THE gross value of Australian fishery and aquaculture production grew to $3.06b during the 2016/17 period.
“This is a fantastic result for industry and shows Aussies are continuing to support their locally produced, world-class seafood,” Seafood Industries Australia chief executive Jane Lovell said.
“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 – which 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 Agriculture and Water Resources Minister 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 is no wonder our fishery and aquaculture industries continue to grow,” Senator Colbeck said.
“The value of commercial fishery and aquaculture production was 9pc higher in 2016/17 than in 2006/07 after accounting for the effects on inflation.”
Aquaculture production value increased by 4pc in 2016/17 to $1.35b.
The increase in value was largely attributed to higher production value of salmonids, which increased by 5pc to $756m.
Details were included in the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) Australian Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics report.
