Chinese ban imports of Australian lobsters
PRICES for lobsters have plummeted, forcing many fishermen to halt operations because of China's shock ban on Australian imports of the seafood delicacy.
PRICES for lobsters have plummeted, forcing many fishermen to halt operations because of China's shock ban on Australian imports of the seafood delicacy.
The state's $80 million export industry is reeling after China imposed the ban on imports of all Australian lobsters without explanation, and the State Government is now considering extending the season.
The "beach price" paid to fishermen is so low many have stopped going out. South East Professional Fishermans Association president Joel Redman said it was not worth fishing "for the sort of price that's being offered".
"It's extremely concerning, for not just South Australia but the whole country, that China is not accepting imports of our lobster," he said.
South Australian Fisheries Minister Michael O'Brien said he would extend the commercial rock lobster fishing season by one month if the Chinese ban was not quickly resolved.
Mr O'Brien said he was seriously concerned about the economic impact of the unexplained ban on the $80 million export industry.
"I have called South Australian trade officials in Hong Kong and Shanghai to request information about why these barriers have suddenly emerged," Mr O'Brien said.
"I held talks on Monday with representatives of professional fishermen and the Government is represented today at a meeting of processors and exporters in Mt Gambier."
Three generations of the Ferguson family have fished for Southern Rock Lobster.
Lobster licence holder and processor Andrew Ferguson said the problem with China came up every year, but this year it had gone on longer than normal. "We've been shut out of the Chinese market until our importers sort things out," he said.
"It would have been a lot easier if we did have a free trade agreement with China."
The price to fishers has varied over the past 10 days from $60kg down to $45kg.
Cooked lobsters are selling to the public at $65kg.