The South Australian Seafood Industry is an integral component of the South Australian community and way of life. Fishing began with settlement and one of the States icon is King George whiting and a signature dish in SA, salt and pepper squid, is second to none!
Approximately 1.3 million South Australian¡¯s consume seafood but choose not to go fishing. The numerous individual commercial fishing businesses ensure everyone has the ability to enjoy clean and safe produce from Aussie oceans!
These fishing businesses are generally family enterprises that operate throughout regional SA. For multiple generations these fishers have been battling the wind, waves and tides to ensure you have a fresh supply of local seafood available for your BBQ, Christmas lunch or at your favourite restaurant!
The SA Seafood Industry in 2005-06 had a retail value of AUD$519 million (AUD$194 million wildcatch and AUD$325 million aquaculture). This production directly generates approximately 6000 jobs in SA. Along with the direct jobs (catching, processing and retailing seafood), there are supporting industries that rely heavily on the commercial seafood industry, e.g. ship chandlers, fuel, transport and packaging companies. Moreover, given the family business there is likely to be high proportion of unpaid employees.
Not only is the SA Seafood Industry important economically, seafood is vital for our health and well being. More and more research is showing that we should consume seafood 1-2 times per week to maintain our health. Seafood is a rich source of omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids which are critical for a healthy heart, immune system, brain function and overall health and longevity. Your access to the health benefits of seafood is provided through the commercial fishing licence holders.
Fishers are ¡°on-the-water¡± daily. They are also the custodians of the marine environment. They have a vested interest in the long term sustainable harvest of the resource and they take their responsibility very seriously. The Industry has initiated and implemented numerous voluntary programs to ensure the future sustainability of the industry, for example codes of best practice, environmental management systems, self-funded industry re-structure programs.
The seafood industry is managed under one overarching guideline: Ecologically Sustainable Development or ESD. The SA industry is regulated under the Fisheries Act 1982, however the legislation is currently being reviewed and is expected to finalised in 2007. All Australian export fisheries are also regulated with the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This legislation specifies that fisheries management must account for both the target species and the whole ecosystem.
With such a diverse and rich industry that provides a wealth of services and benefits it is not a wonder that South Aussies are passionate about their seafood and the wonderful fishers that risk life and limb to supply it fresh daily!
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