About ACWA

The Aquaculture Council of Western Australia Inc. (ACWA) is the incorporated peak body for the Western Australian aquaculture industry.

Established in 1981, ACWA is a member-driven organisation working to provide strategic leadership for the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry within Western Australia, including aiding in the implementation of the Aquaculture Development Plan, and providing effective representation of aquaculture industry interests.

ACWA is recognised as the industry leader in Western Australia, with little competition, and is strongly supported and funded by the Aquaculture Directorate – a pillar within the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). The Aquaculture Directorate includes arms in commercial aquaculture, recreational fisheries, and research and development. ACWA falls within the commercial aquaculture arm.

In Western Australia, aquaculture is relatively small by global standards; however, it is the world’s fastest growing food production sector and has a huge potential for growth. ACWA’s membership includes growers of a range of species, including (but not limited to) abalone, bivalve shellfish, coral and live rock, marine and freshwater finfish, marron, prawns, yabbies, and seaweed and marine algae. Our interests span from the Kimberley to Esperance and include both marine and land-based aquaculture operators.

Investment in innovation, resilience, and growth has been identified by ACWA as essential in Western Australia, to ensure that the state’s ideal aquaculture production locations and conditions are realised. ACWA seeks to support creating lucrative opportunities by utilising industry best practice and knowledge sharing, and helping to advance WA producers into stronger positions within local, national, and global markets.