Government Beefs up Aussie Seafood Industry

Australia's seafood industry was significantly negatively impacted during the pandemic. (Samira Bouaou/Epoch Times)

The Australian government has invested $1.275 million (US$915,000) to help the country’s seafood industry rebound from the severe disruptions caused by the CCP virus pandemic.

By diversifying and expanding its export markets, minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the funding would allow Australia to expand exports in Asia the Americas, and Europe.

“Australian seafood is recognised among the best in the world—expanding our markets will see demand for our premium product grow across the globe,” Littleproud said.

“This grant will help implement the Australian Seafood Industry Export Market Strategic Plan, focusing on high priority sectors such as rock lobster and abalone, and provide greater access to markets for smaller producers.

Australia’s live and fresh export products faced many shocks due to the uncertainty of the market surrounding the pandemic, according to a fisheries research and development report.

Lobster and abalone exports declined by 45 percent while fresh seafood exports declined by 32 percent between January-June 2020, compared with the five-year average for the same period.

Basket of live western rock lobsters in Fremantle in Western Australia. (Trevor Collens/Getty Images)

Littleproud said funding is targeted at future-proofing Australia’s industry.

“The goal is to expand into new and emerging markets, double down on markets with high growth potential and consolidate our exports to existing markets,” he said.

“The project will continue to promote the ‘Great Australian Seafood’ brand, which was funded by the Australian Government under the $1 Billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund.”

Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonathan Duniam said the project will drive more demand for Australia’s premium product.

“The ‘Great Australian Seafood’ brand will be developed and introduced internationally, including in established and emerging markets—such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, the US and the UK,” Duniam said.

“Aussie seafood is sustainably caught, clean and safe, and we want to showcase that to the world.”

Seafood Industry Australia CEO Veronica Papacosta welcomed the support for the Australian seafood industry.

“With the knowledge gained through phase one, we are now better equipped with the information required to commit to a targeted export diversification program to address industry-identified needs,” Papacosta said.

“This funding will underpin increased industry collaboration and practical approaches for building out diverse export markets for the Australian seafood industry well into the future. We thank the Coalition for their continued support for our great Australian seafood.”