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.
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
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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.
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Victorian harvested seafood is a local source of healthy food. Seafood has a relatively low carbon footprint compared to many other protein sources.
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For over 150 years Victorian seafood harvesters and their small businesses have been part of the fabric and economy of Victorian coastal communities.
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the latest
Cuts to Victorian fisheries officers unites conservationists and fishers
May 5th, 2025
Conservation, recreational and commercial fishing organisations have released a united statement to the press to oppose the State Government’s plan to axe fisheries officers. The group has asked for an immediate reconsideration of the proposal, warning that if the Government goes ahead, the cuts pose significant threats to fish stocks.
SIV and Abalone Council Victoria voiced concerns that reduced oversight of marine users would likely result in increased illegal fishing and sales of seafood by parties without commercial licences. The threat has been highlighted in recent busts of poachers taking commercial quantities of valuable seafood.
The full media release can be located here - https://newshub.medianet.com.au/2025/04/cuts-to-victorian-fisheries-officers-unites-conservationists-and-fishers/97316/
Conservation, recreational and commercial fishing organisations have released a united statement to the press to oppose the State Government’s plan to axe fisheries officers. The group has asked for an immediate reconsideration of the proposal, warning that if the Government goes ahead, the cuts pose significant threats to fish stocks.
SIV and Abalone Council Victoria voiced concerns that reduced oversight of marine users would likely result in increased illegal fishing and sales of seafood by parties without commercial licences. The threat has been highlighted in recent busts of poachers taking commercial quantities of valuable seafood.
The full media release can be located here - https://newshub.medianet.com.au/2025/04/cuts-to-victorian-fisheries-officers-unites-conservationists-and-fishers/97316/
Photo: Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser
futures of seafood project
April 22, 2025
Thank you to those members of industry who attended the recent Futures of Seafood workshop. We heard from the Blue Economy CRC and CSIRO regarding their modelling of various scenarios for what the future might hold for Victorian seafood supply.
A clear theme from the experts is that climate change is going to pose challenges for wild-catch and aquaculture in Victoria. There will be shifts in where wild species occur - some species will move out, and others will move in. The warmer water will also impact where and how marine and freshwater species can be farmed.
The potential for Victoria’s energy sector to reduce access to available fishing grounds is also of major concern to future productivity of wild fisheries. Habitat regeneration presents an opportunity to correct some of the downshifts in wild catch forecasted.
Key factors to help ensure a thriving industry in the future will be flexibility and adaptability. Commercial fishing licences and regulations will need to provide operators with the flexibility to adapt to changes beyond their control. Industry members in the room emphasised how resilient commercial fishers are, and that they remain confident in being able to adapt to change if their Government supports them. The plan will need to include investment in developing markets for currently undervalued species.
The Futures of Seafood project team will deliver their full report and suite of online resources later in 2025.
Thank you to those members of industry who attended the recent Futures of Seafood workshop. We heard from the Blue Economy CRC and CSIRO regarding their modelling of various scenarios for what the future might hold for Victorian seafood supply.
A clear theme from the experts is that climate change is going to pose challenges for wild-catch and aquaculture in Victoria. There will be shifts in where wild species occur - some species will move out, and others will move in. The warmer water will also impact where and how marine and freshwater species can be farmed.
The potential for Victoria’s energy sector to reduce access to available fishing grounds is also of major concern to future productivity of wild fisheries. Habitat regeneration presents an opportunity to correct some of the downshifts in wild catch forecasted.
Key factors to help ensure a thriving industry in the future will be flexibility and adaptability. Commercial fishing licences and regulations will need to provide operators with the flexibility to adapt to changes beyond their control. Industry members in the room emphasised how resilient commercial fishers are, and that they remain confident in being able to adapt to change if their Government supports them. The plan will need to include investment in developing markets for currently undervalued species.
The Futures of Seafood project team will deliver their full report and suite of online resources later in 2025.
country of origin labelling
March 23, 2025
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:
Full media release: Aussie seafood on the menu with labelling change | Ministers for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
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)
Full media release: Aussie seafood on the menu with labelling change | Ministers for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
employment in victorian seafoodAttracting aspiring leaders and critical thinkers into the seafood industry will be crucial for driving innovation in sustainable practices and meeting evolving consumer demands. A skilled workforce in also essential for supporting economic growth and resilience within coastal communities. SIV has released a booklet highlighting the diversity of job opportunities within the seafood sector to help inform those with a passion for the marine environment or food production who are contemplating their next career move. Access the Employment in Victorian Seafood booklet HERE |
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a new strategic visionGrowing the SIV community and fostering unity within the seafood industry will enhance our level of influence in guiding Government policies for the benefit our member businesses and the many Victorians who value local seafood. Our goals will be achieved through clear and logical messaging to Government, greater communication with members and external parties, influential promotion of Victorian seafood, strengthening of market opportunities and building viable pathways for people to enter and invest in our industry. Access the new SIV Strategic Plan HERE
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trans-tasman lobster conference
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Seafood Industry Victoria is proud to be hosting the 2025 Transtasman Rock Lobster Conference where we will be exploring the theme “Harvesting Opportunities and Grappling with Change”. For our industry to move forward with confidence, it’s imperative we have the important discussions in areas such as carbon neutrality, climate change, impacts of industrial offshore projects, third party sustainability accreditation, animal welfare, biosecurity, international trade relations, market diversification and fishing property rights. Presentation topics and insightful keynotes have been carefully curated to ensure relevance to all stakeholders involved across Australia and NZ’s diverse lobster industry. A big part of any conference is networking! There will plenty of opportunity for offline chats, collaboration and sharing of ideas at the cocktail welcome event, afternoon drinks and a very special gala dinner! Visit the conference website HERE
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STAY AFLOAT
Funding from the Australian Government Department for Health and Ageing has seen a national expansion of the Seafood Industry Mental Health and Wellbeing support Program – Stay Afloat. To deliver the national Stay Afloat program, Seafood Industry Australia have recruited Co-ordinators to lead the roll-out in each region with Skye Barrett being announced as the Victorian State Coordinator.
Skye has met with some of our seafood community members already, and will be making an effort to meet with fishers and farmers all over the coming years of the program. In the meantime, if you wish to have a chat or learn more about how you can get involved then Skye can be contacted anytime through the details below.
Skye Barrett, Vic Regional Coordinator – Stay Afloat
[email protected]
Skye has met with some of our seafood community members already, and will be making an effort to meet with fishers and farmers all over the coming years of the program. In the meantime, if you wish to have a chat or learn more about how you can get involved then Skye can be contacted anytime through the details below.
Skye Barrett, Vic Regional Coordinator – Stay Afloat
[email protected]
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.
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.
