Christmas is the perfect time of year to support local seafood

The Albanese Labor Government is encouraging Australians to celebrate our nation’s incredible seafood industry by making their holiday meals fresh with local produce.

From prawns, lobsters and oysters to mussels and calamari, everything tastes better when it’s Aussie-grown.

Australia's seafood industry is swimming in success, with a catch worth more than $3.5 billion in 2023–24.  

Salmon led the pack with a value of $1.3 billion, followed by prawns ($484 million), rock lobster ($403 million), oysters ($173 million) and tuna ($165 million).  

This bounty not only provides delicious seafood for Australians, but also contributes vital nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids to the global food supply.

Helping spread the Christmas cheer this year is an agreed timetable with China for the full resumption of Australian live rock lobster exports.

This is positive news for the lobster industry and for Chinese consumers, who will have access to high-quality Australian live rock lobsters in time for Lunar New Year.  

The resumption of full Australian live rock lobster exports to China opens up trade that was previously worth over $700 million.

Quotes Attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“This holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy the best of what Australia has to offer.

“Christmas is a time for good food, great company, and fond memories made around the table. And when it comes to celebrating with a seafood spread, nothing beats local produce.

“Australians are hooked on seafood, with an average of 14kg consumed per person a year.

“Supporting Aussie producers is what helps harvest the joy this Christmas.

“Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on the hard work of the year, and to show our appreciation by choosing Aussie-made produce.”