Aquaculture Advisory Committee
In late 2021, it was announced SIA would absorb of the responsibilities of the National Aquaculture Council (NAC) and launch the Aquaculture Advisory Committee (AAC).
The AAC, with representatives from Australia’s eight key aquaculture sectors, has been developed to further the sector’s position as world-leaders in operations, environmental management, fish and crustacean health, biosecurity, and sustainability.
SIA and the AAC will strive for a sector that is well resourced to deliver high-quality, Australian seafood to both the domestic and international markets now and for generations to come.
The importance of Australia’s Aquaculture sector
The release of the Australian Fisheries and Aquaculture statistics 2020 showed aquaculture had become the largest sector of the domestic seafood industry, accounting for 51% of total GVP, and 38% of total volume.
The sector maintained steady growth, with GVP growing 10 per cent in 2019−20 to $1.6 billion, and an increase of volume by 11% to1,106,139 tonnes. This growth can be largely attributed to Tasmania’s growing Atlantic Salmon industry, which is now worth 35 per cent of national fisheries and aquaculture GVP.
Australia’s aquaculture sector has a bright future as it continues to set international benchmarks by providing fresh, high-quality, sustainable seafood year-round, while meeting and exceeding regulatory requirements. SIA is determined to help the aquaculture sector grow and prosper.
Meet SIA's Aquaculture Advisory Committee
David, representing mussels and abalone, is an experienced executive, who directs and manages a business through the growth and downturn cycles to optimise shareholder value. He has been responsible for developing and translating corporate strategy and vision into executable business plans. With over 12 years of experience in the wine industry before moving to aquaculture with Petuna Aquaculture (fin fish) and Tassal Group (prawns). David now leads Yumbah as it continues its journey towards becoming a leading shellfish aquaculture company.
You can get in contact with David via [email protected] or 0417 011 920
Jo joined the Australian Barramundi Farmers’ Association as CEO in 2018. She has strong experience in industry engagement and representation, strategic planning, research program management, governance grant application evaluation, leadership development and capacity building, education, training and sustainability. Jo was also previously the Deputy Chair of the National Aquaculture Council.
You can get in touch with Jo-Anne via [email protected] or 0415 244 759
Robert, who represents King Fish has 20+ years experience in corporate and commercial roles. He spent five years in London and New York with JP Morgan Chase investment bank before ten years with Jurlique including seven years as Chief Financial Officer. Following on from being CFO at kikki.K, he joined Clean Seas in 2019 as their CFO, and has been CEO at Clean Seas since 2020.
You can get in touch with Rob via [email protected] or 0434 148 979
David, representing mussels and abalone, is an experienced executive, who directs and manages a business through the growth and downturn cycles to optimise shareholder value. He has been responsible for developing and translating corporate strategy and vision into executable business plans. With over 12 years of experience in the wine industry before moving to aquaculture with Petuna Aquaculture (fin fish) and Tassal Group (prawns). David now leads Yumbah as it continues its journey towards becoming a leading shellfish aquaculture company.
You can get in contact with David via [email protected] or 0417 011 920
Anne is the Executive Officer of Oysters Australia.
In her former role Anne was the CEO of the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia, and over the last few years has guided significant investment in innovative research & development programs. This has included investment in the Northern Australian Tropical Rock Oyster project.
Anne is an experienced Executive with a long history in primary industries, and has a Churchill Fellowship in the application of innovation to primary production. She has also spent time in Canberra as a Senior Policy Advisor to various Ministers.
You can get in touch with Anne via [email protected] or 0488 656 366
Kim, representing farmed prawns, is presently Executive Officer for the Australian Prawn Farmers Association (APFA) and is a former Chief of Staff to a federal Assistant Minister with strong government liaison and leadership skills. Kim was the previous Chair of the National Aquaculture Council, providing a the central point of consultation for government and was the industry facilitator for the new DAWE AQUAPLAN. Kim is a graduate of the National Seafood Industry Leadership (NSILP) program and is driven to influence positive change on behalf of the sector.
Kim can be contacted via [email protected] or 0417 006 639
Luke Martin is the chief executive of industry peak body Salmon Tasmania.
Before this Luke was the head of the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania (TICT), during this time Luke was a passionate and incredibly effective advocate for the tourism industry in Tasmania. He has been a strong advocate for commercial developments and the Cradle Mountain Cable Cars. Over 12 years, Luke has helped guide the industry through an unprecedented period of growth and transformation.
You can get in touch with Luke via [email protected]
Daniel, representing Southern Bluefin Tuna, was appointed CEO of the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association in 2023. Daniel has a lifelong connection to primary industries and the seafood industry, growing up in a commercial fishing family, and after completing a fisheries science degree he has worked in fisheries research, extension, policy and program management roles in government. Daniels extensive government executive leadership roles, combined with industry connections, afford a unique insight into the importance of strong partnerships, governance and strategic foresight, underpinned by good science, data and decision making.
You can get in touch with Daniel via [email protected] or 0427 601 316
The AAC’s mission is to: Support collaboration to refresh Australia’s aquaculture narrative by addressing the industry’s most relevant challenges and opportunities.
Through research and interviews, the AAC decided on a series of priority areas, below, to assist in directing activity.
