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Ref:414/02 |
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Australia
- Sep 14, 2002 |
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Exciting aquaculture
opportunities identified in new report |
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Western Australia’s potential as a
prime location for a thriving and diverse aquaculture
industry has been further recognised by a new study released
today.
Commissioned by the Department of Fisheries, the ‘Site
Assessment for land-based, Temperate Marine Aquaculture,
from Shark Bay to the South Australian Border’ report
identifies key areas for future aquaculture development.
Greg Paust, Program Manager for Pearling and Aquaculture,
said 75 potential sites were evaluated, from which 14 sites
were identified as most promising for development in the
short to medium term.
He said the most promising sites were generally
characterised by favourable physical and biological
features, particularly in respect to site evaluation and
water quality, along with their proximity to main regional
centres and infrastructure.
It has been projected that WA’s aquaculture industry will
grow to in excess of $200 million per annum, largely
expected to come from marine prawns, abalone, marine finfish
and the farming of pearl oysters.
However Mr Paust said the development of the industry had to
date been impeded by the difficulty in identifying suitable
coastal sites.
“This report will be welcomed by existing and potential
aquaculturists as it removes the need for a lot of lengthy
and costly survey work,” he said.
“Potential aquaculturists who are interested in gaining
access to the sites will need to work with local government,
the Department of Land Administration and or private
landholders to secure tenure for the sites.
“This identification of potential land based sites presents
an opportunity for an increase in overall aquaculture
production.”
In addition, the proponent would need to apply to be granted
an aquaculture licence by the Department of Fisheries.
The State Government has provided strong support to
aquaculture development and planning.
Government funds allocated to date support the operations of
the Aquaculture Program within the Department of Fisheries,
the Aquaculture Development Council as an advisory body, the
Aquaculture Development Fund, regional Aquaculture
Development Officers and have been a major boost to
aquaculture research and development.
The report is available on the Department’s Aquaculture
Website: at
www.fish.wa.gov.au/aqua/broc/assessment or
directly from the link below.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dan Machin
Aquaculture Development Officer
Ph: 9482 7201
Jenny Hodder
Senior Public Relations Coordinator
Ph: 9482 7235 (Mob): 0418 901 767
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