In order to promote sustainable aquaculture practices, the Australian government launched an aquaculture challenge for Indian Ocean Region that seeks innovative solutions.

The challenge is led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with the funding AU$3 million. The contest will prioritise innovations that address one of the key issues — rethinking feed for aquaculture, new ocean products and sustainable design.

The competition is open to academia, industry, general public and non-governmental organisations and an individual project can get a funding up to AU$750,000. The last date for the submission of ideas is June 30.

Crowd-sourcing funds Launching the challenge in India, Australia’s High Commissioner-designate to India, Harinder Sidhu, said the focus of this challenge is to develop aquaculture technology and systems that are sustainable, as the industry has potential to contribute to food security, nutrition, livelihood and economic growth.

“The challenge aims to crowd source funds to support the most innovative and impactful or expanding innovative new technologies for future markets,” Sidhu said.

Sean Kelly, Australian Consulate General for South India, said Australia is looking at collaborating with Indian counterparts to facilitate sharing of expertise on commercial basis.

As a first step, a grant of ₹16.2 lakh under Direct Aid programme was given to a non-governmental organisation Participatory Learning Action Network and Training (PLANT)’s project to revitalise fishing grounds along North Chennai using Australian technology.

Grayson Perry, Trade Commissioner, said the trade commission will be finalising a collaboration agreement with Marine Products Export Development Authority for research, training and bringing expertise to improve fishing capabilities.

“We will be signing a MoU with the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department for research collaboration, open sea fishing and value addition for products,” Perry said.

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