Recfishwest is supporting a new initiative to bring mussels back to Cockburn Sound – boosting habitat and helping deliver more fish and better fishing.
For more than 40 years, mussel farming in Cockburn Sound added significant marine biomass and productivity to the ecosystem providing a food source for fish and crabs as well as habitat for a whole range of other species.
When these long-running operations recently ceased, so did all the associated environmental benefits. Rather than see that productivity lost, Recfishwest supported the development of a new initiative aimed at bringing mussel biomass back to the Sound.
“Cockburn Sound has long been under pressure – from fish kills to habitat loss and ongoing development. With so much at stake, we couldn’t afford to wait,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland.
“The system cannot afford to lose anymore productivity, which is fundamental to supporting local fisheries.
“This is why Recfishwest backed in this concept. By helping reactivate these mussel farms, we’re supporting fish abundance and better fishing.
“Just like our Snapper Guardians stocking program, we are stepping up to have a go at creating something better, rather than standing by while the ecosystem struggles.”
Recfishwest partnered with experienced mussel farmer Glenn Dibbin and other maritime experts in late 2025 to develop the concept of a new restorative aquaculture venture for Cockburn Sound.
That concept has now been established under a new company called Byssal, which has reactivated the sites and recommenced mussel farming operations.
“We now have around 30 tonnes of mussels across the two aquaculture sites, and the next stage will focus on scaling up production and measuring the environmental benefits through scientific monitoring” Dr Rowland said.
Click here to see Byssal’s website.
How mussels help the ecosystem
These mussel farm sites create complex vertical habitat, effectively like an underwater forest, that quickly becomes teeming with life.
It’s not just the mussels that attach to the lines. The lines support a wide range of invertebrates, algae and other marine life, creating a rich food source and habitat for many species.
This increased productivity flows through the food web, supporting fish such as pink snapper, skippy and whiting and species like blue swimmer crabs and squid.
Mussels also naturally filter large volumes of water, helping improve water quality in the Sound.
Byssal facts:
- 100-hectares (247 acres) aquaculture footprint in Cockburn Sound
- 8km of mussel-colonised rope deployed so far
- Currently supporting ~30 tonnes of mussels, with capacity to scale to well over 1,000 tonnes
- Working towards a long-term vision of restoring large-scale marine productivity in the Sound
Recfishwest will continue supporting practical initiatives that improve marine ecosystems and help ensure great fishing experiences for current and future generations.
