Tag Archives: Mark Edwards
Southern crayfish industry impacted by Australia’s re-entry into Chinese market
The re-entry of Australian rock lobster into the Chinese market has adversely impacted on the southern rock lobster industry, with prices decreasing, an industry leader says. Australia was banned from exporting lobster and several other products to China in 2020, soon after then Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. However, in late 2024 China told Australia the live rock lobster trade could resume. Kathryn Bell, chief executive of the Cra8 Rock Lobster Industry Association which encompasses the lower South Island and south Westland, said in just five weeks 1500 tonnes of Australian lobster had entered the Chinese market — more than half of New Zealand’s total commercial catch for the year. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 12:46
Researcher urges caution on rock lobster catch limit increase
Seafood industry players say they will welcome an increase in catch limits for rock lobster and Pacific bluefin tuna if a proposal by the Oceans and Fisheries Minister gets the green light. However, a researcher is warning that increasing catch limits for rock lobsters is too risky. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has reviewed catch limits for spiny red rock lobster in the Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty region, known as CRA 2, as well as Otago or CRA 7, and for Pacific bluefin tuna in TOR 1 (all of New Zealand). Consultation opened on Friday. The rock lobster fisheries were valuable for the economy and culturally, Jones said. “The fisheries provide jobs, bring significant export income for New Zealand, and are popular with recreational fishers. It’s important that we strike the right balance between getting the most value possible from these fisheries while ensuring their sustainability. This is reflected in the proposals.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:52
