Seafood prices to reach all-time highs this Easter

Seafood experts are warning consumers to order their Easter seafood now or face missing out, with supply low and prices skyrocketing.

Massive supply shortages are set to send Easter seafood prices soaring, with consumers urged to put their orders in now to avoid missing out.

Terrible weather, Covid, rising petrol prices and increased overseas appetite has all led to less seafood in the market, with experts predicting demand will outweigh supply this year.

“Some prices are at the highest they’ve ever been in Australia,” said Peter Manettas from online retailer Manettas Seafood Market.

“With sustained pressure on the supply chain, pricing could increase anywhere from 10 all the way through to 30 or 40 per cent.”

Mr Manettas said salmon prices were particular high at the moment, up around 25 per cent to between $44-$49/kg, due to big overseas demand, and increased consumer demand brought on by the public turning to salmon over steak as meat prices rose across the country.

Wild weather across the country and into New Zealand, which supplies huge amounts of fish to Australia, has also meant many boats have simply been unable to go out, limiting catches.

On top of that, Mr Manettas said was a Covid wave sweeping through the fishing community, with crews stuck in isolation, grounding boats.

“We’re feeling it from all angles at the moment and I think the price will be sky-high this Easter,” he said.

Co-owner of Gambaro Seafood Restaurant, Frank Gambaro, alongside head chef, David Wissar with fresh seafood they offer at the restaurant. Picture: Zak Simmonds

John Gambaro from coveted Gambaro Seafood Restaurant in Brisbane’s Petrie Terrace agreed that it was an incredibly difficult time for the seafood industry and advised customers to book their orders through the restaurant quickly or avoid missing out.

“Catch quotas across the east coast are being meticulously controlled to ensure sustainability of future species, the recent floods impacting Moreton Bay catchment areas, and the skyrocketing costs of fuelling fishing boats are all contributing to fisherman being cautious about going out – and the current market situation,” he said.

Mr Manettas said the best buys for consumers would be Pacific oysters from Tasmania and South Australia, Lobsters from New South Wales and South Australia and Australian snapper and blue eye trevalla, with their prices due to remain stable.

Meanwhile, prawns, Sydney rock oysters and tuna would most likely see some of the biggest price spikes.

“You really need to lock in your orders as soon as possible because there will be a first come first serve basis on that product,” Mr Manettas said.

SEAFOOD PRICES

1. Pacific oysters - better value than Sydney rock oysters due to floods

medium size $22.00 per dozen; large size $27.80 per dozen

2. Prawns – Gold Coast Tiger Prawns - a sweeter tasting prawn and identifiable by their deep red colour - Gold Coast Tiger Prawns Cooked Large 35.99/kg

3. Lobster - any way you like, custom made to preference - live/cooked/garlic butter/mornay

Cooked Eastern Rock Lobster - $79.99 per lobster or Cooked Southern Rock Lobster - $94.00 per lobster

Lobster Mornay 800g-1kg size - $79.90/lobster mornay

4. Blue eye trevalla - prices remaining stable

$73.33/kg

5. Blue swimmer crab cooked $18.99 each

* All prices courtesy of Manettas.com.au