I encourage Tasmanians to support our fishers by buying a cray for Australia Day.
Tasmanians may see increased numbers of rock lobsters for sale locally as a result of sales to the Chinese market being cancelled.
China is the major market for Tasmania’s southern rock lobster with local fishers normally relying on valuable sales during Chinese New Year celebrations.
Our advice is that while there is no trade ban, local restrictions on movement in China associated with the coronavirus outbreak, are impacting the sale of rock lobsters and potentially abalone into China.
We are working very closely with the Tasmanian Rock lobster Fisherman’s Association, Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council, processors and the Australian Government to better understand the market impacts on local businesses.
We are also considering what short and long term fishery management options we have locally to support our commercial fishers.
Rock lobsters are already available this weekend direct to the public at Cambridge, Margate Wharf, local seafood outlets and potentially at other locations.
Consumers are reminded that commercially caught rock lobster can be bought directly from fishers and from seafood outlets and must have a government issued tag attached and you should be issued a receipt.
More Media Releases from Guy Barnett
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water