Residents of Marlo, Bemm River, Cann River and Mallacoota are invited to help shape the future of seaweed aquaculture in their region.
A new and innovative project aiming to bring sustainable seaweed farming to the Far East Gippsland coast is inviting community members to attend upcoming local information and engagement sessions.
The Wilderness Coast Kelp Farm project, supported by Fire to Flourish, is exploring the potential for establishing a small-scale, community-based research facility for seaweed aquaculture and reef rehabilitation.
This initiative follows extensive research and early site assessments from Marlo to Mallacoota and now seeks local voices to help guide its next steps.
Community sessions will provide an opportunity to:
– Learn about the role of seaweed in healthy marine ecosystems.
– Hear findings from recent fieldwork along the Wilderness Coast.
– Explore how seaweed farming could support regional resilience, employment and environmental restoration.
– Share local knowledge, ideas, and concerns.
“Seaweed farming could become a vital part of Far East Gippsland’s future,” said Jann Gilbert, marine biologist and project lead. “It offers not just ecological benefits, but also meaningful, sustainable opportunities for local employment and youth engagement – especially important in communities still recovering from the Black Summer fires.”
Upcoming community sessions
Marlo
Date: Thursday, July 10
Time: 5-6pm
Venue: Marlo Angling Club Rooms; Jetty Road, Marlo
Bemm River
Date: Saturday, July 12
Time: 2-3pm
Venue: Bemm River Community Centre; 12 Roberts Road, Bemm River
Cann River
Date: Thursday, July 17
Time: 5-6pm
Venue: The Monaro Centre; 37 Monaro Highway, Cann River
Mallacoota
Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 2-3 pm
Venue: The Mudbrick hall; Lions Park, 1 Develling Drive, Mallacoota
All are welcome to attend.
Whether you’re a fisher, local business owner, Traditional Owner, student, landholder
or simply curious, your input
is valued.
Light refreshments will be provided.
To stay updated, follow the project on Facebook or contact Wilderness Coast Kelp Farm project via email.
