Locals comprise some 80 per cent of the workforce of Barramundi Group (B) Sdn Bhd (BGB), a top barramundi producer that is leading integrated sustainable aquaculture in the region, BGB General Manager Alex Chiam told members of the Diplomatic Corps during their visit to the Broodstock Development Centre (BDC) in Serasa yesterday.
He added, “Aquaculture is a key industry identified to meet Asia’s growing appetite for premium white fish protein, with demand standing at six million tonnes growing rapidly.
“Aquaculture is crucial to meet the demand and supplement the declining wild caught fish stocks.”
The visit was jointly hosted by BGB and the Singapore High Commission in Brunei Darussalam to provide a better understanding of the aquaculture industry to help drive the country’s economic diversification efforts.
BGB is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barramundi Group Limited (BGL), headquartered in Singapore and listed on the Euronext Growth Oslo in Norway.
BGL’s shareholders include the Brunei government through the Strategic Development Capital Fund under the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
BGB aims to increase the volume of fish farming activities in the aquaculture sector, representing another achievement in the Sultanate’s efforts towards economic diversification.
High Commissioner of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam Laurence Bay Siow Hon said, “Barramundi Group’s presence in the Sultanate is a testament to the country’s immense potential in the aquaculture sector.”
Chiam said, “Barramundi is a tropical fish species that complements existing cold water species while setting itself apart in the farmed fish landscape.
“It is a fast-growing and robust species that is well suited for large scale aquaculture, particularly due to its high fecundity and attractive harvestable yields.
“We raise our barramundi sustainably with a focus on the environment and safe nutrition so that we can conserve our marine resources for further generations.”
Meanwhile, Production Manager Michael O’Malley said, “BDC Nursery is the first intensive recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) in the Sultanate, designed and built by Billund Aquaculture for the growth of fry from 0.2 to 35 grammes (g).
“Pelumpong Sea site, meanwhile, is used for the growth of fish from 35g to 250g or table size fish. The 10-hectare site is situated at Brunei Bay with 28 units of HDPE cages. Some 100 tonnes of fish were produced in 2022.“
Following the presentation, the diplomats toured the RAS facilities. – James Kon
