Coastal Farms removes site from contentious proposed seaweed ‘farm’ project off Augusta’s Flinders Bay

The developer of a contentious proposed aquaculture project off Flinders Bay has removed one of the potential sites for consideration as it faces a backlash from the Augusta community. Residents have rallied behind a statement from entrepreneur and PAX Scientific chief executive Jay Harman opposing the Coastal Farms Australia project on environmental grounds. Coastal Farms initially proposed two sites south of Flinders Bay where horizontal growing beds would farm seaweed and shellfish without use of fertilizers and what were said to be limited environmental risks. The project was undergoing assessment by WA’s Department of Fisheries, with respondents to a recent Augusta Community Development Association survey chafed at the lack of direct community consultation. Mr Harman is recognised as an international innovator helping a marine research company developing technology focused on “natural geometries to design energy-efficient, quiet, and ecologically friendly technology”. In a widely-circulated letter, Mr Harman said he had “the strongest of concerns” about the Coastal Farms project because “the proposed location is a unique environment at the confluence of two marine ecosystems”. Concerns – reflected also in the recent ACDA survey – included introduction of non-native aquatic and seagrass species, the potential for entanglement with marine wildlife, effects on habitat, and possible Aboriginal heritage issues in what Mr Harman described as one of the most “unspoiled oceanic areas in Australia, if not the world”. “With unknown consequences and no ability to manage those consequences, it makes no sense whatsoever to introduce exotic species to such a pristine and vulnerable geographic location,” Mr Harman said. Paul English from Coastal Farms confirmed site CPA-01 was no longer in contention and the trial period would only focus on seaweed farming, with shellfish to be considered later. He also pledged to respond to all community concerns, apologised for the cancelled public meeting, and reassured Augusta residents the project was more for scientific testing than any new major industry, working with academics from Curtin University. “Coastal Farms Australia is a start-up with no significant investment at this stage, merely exploring the concept of both seaweed and polyculture aquaculture using native species here in WA,” he said. “We wish to explore coastal aquaculture in a controlled and easy-to-access environment. “There is no intention for either site to become a commercial ‘farm’ as such, and the research and development exemption application, which our application sits under, would allow us to scientifically and physically test scenarios for efficiencies of any future projects.” Only native kelp would be grown during the trial, seaweed farming had proven benefits for habitat, and established seaweed farms provided guidelines to mitigate any risk of whale entanglement. Former Shire president and Leeuwin resident Nick Dornan said he endorsed Mr Harman’s initial letter, which reflected wider concerns in the Augusta community.