The Australian commercial fishing industry is reaching a “breaking point” as soaring diesel prices, now well over $3 per litre, threaten to dock local fleets.
In the Victorian fishing town of Portland, third-generation fisherman Shannon Churchill warns that while his peers are resilient enough to weather most storms, this economic wave is out of their hands.
“Seafood is not just about Christmas and Easter. This is a genuine quality food supply from sustainable fishing,” Shannon told A Current Affair.
READ MORE: Hero delivery drivers speak out after fending off alleged carjackers
Shannon’s son, Cody, who operates the Tara Lynn, says that filling the tank for a week’s work used to cost around $4000 to $5000, but today that figure has effectively doubled. (Nine)
“We need to be supported and keep local fish on the plate,” he said.
Many operators are now considering tying up their boats indefinitely, as the uncertainty of rising costs makes every trip to sea a gamble.
Shannon’s son, Cody, who operates the Tara Lynn, says that filling the tank for a week’s work used to cost around $4000 to $5000, but today that figure has effectively doubled.
The crisis is forcing fishing crews to limit how far they travel from port. (Nine)
“You’ve gotta make sure you’re catching fish to pay for your fuel for a start,” Cody said.
The crisis is forcing fishing crews to limit how far they travel from port.
“It’s not just the fuel for us, freight companies have to charge more because they’re paying more for fuel. It hurts everyone,” he said.
READ MORE: Queensland childcare worker jailed for abusing four-year-old girl
Without temporary relief or a national response, fishers like the Churchills fear that local supply will dry up, leading to inevitable price hikes for consumers or empty shelves at the local fishmonger. (Nine)
Local leaders are now calling on Canberra to throw a line to the industry before the domestic supply chain collapses entirely.
Local MP Roma Britnell argues that fishers deserve the same recognition and support as land-based primary producers, warning that the alternative is a total reliance on imported seafood.
“They’re not asking for charity,” Britnell said.
“They’re asking to be able to do the job they want to do, to feed Victorians… in a way that gets them through crises that are not within their control,” she said.
Without temporary relief or a national response, fishers like the Churchills fear that local supply will dry up, leading to inevitable price hikes for consumers or empty shelves at the local fishmonger.
A Current Affair has contacted the Victorian Department of Fisheries for comment.
Watch more in the player above.