Manbana Aquarium Fish Enterprise

MSH Pty Ltd t/as Manbana, the wholly owned subsidiary of Kimberley Aquaculture Aboriginal Corporation (KAAC), and KAAC have secured funds to establish the sustainable marine aquarium fish enterprise over a 3 year period. Grant funds were received from Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) for the establishment of capital infrastructure and a mix of grant and primarily loan funds from IBA for operating, with Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) grant funds also contributing to operating costs.<p>
The project has purchased broodstock of around 35 species and equipment for stage 1 of the facility, and has commenced sale of a small number of marine aquarium fish to the wholesale market.<p>
Kimberley Aquaculture Aboriginal Corporation
Kimberley Aquaculture Aboriginal Corporation (KAAC) is a non-profit organisation supporting Indigenous aquaculture in communities of the Kimberley. KAAC supports Aboriginal communities from the Dampier Peninsula to Kununurra in developing sustainable aquaculture enterprises and achieving significant involvement in the industry, with the objective of establishing a long-term economic base for communities to alleviate dependence on subsidies, creating employment and building the skills and capacity of Indigenous people.<p>
There are a number of communities in the Kimberley that have access to prime aquaculture resources particularly highly suitable land, good quality water and pristine location. They have excellent potential for growing a range of species including barramundi, freshwater prawns (Cherabin), edible oysters, aquarium fish, and particularly marine prawns. What they are lacking is capital and start-up finance to develop aquaculture enterprises. <p>
Communities are seeking a range of investment from joint venture partnerships to start-up grants. Proponents interested in investment in community aquaculture ventures can contact KAAC to discuss potential sites and community enterprises further. <p>
KAAC is collaboratively supporting a number of specific community projects in their developing stages.<p>