Rural Solutions SA can provide new and established aquaculture operators, fishers and seafood processors; Local, State and Federal Government with information, expertise and experience to effectively manage their business within the constantly changing environment of the seafood industry.

Rural Solutions SA can deliver a broad range of services; from development of lease / licence applications for aquaculture to the design and implementation of environmental monitoring programs; from business planning to the delivery of productivity improvement programs to industry. These are all designed to increase profitability and sustainability.

• Technical information publications and advice
• Lease / licence application development
• Business planning
• Environmental monitoring and assessment
• Project design and management
• Productivity improvement programs
• Planning for indigenous aquaculture workshops
• Extension and executive services
• Economic analysis

• Planning for your Future in Aquaculture
• Industry Benchmarking
• Technical Solutions (e.g. microscopy, water chemistry)
• Best Practice (environmental, husbandry)
• Export Marketing and Food Safety

Aquaculture is a new and emerging industry that requires skilled staff to design and manage operations. Rural Solutions SA is well positioned to deliver prospective participants this essential knowledge.

Aquaculture Planning and Development

Rural Solution SA provides an integrated service to assist prospective aquaculturalists to plan, apply for and develop, a land based, coastal or offshore aquaculture enterprise.

Rural Solutions SA have a team of professional consultants with experience in all facets of planning and development; from the evaluation of a new business opportunity through to the implementation and management of an aquaculture enterprise. Rural Solutions SA offers an independent, nonbiased consultancy service.

A typical case study might be:
An individual/organisation has identified a site in which they would like to conduct off-shore aquaculture. They would like to grow marine finfish and have identified a number of markets in which they could sell their product.

The Solution

Rural Solutions SA will conduct a site assessment; evaluating characteristics of the site that make it appropriate for aquaculture development, including availability and accessibility of marine infrastructure and other resources such as a skilled workforce and transport.

After the initial site evaluation, recommendations will be made on the suitability of the site for the proposed aquaculture enterprise. If the site is appropriate, the next step is to gain approval for the site and obtain a licence to conduct marine aquaculture. Rural Solutions SA will assist the client to present a business and development case to the relevant assessment authorities and ensure the proposed enterprise receives all necessary approvals to begin development.

The business case might include:

• Lease and licence development
• Business plan
• Marketing development plan
• Environmental management plan
• Implementation plan

Once approved, Rural Solutions will oversee development of the aquaculture enterprise from the selection of appropriate aquaculture suppliers to a full management plan for the stock, staff and marketing of the product.

Whether you need assistance with one or all of the above services, Rural Solutions SA can help your business become a successful and sustainable aquaculture enterprise.

Industry Publications for Aquaculture

Rural Solutions SA offers a wide range of aquaculture publications to keep you up-to-date with the latest information on advances in aquaculture, including new farming methods and the latest industry research.

The publications available from Rural Solutions SA range from introductory information on different aquaculture species and farming systems to comprehensive handbooks covering all facets of the Australian aquaculture industry.

Current publications include:

• SA Aquaculture Handbook
• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
• Land-based Pond Farming
• Shellfish Farming
• Marine Finfish Farming
• Inland Saline Finfish Farming

Rural Solutions SA are able to research and compile the latest up-todate information into a single industry publication. We can also conduct literature searches on your behalf, to access the latest research and findings related to your specific industry sector. New publications are constantly being added, so contact Rural Solutions SA on 1300 364 322 or visit the website @ www.ruralsolutions.sa.gov.au for the latest information.

Aquaculture Workshops for Indigenous People

Rural Solutions SA deliver targeted education programs on aquaculture to various audiences including indigenous groups.
These sessions are designed following an employment and training needs analysis of the indigenous community. Future enterprise opportunities are identified and assessed by regional location with influences including the community’s aspirations, commitment and preferred partnership opportunities.

Workshop delivery is flexible to cater for different learning styles and needs. Rural Solutions SA has an experienced team of professional consultants with many years experience working with indigenous communities.We also have staff with a strong background in aquaculture research, practice and industry development.

An example of a recent training session

A strategic planning session was held to determine several indigenous communities’ future involvement in the aquaculture industry in South Australia.
This session was designed to identify suitable enterprises that could be developed to satisfy the realistic goals of the communities and individuals whilst also encompassing their cultural affinity with such resources.

The Solution

The session, held on community land, involved:

• A resource audit of local lands to determine the types of aquaculture suited to the area.
• Determination of the structure of development preferred by the community i.e. for profits / employment / community involvement / retaining young people.
• Identification of feasible enterprises and business structures.
• Development of future requirements for business as well as action plan for learning.
  

A follow up session was organised with targeted information for communities and individuals to develop or further their involvement in a sustainable aquaculture enterprise.

Rural Solutions SA can tailor a learning program to suit your needs or that of your community or industry sector.

Contact: Jason Higham