Trade Minister Mark Vaile congratulated the seafood industry on the greater cooperation developing both inside the industry, and between industry and government at a Seafood Industry Reception this week in Canberra hosted jointly by Mr Vaile and the WA-based Minister Wilson Tuckey.

The $2.32 billion dollar industry continues to expand its export focus with 80% of industry's value coming from exports.

"Australia sells its seafood to more than 30 countries with exports growing from $984million to 1.9 billion, a 102 per cent increase in the decade to 2000.

"This reflects Australia's sustainable fisheries management producing high quality seafood products complemented by a high level of marketing expertise.

"For example, The Western Rock Lobster, Australia's largest single fishery is worth 400 million in exports. It was the first in the world to achieve accreditation as a sustainable fishery under the guidelines established by the Marine Stewardship Council.

"The Australian Prawn business is worth around 300 million and is a major regional employer. The Northern Prawn Fishery has also accessed the US market making Australia the first country in the world to get the US to agree to regional certification of fisheries."

The highlights of the night were introducing guests to the "Icefish", a beastie cousin of Toothfish caught in the Australian EEZ  (Exclusive Economic Zone) in the waters surrounding the sub-antarctic Heard Island. This fish is exported to Eastern Europe and North East Asia.

The Pearl industry, worth $200 million in export value and employing around 1000 people, displayed a $300,000 pearl necklace clearly the crown of the jewels on show. 

"These strong results reflect outstanding international competitiveness achieved through hard work by Australian exporters. The Government is committed to working closely with the seafood industry on its priority interests in opening up markets and selling Australia as a clean, green and sustainable vendor of quality seafoods."