Our Story
Since the day we commenced building one of the first abalone farms in Australia on a windswept sand dune near Port Fairy in April 1996, the journey has been quite a ride. Being the pioneer in any industry means you make a lot of mistakes. However, relishing a challenge and being innovative is in our DNA. We strive every day to produce world-class quality abalone for our customers to enjoy.
We are a small farm but have an enviable problem in that we have an amazingly loyal and well-educated staff. Just six of our team have accumulated over 124 years of experience on this farm. We work closely with Deakin University to give work experience to as many students and graduates as possible, with all of our husbandry staff being students or graduates.
We first established our abalone farm at Port Fairy in 1996 – one of the first abalone farms in Australia.
The selection of the site was pure serendipity. One of our founders bought some land to access very well-protected bays for diving for abalone. When the idea for an abalone farm in Port Fairy was formed, the site was already available.
The abalone population was substantial; the bay protected the farm from the swells of the Great Southern Ocean and the location remote from human habitation. The founder was involved with a local abalone processing company, and what better way to ensure consistent work for your staff.
The conditions here are perfect for growing abalone, and the fact that our farm is land-based allows us to supply quality seafood all year round. As a premium abalone supplier, we produce up to 120 tonnes of cocktail-sized abalone per year, ranging from 30 to 200g live weight. Try our Prime Abalone and Gourmet Abalone in a Can today.
Since the day we commenced building one of the first abalone farms in Australia on a windswept sand dune near Port Fairy in April 1996, the journey has been quite a ride. Being the pioneer in any industry means you make a lot of mistakes. However, relishing a challenge and being innovative is in our DNA. We strive every day to produce world-class quality abalone for our customers to enjoy.
We are a small farm but have an enviable problem in that we have an amazingly loyal and well-educated staff. Just six of our team have accumulated over 124 years of experience on this farm. We work closely with Deakin University to give work experience to as many students and graduates as possible, with all of our husbandry staff being students or graduates.
We first established our abalone farm at Port Fairy in 1996 – one of the first abalone farms in Australia.
The selection of the site was pure serendipity. One of our founders bought some land to access very well-protected bays for diving for abalone. When the idea for an abalone farm in Port Fairy was formed, the site was already available.
The abalone population was substantial; the bay protected the farm from the swells of the Great Southern Ocean and the location remote from human habitation. The founder was involved with a local abalone processing company, and what better way to ensure consistent work for your staff.
The conditions here are perfect for growing abalone, and the fact that our farm is land-based allows us to supply quality seafood all year round. As a premium abalone supplier, we produce up to 120 tonnes of cocktail-sized abalone per year, ranging from 30 to 200g live weight. Try our Prime Abalone and Gourmet Abalone in a Can today.
The Beginning
Establishment of the farm, building of the pumphouse, pipelines, hatchery, nursery and grow-out tanks. The first spawning of abalone occurred in early 1997.
Weaner shed built
In 1998 the weaner shed was built and stocked. our grow out shed was built. R7D on settlement.
2001
Genetic Research Started
Genetics research started. Increased settlement success from 1-10% to 40-60% through research on algae. 15 slab tanks built to teat as replacement for original tank designs.
2003
Slab tanks
Slab tanks prove to be commercial, 2500m2 of tanks completed.
Double tier tanks
With the growing demand of abalone, and the limited space available on farm we created these double tried tanks. optimizing the available space and creating the ability to grow an additional 15 tons on farm.
2006
Abalone virus hit
During 2006 the abalone virus know as Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) hit our farm destroy the whole farm.
recovery
Full Production
Full production again 12 more double tier tanks built, additional weaning tank area prepared
Ocean Road Abalone
The Creation of Ocean Road Abalone
Ocean Road brand was created for our premium abalone products.
2016-2018
Expansion
Major expansion incuding buidling the new office complex and preparing site for extra 96 grow out tanks
Nursery
New Nursery Building
The construction of the new nursery in 2022 has provided us the opportunity to spawn our abalone 2 times a year, April and October. Built like a green house, the nursery is consistently heated by the sun year round, providing optimal conditions for early abalone growth.
2022
Solar Power Installation
As part of our commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2035, we upgraded our operations with the addition of a 250KW solar PV system. This will save up to 332 tonnes of emissions each year.
January
Starting Tours
The beginning of 2024 we began tours of our farm site. Introducing the public to the in-depth world of aquaculture and what it takes to farm abalone.
10 year anniversary
Re-Branding
In celebration of the Ocean Road Abalone brands 10 year anniversary, we have re-imagined and re-designed. With the help of Studio 8 designs we unveiled our fresh new look.