Victorian Seafood

12/05/2026

Mainstream Aquaculture (Infinity Blue Barramundi) are a proud Victorian business with a global footprint. They are best known for successfully farming a tropical species in Victoria’s temperate climate, using natural geothermal water and advanced Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS).

They run the world’s largest Barramundi selective breeding program, with their latest breakthrough being the Golden Barramundi. Mainstream Aquaculture have identified specific gene variances that stop melanin production, eliminating the grey tint often found in standard Barramundi fillets, resulting in a pure white, premium flesh.

📷Mainstream Aquaculture

08/05/2026

The Corner Inlet Fishery Habitat Association (CIFHA) founded by local fishers has been involved in initiatives to enhance water quality and restore vital seagrass beds, which are essential for both the fishery and the broader ecosystem.

Seagrass beds in Corner Inlet have suffered long-term impacts from mining, agriculture, forestry and farming. Some of the most important local seafood species including flathead, King George
whiting, gummy shark and southern calamari, rely on broadleaf seagrass for food or habitat at some point in their lifecycle.

CIFHA members have contributed their boats, knowledge and expertise to assist with restoring areas of seagrass.

📷Corner Inlet Fishery Habitat Association

29/04/2026

For almost 60 years, Mallacoota Abalone Limited has played a foundational role in the development of the Victorian abalone fishery.

The first local processing facility in Mallacoota was established in 1975, cementing the town's position as a vertically integrated, community-based seafood hub. In 2019, Mallacoota Abalone Limited was completely destroyed during the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires. Rather than exiting the industry, the business rebuilt—investing in a modernised processing facility that is stronger, more efficient and better aligned with contemporary food safety, quality assurance and export requirements.

Today, Mallacoota Abalone Limited punches well above its weight in export performance, supplying premium wild-caught abalone renowned for its quality, traceability and provenance from one of Australia’s most pristine marine environments.

📷 Mallacoota Abalone

28/04/2026

24/04/2026

Seafood Industry Victoria (SIV) has expressed concern regarding the Outdoor Recreation Victoria Bill, which underpins the Victorian Government's proposal to merge the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) with the Game Management Authority (GMA) on July 1st under a new agency called Outdoor Recreation Victoria (ORV).

The Bill describes the structure, objectives and functions of ORV which has a clear focus on promoting outdoor recreation. SIV is of the view that regulation of commercial fishing and aquaculture by an entity focused on recreational pursuits is at odds with the roles of our seafood primary producers.

Proper governance of commercial fisheries and aquaculture—and responsible regulation of natural resources—must remain paramount. SIV urges the Government to ensure that any reforms to fisheries governance continue to uphold the objectives of the Fisheries Act, protect the sustainability of our seafood sectors and support Victoria’s seafood producers in meeting community expectations for local, nutritious and environmentally responsible food.

20/04/2026

Seafood Industry Victoria (SIV) has today released its 2026 Election Priorities, outlining a comprehensive plan to strengthen the state’s seafood production sector, improve food security, and drive economic growth in coastal communities.

Key priorities include :

1. More local seafood
- Work with industry and scientists to support secure, tradable and economically viable commercial fishing opportunities.
- Commit to expanding oyster farming in Gippsland Lakes and Western Port Bay.

2. Technology to improve data
- Roll-out digital tools for any commercial fisheries still using paper logbooks to report their catch.
- Develop an app for charter boat operators to contribute valuable information about their catch for resource management.

3. A secure future for Victorian seafood
- Make sure seafood production is a priority when planning how we use the marine space.
- Support industry collaboration on market development, better consumer education and minimising potential impacts of offshore energy to local seafood availability.

A productive seafood industry boosts the economies of historic fishing towns and attracts visitors from across the world. SIV’s plan emphasises the role of local seafood in providing Victorians with the freshest fish possible, whilst ensuring our state retains the crown for being a culinary destination.

SIV is calling on all political parties to commit to these priorities in the lead-up to the 2026 state election. A full breakdown of SIV's 2026 Election Priorities can be found on the website www.siv.com.au

27/03/2026

An important story reflecting the crisis that our local fishing fleet is facing.

26/03/2026

We are still buzzing after the 2026 Victorian Seafood Industry Awards! A relaxed and welcoming vibe filled the Port Campbell Surf Club as we recognised achievement and enjoyed good company.

Thank you to our award judges who dedicated time and effort taking on the unenviable task of deciding the worthy winners. Congratulations to all those who received an award!

- Primary Producer Award (Wild Catch): Victorian Abalone Australia
- Primary Producer Award (Aquaculture): Ocean Road Abalone
- Business Award: San Remo Fishermen’s Co-Op
- Research, Development & Extension Award: Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC)
- Research, Development & Extension Certificate of Appreciation: Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies
- Environment Award: Corner Inlet Fishery Habitat Association (CIFHA)
- Restaurant Award: Off The Wharf Café Lakes Entrance
- Take Away Award: San Remo Fishermen’s Co-Op
- Special mention for Awesome Fish & Chips: Port Albert Fish & Chip Co
- Seafood Experience: Tidal Festival
- Young Achiever Award: Emily Dove
- ‘Russell Frost’ Industry Ambassador Award: Luke Anedda

Shout out to Mikes Mussels and The Perch at Lavers Hill for an amazing job with the catering, and the legend Richard Cornish for being an outstanding host.

The special night wouldn’t have been possible without the support of sponsors .au, , , and Southern Rocklobster Ltd.

15/03/2026

Congratulations to all of the nominees for the 2026 Victorian Seafood Industry Awards!

The calibre of nominations this year is sure to challenge the 12 judges charged with selecting worthy winners. We’re looking forward to Richard Cornish announcing the results in beautiful Port Campbell on Saturday March 21st!

This year Seafood Industry Victoria Inc is proud to announce the ‘Russell Frost’ Industry Ambassador Award in honour of a man who gave so much to the industry he lived and loved.

Tickets are still available for a fun night of entertainment and delicious food in one of Victoria’s most picturesque seaside towns! https://loom.ly/Da_elRo

Special thanks to event sponsors
- .au
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- Southern Rocklobster Ltd
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celebratingindustry

📸 Russell Frost in Apollo Bay, taken by

11/03/2026

Restaurant Award nominee The Perch at Lavers Hill will be serving up their renowned lobster rolls at the 2026 Victorian Seafood Industry Awards!

A big thanks to our lobster roll sponsor, Southern Rocklobster Ltd and key event sponsors FRDC and Victorian Fisheries Authority.

We can’t wait to tuck into these while enjoying some live music and finding out who takes home the 10 fantastic awards on offer!

The event is taking place at Port Campbell Surf Club on March 21st.

Tickets still available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-victorian-seafood-industry-awards-tickets-1752720597489?msockid=20db9f5fef266f8807e18bf6eecc6e87.