Global abalone aquaculture production around the world totals more than 100,000 tonnes. Australian production represents only a small fraction of this production, with around 1000 tonnes. Conversely, Australia contributes almost half of the world’s wild abalone volume.
The farmers were in the state for the International Abalone Symposium, of which Skretting was the Gold Sponsor.
Skretting produces our abalone diet, Halo, in our sister production facility of Mozzecane at Skretting Italy. During 2012 it is planned that Halo will be made locally at the Skretting Australia plant.
While abalone production continues to grow particularly in the Asian region, farmers primarily use macroalgae as the primary food source. Formulated feeds are only generally used in Australian and South African farms, however, there is growing interest and demand for formulated feeds as generally speaking improved performance (growth and efficiency) can be achieved compared with macroalgae.
The farmers were given a number of presentations by Matt Bransden on our business activities, followed by a tour of the mill hosted by Stu Fyfe.
