Our seafood labelling laws still lead the way

RESULTS of three years of surveys have validated what seafood lovers have been saying for some time; Territorian’s prefer NT seafood and want seafood clearly labelled with its origin

Jill Johnson from Frying Nemo loves serving up Territory seafood. Picture: IVAN RACHMAN

RESULTS of three years of surveys have validated what seafood lovers have been saying for some time; Territorian’s prefer NT seafood and want seafood clearly labelled with its origin.

“Three annual consumer surveys have confirmed a growing value, respect and worth felt by Territorians for NT seafood,” NT Seafood Council CEO Katherine Winchester said.

“It is fantastic to see a continued increase in awareness of the professional seafood industry and that 99.2 per cent of the respondents in 2015 have a preference for NT-labelled seafood over other available seafood.”

She said strengthening consumer awareness through the Support NT Caught campaign and education about NT seafood labelling laws has helped increase support.

“Results of the survey are having direct impacts on business practices with many venues now labelling seafood with their Australian origin,” Mrs Winchester said.

“This proactive approach has further raised the education and understanding about the range of NT seafood available.”

Darwin fish and chip shop Frying Nemo is a big fan of NT seafood.

“Our menu and seasonal specials give customers the opportunity to experience more than a dozen different species of Northern Territory fish throughout the year,” Frying Nemo’s Eddie Willoughby-Smith said. “We have seen customers develop their taste awareness and increase their understanding of the different fish varieties and variations of flavour from the diverse range of Territory fish available.

“The feedback we have received from local, interstate and international customers is that they very much appreciate the opportunity to experience and taste the range of quality seafood that is locally caught in the Darwin region.”

Mrs Winchester said the surveys showed most Territorians recognised the value the NT seafood industry plays in delivering benefits to employment, seafood awareness and the NT image.

“The Territory continues to lead Australia with respect to seafood labelling laws that require dining venues to clearly label seafood as ‘imported’, or with its country of origin if it is not harvested in Australia, a law that 96 per cent of respondents on average said directly influences their choice for any dining occasion,” she said.