Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The University of Wollongong, together with the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre, worked alongside industry leaders, government stakeholders, experts and community members to understand the challenges and potential of regenerative aquaculture on the NSW South Coast.  

Regenerative ocean aquaculture is non-intensive, feed-free aquaculture which allows the stock to grow on its own, using natural food sources and conditions. Conducted over a 12-month period, the research explored how Indigenous, community and economic values can inform the emerging seaweed farming and evolving shellfish farming sectors in waters off the NSW South Coast.

Led by UOW Principal Research Fellow Associate Professor Michelle Voyer from ANCORS, the project team explored opportunities for the development of kelp and mussel farming aquaculture in the local area. The study found a very high degree of support for the development of this industry across the NSW South Coast.

To support the transition and responsible growth of a regenerative aquaculture industry in the area, the study recommendations focused on the establishment of research trial sites, co-designed site selection, and the development of a framework to support First Nations leadership in the regenerative aquaculture industry.

• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth 
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production 
• SDG 14 – Life Below Water
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

Discover UOW’s role in sustainable blue-economy innovation

A new, multi-purpose tourism, community and research hub, the National Circularity Centre (NCC) will be built in the Bega Valley on the NSW South Coast, to develop market-leading research and demonstrate replicable models for the circular economy.

The Centre will keep resources in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them while in use, before recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of their life.

The University of Wollongong, through its membership of the Regional Circularity Cooperative (RCC), will be a driving partner to establish the Centre, bringing research expertise in energy, materials innovation and sustainable building practices.

The NCC will be a test case for scalable solutions with potential for world-wide application. It will offer business and edu-tourism opportunities where visitors can see solutions they can implement in their own workplaces and homes.