SEAFOOD INDUSTRY VICTORIA
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charting a positive future

ELECTION PRIORITIES to bring more Victorian fish to local tables, support regional communities and create more jobs 

SIV 2026 ELECTION PRIORITIES
​Seafood Industry Victoria (SIV) is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation. SIV is the representative peak body for the Victorian seafood industry with a membership encompassing a broad range of stakeholders from across the seafood supply chain.

SIV aims to continue building and informing an ecologically sustainable and thriving seafood industry valued by the Victorian community.

our SEAFOOD INDUSTRY

SIV’s focus is to bring prominence to the people, places and products of the Victorian seafood industry, showcasing the diversity of knowledge and skills of the hard working members of your community who put fresh, local seafood on your plate. This united industry spans generations, ethnicities and regions - it deserves recognition and celebration!​

Sustainability and Responsibility

Local and
​healthy 

​SUPPORTING communities

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The Victorian seafood industry proudly practices sustainable fisheries management and is taking proactive measures to ensure a catch for tomorrow.
Victorian harvested seafood is a local source of healthy food. Seafood has a relatively low carbon footprint compared to many other protein sources. 
For over 150 years Victorian seafood harvesters and their small businesses have been part of the fabric and economy of Victorian coastal communities.

the latest


2026 election priorities

A $10 million investment to bring more Victorian fish to local tables, support regional communities and create more jobs.

  • Slash reliance on imported fish and enjoy more fresh, local seafood from our own wild fisheries and sustainable farms.​
  • Strengthen regional communities by supporting coastal industries that make country Victoria a destination of choice and ensure Melbourne’s reputation as one of the world’s culinary capitals.
  • Boost regional jobs and make coastal Victoria a place for business through innovation, diversification and emerging opportunities in our local seafood sector.​
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Why Victoria needs more investment in its seafood industry
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Surveys reveal that 90% of Victorians believe it is critically important to produce seafood locally . This is not merely an industry request; it is a clear priority for 6.3 million Victorians.

Victoria’s seafood potential is massively under-utilised. Victorian seafood makes up a mere 4% of Australia’s gross seafood product . Approximately 65% of total seafood consumed in Australia is imported from overseas .

Despite being one of the world’s most sustainable industries, market supply of local finfish from Victorian managed fisheries has declined by almost 50% over the past 10 years . We can benefit from our sustainable low carbon footprint fisheries by supporting wild-catch businesses supplying more fresh fish to local restaurants and consumers.

Aquaculture is the fastest growing primary industry globally. Victoria’s clean coastal waters provide the potential for our state to be Australia’s biggest shellfish producer, creating more jobs for regional Victoria.

SIV's full list of 2026 Election Priorities can be viewed HERE 

outdoor recreation bill

The Outdoor Recreation Victoria Bill 2026 proposes to merge the Victorian Fisheries Authority with the Game Management Authority under a new agency whose primary purpose is to “promote participation in outdoor recreation”.

Proper governance of commercial fisheries and aquaculture—and responsible regulation of natural resources—must remain paramount. 
SIV believes primary producers should not be regulated by an agency focused on recreation.

We urge the Government to ensure that any reforms to fisheries governance continue to uphold the objectives of the Fisheries Act 1995, protect the sustainability of our seafood sectors and support Victoria’s seafood producers in meeting community expectations for local, nutritious and environmentally responsible food.
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seafood consumer app

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A focus of SIV’s 2024 -2027 Strategic Plan is to undertake influential promotion of Victorian seafood. 
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SIV is embarking on a concept to partner with seafood retailers to promote local seafood. The model will centre around a digital app where reputable fish shops and restaurants can advertise their local offers to consumers. The platform will also provide a place to educate interested consumers on where Victorian seafood comes from and how they can support the industry to grow and prosper.

The first phase of the project is to build a beta version the app. This will allow us to test the market and begin investigating options to attract partnership and investment to keep moving the program forward.

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country of origin labelling


The Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic has announced that the new labelling framework for food service is on track to come into effect from 1 July 2026. Once in place, venues such as restaurants, takeaways, pubs and clubs will be required use the Australian-Imported-Mixed (AIM) model to indicate the seafood’s origin from three options: 
  • A (Australian) 
  • I (imported) 
  • M (of mixed origin containing both Australian and imported seafood) 
You can find out more here and provide feedback on an exposure draft information standard.

Full media release: Aussie seafood on the menu with labelling change | Ministers for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources



Sunderland marine

For those who may not be familiar with Sunderland Marine, they are a commercial marine insurer specialising in insurance for fishing, coastal and other specialist vessels. They provide Hull, Machinery and P&I Insurance to protect your interests against claims from third parties and other associated costs arising out of the ownership or operation of your vessel. This includes claims resulting from injured crew and passengers or damage to third party property.
 
Sunderland Marine also provide Aquaculture insurance for fish farms including stock mortality, equipment, and workboats.
 
For more information or to request a quote contact Sunderland Marine on (03) 9650 6288 or contact your local broker.

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