The Tasmanian Government is supporting research to better understand whether aquaculture can be safely and sustainably undertaken in offshore (Commonwealth) waters. This work is being carried out through the Blue Economy Zone research trial, located approximately 12 kilometres north of Burnie in Bass Strait.
Consistent with the National Aquaculture Strategy, the research is exploring potential future aquaculture opportunities beyond coastal waters.
Purpose of the trial
The Blue Economy Zone trial is a time‑limited research project designed to gather evidence about offshore aquaculture in open‑ocean conditions to support informed, science‑based policy development. The research focuses on:
- Performance of species in high‑energy offshore environments
- Offshore infrastructure design, safety and resilience
- Fish health and welfare
- Environmental effects, including interactions with marine habitats and wildlife
- Operational and economic feasibility
Regulation and approvals
The Tasmanian Government has established a framework for regulating marine aquaculture research activities in adjacent Commonwealth waters. Research activities are assessed on a case‑by‑case basis under applicable Tasmanian legislation.It is important to note that:
- Research permits do not enable commercial aquaculture
- There are no declared commercial aquaculture areas in Commonwealth waters around Tasmania
- Any future commercial aquaculture would require new legislation and separate approvals
The Blue Economy Zone trial has been approved by:
- The Commonwealth Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
- The Tasmanian Government under the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995
- The University of Tasmania Animal Ethics Committee
Further information on Tasmania’s approach to aquaculture research permits is available on the NRE Tas website:
Aquaculture in Adjacent Commonwealth Waters | Department of Natural Resources and Environment TasmaniaEnvironmental safeguards
A comprehensive baseline environmental survey was completed before the trial commenced. Strict permit conditions apply, including requirements for:
- Ongoing environmental monitoring
- Waste and biosecurity management
- Marine wildlife monitoring
All infrastructure must be fully decommissioned and removed within three years of the trial commencing.
Exclusion zones and marine access
The Blue Economy Zone has been declared to be a research area for the duration of the trial. The following restrictions on navigation apply: A person must not enter, transit through, operate vessels, or set anchor within the area marked with special navigation markers without permission from the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre or their agents.
Blue Economy Zone Trial Site and State Waters boundary
Coordinates of the Blue Economy Zone trial site:
| | E | N | Lat | Long |
| NW | 409626 | 5467732 | 40.936546964 | 145.926455813 |
| SW | 410251 | 5466838 | 40.944667894 | 145.933749403 |
| NE | 410412 | 5468282 | 40.931679776 | 145.935870587 |
| SE | 411038 | 5467389 | 40.939791227 | 145.943176841
|
These temporary exclusion zones support safe research operations and protect other marine users.