Aquaculture growth supplying fresh Victorian seafood
05 April 2023
The Victorian Government is backing more jobs and seafood production across the state’s aquaculture sector, making sure more Victorians can enjoy fresh, local seafood.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny today visited aquaculture facilities in Werribee and Avalon to see first-hand how producers prepare for the surge in orders ahead of Good Friday, when this fresh fish will be enjoyed by many households celebrating Easter.
Mainstream Aquaculture has brought world-leading barramundi production to Werribee, with its facility housing the world’s largest warm water aquaculture farm and home to the only breeding population of golden barramundi anywhere.
Founded in 2001, Mainstream now operates five barramundi farms in Australia, growing fish for the table and exporting live fingerlings to customers across 27 countries.
On the shores of Port Phillip Bay, the Jade Tiger Abalone Farm in Avalon is a vital producer and exporter of the highly valued shellfish. Jade Tiger produced 400 tonnes of abalone annually for its three sites.
Its proximity to Melbourne Airport enables the export of live abalone to Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, New York, Taipei, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, alongside frozen and canned product with longer shelf lives.
The Government has invested $1.25 million to support and grow the Victorian aquaculture sector, through Victorian Fisheries Authority’s (VFA) Aquaculture Strategy. The VFA works closely with industry to deliver this investment – creating more jobs and investment opportunities across Victoria.
Victoria’s aquaculture industry generates more than $50 million each year and now exceeds the value of the wild catch sector.
The Strategy will be renewed later this year and continues to support industry expansion with a vision of producing sustainable seafood for domestic and international markets.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny
“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.”
“Seafood consumers can look forward to buying more locally grown fish at supermarkets and fishmongers knowing they are supporting Victorian jobs whilst enjoying a delicious, healthy meal.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara Ella George
“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.”
Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“We’re sending quality seafood across the state and around the world – it’s brilliant and it boosts the economy and grows local jobs.”