The world’s first commercial greenlip abalone sea ranching business – Ocean Grown Abalone (OGA) – has opened its $3.4 million purpose-built storage and processing facility in Augusta Boat Harbour, Western Australia.
OGA managing director Brad Adams told Food & Drink Business it was a “fantastic achievement” for the company. “The facility will streamline abalone processing at the Augusta Boat Harbour and be able to handle greater harvest numbers, as well as new and more lucrative product lines, such as live abalone export,” he said.
Ocean Grown Abalone developed its sea ranching aquaculture technique by building artificial abalone reefs (abitats) on its leases in Flinders Bay. They place hatchery reared juvenile abalone on the reefs and then harvest at whatever size market demands.
Its FY19 annual report says 55 tonnes of abalone was harvested, up from 38.1 tonnes in FY18.
The construction of the facility gives the company added efficiencies by having processing and diving activities in one location. Product quality is also improved due to the proximity of processing to harvesting.
Built to export standards, the facility unlocks growth opportunities for the business by allowing it to process greater amounts of its locally-harvested product.
Adams said: “The opening of this facility is a fantastic achievement for OGA and having the event supported by our local community and local and state government representatives was even better. Thanks to all involved in getting it up and running, and ahead of schedule.”
The West Australian Government provided almost $500,000 in funding towards the new facility through its Regional Economic Development Grants, Grants for Asian Market Export, and Value Add Agribusiness Investment Attraction Fund.
Streamlining processes and the utilisation of new technology will result in additional value-added lines for retail and food services in both Australia and export markets being introduced. In particular, Adams said the ability to deliver abalone straight from the ocean to live tanks onsite will unlock opportunities for OGA to increase live abalone for the export market.
The facility includes closed-circuit seawater holding tanks, a holding freezer and chiller room.
The construction of the building was led by South West firm Big Ben Builders, which provided local employment and subcontract opportunities.
At the opening Adams said a special thanks to Dave Roberts from Project Engineering (WA) for his assistance and guidance in designing and installing the saltwater system, ozone waste water management system and efficient power saving, salt water cooled refrigeration condensing units.
Other suppliers included: Belcold Refrigeration; Bondor; Marel 8; Multivac; Aquasonic; Prodive; and MHS Perth.
