National Aquaculture Council
The National Aquaculture Council (NAC) is the peak body representing the aquaculture industry across Australia. The NAC has now been recognised in this position through the Action Agenda process that culminated in the Aquaculture Round Table in Canberra last year, and also the Prime Ministers Scientific, Engineering and Innovation Council presentation on aquaculture.
The NAC has been engaged by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries & Forestry to provide the secretariat for the Aquaculture Action Agenda Implementation Committee for a minimum of 2 years. This has allowed the NAC to engage a full time Chief Executive Officer who is based in the Australian Seafood Industry Council offices in Canberra. Mr Simon Bennison has recently been appointed CEO of the NAC.
The major industry sectors by value (salmon, pearls, tuna, prawns and edible oysters) are the main members of the NAC, with each sector being automatically allocated a position on the board of directors. The NAC allows for full membership from corporate organisations. This is particularly important given the role these organisations have in the development and day-to-day operations of the industry.
The NAC also caters for Affiliate membership at $550 (inc GST) per annum. This enables memberships for companies and groups that are not in a position to become full members, but will offer a range of non-voting benefits through being part of the NAC network.
The Australian aquaculture industries are keen to ensure that they have a much stronger and more effective representation in today's international and domestic commercial arena. This is particularly relevant with NACs significant involvement and influence in the implementation of the Action Agenda, a biennial national conference, even more credibility at departmental and the political level, and greater influence of issues of national significance for our wider industry.
