strait Islanders, including training curricula with linked educational facilities (eg Thursday Island TAFE), linkages to external information resources (web links, State and Federal aquaculture extension services).