Albany’s Justin Bellanger appointed as new WA Aquaculture Council independent chair

Albany’s Justin Bellanger says bringing together the diverse industries within the State’s aquaculture sector will be a key focus of his new role as independent chair of the Aquaculture Council of WA. He has also spoken about the potential of Albany’s shellfish industry and the controversy surrounding sharing access to local waters. Mr Bellanger — chief executive of South Coast Natural Resource Management — was appointed to the role with ACWA late last year on the strength of his diverse experience in aquaculture research, policy, development, corporate governance and environmental management. Boosting regional jobs and promoting the benefits of sustainable seafood to all West Australians would be priorities, Mr Bellanger said. “I believe that we can sustainably grow seafood in WA in a manner that is good for economic growth, sensitive to the environment and provides high-quality local products that we can enjoy locally, as well as export interstate and internationally,” he said. “I’m also focused on bringing some of the different industries within the aquaculture sector closer together so that we can collectively influence the policy and legislative positions of government. “The sector has a great future if we all work collaboratively and constructively.” Shellfish aquaculture is a burgeoning industry in Albany but expansion of the State Government’s aquaculture development zone has proved contentious among the region’s multi-generational commercial fishing industry. At full capacity, the zone is expected to produce about 1500 tonnes of shellfish and an estimated value of $30 million per year, according to the State Government. “There is significant opportunity to expand the production of shellfish in Albany, with conditions and a scale of sites that could rival the industry in South Australia,” Mr Bellanger said. “We’re very keen to see the relevant preparatory work done as quickly as possible, which is one challenge given this requires a medium-term study to corroborate that the conditions are ideal for growing oysters.” Fisheries Minister Don Punch in December unveiled the State Government’s second and final stage of Albany’s aquaculture development zone with a 310ha lease in Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound from Misery Beach, north and south of Mistaken Island, and Shoal Bay. The first stage of the aquaculture development zone was announced in August 2020, with a 500ha “investment-ready” patch of Oyster Harbour opened to large-scale aquaculture operations. After the stage one plans were revealed, some commercial fishers said they were stunned by the announcement and what they claimed was a lack of consultation. Mr Bellanger said ACWA was aware of the issues surrounding sharing access to the waters around Albany with commercial fishers. “We’ve worked effectively with the commercial fishers in resolving a similar issue in Oyster Harbour, which gives us some confidence that we can negotiate an agreement for Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound,” he said. “We’re committed to working collaboratively with other sectors to create as many positive outcomes that are possible.”