WA Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley 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 WA Government’s commitment to supporting aquaculture infrastructure has created the Albany Shellfish Hatchery and progressed the Marine Finfish Nursery in Geraldton.
Source: WA Government