The Retail Sale And Consumption Of Seafood In Melbourne
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$175,000.00
Summary
Many seafood retailers, wholesalers and importers have approached the applicant over the past year for information on aggregate retail sales, main species for in home and out of home consumption and consumer attitudes to various key factors. However we have had to refer people to the National Seafood Consumption Study report of 1992 and the Sydney retail sale and consumption study of 1999. This is an unsatisfactory situation for the industry and government agencies to be in as there have been ma ....Many seafood retailers, wholesalers and importers have approached the applicant over the past year for information on aggregate retail sales, main species for in home and out of home consumption and consumer attitudes to various key factors. However we have had to refer people to the National Seafood Consumption Study report of 1992 and the Sydney retail sale and consumption study of 1999. This is an unsatisfactory situation for the industry and government agencies to be in as there have been many changes in Melbourne since 1991 and the Sydney study of 1999 has limited value for those interested in today’s Melbourne scene.
Up to date market and consumer information is also needed to underpin the various industry and species R & D plans and strategies listed on the FRDC website and to provide reliable trade information (qualitative and quantitative) for government agencies and committees developing fisheries and aquaculture management plans.
Given the many changes in eating habits and the business environment (food supply and demand, including aquaculture species) over the past decade there is a need for detailed up to date reliable information on the retail trade and consumption of seafood in Melbourne to to guide the whole supply chain, including fishers and farmers, on consumer wants and attitudes.
The changes in the ethnic mix of retailers and greater use of imported species by these retailers and their customers also warrant research. Industry could also use the data to make better use of the under-utilised species as well as the better known species. There is a growing need to examine consumer attitudes to aquaculture species, animal welfare, food safety, environmental issues and ecolabelling (which are all gaining more media attention each day) and their impact on the seafood trade. Objectives: 1. To measure the quantity and species/types of seafood consumed in home and out of home 2. To document consumer attitudes to key factors affecting seafood purchases and consumption 3. To gather reliable information on the species, source and volume of seafood sold by various types of retail outlets. 4. Examine and document retailers purchases, behaviour and attitudes to key factors (eg wild/farmed) 5. Examine and document the the current status of supply chain management from Victorian fishers and farmers to retailer. 6. Propose actions which can be taken individually and collaboratively by fishers, farmers and others in the whole supply chain to increase sales and consumer satisfaction in a more profitable manner. Read moreRead less
Seafood CRC: Maximising The Quality Of Australian Wild-caught Prawns (Quality Assurance)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$177,179.94
Summary
Despite overwhelming support for industry investment to implement the national prawn market development strategy developed by Brand Council (CRC 2011/736), a major aligned industry concern was the inconsistent quality of, in particular wild caught prawns, and how this inconsistency may have the potential to negatively impact the market development activities. The Australian wild catch prawn industry is widely distributed and characterised by variation in geography, target species, operating/h ....Despite overwhelming support for industry investment to implement the national prawn market development strategy developed by Brand Council (CRC 2011/736), a major aligned industry concern was the inconsistent quality of, in particular wild caught prawns, and how this inconsistency may have the potential to negatively impact the market development activities. The Australian wild catch prawn industry is widely distributed and characterised by variation in geography, target species, operating/harvest systems, size of vessel and operator capabilities. Additionally, there can be high staff turnover, language and cultural differences and literacy issues. This leads to inconsistent product harvesting, brining, cooling, preserving, packaging and grading and/or inappropriate processing, which causes inconsistent product quality. Such quality issues can be exacerbated by poor handling at both retailer and consumer level.
While prawn quality standards have previously been created, there has been little integration, acceptance or uptake of these standards and associated training by indutry More often, standards have been created at fishery, company and vessel level, or are at the request of down chain partners. With considerable industry investment to both develop and implement the national Australian prawn strategy, there is now a greater incentive for the production of a consistent quality product to underpin the Australian prawn strategy messages/activities and ensure the best possible prawn experience for consumers.
