New national seafood lobbying group created in AustraliaA new group has been formed in Australia with the goal of advocating on behalf of the seafood industry in that country.
Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) announced its creation on 22 March and is part of the United Seafood Industries Project (USIP) to create an organization that will serve as a united voice in representing Australia’s wild-catch, aquaculture and post-harvest sectors, which has a combined net production of AUD 2.8 billion (USD 2.1 billion, EUR 2 billion) per annum.
The organization will pursue government lobbying, industry unity and seafood promotion amongst Australian consumers. Its initial board of directors includes:
Chair: Veronica Papacosta (Director, Sydney Fresh Seafood, NSW)
Deputy Chair: Alex Ogg (Operations Manager, WAFIC, WA)
Marcus Stehr (Managing Director, Stehr Group, SA)
Renee Vajtauer (Executive Officer, Commonwealth Fisheries Association, VIC)
Matt West (President, Australian Prawn Farmer’s Association, QLD)
Barbara Konstas (Chief Executive Officer, Melbourne Seafood Centre, VIC)
Adam Main (Chief Executive Officer, Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association, TAS)
Markus Nolle (President, Victorian Rock Lobster Association, VIC)
Leonie Noble (President, Women’s Industry Network Seafood Community, WA)
Eric Perez (Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Seafood Industry Association, QLD)
Simon Boag (Executive Officer, South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association, VIC)
In a press release, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority said it welcomed the creation of SIA.
“Thanks to SIA’s formation, the important role of effectively representing the interests of seafood businesses across Australia can now begin with a strong and united voice,” AFMA CEO James Findlay said. “Australians can be proud of our seafood industry and I look forward to work with Seafood Industry Australia.”
