9000 Tonnes Of Farmed Tuna To Japan But Market Still Expanding

AUSTRALIA - Japan will buy most of the 9000 tonnes of tuna harvested this season from Port Lincoln tuna farms but markets around the world are opening up.

Tuna Boat Owners Association president Brian Jeffriess said a small amount of tuna was now being sold to markets in North America.

It could be a sign of things to come for the Port Lincoln-based industry that has traditionally aimed the product at the Japanese market.

Mr Jeffriess pointed out that it was still a relatively new industry but the potential could be likened to cattle and grain industries in Australia.

"We have only been in this (farming) business for 10 years," he said.

"The increase in consumption of tuna, non-canned, is immense." Tuna is sold in Japan primarily as sashimi and was formally a luxury food item.

Source: Port Lincoln Times