Australia is enjoying its best scallop season in 15 years.
“This season’s catch yielded healthy scallops throughout the entire 2016 season, so it is not surprising that the domestic market was very strong and demand for exports was high,” Australian Fisheries Management Authority CEO James Findlay said.
Research completed in early 2016 resulted in the total allowable catch (TAC) for the fishery to be set at its highest level in six years. The scallops are caught in the Bass Strait between Tasmania and Victoria. While they can also be caught in coastal waters, the fishery in central Bass Strait is managed by AFMA.
“It was a very pleasing and successful season, both for industry and the consumer, and there is every indication that next year should be good as well,” said Allan Barnett of Allan Barnett Fishing Co. Pty Ltd.
The scallop fishery opened 22 July and closed on 31 December, 2016.
“Thanks to monitoring of the stock in recent years, the fishery is in great shape, which is not only good news for us as operators, but for scallop lovers across Australia,” Findlay said. “The good supply this season would not have been possible without AFMA and industry working together with scientists to conduct scallop stock surveys, and importantly, ensure that the stock continues to remain healthy.”
