Victoria’s seafood industry gets an expansion

AN ADDITIONAL 369 hectares of water will be made available for farming in Port Phillip’s aquaculture reserve in a boost for the states seafood industry.

The development is a significant step for the growing sector and marks part of a $1.25 million investment into the industry. Clean, high-quality water at the right temperature fills Port Phillip, making it the perfect location for aquaculture and along with its close location to Queenscliff’s shellfish hatchery.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said this is the first time since 2017 growers could take on more water to expand their operations.

“We know there’s interest for more water from existing aquaculture farmers based on the Bellarine and we’re keen to realise the benefits for the whole community including more jobs and more locally grown seafood.

“An increased supply of fresh product, including mussels and Angasi oysters, from the bay’s aquaculture reserves would be welcomed by Bellarine restaurants, tourists and holiday makers keen to get a taste of sustainably grown, local seafood.”

High-quality mussels, abalone, barramundi, rainbow trout and more are farmed in Victoria, with aquaculture now generating more than $50 million per year.

The investment will see 27 new sites opened within the Dromana, Kirk Point-Werribee, Pinnace Channel, Bates Point and Grassy Point Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves.

Sites in the Pinnace Channel are the largest on offer, at 27 hectares each with good growing conditions for various shellfish.

The tender process and management of the new sites will be overseen by the Victorian Fisheries Authority and expected to be primarily used to produce mussels with the potential to house seaweed or native angasi oyster farming operations.

Tenders are open to new operators now as well as existing businesses looking to expand or diversify their operations. Applications will close on Monday, December 16.

For more information or to apply, head to vfa.vic.gov.au