Limestone Coast lobster fishers have welcomed a grant of $1.275m for Seafood Industry Australia from the Federal Government to continue developing and expanding our global markets.

The funding will focus on existing, new, emerging, and high growth potential markets building off the Seafood Industry Export Market Strategic Plan.

South Eastern Professional Fishermen’s Association Executive Officer Nathan Kimber said fishers welcomed the announcement to develop and expand global markets for seafood products like Southern Rock Lobster.

“SEPFA hopes the grant will go some way to alleviating the challenges the rock lobster industry has faced as a result of trade, market and supply chain disruptions over the past two years,” Mr Kimber said.

“The rock lobster industry looks forward to engaging with SIA to ensure the grant funds projects that will derive the best possible outcomes for the Australian seafood industry.”

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the grant would help implement the Australian Seafood Industry Export Market Strategic Plan, focusing on high priority sectors such as rock lobster and abalone, and provide greater access to markets for smaller producers.

“The project will continue to promote the ‘Great Australian Seafood’ brand, which was funded by the Australian Government under the $1b COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund,” he said.

“The ‘Great Australian Seafood’ brand will be developed and introduced internationally, including in established and emerging markets such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, the US and the UK.

“By building up the Great Australian Seafood brand, we can tell the rest of the world what we already know – that Australian seafood is the best in the world.”