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🇦🇺 Australia /Economy & Trade

Trawlers sit idle as tiger prawn season gets underway

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The tiger prawn season in northern Australia has begun with a record low of 27 trawlers operating, down from over 200 in 1970.
  • High fuel prices and new restrictions, along with the collapse of seafood giant A Raptis and Sons, have idled many vessels.
  • Industry figures express concern over the decline, fearing loss of export markets and a sad story for a once-thriving industry.

The tiger prawn season has officially opened in northern Australia, but the number of operating trawlers has plummeted to a record low of 27. This marks a significant decline from the fishery's peak in 1970 when over 200 boats were active.

Raptis has been an institution to the northern prawn fishery for 50 years and it really is a massive blow to the NPF and to the whole seafood industry in Australia.

— Michael O'BrienThe general manager of Darwin-based Australia Bay Seafoods commented on the wide implications of the collapse of A Raptis and Sons.

Several factors contribute to this downturn. High fuel prices and new equipment restrictions are deterring some operators. Additionally, the collapse of the major seafood company A Raptis and Sons earlier this year has left 13 trawlers idle in Karumba. Administrators are still seeking a buyer for the Raptis fleet, with only two vessels and associated licenses sold so far.

If [the NPF] doesn't produce enough tonnage every year you can lose export markets, they'll go elsewhere.

— Michael O'BrienMichael O'Brien explained the potential consequences of a reduced catch for the Northern Prawn Fishery.

Industry representatives voice deep concern over the shrinking fleet. Michael O'Brien, general manager of Australia Bay Seafoods, described the situation as a "massive blow" to the Northern Prawn Fishery and the broader Australian seafood industry. He warned that a reduced tonnage could lead to the loss of export markets, as buyers seek alternative suppliers. O'Brien lamented the decline from over 300 boats when he started his career 50 years ago to the current 27, calling it a "very, very sad story."

We use about 45 to 50 tonnes [of diesel] a month per vessel.

— Michael O'BrienMichael O'Brien detailed the significant fuel consumption of prawn trawlers.

Despite the industry's struggles, surveys suggest a strong tiger prawn season ahead, which is positive news for consumers. However, with fuel costs consuming a significant portion of operational expenses, margins for the remaining fishers remain tight. O'Brien highlighted that fuel accounts for 26 to 29 percent of their business costs, making it difficult for potential investors to see a viable future in prawn trawling.

In our business right now, anywhere between 26 to 29 per cent of our costs is fuel, which is massive.

— Michael O'BrienMichael O'Brien highlighted the impact of rising fuel prices on operational costs.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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