Barramundi Group Australia (BGA) has announced plans to expand its barramundi operation off the West Kimberley Coast.
Barramundi Group Australia, the trading name of Marine Produce Australia, has announced its 10-year project which is expected to have a capital spend of around AUD 350 million, with significant expenditure into the local economy, including creating 350-400 direct jobs and local business opportunities for the region as production increases.
The project plan has been submitted to relevant authorities, including the Environmental Protection Authority.
Barramundi Group CEO, Andreas von Scholten, said the company had been collaborating with environmental consultants for several years to develop a strategy to sustainably grow production in the region over the next decade.
The plan considers best management practices including fallowing, biosecurity, and a scale-up process at a rate that allows adaptive management.
“A strategy underpinned by environmental custodianship leads to fantastic product quality, good fish welfare and consistent and sustainable production without compromising the pristine environment in which we operate,” von Scholten said.
“BGA is proud of its 18-year history, environmental credentials, and track record in the region. The learnings from our current operation have given us the confidence that we can grow in harmony with local flora and fauna, enhance biosecurity and provide even more jobs and opportunities for local communities in this remote part of Australia.”
The producer is consulting with stakeholders in the Kimberley region, including the Traditional Owners who have native title over this area.
“We have identified 13 marine sites that will ultimately allow us to sustainably expand to a capacity of 30,000 tonnes production annually. We are also proposing to develop three land-based fish nurseries and a processing facility in the region.
“Our vision is to be considered leaders in the field, and to also apply innovative technologies to our operations. Most importantly, we want the communities that we support to be proud of us as a producer, employer and partner,” von Scholten said.
