Limestone Coast fishers have scored a much-needed win as southern rock lobster exports expand into South Korea.

After being locked out of Chinese markets, causing beach prices to crash, the expansion comes at a critical time for Australian rock lobster producers.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said South Korea was a promising and growing market for Australian seafood.

“Australian seafood is some of the best in the world, so it is exciting to see it expand to new markets providing more opportunities for Australian seafood producers,” Mr Pasin said.

“Our producers are able to meet South Korea’s demand for premium and sustainably caught seafood.

“This new market access will allow live, frozen and chilled southern rock lobster from the South East to be exported for consumption.

“Improving market access for our seafood exporters is a priority for the government.”

The Australian Government has invested $85.9m through the Agribusiness Expansion Initiative (ABEI) to grow and diversify agricultural exports.

This includes investment in the short-term placement of an additional Australian agricultural counsellor in Seoul to support seafood exports to South Korea.