We are providing modelling and surveying support to the Department of Fisheries of Western Australia (WA), for the development of an aquaculture production zone in Cone Bay, Kimberley.
The zone is being developed to grow Barramundi – a tasty, fast-growing fish that requires plenty of exercise to ensure the desired texture of the meat. King Sound and Cone Bay are well-known for horizontal waterfalls created by strong currents. These currents are generally driven by tidal ranges of up to 14m. As such, this region is optimal for producing Barramundi on a large scale.
Marine Produce Australia (MPA) – a well-known Australian Barramundi production company, already holds a permit for a production of 5,000tonnes per annum in Cone Bay. The Department of Fisheries now wants to expand the region’s production potential to 20,000tonnes per annum in a bid to open up the area to investments by other producers as well.
We are partnering with another WA-based company – Oceanica – to develop a baseline understanding of the hydrodynamics and marine biology of the Bay. This is being carried out via intensive surveys and studies thereof.
The data obtained from these surveys will be used to develop an integrated hydrodynamic and ecological model that can be used to assess the potential impact of the expasion plans on sensitive marine habitats of the Bay, such as corals.
This project is being implemented as a collaborative effort between DHI Malaysia and DHI Australia. Our experts based in Malaysia are helping salmon farmers in site development and in obtaining the requisite production approvals. The Cone Bay expansion studies in Australia build on the experiences garnered by our professionals in Malaysia.