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Queensland’s most economically valuable fishery has been granted a new three-year Commonwealth export approval, ensuring ongoing access to vital international markets and support for the state’s regional communities and businesses.
The East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) produces world-class seafood from a variety of species such as tiger prawns, Endeavour prawns, king prawns and Moreton Bay bugs.
It generates an annual value upwards of $100 million and access to export markets is vital for the fishery’s ongoing success, with approximately 40 per cent — equating to $40 million — sent to overseas markets, such as Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States.
“Our fisheries produce the highest-quality, sustainable seafood and we encourage all Queenslanders to buy locally-caught seafood and seafood products, and support your local retailers during this festive season,” said Pauline Jacob, Fisheries Queensland deputy-director and Chair of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum said.
“Queensland fisheries are among the most sustainable in the world and governed by the most stringent regulations. This view is endorsed by AFMF, which comprises a national network of fisheries management leaders.”
The ECOTF supports around 1,300 full-time equivalent jobs working out of ports from Port Douglas in the far north down to the Gold Coast in the south.
“We’re proud to work with an industry that is working very hard to supply quality, sustainable seafood to consumers not only in Queensland, but across the globe,” said Jacob.
