The Victorian Government is supporting more jobs and seafood production across the State’s aquaculture sector to ensure Victorians can enjoy local seafood.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny has visited aquaculture facilities in Werribee and Avalon to observe firsthand how producers get ready for the spike in demand before Good Friday when many homes celebrating Easter will consume this fresh fish.
“Victoria is perfectly placed to support an expanding aquaculture sector because it boasts a clean and green reputation and is home to innovative businesses that are world-leaders in their field,” Minister Kilkenny said.
According to the Minister, seafood customers can look forward to purchasing more locally grown fish at supermarkets and fishmongers, knowing they support Victorian jobs while enjoying a wonderful, healthy meal.
Mainstream Aquaculture has introduced world-class barramundi production to Werribee, hosting the world’s largest warm-water aquaculture plant and the sole breeding population of golden barramundi everywhere.
Mainstream, founded in 2001, operates five barramundi farms in Australia, breeding fish for the table and exporting live fingerlings to customers in 27 countries.
Meanwhile, the State Government said the Jade Tiger Abalone Farm in Avalon is a significant producer and exporter of the highly valuable shellfish. Jade Tiger produced 400 tonnes of abalone per year throughout its three locations.
“It’s thanks to clean, green and local seafood production that we continue to see such strong growth across the industry – boosting jobs and livelihoods,” Member for Lara Ella George said.
Because of its proximity to Melbourne Airport, it is possible to ship live abalone to Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, New York, Taipei, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, as well as frozen and canned products with longer shelf life.
“We’re sending quality seafood across the state and around the world – it’s brilliant, and it boosts the economy and grows local jobs,” Member for Werribee Tim Pallas commented.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) Aquaculture Strategy has received a $1.25 million investment from the State Government to assist and grow the Victorian aquaculture sector. The VFA collaborates closely with industry to deliver this investment, which creates more jobs and investment possibilities throughout Victoria.
The aquaculture industry in Victoria now earns more than $50 million per year, surpassing the value of the wild catch sector.
The Strategy, which will be revised later this year, will continue to support sector growth with the goal of producing sustainable seafood for domestic and worldwide markets.
