A viable tropical oyster industry for northern Western Australia is just one step closer thanks to aquaculture research undertaken by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
The three-year Tropical Rock Oyster research project has successfully produced two tropical rock oyster species that are on track to being restaurant size and quality.
The brood-stock oysters were collected from remote areas in the northern part of the State and grown at the DPIRD’s Hillarys Marine Shellfish Hatchery before being transferred to trial sites in the Pilbara.
A small number of Black Lip Rock Oysters were also grown at a site in Cone Bay.
The oysters were monitored to see how they grew and developed into marketable oysters whilst testing different farm sites and systems.
Minister for Fisheries and Regional Development, Don Punch said the Government was committed to aquaculture research and development which played a crucial role in diversifying the State’s economy and creating new jobs.
“There is a lot of potential in the regions with exciting work being done to grow emerging aquaculture industries, including rock oysters and seaweed production,” Mr Punch said.
Minister for Agriculture and Food, Jackie Jarvis noted that aquaculture was the world’s fastest growing food production sector.
“Continuing to develop our local aquaculture industries through research and development is crucial to making sure WA has the opportunity to capitalise on market opportunities as demand for products such as tropical rock oysters and scallops grows,” Ms Jarvis said.
