WA Government puts $5 million into Tassal barramundi farm

Tassal Group Limited (Tassal) has received $5 million support from the West Australian Government’s Investment Attraction Fund to expand its Yaloon/Cone Bay barramundi production in the Kimberley’s Buccaneer Archipelago.

On 1 August 2023, Tassal fully acquired MPA Fish Farms Pty Ltd and MPA Marketing Pty Ltd, which operated Australia’s only ocean-based barramundi farm at Cone Bay.

In December 2023, Tassal signed a seven-year lease with the state government to use two sites at the Broome Tropical Aquaculture Park, on Yaruwu country, where it plans to build a new nursery facility.

Tassal plans to use the grant to modernise the Cone Bay operations to increase production and boost supply of the seafood brand to domestic markets.

The funds will contribute towards the fish farm’s upgrades, including new pens and nets, smart farming technology, a feed barge and upgrades to marine vessels.

“This funding will help Tassal to enhance the farm at Yaloon/Cone Bay and to expedite our plans to grow sustainably into the Buccaneer Archipelago.” said Managing Director and CEO of Tassal Mark Ryan.

WA Fisheries Minister Don Punch said: “The aquaculture industry has tremendous potential for growth in Western Australia, and I am pleased to welcome Tassal to the Broome Tropical Aquaculture Park, which will undergo a major redevelopment to help realise this potential.

“The Cook government looks forward to working with Tassal to expand its seafood operations in the Kimberley region, which will secure more local job opportunities and help drive aquaculture development in northern Western Australia.”

Image credit: iStock.com/hlphoto