GANRAD Global Aquaponics Network for Research and Development

[Murray]

A new body has been formed for the advancement of Aquaponics .
The body is a "Not for Profit" organisation.
GANRAD was actually formed some months ago, and it has taken some little time to get everything into place. The work of promoting and encouraging Aquaponics has actually only just begun.

Memberships are now available and being strongly encouraged.

Memberships are open to business, and individuals who are interested in furthering Aquaponics knowledge and information.

This is a very good thing and I personally encourage every body to get behind it and support it.

GANRAD is encouraging the formation of "Aquaponics Clubs" based on a district or area. For example a Brisbane Southside Club could be formed etc.
The idea being that regular meetings be held by the "Club" to share information etc. We have already done this kind of thing in the past by having open days at Gary's place and my place. They are good fun and very informative occasions.
GANRAD will encourage such clubs and provide information on how to form a club properly and provide a code of conduct etc.

More information can be seen by going to the GANRAD website here

If anyone has questions or comments I will attempt to answer them in this thread.

[GaryD]

Hi,

I'd like to take this opportunity to lend my support to the establishment of GANRAD.

Aquaponics has grown considerably in the past couple of years to the point where its Australian devotees alone probably number in the hundreds.

The establishment of a peak association that is able to represent the interests of interested parties within the broader aquaculture industry and to governments is timely.

GaryD

[Murray]

I have engaged in a useful discussion on the BYAP forum on this subject.
It would appear that a number of folk are keen that some in depth discussions take place regarding how to define and grade qualifications of individuals and other entities, for the betterment of the industry.

As the industry is still just a babe there needs to be minimum standards set.

It is a bit difficult to define exactly what is needed really.

There is a suggestion that a separate forum be set up for the purpose of discussion on these and other matters to do with GANRAD.

[echidna]

I have engaged in a useful discussion on the BYAP forum on this subject.
It would appear that a number of folk are keen that some in depth discussions take place regarding how to define and grade qualifications of individuals and other entities, for the betterment of the industry.

As the industry is still just a babe there needs to be minimum standards set.

It is a bit difficult to define exactly what is needed really.

There is a suggestion that a separate forum be set up for the purpose of discussion on these and other matters to do with GANRAD.

My initial reading of QLD and NSW legislation would seem to suggest that anyone growing fish outside of their natural boundaries (or within a permitted zone) without an aquaculture license is in breach of the law. Now I have not read every applicable act and regulation, just the most obvious, so for an example, unless you have a licence, growing barramundi south of the Mary River catchment is an offence. There seems to be an exemption for aquarium use, but that is not defined. Each state has its own messy legislature, and home growers (if that's not an offensive term) were never considered.

GANRAD is sorely needed.

[Murray]

I can almost claim the powers of a prophet.
Looking to the near future
As soon as state and local gov realises that Aquaponics is catching on, there will be some sort of revenue raising rules made and dozens of new public servants hired to administer it all.

[Jonathan Dyer]

Sorry to be blunt it is only illegal if you get caught.

I don’t condone illegal activity but well..

[Jonathan Dyer]

Each state has its own messy legislature, and home growers (if that's not an offensive term) were never considered.

In WA there is a thing called a 'Yabbie line' and no yabbies even private use is not permitted inside this line, but as you said each State to it's own.

[GaryD]

Hi,

One thing I do know is that, if you have fish in your possession, you had better be able to evidence where they came from (like a tax invoice from a supplier) or it may be presumed that they were illegally taken from the wild.

Gary

[Hamish]

What does GANRAD stand for?

[nick]

http://www.ganrad.org/ganrad-admission.shtml

have a look at the website.

Murray I do not know if we are looking at an industry body.
I think that 90% of the people on this website are in it for the hobby side.
Now that is not to say that the industry association could not be affiliated with the hobby side but I think you will get more bites if you start it as a group of like minded individuals to expand the knowledge and use of aquaponics.

Industry will follow and will be born of this type of association but I think that people are a little intimidated when you say "industry".

Also I think you may have jumped the gun by calling it the "Global" network.
My thoughts would be the australian aquaponic network with state sectors that hold by monthly meetings and endeavour to support continued research into aquaponics at the tertiary level.

Any way that is my two cents and yes it is a little off topic but it can be moved at your will.

Nick