Western Australia launches shellfish farming sublicenses for the Albany area

The Cook Government (Western Australia) has announced the first sublicenses for the second stage of the Albany Aquaculture Development Zone, to boost aquaculture production along the south coast. For example, through the sublicense, Harvest Road Oceans Pty Ltd will expand its rock oyster aquaculture operations.

These kinds of aquaculture development zones, identified along the south coast of Western Australia, have received $1.3 million in government funds that include environmental approvals and management frameworks already in place.

In August 2020, the Cook Government announced stage one of the Albany Zone, covering 500 hectares in the Oyster Harbour area. Then, stage two, covering around 310 hectares of Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound combined, was declared in December 2021.

According to the Western Australia government, the Albany Zone is expected to produce around 1500 tonnes of shellfish at approximately $30 million per year, creating more than 200 direct jobs.

"The Albany Aquaculture Development Zone, built on Albany's long history of shellfish aquaculture and premium seafood production, and the latest development will further boost local opportunity going forward," Fisheries Minister Don Punch explained.

The Albany Shellfish Hatchery

The Albany Shellfish Hatchery is the leading producer of shellfish spat in Western Australia. It provides juvenile oysters and akoya to the shellfish sector for industry trials and expansion projects.

In May, the Cook Government invested $3.6 million in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's hatchery expansion which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

"Combined with the Cook Government's recent investment in the Albany Shellfish Hatchery, this latest milestone will facilitate increased local shellfish output while also supporting industry diversification and regional economic growth," Punch stated.