Celebrity chef backs South Coast commercial aquaculture plans

A celebrity chef and sustainable seafood expert are backing plans to develop an aquaculture industry on the New South Wales South Coast.

Celebrity chef Rick Stein and Dr Pia Winberg, a sustainable seafood expert from the University of Wollongong (UOW), have lent their support to a plan from Fisheries NSW to introduce three Commercial Shellfish Aquaculture Leases in the town of Jervis Bay.

“This is great news for sustainable seafood production on the NSW South Coast, where 87% of seafood purchased is imported,” Dr Winberg said.

“Taking responsibility for the standards and production of our own seafood is the true way forward for environmentally responsible and ethical seafood production.”

Stein, head chef and co-owner of Rick Stein at Bannisters, said the plan will cement the South Coast’s reputation as an area with globally recognised restaurants that source produce locally.

“We’re so lucky to have such great oysters here on the South Coast of NSW. It’s been hard, however, to get other local shellfish such as scallops, clams and mussels - all essential for my seafood restaurant at Bannisters. The news about future shellfish farming in Jervis Bay is fantastic,” Stein said.

Dr Winberg, who is the director of the Shoalhaven Marine and Freshwater Centre, said aquaculture - which often has negative connotations - can create excellent opportunities for local communities if done right.

“People have misunderstood the context of the aquaculture potential in Jervis Bay,” Dr Winberg said.

“The word aquaculture has negative connotations for many, but this is not representative for all aquaculture. Shellfish aquaculture under strict management practices is equivalent to an offset of coastal pollution of nutrients and is more like permaculture on land. It can deliver incredible environmental benefits as well as provide for low-energy and highly nutritious seafood with all of the zinc and omega-3 oils of which we need more.

“That is why this type of aquaculture is permitted in NSW Marine Parks, once the standards of operation are established, and this is what Fisheries NSW has done.”