Eat more NSW seafood this Christmas – it’s delicious

19 Dec 2023

This last week before Christmas Day is a great time for people to buy locally sourced New South Wales seafood which is known for being delicious, fresh and healthy.

Six seafood businesses have netted a share of $500,000 to put more NSW seafood on plates across the state, as part of the NSW Government’s Eat More NSW Seafood Program.

The contribution the NSW fishing industry makes – particularly in regional communities and economies – is immense, creating local jobs and supporting our local businesses.

Following a competitive application process, the six successful Eat More NSW Seafood projects are ready to hook in and promote the fantastic seafood NSW has to offer over the next 12 months.

The aim of the Eat More NSW Seafood Program is to educate communities on the benefits of buying local seafood this Christmas and throughout the year.

The successful 2023 projects include:

• assisting Sydney Fish markets promote 100 key species through an “ocean to plate” information hub
• promotion of fishers who have been recognised for their stewardship of the marine environment
• promoting seafood through a “fish to farmers” regional event in the Central West so people realise that supply chains ensure fresh seafood across the state
• funding the Narooma oyster festival to promote the wonderful south coast oysters
• a seafood cook-book produced and community-driven in the south coast.

The ‘Eat More NSW Seafood Campaign’ is a partnership between the NSW Government and the NSW Seafood Industry Council, with support from the Marine Estate Management Strategy.

For more information about to Eat More NSW Seafood Program and to see the list of 2023 recipients visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial/consultation/Eat-More-NSW-Seafood-Program

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“Seafood at Christmas lunch is great Australian tradition. There is no denying the satisfaction of enjoying freshly caught NSW seafood to make the day special and enjoyable.

“Our fishers and aquaculture farmers produce some of the world’s best fresh and sustainably harvested local seafood which also makes it great all year round.

“Each of the Eat More NSW Seafood projects will help raise awareness about our local industry, educate the community about the importance of sustainable fishing and aquaculture, and how they can help by purchasing locally caught seafood from reputable retailers.

“These grants will help promote NSW’s high-quality seafood to consumers not just on the coast, but right across our great state.”

NSW Seafood Industry Council (NSWSIC) Chair Bryan Skepper said:

“The Eat More NSW Seafood Program has been instrumental in supporting the industry through recent challenging times.

“The collaboration between industry and government is key to driving the value of NSW seafood through increased awareness and consumption.

“Thanks to the Eat More NSW Seafood grants the successful applicants will be able to better promote and market their produce, as well as promoting the benefits from eating sustainably produced NSW seafood.”

MEDIA: Alastair Walton | Minister Moriarty | 0418 251 229

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