Aboriginal commercial fishing and aquaculture in northern Western Australia

Industry
Aquaculture
Strategic policy development
Traditional Owner Led business
Reference number
AT.7.2021023
CRCNA funding
$350,000
Total project value
$821,500
Project length
2 years
Finish date
Project Status
Current
Project Manager
Sarah Docherty

Participants

  • Western Australian Government Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
  • Morrgul Pty Ltd

Summary

This project builds upon existing Government support structures, research and identified industry needs to develop Aboriginal ownership and participation in WA Commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. 

The focus of this project is threefold:

  1. De-risking new commercialisation pathways for three identified key species (sea cucumber, mud crab and black lipped rock oyster) suitable from the Northern Gascoyne waters through to the Kimberley.
  2. An introductory workshop package on commercial fishing and aquaculture opportunities (regionally appropriate) delivered to salt water Aboriginal Corporations with authorized consent to operate on native title land/water
  3. Drawing implications from the project back towards a Northern WA-wide policy and planning approach towards de-risking for Aboriginal fishing and aquaculture, consistent with the WA aquaculture development plan.

Expected outcomes

The outcome of empowered and successful Aboriginal driven businesses in the aquaculture industry will be achieved through a strong place-based approach that develops viable business prospects that can attract investment and generate local employment and economic development. 

Strategic planning around aquaculture opportunities will generate a consolidated set of learning and capability development that will assist aquaculture development across the north, in a shared and integrated mode including broader industry and markets and assist individual Aboriginal businesses to make informed decision that de-risk efforts to grow aquaculture in the north.