Quota decreases to aid sustainability, a battle with sea urchins destroying rock lobster habitat and toxic algal blooms are some of the major issues to have plagued the multimillion-dollar fishing sector and its employees in recent times.

Now, the rock lobster and abalone industries are under pressure due to a restriction of movement impacting imports from its lucrative customer - China.

China has placed an embargo on travel in and out of parts of the country as authorities look to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

It is an event the seafood industry could not have predicted. The impact on Tasmania is just an unfortunate consequence.

The state has a long and proud fishing history with many commercial fishers hard-working family enterprises right around the state's regional coastlines.

And in times like these, when unpredictable circumstances eventuate, it is important Tasmanians support each other.

Due to the Chinese demand, the price of rock lobster and other kinds of seafood is out of reach for many Tasmanians on a day-to-day basis.

Prices have reduced significantly since Saturday's Chinese import halt to help fishers get rid of the thousands of live rock lobsters in stock, Australian Southern Rock Lobster Exporters Association's Michael Blake and Bicheno Lobster Shack's owners are encouraging Tasmanians and restaurants to buy local.

But to safeguard the industry now and into the future, diversification into other international markets may be needed, as Senator Jonathon Duniam has suggested.

It is good to have such a good trading partner in China, which is willing to pay top dollar, but it is also good to have insurance with other markets when hurdles emerge.

That goes for any industry.

Let's hope the import ban doesn't last long, individuals and hospitality businesses buy up and other export markets can be found for an industry vital to the broader economy.