The application covers an area along the Limestone Coast towards the South Australian/Victorian border, next to an area where harvesting beachcast seaweed is already permitted.
The Miscellaneous Fishery licence for the existing harvest area has been operating since the 1990s along the shoreline from the northern breakwater at Cape Jaffa Marina to eight kilometres south of the Lake George outlet at Beachport.
Director PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, Sean Sloan, said that in considering the application, the Government must ensure that the State’s resources are protected and used in an ecologically sustainable and economically efficient manner.
“Assessment of the application will consider the potential impacts of the proposed activity on aquatic resources and the ecosystem, as well as its potential to provide benefits to the region,” he said.
“The proposed new permit would allow for expansion of a seaweed processing facility in the local area, providing scope for new employment to the region.”
“Seaweed products have a range of applications, including in food production, pharmaceuticals and as fertilisers, and the expansion of the industry could open up new international market opportunities for South Australian industry.”
Mr Sloan said a six week public consultation period is now underway to provide interested members of the community with the opportunity to provide feedback on the permit application.
“PIRSA has carried out an assessment of the application, including consultation with government and key community stakeholders to ensure appropriate conditions are placed on the licence to mitigate any potential environmental impacts,” he said.
“As part of our review process, we now seek feedback from the community on the proposed conditions and risk assessment report, and invite them to come along to a public meeting later this month to find out more about the application.”
Written feedback is due by 5pm on Friday 30 October 2015. A public meeting will be held at 5.30pm on Thursday 8 October at the Millicent Civic Centre, Ridge Terrance, Millicent. All members of the public are welcome.
Information on the application, including details on how to provide feedback is available on the Fishery permit - seaweed page.
