Abrolhos Islands Yellow Fin Tuna Sea Farm

Tuna Trial Approved

Midwest Times (Australia) 11aug04

The proposed trial for a yellow fin tuna sea farm at the Abrolhos Islands has been approved and could begin as early as November.

The trial, which has been two and a half years in planning, will operate near Pelsaert Island in the Southern Group off the Abrolhos.

Project consultant Ron Edwards said now approval had been granted the practicalities of the trial had to be arranged.

"It's now a question of getting the pens you hold the fish in and there will be eight of those so it's really a question of ringing up suppliers for that sort of equipment," he said.

"Also organising a purse seine vessel...they're the vessel that has the big net that they put around the tuna to bring them in. It's a question of leasing one of those for a short time...and they are all pretty well in Port Lincoln in South Australia."

Mr Edwards said once the equipment was organised, project proponents Bert Boschetti and Kim Newbold could begin the trail anywhere between November and March.

"The reason to use such a long time frame is that it really becomes a question of when the fish are available up towards Exmouth as to when you can go up there and put a net around them and bring them back," Mr Edwards said.

"You're guided by that and by the delivery of a purse seine vessel."

Mr Edwards said the trial was scheduled to run for one year with time devoted to water testing before, during and after the project.

"The fish are only in the pens for four to six months and then you take them out and then you have to test the site again after," he said.

"It's a one year trial but during that period we would have to negotiate with people if we wish to go to another stage."

He said a successful trial did not guarantee the next stage of the project and the proprietors would have to apply for a continuation.

source: http://geraldton.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=local&category=general%20news&story_id=327700&y=2004&m=8 11aug04