Tasmania’s fisheries production value has jumped to almost one third of the national total, according to the latest report on the nation’s fisheries.
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The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) report said Tasmania had the largest gross value of fish production at $947 million for the 2016-17 year, with Western Australia in second place at 20 per cent.
“Tasmania’s production increased substantially in real terms. This resulted in an increase in share from 22 per cent in 2006–07 to 31 per cent in 2016–17. This was a result of significant growth in the aquaculture industry, particularly in salmonid production.”
However the production value of the state’s wild catch overall declined.
“The gross value for Tasmanian wild-catch fell by 4 per cent in 2016–17 to $176 million,” the report said.
“Rock lobster production declined because of lower catch and a fall in average unit values. In contrast, the value of wild-caught abalone production increased by 5 per cent to $84 million, reflecting an increase in average price.”
The gross value of aquaculture rose 6 per cent in 2016–17 to $771 million, with salmonids accounting for 96 per cent.
Assistant Agriculture and Water Resources Minister Richard Colbeck said Australian seafood came from some of the cleanest, safest and best managed fisheries in the world.
“For the seafood lover, my home state of Tasmania has plenty to offer,” Mr Colbeck said.
“With its clean and pristine waters, Tasmanians enjoy locally-caught Southern Rock Lobster, oysters, mussels and abalone, and share much of their premium catch with the world.”
ABARES’ most recent Fishery status reports show no fish stock solely managed by the Commonwealth was subject to overfishing for the fifth year in a row.
“This is further evidence that Australia’s fisheries management is a remarkable success, and a shining example internationally,” he said.
“When Aussie families buy seafood sourced from Commonwealth-managed fisheries, they’re supporting best-practice fisheries management that keeps our oceans well stocked for future generations of seafood lovers.”