Media Statements - Grant for Aqua Feeds research into tuna bait replacement

11/12/00

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said Aqua Feeds (Aust) has received a grant of $5,000 in the latest round of grants from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund.

The grant funding will go towards a feasibility study of the development of replacement bait for the Long Line Tuna Fishing Industry.

This project will determine the viability of using fish and lobster offal to produce and manufacture bait. Currently 1,500 tonnes of these waste products are landfilled each year and the bait used in the Long Line Tuna Fishing Industry are mulies, when available, or imported squid.

Mrs Edwardes said Katanning-based Aqua Feeds was one of 41 recipients of grants from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund totalling $1.02 million that were announced today.

Western Australia’s Waste Management and Recycling Fund is raised from a levy on waste disposed to landfill. It is used to sponsor innovative waste reduction and recycling activities throughout the State.

“Each year almost $5 million is raised from the levy,” Mrs Edwardes said.

“Under the grants program, financial assistance is given to local communities, industry and local government organisations who have projects which will contribute towards the achievement of the State’s waste reduction targets.

“The grant is generally on a dollar-for-dollar basis and the preparedness of applicants to be equal partners in the projects demonstrates their commitment.”

Aqua Feeds believes the project offers potential to divert fish offal from landfill which creates odour and fly problems and will eventually replace the need to import bait.

Mrs Edwardes congratulated all successful recipients of grants in this funding round.

The total amount of grant funding under the program now totals over $6 million. An additional $2.2 million has also been allocated from the fund under the Municipal Recycling Services rebate scheme, which is a performance based incentive to local councils to reward them for their kerbside recycling collection efforts.

Mrs Edwardes reminded potential applicants that these grants would be advertised more frequently in future.

“The number of funding rounds has now increased from twice yearly to six times each year,” she said.

The round that has recently been advertised will close on Friday, December 29. Inquiries for grants should be directed to the Funded Programs Section of the Department of Environmental Protection on 9222 8608.

Media contact: Steve Manchee on 9421 7777