Objectives: 1. The Australian prawn market development strategy is underpinned by supply of a consistent, high quality product. 2. To establish, trial, and evaluate the impact of a national, whole of chain, prawn quality program for grading, shelf-life, appearance and provenance of Australian prawns. Read moreRead less
A Study Of The Retail Sale And In-home Consumption Of Seafood In Sydney
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$115,000.00
Summary
Given the many changes to the business environment and eating habits in Sydney since the National Fish Consumption Study, particularly this year, there is a need for up to date reliable information on the retail sale and in home consumption of seafood in Sydney to comprehend and overcome this reported downturn in seafood retail sales and for long term planning for the producers and marketers of seafood.
This information would also allow industry to make better use of underutilised seafo ....Given the many changes to the business environment and eating habits in Sydney since the National Fish Consumption Study, particularly this year, there is a need for up to date reliable information on the retail sale and in home consumption of seafood in Sydney to comprehend and overcome this reported downturn in seafood retail sales and for long term planning for the producers and marketers of seafood.
This information would also allow industry to make better use of underutilised seafood species which are currently not fetching high prices. With the growing number of Vietnamese and Korean fish shops in Sydney, some importing fresh seafood from Vietnam, and the growing interest in ethnic foods, import replacement with our underutilised species is of great importance.
Australia as a whole can benefit from the results of this research because Sydney is the major domestic market for seafood, wild caught or farm grown, in all states.
The Olympics in Sydney in the year 2000 places even greater importance on having reliable information for sound planning for future seafood needs. This study on the retail sector would complement an earlier study on the seafood demand from the catering sector undertaken by the applicant for the FRDC last year. Objectives: 1. To measure retail sales and in-home consumption of seafood in Sydney: examine the species and volumes purchased by consumers; 2. Examine the factors influencing consumer decisions to buy/not buy; 3. Examine retailer's purchases, behaviour and attitudes; 4. Propose actions which can be taken to increase the sale and consumption of Australian seafoods, particularly underutilised species, in a profitable manner for both the producers and retailers. Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Providing Social Science Objectives And Indicators To Compare Management Options In The Queensland Trawl Planning Process
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$95,000.00
Summary
Fisheries management has mostly been directed by economic and ecological objectives. With the introduction of the call for triple bottom line assessments of industry and government performance, a need for social objectives has become apparent which has remained largely unaddressed in terms of integration into management plans for specific fisheries.
In addition, consideration of social impacts of different management options are very important for the Queensland trawl fishery. The rea ....Fisheries management has mostly been directed by economic and ecological objectives. With the introduction of the call for triple bottom line assessments of industry and government performance, a need for social objectives has become apparent which has remained largely unaddressed in terms of integration into management plans for specific fisheries.
In addition, consideration of social impacts of different management options are very important for the Queensland trawl fishery. The reason for this is that the fishery ranges from having communities where trawling is the major source of income to the opposite case where trawling is only a minor component of the community activities and income. The fishery also spans almost the whole length of the eastern Queensland coast with a complex multi-species, multi-fleet fishery which is worth about $100M - Queensland's most valuable fishery. Management options need to balance community, economic and biological needs. Any changes to the management of the fishery can substantially change the biological status of stocks, fishery profitability but also equity between fleets and communities.
Queensland DEEDI are presently developing a new draft Plan for comment and input to this is essential and urgent.
There is therefore a need for specific social objectives and associated relevant indicators for Queensland DEEDI to use in the development of management plans and the assessment of them.
Objectives: 2. Test and verify applicability of social objectives and indicators using semi-quantitative analyses with stakeholder groups 3. Identify social objective and indicators of relevance to the Queensland trawl fishery Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Measuring Dropout Rates From Commercial Demersal Gillnets In Western Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$63,280.00
Summary
Demersal scalefish species account for between 11 and 17% of the total catch composition of the Western Australian Temperate Gillnet Fishery (1994 to 1999). Scalefish landings for 2005/06 amounted to 236t in the JASDGDLMF and the WCDGDLMF.
