Bass Strait aquaculture research trial begins with marine debris

Blue Economy CRC's aquaculture research trial in Bass Strait has begun with the loss of a solar panel, some plastic buoys and plastic parts from the bird net restraints, in three separate incidents in June and July. A BECRC spokesperson said that the losses during the commissioning period are "regrettable", and occurred in spite of their zero tolerance approach to marine debris. 

They said their equipment is designed for the Strait's ocean conditions, and they are investigating the losses to improve their operations. The missing equipment has not been recovered.

There are two pens in the project. Both are as yet empty, but will soon be stocked with 15,000 fish each, one for salmon, the other for kingfish.

The research trial will run until late 2027.

• Read the full report in The Advocate 29 July 2025 (paywalled).
• Read NOFF's analysis of the trial, and learn why Bass Strait does not flush and is unsuitable for intensive aquaculture.