A new national organization for seafood businesses in Australia, Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), officially launched on 9 June.
"SIA has been formed to have more influence with government decisions, to act as a national industry voice, to be a marketing and communications hub, and to remove obstacles to sustainable growth of the seafood industry,” SIA Board Chair Veronica Papacosta said.
The Australian seafood industry should “acknowledge and be acknowledged for its contribution to Australian society by providing healthy, clean, sustainable, high quality seafood and real jobs in regional Australia and our capital cities,” SIA said a statement.
“Australian seafood is amongst the best in the world and Seafood Industry Australia will be a constant advocate for our seafood industry both nationally and abroad,” Papacosta said.
Nearly 100 industry businesses and associations pledged funds to form SIA, the culmination of two years of work. SIA also received “unwavering support” from Senator Anne Ruston, the assistant minister for agriculture and water resources.
“SIA has been designed by the industry and for the industry,” the organization said. "Individual businesses and associations from across the wild, aquaculture and post-harvest sectors can join SIA."
