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.
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
2026 election priorities
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A $10 million investment to bring more Victorian fish to local tables, support regional communities and create more jobs.
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Why Victoria needs more investment in its seafood industry
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
winners are grinners!
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Winners are grinners! Congratulations to the Victorian businesses who took home a trophy from the National Seafood Industry Awards held in Sydney.
Best Small Primary Producer – Victorian Abalone Aus Best Large Business – San Remo Fishermans Co-op Best Seafood Experience – Portarlington Mussel Tours This was the first time that the Victorian seafood industry has won multiple awards on the National stage, demonstrating Victoria’s potential to lead the way in innovation, marketing and promotion. |
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new fisheries regulator
The Victorian Government’s plan to dissolve the Victorian Fisheries Authority and the Game Management Authority to create a new authority (Fishing, Hunting and Outdoor Victoria) was given final endorsement in Parliament last week .
Through collective advocacy efforts from SIV and members, amendments to the Outdoor Recreation Bill were achieved to better recognise and protect Victoria’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. The changes now require the new regulator to:
The Victorian Government’s plan to dissolve the Victorian Fisheries Authority and the Game Management Authority to create a new authority (Fishing, Hunting and Outdoor Victoria) was given final endorsement in Parliament last week .
Through collective advocacy efforts from SIV and members, amendments to the Outdoor Recreation Bill were achieved to better recognise and protect Victoria’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. The changes now require the new regulator to:
- optimise the social, cultural and economic benefits of commercial fishing and aquaculture in Victoria in a sustainable manner;
- have regard to the sustainability and viability of commercial fishing and aquaculture, and facilitate fair and reasonable access to aquatic resources when exercising its powers in relation to fisheries or recreational boating
- consider inclusion of scientific research, regional data, stakeholder knowledge and on-ground evidence when applying an evidence based approach
- publish information regarding consultation processes
- report on the number of authorised officers appointed
- extend the remit of the Land Access Panel to also include access to aquatic resources
country of origin labelling
As of 1 July, new seafood country of origin labeling (CoOL) laws now require all Australian hospitality businesses to label all seafood prepared for sale as either Australian (A), Imported (I) or Mixed origin (M). The rules apply to all restaurants, cafes, clubs and food outlets, whether the food is consumed on the premises, as take away or for home delivery.
These changes are intended to make it easier for consumers to decide whether to choose dishes that contain Australian, imported or mixed origin sources of seafood. It will also create a more level playing field for Australian seafood industries and businesses, who are held to the highest environmental standards and recognised globally for demonstrating best practice.
As of 1 July, new seafood country of origin labeling (CoOL) laws now require all Australian hospitality businesses to label all seafood prepared for sale as either Australian (A), Imported (I) or Mixed origin (M). The rules apply to all restaurants, cafes, clubs and food outlets, whether the food is consumed on the premises, as take away or for home delivery.
These changes are intended to make it easier for consumers to decide whether to choose dishes that contain Australian, imported or mixed origin sources of seafood. It will also create a more level playing field for Australian seafood industries and businesses, who are held to the highest environmental standards and recognised globally for demonstrating best practice.
seafood consumer app
A focus of SIV’s 2024 -2027 Strategic Plan is to undertake influential promotion of Victorian seafood.
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.
A focus of SIV’s 2024 -2027 Strategic Plan is to undertake influential promotion of Victorian seafood.
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.
celebrating our heritage
MMHN celebrates Melbourne’s rich maritime heritage. Maritime records and collections can be found in a wide range of public institutions but private collections also hold a wealth of material.
The MMHN would like to hear of any maritime-related archival collections that should be brought to wider attention and added to Victoria’s maritime archival heritage. Please reach out to [email protected] to discuss any materials you may want to share!
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.
