Natural Resources

Natural Resources

Marine and coastal ecosystems provide us with many resources. These resources are vital to the quality of our lives and need to be sustainably managed so they are available for future generations.

As well as having their own intrinsic value, marine ecosystems provide what are called ‘ecosystem services’ (visit Marine Innovation SA for information on ecosystem services).

In SA, we use our marine resources mostly through:

  1. Fisheries and aquaculture
  2. Tourism and recreation

Fisheries and aquaculture





Marine Innovation Southern Australia (MISA)

MISA brings together South Australia’s top aquatic institutions and research scientists to pool our resources and knowledge, and grow our seafood industry more efficiently. MISA, an initiative of the South Australian government established in September 2005, has significantly enlarged research capability to support cutting edge marine research and education.


Tourism and recreation

Bird watching, Birds SA

Birds SA promote the conservation of Australian birds and their habitats.


Enjoy life in our Marine Parks, National Parks South Australia

Our marine areas boast iconic species such as the southern right whale, bottlenose dolphin, leafy sea dragon, great white shark, Australian pelican, little penguin, Australian sea lion and giant cuttlefish.


RecFish SA

RecFish SA is the nationally recognised peak body for recreational fishing in South Australia. We undertake a range of projects like fish stocking, habitat enhancement and fishing clinics, to benefit recreational fishers.


South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC)

The South Australian Tourism Commission is committed to growing our visitor economy to $12.8 billion by 2030. Tourism is an economic priority and our mission is to make South Australia a destination of choice for international and domestic visitors. The SATC is focused on marketing our state to national and international audiences and bringing new and exciting events, conferences and festivals to South Australia. Our tourism industry employs 38,900 South Australians and has reached $7.8 billion in visitor expenditure.



Page credits

Page banner: Blue-throated Ascidian at Rapid Bay, Fleurieu Peninsula. Photo: Tom Westphalen.