Sunshine Coast fishing operators say an abundant supply of fresh, local catches will be available for Easter despite fuel shortages.
Rockliff Seafood PR manager Vanessa Rockliff said the local industry was “incredibly resilient” and had worked collaboratively to navigate recent disruptions.
“All wharves along the Mooloolaba Spit currently have boats at sea, with prawn trawlers, tuna vessels and spanner crab fishers, set to unload fresh catches,” she said.
“While the fuel crisis has created challenges for our industry, the fishing community here on the Sunshine Coast has worked incredibly hard together to keep our boats on the water and maintain supply.
“Thanks to recent prioritisation of fuel access for primary producers as well the federal government’s decision to halve the fuel excise, we can be assured that there will be an abundance of premium, wild caught seafood available at Mooloolaba this Easter.
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The reassurance and the new federal government measures come three weeks after local MP Andrew Wallace said local fishing businesses were being affected.
Ms Rockliff said the local industry was hardy.
“The Sunshine Coast seafood community is incredibly resilient. We’ve faced everything from weather events to market disruptions as well as Covid, and this fuel crisis is no different.
“By working together and with the support of our local community, we’ve ensured continuity of supply while also protecting the livelihoods of many local fishing families.”
Mooloolaba is renowned as one of Queensland’s most significant fishing ports. Its premium offerings including tuna, swordfish, eastern ocean king prawns, spanner crab and a wide variety of reef fish.
Local restaurant operators were thrilled to hear there will be an abundance of freshly caught seafood available at Mooloolaba this Easter.
Fish House on Parkyn Parade owner Kristine Young said Mooloolaba has an enviable reputation for the quality of its seafood.
“Provenance is everything when it comes to our restaurants and freshly caught Mooloolaba seafood is at the heart of everything we do,” she said.
“It’s what our customers come here for, and there’s nothing quite like cooking and serving seafood that’s been caught just a couple of kilometres away.
“Easter is always a special time on the Sunshine Coast, and I’m pleased that this year our customers can continue to enjoy incredible, locally sourced seafood.
“Supporting our local fishers and suppliers not only delivers the freshest product on the plate, but also helps sustain our coastal community.”
