Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley today unveiled an industry-supported Aquaculture Development Plan to expand Western Australia’s blue economy, attract new investment and help create an estimated 6,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The plan was developed to build WA’s aquaculture industry and assist local operators in taking advantage of the rising global demand for quality seafood. Aquaculture production for human consumption is expected to grow by more than 30 per cent this decade.
Prospective growth areas include: barramundi and rock oyster in the Kimberley; rock oyster and other shellfish species in the Pilbara and west coast; finfish, coral and seaweed in the Mid-West; and abalone and shellfish in the Great Southern region.
An expanding aquaculture industry creates upstream and downstream business opportunities, such as feed and equipment manufacturing, processing and value-adding.
There are direct and indirect benefits to aquaculture growth, especially in our regions, as new sales revenues are established, local services are sourced, and jobs and tourism opportunities are identified.
The McGowan Government’s commitment to supporting aquaculture infrastructure has created the Albany Shellfish Hatchery and progressed the Marine Finfish Nursery in Geraldton.
To view the plan, visit: https://www.fish.wa.gov.au/Fishing-and-Aquaculture/Aquaculture/Pages/Aquaculture-Development-Plan-for-Western-Australia.aspx
As stated by Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley:
“Aquaculture is the world’s fastest-growing food production sector and the McGowan Government has been positioning WA to meet the increasing demand for seafood.
“Since 2017, the Government has declared and fully allocated the finfish aquaculture zone for the Mid-West, and begun establishing a South Coast development zone for shellfish.
“We are also upgrading research and development facilities at Hillarys to expand production of tropical and local species of rock oysters and scallops that will support industry growth.
“Developing a sustainable marine aquaculture industry is a vital plan for Western Australia.”
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