The region had been earmarked as the potential innovator for the industry but the Gippsland Aquaculture Industry Network (GAIN) believes poor government leadership has jeopardised the dream.
GAIN met with Nationals MLA for Morwell, Russell Northe to seek support in a push to resurrect the ailing industry.
According to GAIN secretary, Tony McLennan the industry locally has the ability to earn $100 million a year.
But it has only managed to bring in $23 million from abalone production, while South Australia earns up to $300 million.
Mr McLennan said strict regulations and unreasonable licences have been blamed for pushing people away from the industry.
Fishing for Support
AUSTRALIA - Extreme licence costs and regulations could prevent Gippsland's fledgling aquaculture industry from ever reaching its multi-million dollar potential.