More Victorian mussels will be on dinner tables around the country as several Port Phillip-based growers expand their operations - set to increase to local production to record levels - thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant today met with Lance Wiffen from Sea Bounty Pty Ltd regarding water unlocked this year in Port Phillip's Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves (AFR) now being put to use for mussel farming.
Made possible by a 6 million, as part of a broader Victorian aquaculture industry worth more than $58 million.
Victorian-grown mussels are already exported to markets across the Asia-Pacific, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, the Maldives, Japan and the Philippines - and with more product in the water, there is strong potential for export volumes to grow.
Mussels are a healthy, protein-packed seafood that are delicious steamed or added to pasta or a seafood paella. They have a relatively long shelf life and are widely available throughout Victoria while remaining fresh and affordable.
Mussel spat seeded onto ropes comes mainly from the Queenscliff-based Victorian Shellfish Hatchery. The facility was established in 2008 as a joint venture between the Victorian Government and mussel farmers and now operates as an independent company helping produce blue mussels as well as Sydney rock and Angasi oysters.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority has also taken over the leasing of the state's aquaculture reserves, reducing red tape for farmers and enabling more frequent allocations of water in years to come.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos
"Port Phillip's blue mussels are world-class produce grown right here on Melbourne's doorstep and we're investing in the sector so Victorian seafood can be enjoyed by more families here and abroad."
"Mussels are healthy, versatile and can be packaged in a variety of ways. That means you can pick them up at supermarket delis or your local fishmonger and they remain fresh, delicious and affordable for Victorian families."
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
"We're proud to back local mussel farmers with the support they need to grow their operations, create more jobs and deliver top-quality seafood to more tables across Victoria and beyond."
