Australia has one of the world’s largest fishing zones but only produces just a small share of the global seafood quantities. Australia produces just a small 0.14% of global seafood despite its large share of fishing zones.
Over the last six decades, global seafood consumption has increased to currently provide approximately 20% of the world’s annual protein intake. Australia’s contribution to seafood production is paltry compared to China’s 36%, Indonesia’s 7% and Vietnam’s 5% contribution.
Australia’s dependence on imported seafood particularly low-cost products is shifting environmental and social impact elsewhere. A good number of producing nations have weaker environmental and ethical oversight frameworks.
Fisheries and aquaculture in these nations can be ecologically intensive amplifying negative impact on marine species, marine ecosystems, and livelihoods.
Stakeholders call for coordinated action including increased investment in domestic commercial fishing and aquaculture as well as robust regulatory reforms that balance sustainable production against economic viability.
