Fisheries & Aquaculture

Fisheries

• The boat ramp is located within the river and access to the ocean is easy and safe, provided the correct course is maintained until clear of the reef and any breaking waves on the right as you head out. Parking at the ramp is limited during busy times. The main feature out from Port Fairy is Lady Julia Percy Island. It’s home to a large seal colony and the scene of most yellowtail kingfish activity in the region.

  Tuna

  The continental shelf is accessible to boats departing from Port Fairy, with the journey averaging 55km depending on the line chosen. Fishing depths of 200m to 500m are extremely productive, especially early in the season when albacore are usually encountered and the bluefin are quite reliable. Come late May, June and July, schools of bluefin are found closer in, from the 40m line and deeper. Several spots out from Port Fairy, wide of Lady Julia Percy Island, across towards Portland Bay to the west and back towards Warrnambool, are consistent for tuna fishers.

  In some seasons, larger barrel tuna show up out from Port Fairy, predictably coinciding with large concentrations of baitfish around Lady Julia Percy Island.

  The summer inshore run of tuna can see large schools of fish in extremely close, sometimes within easy reach from the Port Fairy harbour around Killarney and out from the passage in the area known as the Water Tower.

  Yellowtail kingfish

  Port Fairy is a prime location for kingfish with Killarney, The Crags and Lady Julia Percy Island reasonably reliable. The island is one of the most consistent places to encounter kingies on the west coast. A popular method is slow trolling squid strips and at Lady Julia Percy Island this is often done with the aid of a downrigger or inline lead sinkers. Baits of live slimy mackerel and yakka are also effective.

  On the deeper ledges, jigging can work well and casting large soft plastic lures and stick baits can produce exciting action.

  Blue-eye trevalla

  If you’re targeting the edge of the continental shelf and beyond there are good grounds off Port Fairy with canyons towards Portland. Expeditions this wide can be best combined with tuna fishing on the way out or back. These journeys can even include mako shark fishing, which is popular in these deep waters.

  Click here for information on Port Fairy Griffiths Street boat ramp.

Aquaculture

Abalone Species

Our Tiger Abalone is named for its distinctive tiger stripe feature on the foot, setting it apart as a truly unique species. This abalone boasts a natural pearl white flesh, a sweet and subtle flavor, and a succulent texture that delights the palate. As a combination of Green Lip and Black Lip abalone, Tiger Abalone captures the best qualities of both species.

Compared to Black Lip abalone, Tiger Abalone offers a more appealing colorand a tender texture that elevates any dish. Additionally, it yields better results after cooking than Green Lip abalone, making it a superior choice for chefs. Its longer tank-to-tank tolerance is also ideal for live shipment, ensuring that our abalone arrives in perfect condition.

Crafted with care, our Tiger Abalone represents the combination of the two most renowned abalone species in Australia. This delicacy promises a unique dining experience that you will savor and remember.

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Growing Abalone

Abalone farming is a slow yet rewarding endeavor, with each abalone taking at least three years to reach commercial size. At our land-based operation, our Tiger Abalone thrive in a controlled environment where the seawater temperature profile is just right for their optimal growth.

We are proud to produce our abalone from stock bred on our farm. When the abalone are just 5 days old, they are placed into nursery tanks, where they graze on natural algae. This diet is essential for their rapid growth during the early stages. By 6 months old, the juvenile abalone are moved into weaning tanks and start transitioning to a grain-based pellet diet. After another year, they are transferred to final growing tanks. Throughout their growth, the abalone are graded and counted to ensure they have the best growing conditions.

Our Tiger Abalone prefer to stay in a dark environment due to their nocturnal nature. In the wild, they would hide under seaweed and rocks to avoid predators. To replicate this natural habitat, we operate in darkened sheds and use head torches to minimize stress and avoid exposing them to daylight.

Our tanks are designed with high flows of fresh seawater, circulating day and night to maintain ideal conditions. To keep the tanks clean, we utilize water waves that flush out any waste. The abalone are fed specially formulated dietsthat meet their protein requirements at every stage of their life cycle.

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Abalone Harvesting

Unlike wild-caught abalone, which is subject to seasonal limitations and environmental conditions, our land-based abalone farm offers the unique advantage of year-round harvesting. This consistent availability allows us to cater to diverse market demands without the constraints of traditional abalone fishing seasons.

At our farm, we meticulously raise abalone in a controlled environment, ensuring optimal growth conditions throughout the year. This approach enables us to harvest abalone of various sizes, ranging from 30g to 200g, providing a wide selection to meet different culinary preferences and market needs.

By eliminating the unpredictability of the wild abalone season, we guarantee a steady supply of premium-quality abalone, whether you’re looking for smaller, delicate options or larger, more substantial selections. Our sustainable farming practices not only support the environment but also ensure that our abalone maintain the highest standards of quality and freshness.

With our land-based operation, you can enjoy the finest abalone all year round, making it easier for chefs, retailers, and seafood enthusiasts to source the exact size and quality they require, whenever they need it.