While demersal scalefish are a legitimate component of the catch, strong concern has been raised by the recreational sector, that considerable numbers of scalefish are dropping out of commercial gillnets, particularly iconic species such as West Aust ....Demersal scalefish species account for between 11 and 17% of the total catch composition of the Western Australian Temperate Gillnet Fishery (1994 to 1999). Scalefish landings for 2005/06 amounted to 236t in the JASDGDLMF and the WCDGDLMF.
While demersal scalefish are a legitimate component of the catch, strong concern has been raised by the recreational sector, that considerable numbers of scalefish are dropping out of commercial gillnets, particularly iconic species such as West Australian Dhufish (Glaucosoma hebraicum), Blue Groper (Achoerodus gouldii) and Snapper (Pagrus auratus). As a result of this perception, conflict between recreational and commercial sectors has escalated substantially over the last five years.
In light of recent restrictions on recreational bag limits for iconic WA finfish such as G. hebraicum and P. auratus, the issue of scalefish ‘dropouts’ from commercial gillnets raises concern with respect to the catch efficiency and the ability of nets to retain demersal scalefish. The issue has the potential to negatively impact upon the security of future commercial access to the fishery.
Quantifying the number of scalefish that encounter nets, identifying species vulnerable to dropout and knowing where and when they are more likely to drop out of commercial gillnets (alive and dead) will complement existing catch composition data obtained by the DoF.
The WA Demersal Gillnet and Demersal Longline Association encourage the implementation of initiatives consistent with the principles of ecological sustainable development. Professional fishermen have expressed a willingness to investigate the claims of high dropout rates of finfish from gillnets, ensuring catch rates are sustainable and improving the public’s perception of the fishery. As the fishery is now undergoing pre-assessment for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, the need for accurate data to determine if demersal scalefish are dropping out of demersal gillnets is critical for an informed risk assessment of this fishery. Objectives: 1. Determine the dropout rate of targeted demersal scalefish from commercial gillnets 2. Determine the retention rate (catch efficiency) of commercial gillnets. 3. Identify species prone to dropouts and quantify dropouts at a regional level 4. Identify stages in the fishing process where dropouts are more likely to occur. 5. Determine the level of interaction between commercial fishing gear and non-target species Read moreRead less
There is a pressing national need to provide industry with services that complement and enhance those provided by peak sectoral bodies. The number and complexity of issues affecting global seafood trade will continue to increase along with the need for more rapid responses. Individual businesses and peak bodies cannot follow development in all of these areas: SSA can.
By focusing on industry development priorities and the adoption of R&D results, SSA can assist the FRDC to meet its 5 y ....There is a pressing national need to provide industry with services that complement and enhance those provided by peak sectoral bodies. The number and complexity of issues affecting global seafood trade will continue to increase along with the need for more rapid responses. Individual businesses and peak bodies cannot follow development in all of these areas: SSA can.
By focusing on industry development priorities and the adoption of R&D results, SSA can assist the FRDC to meet its 5 year targets and help to meet the expectations of the Australian government (see the National and Rural Research and Development Priorities and the response to the Corish Report).
FRDC investment is required to capitalize and build on SSA’s achievements and to continue to assist industry meet the challenges of sustaining seafood business profitability.
1. The need for stable supply of seafood – Australian seafood producers meet about 40 per cent of domestic demand at present, but if the status quo continues they are predicted to supply less than 25 per cent by 2020. Reducing business costs and increasing production efficiency will help close the supply/demand gap.
2. The need to sustain profitable markets – having the capacity to quickly respond to market signals and expand customer base by increasing demand for product in a broader range of markets.
3. The need to cost effectively deliver quality products to markets – collective approaches to product quality will underpin investment in branding and promotion and improve the capacity of the industry to consistently meet the expectations of premium price markets.
