Australia Yearbook - 2001

Chapter 16—Forestry and fishing 663
Table 16.12 shows the volume of Australian
aquaculture production for the three years
1996–97 to 1998–99, with the latest year showing
a 13% increase in total. Edible oysters accounted
for the most aquaculture production in 1998–99
with 9,277 tonnes, virtually the same as the
previous year. Salmon and tuna production in
1998–99 increased by 30% and 24% to
9,196 tonnes and 6,393 tonnes respectively.
16.12 AUSTRALIAN AQUACULTURE
PRODUCTION
1996–97 1997–98 1998–99
tonnes tonnes tonnes
Fish
Salmon 7 647 7 069 9 196
Trout 2 093 1 472 1 221
Tuna 2 123 5 168 6 393
Other 1 271 1 396 1 541
Total(a) 13 134 15 101 18 349
Crustaceans
Prawn 1 564 2 059 2 413
Yabbies 215 306 253
Marron 52 48 49
Other 107 88 72
Total(b) 1 938 2 502 2 787
Molluscs
Edible oysters 10 396 9 278 9 277
Pearl oysters — — —
Other 1 616 1 456 1 667
Total(c) 12 012 10 734 10 944
Total 27 084 28 339 32 080
(a) Includes eels and other native fish. (b) Includes crabs
and brine shrimp. (c) Includes mussels, scallops and giant
clams.
Source: Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource
Economics.
Processing of fish, crustaceans and
molluscs
There is very little value added processing of fish
products in Australia. Processing establishments
vary in size, scope of operations and
sophistication of technologies employed. The
majority of establishments undertake only the
most basic cleaning, filleting, chilling, freezing
and packaging processes, but some have the
capacity for significant product transformation.
Much of the value that is added to the catch is
due to correct handling and quick delivery by air
to local or overseas markets.
Fish, crustaceans and molluscs intended for
export are processed in establishments registered
under the Export (Fish) Regulations. Edible fish
for local consumption are mainly sent
fresh-chilled to markets.
Exports and imports
Exports of fisheries products come under
Commonwealth jurisdiction, while domestic
market activity is the responsibility of the States
and Territories.
A significant proportion of Australian fisheries
production (edible and non-edible) is exported.
In 1998–99, the value of exports rose by 2% to
$1.5b (table 16.13). The value of rock lobster
exports increased by 6% to $451m, making rock
lobster Australia’s highest value fisheries export in
1998–99, accounting for 30% of the total. Pearls,
prawns and abalone were the next largest
fisheries exports, worth $272m, $224m and
$184m respectively. For some fisheries categories
the value of exports exceeds the value of
production, because exports are valued on a free
on board (f.o.b.) basis which includes the value of
packaging and distribution services to the point
of export.
Japan continued to be the major destination for
Australian exports of fisheries products,
accounting for 31% of the total value in 1998–99.
Hong Kong and Taiwan accounted for the next
largest shares of exported Australian fisheries
products, with 17% and 11% respectively of total
value. Value of exports to the United States
continued to rise in 1998–99, with a 31% increase
following on from a 45% increase the previous
year.
Western Australia continued to have the highest
value of overall seafood exports ($406m, or
33% of the total value in 1998–99), due mainly to
its domination of rock lobster exports (with 67%).
Queensland, the next biggest exporter of seafood,
moved shipments to the value of $273m,
including $151m worth of prawns (67% of total
prawn exports). South Australia earned most
from fish exports ($90m), although Queensland
exported a higher tonnage (6,652 tonnes
worth $62m).