With Australians expected to consume at least 22,000 tonnes of prawns during this year’s festive period, enough to fill 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools, new data from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) finds that 63% of the country’s wild-caught prawns are certified as sustainable to the organisation’s standard.
Six fisheries catching nine prawn species are now certified to the MSC Fisheries Standard, with the Ocean King Prawn Fishery Company based in Hervey Bay the latest prawn fishery certified in October this year. It will be the only certified prawn fishery operating into Christmas.
“Our prawn fisheries operate under the world’s most stringent sustainability standards, ensuring that every prawn is not just delicious but also responsibly sourced,” Fishtales Director John Susman said.
The abundance of MSC-certified banana prawns from Australia’s Northern Prawn Fishery due to heavy rainfall in early 2023 means shoppers can expect significant savings. Coles are selling MSC certified banana prawns as low as AUD 14 per kg, compared with at least AUD 20 per kg in previous years.
“The average weight of prawns purchased by Australians at each shopping trip usually peaks at 1.3 kg in December. This year, with prawns in plentiful supply, Australians are encouraged to put more on the table. Make it 2kg or take home a 5kg box of prawns frozen at sea, keep it in the freezer, and enjoy on long summer days,” Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries Executive Officer Rachel King, Executive Officer said.
Therese Murphy from the Ocean King Prawn Company which will be fishing for prawns right up to Christmas Eve is urging shoppers to request MSC certified prawns when shopping.
“As our first year holding MSC certification, we’re able to supply our customers with top quality, delicious seafood, with the added assurance that our prawns are sustainably caught,” she said.
Knowing what to look for is crucial, according to MSC Programme Director of Oceania and Singapore Anne Gabriel.
“Look for credible labels such as the MSC blue fish tick which give assurance all the way through the supply chain that your seafood comes from an independently certified sustainable fishery meeting the MSC’s global sustainability requirements,” she said.
“Aussies can feel proud that by continuing to choose MSC certified sustainable prawns now, we’re safeguarding future supplies of affordable prawns at Christmas well into the future.”
In Australia, 28 fisheries representing 52% of the wild marine catch and covering 38 species are MSC-certified.