4. The need for access to timely and relevant expertise and knowledge – to be globally competitive Australia’s seafood businesses need access to and the capacity to use the best up to date knowledge and technology to achieve their business objectives.
Objectives: 1. To develop environmental and market based processes to ensure supply through chain (Program 1: Security of supply) 2. To develop processes and systems to enable Australian seafood businesses achieve and maintain access to markets (Program 2: Security of markets) 3. To develop industry standards to differentiate Australian seafood products in key markets (Program 3: Product integrity and industry standards) 4. To provide seafood businesses with timely access to relevant knowledge and expertise to assist them to be globally competitive (Program 4: Knowledge brokerage) Read moreRead less
There is a need for a consolidated national report on the status of key wild catch Australian fish stocks, focusing on commercial and recreational target species. One pitfall of guides like the Australia’s Sustainable Seafood Guide is their focus on entire species, without considering differences among stocks within each species. Consequently, a poor status determination for one stock can result in a poor status determination for all stocks of that species regardless of whether or not the other ....There is a need for a consolidated national report on the status of key wild catch Australian fish stocks, focusing on commercial and recreational target species. One pitfall of guides like the Australia’s Sustainable Seafood Guide is their focus on entire species, without considering differences among stocks within each species. Consequently, a poor status determination for one stock can result in a poor status determination for all stocks of that species regardless of whether or not the other stocks are healthy. Government can avoid this pitfall by clearly articulating the status of individual fish stocks. Australia’s different jurisdictions have demonstrated their capacity to work constructively together to achieve common goals (e.g. joint stock assessments for shared stocks). However, the current differences in scope, depth, terminology and benchmarking in jurisdictionally based Fishery Status Reports make it difficult to readily compare the status of stocks across jurisdictions and build a coherent national status of key species.
The National Fishery Status Reports would not be promoted as an eco-labelling guide but rather as a government produced instrument designed to simplify comparison of the status of key wild capture fish stocks around Australia both within and among jurisdictions. This information would be available for the general public, policy makers and industry to make informed decisions in relation to the actual health of various stocks. The reports would also provide an important and accurate information source for international organisations (e.g. FAO). The process of producing these reports will improve communication between the jurisdictions, leading to a better understanding of the status determinations made by each jurisdiction and how these compare. One of the main outcomes already achieved from the recent jurisdictional planning workshops is the convergence on a common system of benchmarking and terminology for use across jurisdictions. Objectives: 1. To produce the first National Fishery Status Reports. Read moreRead less
The Development Of A Dry, Pathogen Free, Water Stable, Lobster Bait - Investigation Into Operational Parameters
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$80,407.27
Summary
The bait used in the Western Rock Lobster industry consists largely of frozen fish of which 18,000 Tonnes are used annually. Of this, 15,000 Tonnes are imported and consist of Sardines, Blue Mackerel, Jack Mackerel, Herring and Australian Salmon (from New Zealand). The lobster season is from 15th November to 30th June and most of the fish used must be stored frozen to meet the seasonal demand. Apart from the cost of the bait per se there are significant costs in transporting the bait to the p ....The bait used in the Western Rock Lobster industry consists largely of frozen fish of which 18,000 Tonnes are used annually. Of this, 15,000 Tonnes are imported and consist of Sardines, Blue Mackerel, Jack Mackerel, Herring and Australian Salmon (from New Zealand). The lobster season is from 15th November to 30th June and most of the fish used must be stored frozen to meet the seasonal demand. Apart from the cost of the bait per se there are significant costs in transporting the bait to the pots and a significant level of wastage, as bait, once thawed, cannot be re-frozen.
In order for the bait which has been developed, to become a realistic and reliable proposition for commercial manufacture, elements of its formulation, shape and processing technique need to be further defined. Objectives: 1. To determine the optimum level of key additives, while maintaining acceptable water stability. 2. To determine the optimum shape and size parameters for commercial bait. 3. To determine the optimum processing conditions, with particular regard to bait shape and size, and microbiological performance. Read moreRead less