THE price of southern rock lobsters has skyrocketed, sparking concerns for state seafood distributors who stand to lose thousands of dollars this summer.
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The crayfish are worth $115 a kilogram, thanks to strong interest from Chinese buyers.
While Tasmanian fishers are obviously happy about the price increase, distributors are feeling the pinch.
Kings Meadows Kyeema Seafoods manager Kristy Wilson said the business was expecting a bad result this summer.
‘‘We sold about a ton and a half of rock lobster in 2011, but we’re only expecting to sell about 750 kilograms this year.
‘‘In 2011 they were about $65 per kilo and we made a lot more money from the lower price.
‘‘We’ve noticed sales a lot lower already. People just can’t afford them.’’
Mrs Wilson said interest from China meant Tasmanian fishers could basically charge whatever they wanted locally.
‘‘The farmers are charging $115 for lobsters in China, so why wouldn’t they do the same here?
‘‘People still want lobsters, so I guess they’ll buy them if they really want them. We’re just hoping people buy a lot more prawns to make up for the loss.’’
