Traditional owners strike barramundi farm deal

By PETER ROWE

Canadian seafood company Tassal has formed an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Mayala Inninalang Aboriginal Corporation to allow them to grow their barramundi farm operations along Western Australia’s remote northern coastline.

Tassal’s proposal, which details plans to dramatically expand operations, is now under review by the State’s environmental watchdog and the Native Title Tribunal.

The proposal includes seven new leases, with 84 new cages spread across 817 hectares.

The deal comes after a Federal government agreement earlier this year that made Mayala country a dedicated Indigenous Protected Area.

Mayala traditional owner Janella Isaac.

Mayala traditional owner Janella Isaac said a key part of the agreement was ensuring traditional owners could monitor the project’s impacts on country.

“Tassal really showcased throughout the negotiations they’re really keen to understand the cultural values of Mayala country,” she told the ABC.

Canadian company Cooke owns Tassal, who last year acquired the Cone Bay barramundi farm in the Kimberley.