Media Release: Launch of peak Australian seafood body

Australia has a peak national body for the seafood industry – Seafood Industry Australia.

​Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Anne Ruston, launched Seafood Industry Australia in Adelaide today, delivering yet another Coalition government election promise. 

"We have been working closely with the commercial seafood sector to establish this peak national seafood industry body," Minister Ruston said. 

"With the support of more than 100 organisations and individuals, Seafood Industry Australia will be a strong advocate for the industry on issues of national importance to the seafood sector."

Seafood Industry Australia will promote the industry to the wider Australian community and gauge public sentiment about fishing activities and the management of Australia's marine environment.

"With good reason, consumers love their Australian seafood – it's sourced from the best managed, most sustainable fisheries in the world," Minister Ruston said.

"For three consecutive years now, no solely Commonwealth-managed fishery has been subject to overfishing. 

"Australia's seafood industry also generates $2.8 billion in economic activity and directly employs more than 14,000 people. 

"It's vital that industry and the Turnbull Government continue to work together to improve our fisheries management. The launch of Seafood Industry Australia today is a positive step in that direction." 

The Board of Seafood Industry Australia has expertise in wild-catch, aquaculture and post-harvest sectors, including retailers and exporters. 

Inaugural board members include Veronica Papacosta (Chairperson), Marshall Betzel, Chauncey Hammond, Dennis Holder, Mark Ryan, Marcus Stehr and Belinda Wilson.