- Australia imports 60-70% of the seafood we eat, with almost all supplied by 20 countries
- New research shows that many of our biggest seafood suppliers rank among the worst globally for environmental protection, slavery vulnerability, and illicit trade.
- Australia urgently needs traceability systems and better trade data to keep unethical and unsustainable seafood off our plates.
New research from the University of Queensland has revealed that Australia’s imported seafood is predominantly coming from countries that performed worse than Australia across social, economic and environmental factors.
Australia imports 60-70% of the seafood we eat, yet there are no laws preventing the import of seafood linked to illegal fishing, environmental destruction, or worker exploitation.
Major seafood trade partners China and Thailand show some of the highest vulnerabilities to slavery, while Vietnam and Indonesia score poorly on environmental performance and face major risks of illicit trade, according to the new study. Together, these countries supply some of Australia’s most popular imported products: squid (China), canned tuna (Thailand), prawns and basa (Vietnam), and fish and crustaceans (Indonesia).
Australian Marine Conservation Society Seafood Imports Lead Dr Kimberly Riskas said:
“Australia imports nearly two-thirds of the seafood we eat. We need seafood imports to meet demand, but these products enter the country with almost no information on where they came from or whether they were produced legally, sustainably or ethically. That leaves Australian consumers in the dark about what they’re really eating.
“Right now, Australia is relying on other countries to set the standards for human rights and sustainability in the seafood we import. That’s a huge risk, because it means our money could be propping up overfishing and forced labour abroad.”
Rosa Mar Dominguez-Martinez (she/her), PhD Candidate, University of Queensland said:
“Australia has the opportunity to lead in shaping a more sustainable seafood market and to influence global practices by ensuring that the seafood consumed here, including imports, is sourced responsibly.”
Dr Riskas said: “ Australia has fallen behind other market states in taking action to close its borders to seafood produced by illegal and destructive fishing. The government started the process to develop an imports framework back in 2022, but has stopped just short of announcing its findings.
“We are calling on federal Fisheries Minister Julie Collins to ensure an ambitious seafood imports framework is urgently implemented. Without it, Australia risks becoming a dumping ground for illegal and unethical seafood.”
“The study’s release coincides with the entry into force of the 2022 World Trade Organisation agreement to end harmful fisheries subsidies, of which Australia was an early champion. Australia must demonstrate that it remains committed to fighting IUU fishing by implementing robust seafood import controls.”