Australian Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston, has welcomed the rise as evidence of a robust and reputable industry meeting strong international demand for high quality seafood.
The gross value of Australia’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors rose 12% to $2.8 billion in 2014-15, thanks largely to increasing demand for rock lobsters and salmon species, according to the Australian fisheries and aquaculture statistics 2015 report by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES).
‘Wild-caught rock lobster was shown to be our most valuable commodity, rising 14% to $668 million off the back of strong export demand and a lower Australian dollar,’ she said.
‘Aquaculture production value also rose 19% to $1.2 billion, thanks largely to increased salmon production in Tasmania. Australian aquaculture salmon production value more than tripled in real terms from 2004–05 to 2014–15.’
She commented that Tasmanian fisheries accounted for the largest share of gross value of production at 30 percent, followed by Western Australian, South Australian, the Commonwealth and Queensland fisheries at 21, 17, 13 and 11% respectively.
‘Our Asian neighbours were the largest consumers of Australian seafood, with Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, China and Singapore accounting for 92% of Australia’s seafood exports – mostly crustacean and mollusc products. The total export value of the industry increased 10% in 2014-15 to $1.4 billion. It is great to see rising demand in overseas markets, not only for rock lobster, but for a range of other products, including salmon, tuna and abalone. Australia has an internationally renowned reputation as a supplier of safe, environmentally sustainable, high-quality seafood—it is pleasing to see it performing strongly.’
