SEAFOOD SECTOR GROWS IN AUSTRALIA

Seafood Sector Grows in Australia – Seafood Industry Australia, the national peak-body representing the Australian seafood industry, has welcomed the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) Australian Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics report, which shows the gross value of Australian fishery and aquaculture production grew to $3.06 billion during the 2016–17 period.

“The gross production value (GPV) of the industries increased by 1 per cent to $3.06 billion during 2016–17,” SIA CEO Jane Lovell said.

“This is a fantastic result for industry and shows Aussies are continuing to support their locally produced, world-class seafood.

“For the fifth consecutive year Australia’s Commonwealth-managed fisheries have been listed as not subject to overfishing. This is something our commercial fishers are very proud of, and is unprecedented internationally. In addition, a new report has shown the footprint of Australia’s trawlers to be one of the smallest in the world. Coupled with our aquaculture sector – who provide fresh, high-quality seafood, year-round – Australian seafood is one of the best managed and most sustainable protein sources in the world.

“If you want to be certain you’re eating sustainable, healthy, world-class seafood, always ‘Ask for Aussie seafood’.”

Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Senator Richard Colbeck said the growth showed a strong appetite for Australia’s high quality seafood.

“Australia produces some of the highest quality seafood in the world, and it’s no wonder that our fishery and aquaculture industries continue to grow,” Senator Colbeck said in a statement.

“The value of commercial fishery and aquaculture production was 9 per cent higher in 2016–17 than in 2006–07 after accounting for the effects on inflation. Aquaculture production value increased by 4 per cent in 2016–17 to $1.35 billion. The increase in value was largely attributed to higher production value of salmonids, which increased by 5 per cent to $756 million.”

“This report speaks to the hard work of our commercial fishers to put fresh, local seafood on the table for all Aussies,” Ms Lovell said.

“As fishers, our priority is the environment. We advocate the health, sustainability and future of our ocean and land-based aquaculture activities. It’s our livelihood and the future livelihood of generations to come.”

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