North Queensland barramundi battered by Asian imports

The local aquaculture industry is facing some stiff competition as a flood of imported barramundi from South East Asia. Up to 8000 tons of barramundi is imported from Indonesia, Vietnam and Burma each year where seafood farming regulations are far less stringent. Marty Phillips of the Australian Barramundi Farmers Association believes that, for the public, being able to tell the difference between local and imported fish is key to supporting home-grown product.

"We import twice the amount we grow," Mr Phillips said. "It is tough because of course the imported fish is much cheaper.  "There are a lot more environmental regulations here but that’s reflected in the quality."  His comments are backed by Kevin Walsh of Pantacchini’s Wholesale Seafood in Cairns, who said the locally produced fish was far superior but without imported product, he would not be able to keep up with demand. Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Aquaculturists, published and supported by the International Aquafeed Magazine from Perendale Publishers. To get your copy of 'PPLAPP' click here.