Our Businesses
The Aboriginal Sea Company has taken strategic steps towards the establishment of a self-sustaining mini circular economy.
With each entity playing a distinct yet interconnected role, we’ve effectively closed the loop within our operations, fostering a cohesive ecosystem where resources, products and services circulate effectively.
By leveraging the strengths of each business unit, we’re able to maximise value creation and innovation across our entire supply chain.
Darwin Shipstores
In June 2023, the ASC strategically expanded its operations by purchasing Darwin Shipstores (DSS), marking a significant development in its business portfolio. This acquisition is not just an expansion of ASC’s commercial interests but also a crucial step towards implementing a circular economy among its subsidiary businesses. By integrating Darwin Shipstores into its operations, ASC has significantly enhanced its ability to support its existing businesses and fishing operations with the supply of commercial fishing and boating goods.
The Darwin Shipstores also supplies Aboriginal ranger groups, thereby extending its influence and operational capabilities within the marine and fisheries sectors.
This move underscores ASC’s dedication to creating a more interconnected and sustainable network of businesses that can support and reinforce each other, driving positive change and development within Aboriginal communities and the broader Northern Territory region. Additionally, this initiative provides more training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people.
Darwin Fish Market
In December 2023, the ASC took a strategic step forward in bolstering our presence in the seafood industry with the acquisition of the Darwin Fish Market (DFM) which has been in operation for over two decades.
The acquisition was a significant expansion of ASC’s operation and represents a strategic move to weave DFM into ASC’s broader vision of fostering a circular economy among its subsidiary business.
By bringing DFM under its umbrella, ASC aims to reinforce the market’s dedication to supplying the freshest local seafood while extending its principles of sustainability.
With an established reputation in the Northern Territory seafood market, DFM was a strategic investment for ASC and not only strengthens our position in the industry but also expands our avenues for training and employment opportunities for First Nation job seekers.
The business has a retail shop as well as a wholesale arm which supplies commercial customers from Darwin to Alice Springs.
Premium Seafoods
Over the past 18 months, the ASC has acquired 11 commercial mud crab licences, a three-unit allocation barramundi licence and two coastal line licences, which includes 4.7 tonne of black jewfish quota.
To ensure the mud crab licences would bring maximum return, four staff members learnt business operations from one of the NT’s leading mud crab business operators before eventually buying the business, which has now become fully owned and operated by ASC in 2024.
Through strategic acquisitions, the ASC is now the single largest owner of mud crab licences in the Northern Territory, holding approximately 22 percent of all licences. This significant market presence not only solidifies ASC’s position as a key player in the industry, but also underscores our commitment to responsible resource management and sustainable fishing practices.
Further, under Premium Seafoods ASC plans to utilise its two coastal line licences with Western Zone Quota and its 3-unit Barramundi Licence to supply fresh product through the Darwin Fish Market.
