Lobster prices along the South East coast did not spike ahead of the Chinese New Year celebrations on Tuesday.
The Year of the Tiger began on February 1 but there was none of the usual keen demand from overseas and domestic markets to drive up prices.
“Beach” prices per kilo have recently ranged from $35 to $50 with returns ebbing and flowing since the season began in mid-September.
Industry insiders believe catch rates are high and anticipate few of the 170 Southern Zone licence holders will roll over their 2021/22 quota entitlements into next season.
Mainland China banned the lucrative imports of Australian lobsters in 2020 but there are widespread rumours the local fish are still entering this country via the black market.
Retailers in South Australia are currently charging their customers $85 per kilogram and this is a slight increase on a month ago.
