Barramundi Group Australia announces 10-year, $350m expansion of Kimberley Ocean Barramundi Project

One of the world’s largest barramundi producers has announced plans to expand its West Kimberley operation via a 10-year, $350 million project, expected to create around 350-400 direct jobs and local business opportunities.

Submitting the proposal to the EPA on May 19, Barramundi Group Australia (trading as Marine Produce Australia) will seek to expand its Kimberley Ocean Barramundi Project to 13 sites spread across the Buccaneer Archipelago.

The total development envelope for the 13 leases is 1213ha, with the project to be staged over a 10-year period.

Each stage consists of the construction of one nursery site, supplying four to five ocean-based lease areas, each of which will contain 12 sea cages.

According to Barramundi Group Australia, the project is slated to have a capital spend of around $350m and create 35-400 direct jobs and local business opportunities in the West Kimberley.

Barramundi Group chief executive 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.

“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,” he 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.”

Mr von Scholten said once all 13 sites were developed, the operation would be capable of producing 30,000 tonnes annually.

“We are also proposing to develop three land-based fish nurseries and a processing facility in the region,” he said.

“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.”

Barramundi Group Australia supplies more than 1600 restaurants and retailers worldwide.