Australian Bight Abalone (ABA) began its first harvest on January 31 from its aquaculture leases near Elliston.

Between now and late July, ABA divers will harvest about 100 tonnes to meet demand ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations in China and Taiwan and the Olympic Games in Beijing in August.

ABA’s chief executive Andrew Ferguson said growth had been exceptional and exceeded all expectations.

“Most of the abalone to be harvested are from our 2005 crop and are at least 105mm in size with some up to 130mm,” he said.

“Our biologists and independent veterinarian say the general health and appearance of the abalone is excellent.

“This has been attributed to the pristine condition of the oceans around Waldergrave Island near Elliston, where ABA has leases over about 100 hectares, and our patented Abalone Aquafarm system, which allows farmed abalone to grow in wild fishery conditions.”

Mr Ferguson said world demand for abalone, particularly in China, Taiwan and Japan, continued to outstrip supply.

Australian Bureau of Agriculture Resource Economics (ABARE) statistics show a significant decline in wild catch exports from Australia in recent years, leaving a hole that can only be filled by aquacultured abalone.

“This demand is expected to grow as the Chinese economy booms. It is unlikely to be met from the harvesting of wild stocks, which means there will be an increasing reliance on our Elliston Ocean Grown(tm) abalone.

“We plan to be a major supplier of cultured abalone into the future.”

ABA’s patented Abalone Aquafarm(tm) system uses a series of floating reefs to create a secure ecosystem for the abalone, which feeds on natural algae, improving quality, growth rates and price to growers.

ABA is the largest holder of marine-in-sea aquaculture leases outside of the tuna and salmon industries in Australia and the largest offshore abalone operation outside of China.