Australia’s Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified Northern Prawn Fishery catches prawns off Australia’s northern coast between Cape York in Queensland and Cape Londonderry in Western Australia.
After a ‘cracker’ of a season, consumers can expect to see an abundant supply of Australian banana and tiger prawns on the market.
“This is good news for prawn lovers,” said the Chair of AFMA, the Hon Norman Moore.
“By buying seafood from the Northern Prawn Fishery, not only are you supporting local suppliers, but you can be assured that you are buying prawns that are sustainable and from a well-managed fishery.
“Through AFMA and industry working closely together, we are ensuring that current and future generations can continue to enjoy the Aussie tradition of a prawn feast at Christmas.”
David Carter, CEO of Austral Fisheries Pty Ltd, one of AFMA’s industry partners in the Northern Prawn Fishery, agreed that it has been a great season for Australian prawns.
“This year’s season has continued to surprise and delight,” said Mr Carter.
“After a pretty average wet season, the banana prawn catch went on to exceed expectation with a large amount of those prawns being sold to domestic markets and ready to feature on the Australian Christmas menu.”
Commonwealth managed fisheries, including the Northern Prawn Fishery, are in great shape. In fact, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences Fishery status report released in October this year showed that no fishery solely managed by the Commonwealth is subject to overfishing.
