Pilbara Algae Industry Has Potential

Conducted by the Department of Regional Development and Lands Pilbara Cities Office and the departments of Fisheries and State Development, the Pilbara Algae Industry Studys purpose was to determine the potential land and infrastructure needs to expand the algae industry.

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said the identification of suitable land in the region to support large-scale, land-based aquaculture had synergies with the State Governments Aquaculture Zones Project, which was establishing investment-ready areas for commercial aquaculture in marine waters.

Importantly, the Aquaculture Zones Project study identifies the opportunity for Government to support growth in the aquaculture industry by working towards a strategic approvals process for the marine sector, Mr Moore said.

Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said that while the industry was in its early phases of development internationally, the Pilbara had the potential to lead the way in the commercialisation of algae products for biofuels, health foods, pharmaceuticals and feedstock markets.

An expanded algae industry in the Pilbara would play an important role to provide much-needed economic diversification in the region, Mr Grylls said.

The Pilbara is ideally suited to the development of the algae industry due to the abundant sunshine and close proximity to sea water - the two key ingredients for the efficient production of algae - and the ready supply of carbon dioxide that is a by-product of the resources sector.

Future growth of the industry in the Pilbara will build on work being undertaken by the private sector and research being done by tertiary institutions.

The State Government will continue to work with and explore opportunities to support the algae aquaculture industry, including consideration of options for common use infrastructure.