- Cook Government welcomes new acquisition of Cone Bay barramundi farm on the Kimberley coast
Fisheries Minister Don Punch has welcomed the acquisition of an ocean-based barramundi farm at Cone Bay in northern Western Australia, by Australia's largest seafood producer, Tassal.
Tassal today announced it has fully acquired MPA Fish Farms Pty Ltd and MPA Marketing Pty Ltd, which operate Australia's only ocean-based barramundi farm at Cone Bay.
Cone Bay barramundi are raised along the remote coastlines of the Buccaneer Archipelago in the Kimberley.
Aquaculture is an emerging industry that has huge potential for the State, underpinned by the Government's Aquaculture Development Plan for WA.
The State Government recently announced an $8.5 million investment over four years to drive aquaculture research and development across WA.
This funding includes $2 million to redevelop and modernise the Broome Tropical Aquaculture Park, to meet growing industry demand and expand aquaculture production and research capability in the north of the State.
As stated by Fisheries and Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"Cone Bay barramundi is a popular brand with consumers, reflecting the unique nature of the pristine Kimberley environment.
"We welcome the uptake of these operations by Australia's largest vertically-integrated seafood producer. The Cook Government is keen to work with Tassal, to look at opportunities to consolidate and grow sustainable seafood production in the north of State.
"Aquaculture is among the world's fastest-growing food production sectors and is important to growing WA's food industries, creating new jobs and driving economic diversification."
