Tiwi Islands celebrate milestone in oyster industry

The Northern Territory Government is backing the growth of the Northern Territory’s Blacklip Rock Oyster industry, with progress on the ground showcased at a community field day on Bathurst Island recently.

The day brought together local community members, industry participants and research partners to celebrate the trial’s success and the shared commitment to establishing a commercial oyster industry led by Aboriginal communities.

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said the Territory’s investment was creating new jobs, building on local knowledge, and developing sustainable aquaculture practices.

“The Blacklip Rock Oyster project has reached an exciting stage, with strong early results and genuine potential to support long-term economic growth for coastal communities,” Mr Maley said.

“This work is removing barriers to commercialisation and laying the groundwork for an industry that is culturally appropriate, environmentally sustainable, and locally led.”

The trial site at Apsley Strait, operated by the Mantiyupwi Aboriginal Corporation, is one of several involved in the project, alongside sites on South Goulburn Island, Groote Eylandt, and at Wadeye.

“This is a strong partnership between the Northern Territory Government, the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA), and four Aboriginal organisations across the Top End who are leading the way in driving aquaculture opportunities on country,” Mr Maley said.

The Blacklip Rock Oyster is native to northern Australia and is well suited to local conditions.

Research through the Darwin Aquaculture Centre, operated by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, is building the technical and community capacity needed to grow a reliable, high-quality product and get it to market.

“From the farm trials to the hatchery, we’re seeing strong results and building the skills and systems that will support a long-term, Territory-grown oyster industry,” Mr Maley said.