Australian fisheries and aquaculture growth stagnant

The gross value of Australian fisheries and aquaculture production (GVP) is barely growing according to the ABARES Australian fisheries and aquaculture statistics 2017 report.

ABARES Executive Director, Steve Hatfield-Dodds, said that gross production value of the industries increased by one per cent to AU$3.06 billion in 2016–17, mostly on the back of aquaculture.

“Aquaculture GVP increased by four per cent in 2016–17 to AU$1.35 billion. The increase in value was largely attributed to higher production value of salmonids, which increased by five per cent to $756 million,” said Hatfield-Dodds.

“In 2016–17, Tasmania had the largest GVP, accounting for 31 per cent of total fishery production value, followed by Western Australia (20 per cent) and South Australia (16 per cent).

“The gross value of Tasmanian fishery and aquaculture production increased by four per cent in 2016–17 to $947 million. Tasmanian fishery production has continued its increasing trend, driven by an expanding aquaculture industry.

“Overall value of fishery and aquaculture product exports declined by seven per cent in 2016–17 to $1.44 billion, largely reflecting lower export value of salmonids, pearls, tuna and rock lobster.

“Total value of fishery and aquaculture product exports was 24 per cent lower in real terms in 2016–17 compared with 2006–07.

“Wild-catch GVP also declined marginally in 2016–17, with a decline in the value of wild-caught finfish and crustaceans more than offset an increase in the value of wild-caught mollusc production.”