Tropical sunshine and golden beaches are not distractions for former James Hargest College student Dylan Belworthy Hamilton, despite undertaking his post-graduate studies in Australia.

"I can't say I'm living the Australian dream of surf and sunshine," Mr Belworthy Hamilton, 23, said from Tasmania where he is studying aquaculture.

"In fact the climate and lifestyle is pretty much the same as back home."

A sixth-generation Stewart Islander from a long line of fisherman, Mr Belworthy Hamilton believes he is continuing the family tradition in his chosen field of study.

"I may not be following the conventional fisherman's life but I am hoping to pursue a sustainable career that maintains the family legacy," he said.

Mr Belworthy Hamilton is nearing completion of a Masters in Science at the University of Tasmania.

He said he hoped his skills would help him achieve success in New Zealand.

"I want to focus on aquaculture and apply my studies in the New Zealand aquaculture industry," he said.

"Aquaculture is developing in New Zealand and I see it as an integral part of the future of the massive New Zealand fishing industry."

Mr Belworthy Hamilton said aquaculture and traditional commercial fishing could work together.

"Aquaculture is not about replacing commercial fishing. I think the two can and need to work in tandem and complement each other."

Awarded a scholarship at the University of Tasmania, Mr Belworthy Hamilton said while it was a tough decision to move overseas, it was one he could not turn down.

"There are universities in New Zealand who offer the chance to work in aquaculture but UTAS has a great reputation as an institution to study aquaculture," he said.

While his immediate future was not decided, Mr Belworthy Hamilton said there was no doubt he would return to New Zealand.

"There is so much opportunity to be part of the aquaculture industry and to help it grow," he said.

"I think there is a need for as many skilled people as possible to be part of that growth and development."

There were a couple of other reasons Mr Belworthy Hamilton wanted to return home.

"They only play Australian Rules Football in Tasmania and I don't want to pick up an Aussie accent," he said.

neil.ratley@stl.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News

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