Mayala and Tassal come together for significant partnership
On 20 November 2024 the Mayala people gave their consent for the Mayala Inninalang Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC to enter into an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with Tassal Operations Pty Ltd (Tassal).
This agreement will provide native title consent for the granting of new aquaculture leases for Tassal to expand its production of barramundi into the Buccaneer Archipelago.
Although private deliberations and ceremonies occurred, Tassal representatives were present at Ardyaloon (One Arm Point) throughout the week to answer questions and connect with Mayala people and country.
Tassal General Manager of Corporate Affairs and Communities Tom Middleton said Tassal has a deep respect for the Mayala people’s strong connection to the sea country and islands in the Mayala IPA.
”This is a huge day for Tassal, Mayala and the local community. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to connect and work with Mayala and to benefit from their insights and deep understanding of the spectacular environment in the Mayala IPA. We are honoured to have been given this vote of confidence in the commitments we make to caring for the environments we operate in and contributing positively to the communities.”
“This marks the next step of a long-lasting relationship and the team at Tassal look forward to continuing to work together with Mayala to ensure future growth of our operations in this beautiful environment will be managed sustainably with economic benefits shared amongst the local community.”
“We are excited that this important project brings significant community benefits, including job creation and economic development in the Kimberley region. Responsibly managed aquaculture is a key for the industry to help meet the demand for protein with a growing population both nationally and internationally as the market for delicious, ocean grown barramundi grows,” he said.
Background
- Tassal is an Australian aquaculture leader and leading seafood brand. With more than 35 years’ experience, their passion drives our commitment to meet the growing market and customer demand for healthy, sustainable and nutritious food.
- On 31 July 2023, Tassal acquired MPA which had been operating Australia’s only ocean grown barramundi farm in Yaloon/Cone Bay since 2004.
- Currently produces ~1500T pa and employs approx 45 people in north-west WA.
- Tassal has reduced the scale of MPAs expansion plans from 13 marine lease sites to 7.
- Tassal intends to apply its clearly defined commitment to sustainable seafood production in WA as it moves to improve, expand and grow barramundi operations that will deliver healthy and nutritious fish to Australian consumers and contribute positively to Kimberley communities and the regional economy.
- The ILUA is a voluntary agreement between the Mayala Inninalang Aboriginal Corporation on behalf of the Mayala Native Title holders and Tassal Operations Pty Ltd regarding Tassal’s use and management of waters in the Mayala Native Title Determination area (Mayala Indigenous Protection Area / Mayala Marine Park) for aquaculture operations. The agreement includes commercial arrangements for the payment of royalties as well as arrangements for mutual benefits via employment, training, and contracting opportunities for Mayala people, and requirements for collaboration and information-sharing regarding environmental monitoring and management.
- At full operation, this project can produce up to 17,500T and employ 140 people.Documents are expected to be provided to State and Federal Governments in coming months.