Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam is urging Tasmanians to support local businesses this Easter by eating local seafood.

Easter is becoming less about fish and more about all of our great Australian seafood.

Assistant Minister Duniam said Good Friday has long been associated with eating fish, but Aussies were now turning more and more to including mussels, oysters and calamari on their Easter seafood shopping list.

“I’m buoyed by industry reports of an anticipated spike in the demand for Australian seafood this Easter, especially in prawns, oysters and lobsters,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.

“Mussels, octopus and calamari are also becoming increasingly popular because they offer great value for money and people are becoming more confident in preparing them.

“We used to see 60-70 per cent of consumers purchasing fish, but now a wide variety of our succulent local seafood has established its place on tables around the country.

“Australian seafood is delicious, high-quality, healthy and sustainable, now and for future generations.

“The Morrison Government committed $4 million for Australia’s first industry-led campaign –  Great Australian Seafood.

“Since the campaign launched in November 2020, Seafood Industry Australia has found that 75 per cent of people who saw the ad have been motivated to take action and 25 per cent increased their seafood purchase.

“This Easter, I encourage all Australians to reflect on how fantastically resilient our fishers and aquaculture producers are and to make a conscious effort to consider the provenance of their purchases and buy local in a show of support for Australian seafood.

“Industry has been up against it these past 12 months with COVID and trade disruptions impacting production, but the latest five year ABARES outlook is positive, which is welcome news for all.

“Our thoughts are with those fishers and producers, our oyster growers especially, impacted by the recent storms and floods in New South Wales and Queensland.

“The Australian Government is committed to supporting our fisheries and aquaculture industries.

“Last year Australians enjoyed a different type of Easter as we entered COVID lockdowns, now we are entering a post-COVID world and largely an easing of restrictions means families are coming together to celebrate.

“We have the best seafood in the world right here on our doorstep, and I encourage all Australians to support our industry this Easter.”