Ground-breaking abalone project for local and export markets
The company's 10 staff will expand to 20, with flow-on for other businesses and service providers
An innovative Western Australian company, Ocean Grown Abalone, has been granted approval to expand its abalone aquaculture operations in Flinders Bay, off Augusta.
Announcing the approval during opening celebrations for the new Augusta Boat Harbour today, Premier Colin Barnett said the expansion of the abalone project could see up to 100 tonnes of the sought-after seafood delicacy being produced by the farm each year.
"Having developed an innovative production system at Ocean Grown Abalone's existing site, the setup of more seabed structures in the bay will enable abalone farming on a commercial scale," Mr Barnett said.
"The network of structures designed and trialled by the company provides a habitat for the abalone, making it different from most other ocean farms around the world which use suspended enclosures and require special feeding.
"The more natural open ocean environment is less stressful on the abalone as they feed naturally off drifting seaweed, which in turn reduces the biosecurity risks of the ocean farming operations.
"The new Flinders Bay lease sites will still allow people to enjoy recreational pursuits and fishing in the area, enabling the company and the community to share the benefits the ocean provides."
Fisheries Minister Ken Baston said the State Government was committed to expanding opportunities for aquaculture around the State, including the declaration of the first aquaculture development zone earlier this year in the Kimberley's Cone Bay.
"Development zones like Cone Bay provide a simplified process for large-scale aquaculture operators to obtain the environmental approvals needed to set up their fish farms," Mr Baston said.
"The Kimberley aquaculture zone and the next one planned for the State's Mid-West will provide opportunities for investment and employment, as well as boosting regional economic diversification."
Fact File
Abalone is a highly-sought after seafood
The greenlip abalone to be grown in the ocean near Augusta will be ideal for the lucrative export market to South East Asia
For more information, visit http://www.fish.wa.gov.au
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Fisheries Minister's office - 6552 5400
