The new plan, AQUAPLAN 2014–2019: Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health, outlines the shared vision of governments and aquatic animal industries for a sustainable and prosperous future.
The plan was endorsed in August by the Agriculture Ministers’ Forum and by aquaculture and fisheries industries through the National Aquatic Animal Health Industry Reference Group in January.
Industry and governments are jointly responsible for implementing the plan and will work together to achieve the objectives and to ensure Australia remains a leader in aquatic animal health management.
The five objectives of AQUAPLAN are to improve regional and enterprise-level biosecurity, strengthen emergency disease preparedness and response capability, enhance surveillance and diagnostic services, improve the availability of appropriate veterinary medicines, and improve education, training and awareness.
Over the next five years the department will lead on a number of activities to improve awareness of nationally significant aquatic animal diseases and will investigate the use of mobile technology to enhance reporting.
AQUAPLAN covers aquatic animal health issues relevant to aquaculture, commercial fisheries, recreational fisheries, the ornamental fish industry, the tourism industry and the environment. Its objectives are supported by activities to address specific aquatic animal health management issues associated with infectious diseases of finfish, molluscs and crustaceans.
