LAUNCESTON restaurants are refusing to buy southern rock lobsters, after the retail price soared to $115 a kilogram earlier this week.
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Renewed interest in southern rock lobsters from the Chinese has seen the price of the crayfish skyrocket.
While fishers are rejoicing, the price hike has hit distributors hard.
Hallam’s Seafood Restaurant, Stillwater, Snappers Restaurant and Brisbane Street Bistro have all temporarily removed southern rock lobster from their menus due to the price.
Brisbane Street Bistro owner Terry Fidler said it just didn’t make sense to stock southern rock lobster.
‘‘As much as I’d like to offer them, we just can’t afford them,’’ he said.
‘‘I won’t buy them if they’re any more than $70 – it doesn’t make sense. If a crayfish is costing $100 to buy, that means you’re only giving people half a cray each without even touching it and adding garnish, or sauce, or sides. To make a reasonable return, I have to charge about $70 for them.’’
After tumultuous seasons in recent years, following quota cuts and restricted access, Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association president John Sansom believes the tide is finally turning for fishers.
Mr Sansom has thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping and believes it was the President’s visit to Tasmania earlier this year that sparked the industry resurgence.
‘‘Thank you very much, Mr President,’’ Mr Sansom said.
‘‘Our seafood has a certain commodity to it and it’s always going to be in demand in different parts of the world.
‘‘At the moment the higher demand is in China and the Australian dollar is getting lower all the time, so fishermen are experiencing a resurgence.
‘‘It’s all about market forces. It probably won’t be the same story in a couple of months’ time – it’s very unpredictable.’’