What is the difference between ACWA and the ADC?

 Over the years, there has been some confusion of the role, structure and function of Aquaculture Council of Western Australia (ACWA) and the Aquaculture Development Council (ADC).  This article will attempt to clear this up.

 The Differences

Since 1987, ACWA, as incorporated association, has been representing the WA aquaculture industry interests to government.  The association is owned by its members - all of whom are WA aquaculture industry members.  ACWA is governed by a Committee of Management that is made up of an independent chair and eight industry members.

The ADC, on the other hand, is a statutory government Ministerial advisory committee, which was formed in 1995, under the Section 37, Fisheries Resources Management Act 1994.  The ADC function is to identify issues that affect aquaculture and advise the Minister for Fisheries on matters that relate to aquaculture and the management of aquaculture.  The ADC membership is prescribed by Section 37, of the FRMA. 

Please refer to summary table below for web links for the backgrounds and experience of both the ACWA and the ADC.

The Similarities

Both the ACWA and the ADC committees have a membership of between 7-9 persons.  Both the committees meet regularly to discuss and plan actions that will improve the growth of the WA aquaculture industry. 

ACWA, as part of its core business, make representations to the Minister of Fisheries directly, the ADC, and the various government departments on matters that its members consider are important to facilitate aquaculture industry development or protect industry interests eg. spray drift, streamlining environmental approvals, aquaculture leases, aquaculture bonds.

Summary Table