Australia currently has the highest number of overfished stocks seen in more than a decade, caused by mismanagement and the impacts of climate change. However, we have also recently seen huge leaps in sustainability for Australia’s fisheries, including the start of a phase-out of destructive gillnets in the Great Barrier Reef. By choosing Green and Amber-listed seafood, you’re not only supporting responsible Australian fishers and farmers, you’re showing everyone else they need to do better!
Farmed Barramundi
Barramundi is a classic Aussie fish. If you want a Green-listed barra from your local supermarket or fishmonger this Easter, make sure it’s Australian-farmed.
Australian wild-caught barramundi can come with a side of endangered species, thanks to the gillnets that are used to catch them. If you need a great recipe for barra, check out our free online cookbook.
NZ-Farmed King Salmon
The ever popular salmon is undoubtedly going to feature on many people’s menus, so this year we recommend searching out New Zealand-farmed king salmon.
Our own Atlantic salmon farms in Tasmania have significant environmental impacts, especially in Macquarie Harbour, where they are driving the Maugean skate to extinction.
Spencer Gulf Western King prawns
If you’re looking to get some wild prawns on your plate, look to South Australia’s Spencer Gulf fishery. The western king prawns caught there are from a healthy population, and the fishery’s innovative management is commendable, earning them their Green-list ranking. This is currently the only Australian prawn trawl fishery to achieve this level of sustainability.
Red Emperor
The strikingly coloured red emperor is found all across northern Australia, from Western Australia all the way around to Queensland. These fish are mainly caught by line in Queensland (trap and line in WA and the NT), which poses a low risk to the surrounding environment. Queensland emperors also gain a lot of protection in the Great Barrier Reef’s marine sanctuaries.
Mussels and oysters
Despite their tough shells, mussels and oysters are a delicate yet simple addition to any table this holiday. As filter feeders, they sit in our waterways or at sea and filter their food naturally from the water, without human intervention.
With such a low footprint, and delicious flavour, these are an obvious addition to your Easter menu.
Coral Trout
The name ‘coral trout‘ refers to a number of species that are caught by hook and line along the coast of the Great Barrier Reef. Helping these fish onto our Green list are the Great Barrier Reef’s fully protected green zones (marine sanctuaries), so their populations can grow and reproduce without threats from fishing.
Don’t forget to download our app and check the guide while you’re shopping for your favourites. And if you want more inspiration, we’ve created a handy cookbook packed full of incredible sustainable seafood dishes from some of Australia’s best chefs.
