It’s o-fish-al: the festive season is a great time to enjoy some fresh Aussie seafood and support our hardworking fishers.
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said it had been a difficult year for Australia’s seafood sector and the festive period was a great opportunity to support local producers.
“Christmas is the perfect time to gather together with family and friends to enjoy some fresh Aussie seafood, and in turn support fishers and their families,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“The seafood industry was the first and worst hit when export markets virtually shut down overnight at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“But every Australian can help to support our fishers and ensure that 2020 ends better than it began, simply by buying Aussie seafood this Christmas – it’s a win-win for everyone.
“This Christmas, more than 700,000 households will purchase fresh prawns, which sell up to four times more than usual during Christmas, but there’s plenty of other family favourites like salmon, oysters and lobster to be enjoyed too.
“During the year, the consumption of seafood ranks behind poultry, beef, veal and pig meat, with Australians spending an average $5.46 per week on fish and seafood in recent data, compared with $27 for meat not including fish and seafood.
“It’s time for us all to step up to the plate and enjoy some of our world-leading Aussie seafood this festive season, support our fishers this Christmas and into 2021 as well.
“The hard work of Australian fishers has made our seafood the highest quality in the world, it’s delicious, fresh, healthy and sustainable.
“Our Government has supported the industry’s creation of the ‘easy as’ campaign, by providing $4 million funding for the first industry-led marketing campaign to encourage Australians to eat more Australian seafood, as well as waiving levies for Commonwealth fishers and assisting in market diversification.”
Liberal Member for Franklin Nic Street said Tasmania’s seafood industry is the best of the best.
“As Tasmanians kick back and relax this holiday season, the best present our local businesses and producers can receive is for Tasmanians to buy local and enjoy what our State has to offer.
“Our world class seafood is highly desired right around the world, gracing the menus of some of the finest restaurants in Australia and internationally.
“Our seafood industry employs thousands of locals with direct and indirect jobs created across the state, many in regional areas.
“I’m sure Tasmanians will stand behind their local seafood businesses this holiday period and support our fishers, businesses, and the communities they live in.”
