Petuna looks north for expansion
Tasmanian salmon and trout farmer Petuna Aquaculture is assessing the Port of Stanley in the north west of the island state as a land base for expansion.
The majority of Petuna’s fish are grown in Macquarie Harbour on the west coast, where biomass limits are being reduced, so the company must find new sites quickly. The Port of Stanely is at the heart of one of three areas the Tasmanian government has identified for future salmon farming.
Stanley is within striking distance of King Island, another area identified for possible salmon farming expansion.
According to a report on ABC News, Petuna and state-owned port operator TasPorts have announced a 12-month agreement to jointly assess Port of Stanley.
Run-down
ABC says the port is run-down in parts, with some public access lost in recent years because of safety issues.
Petuna said the support of community, recreational and commercial fishers would be required for any development to go ahead.
The company, jointly owned by the family of founders Peter and Una Rockliff and Australia and New Zealand seafood brand Sealord, has marine sites in Macquarie Harbour and the Tamar River in the northern region.
Its head office, factory processing and distribution facility are in Devonport on the northern coast of Tasmania.
