The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has developed an Aquaculture Development Plan, aimed at expanding the State’s blue economy, attracting new investment and helping in the creation of an estimated 6,000 jobs.
Launching the plan, Minister for Fisheries, Peter Tinley said it would assist local operators to take advantage of the rising global demand for quality seafood.
“Aquaculture production for human consumption is expected to grow by more than 30 per cent in this decade,” Mr Tinley said.
He said prospective growth areas included 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,” Mr Tinley said.
“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.”
He said that since 2017, the Government had 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,” Mr Tinley said.
“Developing a sustainable marine aquaculture industry is a vital plan for Western Australia.”
The 39-page Plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
