Modification Jervis Bay Mussel Farms Relocation and Expansion

Whilst I enjoy eating the mussels farmed in Jervis Bay - I am shocked to find out that these are an introduced and invasive species that should not be allowed to be farmed in Jervis Bay Marine Park. I was not aware of this issue and have only recently found out about this serious threat to the integrity of JBMP. The farmed species is banned in several international jurisdictions and should also be the case in Australia, in particular within Marine Parks. I urge the government to undertake more thorough research into the environmental dangers of this farming practice and not allow any expansion. Further research may reveal that the farming practice as it stands is not complying to environmental issues and needs to cease. I also urge the government to work with the Jervis Bay Mussels to research the commercial viability of the native species of Australian mussels endemic to Jervis Bay.

Until there is an independent assessment that proves there will be no adverse effect on Jervis Bay biodiversity from farming a non-endemic species of mussels, I believe this modification application should be refused.
The integrity of the Jervis Bay marine environment is too precious - environmentally, ecologically and economically (tourism) to risk the biofoul and other problems associated with an invasive species (as Mytilus Galloprinvincialis is acknowledged to be.
Further, I believe steps should be taken urgently to independently assess the risks, and should this introduced mussel be shown to be a risk (as other countries like Japan, North Korea and Russia have decided it is), steps should be taken to either convert the current mussel farm to our local species, Mytilus Planulatus, or to dismantle the farms altogether.

We have a wooden boat moored in Currambene Creek, we moved our boat to Currambene Creek in April 2021 from Sydney. In April 2022 we slipped our boat in Greenwell Point and there were no mussels in the inlets or outlets. The following year in May 2023 we slipped our boat again in Greenwell Point, multiple mussels were attached in all inlets and outlets which could possibly effect the operation of the engine. We are concerned about the rapid increase in the amount of mussels attaching themselves to our boat and others in Currambene Creek.

I’m concerned that we are extending a project using introduced species in and near a Marine National Park without some research to explore if there is a spill of spat happening in and around Jervis Bay.
I think the proposal to agglomerate the mussel farm makes sense but increasing size without research seems to be a blind step forward when the Bay is such a beautiful pristine environment.

This is my chance to really support the Modification of the Jervis Bay Mussel Farms Relocation and Expansion program.
Australia has in my view a decreasing number of sustainable resources. Mussel farming is at the pinnacle of protein rich foods and is packed full of natural nutrients, not chemical enhanced or manufactured in a laboratory.
Farms are a source of food for fish and marine life which inhabit the waterways in the farming locations.
I am informed there is absolutely no environmental damage in the mussel farming concept and it is a natural marine food growth.
As a vegetarian mussels are a fantastic source of protein and Omega 3 fatty acids.
We do not want to be importing mussels from overseas where their farming and harvesting methods may fall well short of Australian health requirements.
The more Australian produce we can supply the better for our country.
I would hope the expansion of the industry is realised and it potentials fully captured.
Yours Sincerely
Mary Firenze

I strongly support the relocation and expansion of the Jervis Bay Mussel Farms.
With the growing population and decreasing availability of sustainable resources l feel mussel farms and seaweed farms will be very valuable sources of protein and nutrients in the foreseeable future.
Mussel farms are extremely supportive of the environment and as they do not compete with other species but actually assist in their sustainability and enhance biodiversity.
I and many others find mussels a wonderful source of natural protein and omega 3 at an affordable price.
These industries also assist in addressing climate change.
I sincerely hope you approve this proposal and fully support further expansion of this industry to maintain these natural and nutritional foods for our future generations.
Thank you.
W Brander

I support the project because I think it is a good idea to expand for reasons of environmental, and also economical. I don't believe that a mussel farm is harmful to the environment. We need to be able to farm in the ocean, and Jervis Bay is the perfect spot. I know because I lived at Callala Beach for many years before moving to Newcastle.