The deadly Coronavirus has closed the Tasmanian crayfish market to China forcing local fishermen to sell locally

If you’re keen to get your hands on some cheap crays, head to Margate wharf for live crayfish sold straight from fishing boats. The coronavirus outbreak has forced the cancellation of Tasmanian Rock Lobster sales to the Chinese market, leaving them open slather for locals.

The Cray boat F.V Chieftain is docked at the Margate Wharf selling Crayfish that cannot be exported at this time due to an outbreak of Coronavirus. It is also the Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year so many of our Asian residents and visitors were there to pick up a bargain for their celebrations. Deck hand Bryce Way hands a couple to customer, Jack Liu. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

SCORES of Tasmanians and holiday-goers have flocked to Hobart docks to buy live crayfish straight from fishing boats, after the Coronavirus outbreak forced cancellation of Tasmanian Rock Lobster sales to the Chinese market.

Crew onboard the Chieftain arrived into Margate Wharf on Saturday with a boatload of Tasmanian Rocklobster bound for China that now must be sold locally after they were told the export market closed.

Chieftain supervisor Arie Jack-Patrick said he his crew had been working tirelessly since 8am on Saturday selling crayfish to a constant long line of customers.

“We’re hopeful to sell 800 crays by the end of Saturday, which will leave us with 1000 that we will hopefully be able to sell over the next couple days,” he said.

The Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China, is thought to be the starting point for the virus outbreak.

It’s understood Chinese restaurants have cancelled seafood orders following the outbreak.

A State Government spokesman said no other Tasmanian export markets were believed to be impacted.

Mr Jack-Patrick said the market closure was a “real kick in the guts” to the commercial business.

“We had an awesome trip around the East Coast, we steamed in to find that the export markets had shut down,” he said.

”We were coming in expecting a good price because there were boats unloading for $90kg and we’re now going to be lucky to scratch $70-75 per kilo. It’s going to be a $4000 kick in the bum.

“This is our money time of the year and through winter we earn bugger-all. We really count on this period, especially the Chinese New Year which is massive for us.”

Another cray fisherman Kerry Tatnell told the Mercury he and his family would need to sell about 2700 rock lobsters, saying “if we can’t sell, our crew won’t be paid”.

Sasha the Biosecurity detector dog demonstrates her skills for minister Guy Barnett and her handler Natalie Webb. Picture: Grant Wells.

Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett on Saturday encouraged Tasmanians to support the state’s fishermen by purchasing crayfish.

We are working very closely with the Tasmanian Rock lobster Fisherman’s Association, Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council, processors and the Australian Government to better understand the market impacts on local businesses,” he said.

“We are also considering what short and long term fishery management options we have locally to support our commercial fishers.

“Consumers are reminded that commercially caught rock lobster can be bought directly from fishers and from seafood outlets and must have a government issued tag attached and you should be issued a receipt.”

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Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council chief Executive Julian Harrington said it could be days until it’s known how long Tasmanian produce will be closed to the Chinese market.

“The priority right now is to see how we can best support our fishermen and process the holding stock,” he said.

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