Clean Seas is continuing to provide updates to Whyalla City Council and the local community on its efforts to minimise impacts from its fish farming operations while maximising benefits for Whyalla.
With its kingfish operations in Fitzgerald Bay now established, Clean Seas is working under strict EPA and PIRSA regulations, to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
The business currently spends about $250,000 per month on farming in Fitzgerald Bay, and prioritises the use of local contractors and suppliers. It has also employed 20 local people and is preparing to recruit another seven.
Council CEO Justin Commons said each of these aspects were of significant benefit to Whyalla.
“Clean Seas continues to meet regulatory and environmental requirements while introducing a number of additional measures to further benefit the community and users of the Point Lowly marina,” Mr Commons said.
“This includes purchasing a new vessel capable of loading feed from Port Pirie, removing the need for commercial scale operations out of Point Lowly. As a result, Clean Seas will only utilise the Point Lowly marina for small, trailable vessels, similar to other users.
“Despite this, Clean Seas will continue with their planned repairs of the Point Lowly boat ramp, which will also benefit recreational users.”
Clean Seas CEO Rob Gratton said the operations were now well established, with all juvenile fish in their pens and no further fish transfers planned until September 2023. He encouraged anyone with any queries, concerns or complaints to contact Clean Seas direct.
“We understand people’s concerns over these operations, but assure residents that we continue to meet all the required standards and are regularly providing reports to the relevant authorities,” Mr Gratton said.
“The most efficient and effective way to have your queries or concerns addressed is to contact us directly, so please call our General Manager, Mathew Fergusson, on 0417 697 236, or myself on 0434 148 979 and we can provide the relevant information and respond to any concerns in real-time.”
Clean Seas will also be holding its next community briefing on Monday 7 February from 6pm via Zoom (due to COVID restrictions, details below), providing an update on its operations and an opportunity for residents to ask questions.
Despite ongoing speculation, Mr Gratton said Clean Seas was not aware of any escaped fish from its operations, confirming that all of the company’s reporting obligations remain up-to-date.
He suggested interested parties visit PIRSA’s Fitzgerald Bay website for up-to-date information on such matters.
Community Meeting Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7163045271
Meeting ID: 716 304 5271
By phone:
1800 893 423
+61 8 7150 1149
Meeting ID: 716 304 5271
Please contact Lindy on 0428 831 712 if you have any queries.