Arabic version: توسّع مشروع سرطان البحر في وادييه يعزّز قوة العمل في الصيد التجاري

According to ABC News, the Thamarrurr Sea Farmers mud crab venture in Wadeye has expanded into a commercial operation that supporters say could create long-term employment in the remote Northern Territory community.

The operation has grown from three to nine workers in a year after acquiring a full commercial licence, allowing fishermen to set up to 60 crab pots. The team sends an average of 35 to 50 kilograms of mud crabs to Darwin each week, with some crabs also supplied directly to seafood restaurants.

Wadeye, on Australia’s Top End west coast, has about 2,500 residents and is cut off for half the year when Port Keats Road washes out. At the 2021 census, only about one in five adults had a job. The community has also faced overcrowded housing, expensive black-market liquor and large-scale street fights involving weapons.

Sea farmers coordinator Johnson Katuura said the operation was focused on a durable foundation rather than rapid growth. The crew records where it fishes and how many crabs it takes, while Thamarrurr Development Corporation says it supports sustainable harvest strategies. The operation has also received mentoring and training from Humpty Doo Barramundi.

Deputy chief executive Tracey Leo said a broader Wadeye seafood industry could employ about 100 people within a decade through mud crabs, a black-lip oyster farm and other fisheries, although the oyster venture is not yet in commercial production. Worker Theo Dooling said working on his sea Country had given him peace and purpose.