Despite the Australian shellfish industry having developed hatchery technology for a variety of species, it has still been plagued by an unreliable and inconsistent supply, resulting in a shortage of supply of ‘spat’ to shellfish producers.  This has stalled commercial development of both existing and ‘new’ alternative species to oysters and mussels.  These ‘new’ species are closely related to those being commercially cultured around the world, with the production cycle starting within the hatchery, and strong existing domestic markets, such as with scallops and clams.

The cost of Oyster ‘spat’ to overseas growers is considerably cheaper than that offered by Australian hatcheries for equivalent ‘spat’.  Investigations of the factors influencing this are important, as it may provide opportunity to improve the competitive productivity of the shellfish industry.

The need to study Shellfish Hatchery businesses from around the world, and identify both “World Best Practice” and the future trends in shellfish production is important for the future growth of the Australian Shellfish industry.  Recognising the deficiencies of current technology and knowledge, that exist both in Australia and around the world is important.  Looking for the business and industry structure that supports reliable, efficient and profitable supply of ‘spat’.  Identifying current opportunities for technological transfer, and international collaboration and assess the structural and management systems employed by world leaders in shellfish hatcheries and integrated growers and processors.

This study investigated a range of aspects of land-based seaweed culture, abalone production and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture ventures in order to assess the potential for isolated seaweed and integrated abalone/seaweed aquaculture in Australia.  This research was considered worthwhile due to the significant potential for the economically viable production of seaweed as an on-site food supply for marine grazers in land-based aquaculture systems in Australia.  As an aspect of IMTA, water recirculation and re-use in mollusc aquaculture systems were investigated with a view to assessing their potential compared to flow-through systems (the primary method for growing abalone in Australia).   Recirculation is a significant aspect of most land-based contained IMTA systems which offers several advantages and/or opportunities over single pass flow-through aquaculture systems.

These aspects are discussed with a view to seeking opportunities for abalone farming operations in Australia, including an abalone farm at Louth Bay on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia which retains potential for re-commissioning.

This report will be beneficial to any region trying to become more profitable, in particular the seafood sector. Whilst on a marketing trip to Singapore back in 2001 I found myself extremely frustrated trying to explain to my customers which region in Australia I came from. The Eyre Peninsula is largely unknown and the closest they could relate to it was the Barossa Valley some 600 km away. It was then I realised we needed to develop a powerful regional brand.

The aim of this research has been to develop a regional branding model that will work across all regions of Australia, but in particular, the seafood sector. The information gathered along the way has been compiled into a working model, they are the things you have to get right in order to achieve the most profitable outcome for your region. The model shows you why you need a regional brand and how to achieve it.

The opportunity arising from this model is to develop clear and simple messages that we can communicate all the way from the producer to the consumers.

The economic flowchart for regional branding for the Eyre Peninsula demonstrates how much extra you can leverage from a powerful regional brand. Not only does it create extra profit for the regional economy, but also the property values in the region can be upgraded by at least 10% - this can amount to a lot of extra investment in the region.