Aquaculture
Oyster virus detected in Port River
Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) virus has been detected in feral Pacific Oysters in the Port River in February 2018.
There is a current ban on removal of all bivalve organisms (oysters, mussels, cockles) from the Port River until further notice.
More information on location and prevention for fishers and boat operators
Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms for the purpose of trade, business or research. Aquaculture may be undertaken on land in tanks and ponds to raise species such as abalone, barramundi, Murray Cod, Rainbow/Brown Trout, yabbies and marron.
Aquaculture also occurs offshore in marine waters to grow species such as Southern Bluefin Tuna, Yellowtail Kingfish, Blue Mussels, Pacific Oysters and abalone. Methods used in offshore areas include cages, long lines and/or racks depending on the species that is being cultured.
The aquaculture industry is licenced in South Australia because it can potentially impact upon marine and freshwater environments. The EPA assesses and provides comment on aquaculture licence applications, variation of licence conditions and lease conversions, all of which are managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA). The EPA is represented on the Aquaculture Advisory Committee, which advises the minister responsible for administering the Aquaculture Act on any matter relating to aquaculture.