According to the Minister for Primary Industries and Water, David Llewellyn, the seafood industry of Tasmania is commended on its progressive and responsible attitude to this increasingly valuable resource. He told that it is a vital part of overall primary production revenue and employs many Tasmanians. He also said that the 2006-2007 Seafood Industry Scorecard, prepared by DPIW, revealed the significant growth.
Llewellyn opined that increased salmon production has been the major contributor to growth. Figures show that salmon production has risen by $165 million from 2004-5 to 2006-7. In 2007-2008, the value of salmon production increased by a further $42 million. Historically, Tasmania has been a large exporter of Abalone and Rock Lobster, which now account for 84% of seafood exports to overseas countries.
The Chief Executive of the Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council, Neil Stump, explained that this was a very pleasing result for the seafood industry, particularly the salmon industry. He further adds that with wild capture fisheries, the increase in value is also welcome. This increase can be attributed to the sustainable status of Tasmanian fisheries and the focus by industry on developing new markets, said Stump.
