Groote Aqua Aboriginal Corporation (GAAC) is leading a multi-species aquaculture program on Groote Eylandt, developed in partnership with leading industry experts and university research teams. The program is led by Dr. Valentin Thepot and focuses on Blacklip Oysters, Trepang (Holothuria scabra), and integrated seaweed farming, with ongoing exploration of other valuable species such as rabbitfish for integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems.

The Blacklip Oyster hatchery expansion—supported by the Advanced Industry Northern Territory (AINT) grant—is scaling up spat production to supply Aboriginal oyster farmers across the Northern Territory, including Wadeye, South Goulburn, Tiwi Islands, and emerging interest from other NT ORICS and other interstate entities . This will create skilled jobs on Groote Eylandt and in partner communities for hatchery operations, oyster grow-out, harvesting, processing, and marketing.

The Trepang project, is progressing toward a sustainable hatchery, nursery, and pond grow out enterprise. This species, in high demand across Asian markets for its culinary and medicinal value, offers significant economic opportunities for Traditional Owners while maintaining a focus on habitat stewardship and cultural respect.

GAAC’s seaweed initiative is exploring the potential for seaweed cultivation as both a high-value product and a nutrient-removal biofilter within aquaculture systems. Seaweed biomass has applications in fertilizer, livestock feed supplements, and climate-positive blue carbon markets.

Training and engagement are a central pillar of the program, supported by the NIAA Fishing and Aquaculture Training & Engagement Project. This initiative is creating four dedicated Traditional Owner roles, implementing a Train-the-Trainer model, and expanding aquaculture and fishing workshops into local schools through the CSIRO “Aquarium in Schools” program. New culturally appropriate accommodation will enable participants from other Aboriginal communities to train on-site at Groote Aqua’s facilities.

By combining science, industry expertise, and cultural knowledge, GAAC aims to create a community-led, sustainable aquaculture sector that builds food security, supports economic independence, and transfers marine knowledge across Indigenous sea country in the NT—and eventually further afield.

Visit their LinkedIn page: Groote Aqua Aboriginal Corporation | LinkedIn