Value of Sydney Rock Oyster industry continues to increase
Continued export demand for premium seafood
DPI analysis estimated the value of the fishing industry during 2018-19 at $181.3 million, up 1.9% year-on-year. The aquaculture sector continued to grow, up by an estimated 2.1%, complimented by an increase in the wild harvest sector of an estimated 2% year-on-year.
At the date of publication, detailed industry information is not available, consequently the following production and price commentary analyses 2017–18 industry data.
The wild harvest commercial fishery sector accounted for 55.9% of the total value of the fishing industry in 2017–18. While the value of the sector was up marginally from 2016–17, at $99.5 million, landings (tonnes) were down almost 5%53.
Fish remained the biggest contributor by volume to catch, with 9,025 tonnes landed (up 3.3% year-on-year) and a value of $45.6 million. Crustaceans accounted for just 15% of the total catch weight (1,698 tonnes) however, with a much higher average price per tonne ($25,626 compared to $5,051 for fish), they account for 43.7% of total value, at $43.5 million. These prices reflect supply and demand levels as well as the gourmet nature of species such as lobsters, crabs and prawns53.
With NSW coastal waters divided into 10 regions determined by degrees of latitude, wild harvest was greatest by value ($21.5 million) and weight (2,492 tonnes) between 32 and 33 degrees south (just north of Newcastle). Catch was lowest ($3.67 million and 567 tonnes) between 35 and 36 degrees south (south of Wollongong). Return per tonne was also lowest in this region ($6,442 per tonne). The highest return per tonne was received close to the Queensland border ($13,252 per tonne).
29°S |
Landings (tonnes)
713
Return avg. ($) per tonne
$13,252
est. GVP $ million
$9.45m
|
|
30°S |
Landings (tonnes)
1,497
Return avg. ($) per tonne
$9,608
est. GVP $ million
$14.38m
|
|
31°S |
Landings (tonnes)
906
Return avg. ($) per tonne
$10,037
est. GVP $ million
$9.09m
|
|
32°S |
Landings (tonnes)
739
Return avg. ($) per tonne
$9,300
est. GVP $ million
$6.87m
|
|
33°S |
Landings (tonnes)
2,492
Return avg. ($) per tonne
$8,609
est. GVP $ million
$21.45m
|
|
34°S |
Landings (tonnes)
1,728
Return avg. ($) per tonne
$8,056
est. GVP $ million
$13.92m
|
|
35°S |
Landings (tonnes)
1,122
Return avg. ($) per tonne
$6,567
est. GVP $ million
$7.37m
|
|
36°S |
Landings (tonnes)
569
Return avg. ($) per tonne
$6,442
est. GVP $ million
$3.67m
|
|
37°S |
Landings (tonnes)
918
Return avg. ($) per tonne
$8,989
est. GVP $ million
$8.25m
|
|
38°S |
Landings (tonnes)
626
Return avg. ($) per tonne
$8,037
est. GVP $ million
$5.03m
|
Aquaculture output grew by 12% in 2017–18, to reach $78.4 million – 44.1% of total fisheries Output. This growth was largely driven by Sydney Rock Oysters, up 19.8% year-on-year, and by far the largest aquaculture sector, contributing 62% of the total aquaculture value50, 54. Unprecedented investment, and a focus on tourism and marketing, has driven industry development and its transition from small, family operators to a modern business focus104.
In contrast, Pacific Oysters fell by 35% year-on-year to $3 million. Production was impacted by outbreaks of Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome in several estuaries in recent years; environmental stressors; and interstate disease events that limited the availability of seed stock104, 50, 54.
Mixed fortunes were experienced by smaller sectors of the industry. Black Tiger Prawn value fell by 26% year-on-year, with a 21% drop in production50, 54. In addition to industry restructure, interstate outbreaks of White Spot disease drove the development of disease mitigation strategies, which included reduced stocking densities104.
Silver Perch, Rainbow Trout and Murray Cod all experienced growth (up 15%, 2% and 11% year-on-year respectively)50, 54. For Rainbow Trout, a 14% drop in production was offset by a 19% increase in unit price. A marginal increase in Murray Cod production was supported by an 11% increase in unit price. Significant investment has occurred in the Murray Cod industry in recent years. The iconic fish is considered highly marketable, with interest from international markets104.
NSW (and Australia as a whole) is a net importer of seafood products. In 2018–19, NSW seafood product imports reached $647.9 million, up 9% year-on-year and 69 times greater than its exports of $9.4 million87.
Key markets for seafood exports were China, Vietnam and Japan. Imported products were primarily sourced from Thailand and other South East Asian countries (48.9%), and China (13.4%). Imports were dominated by lower value products, such as canned tuna and frozen fish fillets and prawns.
At 45.7% of total export value, molluscs were the main export product. Almost entirely live, fresh or chilled Abalone, the key markets were China and Japan. Frozen fish (excluding fillets and other fish meat) was 33.7% of total export value, with more than 70% sent to Vietnam87.
Fish fillets and other fish meat ($193.4 million) and prepared and preserved fish (tunas, skipjack and bonito) ($191.2 million), were the highest value imported seafood products followed by frozen prawns ($129.3 million)87.
In 2017–18, the NSW Sydney Rock Oyster industry was worth $48.7 million - 29% of the total value of NSW fisheries (both wild harvest and aquaculture). It was the state’s most valuable fishery.
Commercial oyster cultivation began in NSW during the 1870s, accompanying early settlement and development of the NSW coast. Today the industry is associated with the character and community of coastal NSW, provides employment and contributes significantly to regional economies.
In 2017-18, oyster aquaculture was undertaken in 29 NSW estuaries, by 281 permit holders on 2,246 leases occupying almost 2796 hectares.
Production in other estuaries was 126,922 dozen, with a value of $1,056,653. Other estuaries include: Bega River, Bellinger River, Bermagui River, Botany Bay, Clarence River, Nelson Lagoon, Patonga Creek, Richmond River, Shoalhaven River, Tweed River, Wooli Wooli River. Detailed data is not available for confidentiality reasons (≤ 5 current permit holders in the estuary).