New Marine aquaculture zones in Port Phillip Bay and Westernport will provide up to 500 new jobs and contribute an estimated $30 million to the Victorian economy, the Agriculture Minister, Bob Cameron, said today.

Nine new marine aquaculture zones, covering a total of 2,435 hectares, have been declared as fisheries reserves on the recommendations of the Environment Conservation Council.

"This will be one of largest releases of water for aquaculture in the world," Mr Cameron said.

Aquaculture is the term used to describe the farming of aquatic organisms such as molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants.

Mussel farming has been the main aquaculture in Port Phillip and Western Port, with mussels grown successfully off Clifton Springs and Portarlington for more than two decades.

Mr Cameron said the selection of ECC- recommended zones followed extensive community consultation.

"The focus was on achieving a balance between providing access for aquaculture development and minimising the impact on environmental values and other marine users," Mr Cameron said.

"Victoria's aquaculture industry was worth $20 million in 2000/1 and is now well placed to reach $50 million by 2006.

"Management plans will be prepared for all the fisheries reserves prior to the sites within each region being made available for aquaculture development.

"The management plans will establish the operational, environmental and administrative
requirements. Results will be monitored to ensure environmental values are protected."

A further three zones recommended by the ECC, two land based zones at Avalon and Pt Lillias and one marine zone at Portland, will be declared as fisheries reserves following further environmental assessment.

"The Bracks Government has provided a framework to develop a profitable and ecologically sustainable managed aquaculture industry," Mr Cameron said.

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