Release of new mussel farming area in Cockburn Sound

8/1/95

The release of a new mussel farming area in Cockburn Sound has provided the opportunity to boost the State's fledgling mariculture industry.

Fisheries Minister Monty House and Transport Minister Eric Charlton today announced that eight companies would be licensed to farm a 47-hectare area in Cockburn Sound.

The area is adjacent to the Fremantle Port Authority's Kwinana grain jetty and would be leased jointly to the companies under a licence agreement to produce blue mussels.

Since the initial allocation of water area for blue mussel growing in Cockburn Sound in 1987, the industry has grown to produce about 350 tonnes valued at more than $900,000.

The new area has the potential to add another 1,000 tonnes of production to the industry.

The Ministers said the new mussel farming venture highlighted the increasing awareness of the importance and potential of aquaculture and mariculture in Western Australia.

"The initiative flows from the commitment the Government made last June to expand aquaculture production in the State," Mr House said.

"The Government has outlined clear development strategies for the aquaculture industry backed by $4.5 million of extra funding over three years.

"The strategy involves establishing a new council to assist industry expansion, aquaculture development officers in the Fisheries Department and regional areas, regional research and development facilities and facilitating the flow of aquaculture information."

Mr Charlton said WA blue mussels were unique in the market place and WA had a growing reputation as a premium quality mussel producer, as well as the ability to supply the fresh live product.

"The industry is expected to develop significantly over the next two years as the new area becomes productive and new markets are tapped around Australia and South East Asia," he said.

Mr Charlton said the successful applicants were chosen after the Fremantle Port Authority and the Fisheries Department called for expressions of interest from parties wishing to develop aquaculture industries in the water near the jetty.

The companies were Komico P/L, Gilmick P/L B & J Seafoods, B & J Conners, Waikiki Mussel Farms, WA Mussel Supply, Australian Mussel Farms International and West Coast Mussels.

This latest development is part of a range of initiatives currently underway in the mussel industry.

The industry has commissioned a mussel industry management plan to strategically evaluate its future expansion in WA.

In November, an international seafood consultant was brought to WA to study the local industry and share knowledge on New Zealand's mussel production techniques, value adding opportunities, codes of practice, and mussel monitoring programs.

A $7,500 grant from the Aquaculture Development Trust Fund has been used to enhance the export quality of mussels to export markets.

Media contact:  Will Henwood 481 2044 or Dean Roberts 321 7333