Slapping Back: The $21.4 Million Boost to Australia’s Prawn Industry Recovery

Prawn Industry Receives $21.4 Million Recovery Package for White Spot Disease

The struggling prawn industry in New South Wales has been given a much-needed boost with a $21.4 million recovery package from the state government to combat the devastating impact of white spot disease. However, some fishers are expressing concerns that the financial support falls short of their needs.

The Impact of White Spot Disease

White spot disease, a highly contagious viral infection that affects prawns and other crustaceans, was first detected in Queensland in 2016 and has since spread to the Clarence River in New South Wales. The disease is believed to be transmitted through infected animals or contaminated water. The prawn industry in the state’s north has been under strict biosecurity measures since the disease was found in the Clarence River last August, causing more than 40 trawlers to be left idle.

Funding Shortcomings and Future Uncertainty

While the $21.4 million pledged by the state government is intended to support the ongoing biosecurity response and provide targeted assistance to affected businesses, some fishers argue that the financial support is inadequate. Clarence River fisher Glenn Dawson expressed his disappointment, stating, “They are not looking into the future very far…whether they [biosecurity] have a plan, that’s something the fishers need to know.”

Fishers like Dawson are concerned that the funding package may only provide temporary relief and that if another outbreak occurs, the industry could be subjected to another two-year ban. This uncertainty highlights the need for a comprehensive and long-term solution to address the issue of white spot disease.

The Need for a Comprehensive Approach

The Role of Biosecurity Measures

Biosecurity measures have been crucial in preventing the spread of white spot disease and protecting the prawn industry. The NSW Department of Primary Industries has conducted extensive water and prawn testing, with negative results so far. However, the problem lies in the shared water source between prawn farms and river-based wild-caught prawn fishers. As a result, fishers have been subject to the same restrictions as prawn farmers, causing severe disruptions to their livelihoods.

Imported Raw Prawns as the Culprit?

The issue of imported raw prawns as potential carriers of white spot disease has been raised by some in the industry. The disease is endemic in prawn farming regions in Asia and the Americas, and Australia imports about 70% of its seafood, including prawns primarily from Thailand, China, and Vietnam. The fishing industry has long called on the federal government to halt imports from countries where white spot is prevalent to prevent future outbreaks.

A Holistic Recovery Package

In light of the ongoing challenges faced by the prawn industry, a comprehensive recovery package should consider the following elements:

1. Financial Assistance

While the $21.4 million funding package is a step in the right direction, it is essential to ensure that the funds are allocated in a way that supports fishers and farmers in the long term. Fee waivers, disease surveillance activities, and mental health programs for affected individuals are commendable measures. However, additional financial support may be required to cover the industry’s needs beyond the next 12 months.

2. Long-Term Biosecurity Planning

To provide certainty to fishers and farmers, it is imperative that biosecurity agencies develop a clear and comprehensive plan to prevent future outbreaks and mitigate the impact of white spot disease. This should include robust surveillance systems, stricter regulations on imported prawns, and improved communication between relevant stakeholders.

3. Diversification and Innovation

The prawn industry should explore opportunities for diversification and innovation to mitigate the risks associated with relying solely on prawn trawling. Investing in sustainable aquaculture practices, supporting research and development, and promoting alternative seafood products could help create a more resilient and adaptable industry.

4. Industry Collaboration

Collaboration among industry stakeholders, including prawn fishers, prawn farmers, government agencies, and research institutions, is crucial for sustainable recovery. By working together, sharing knowledge and resources, and implementing best practices, the prawn industry can enhance its ability to manage and prevent the spread of diseases like white spot.

Conclusion

The $21.4 million recovery package for the NSW prawn industry is a welcome boost to help combat the devastating impact of white spot disease. However, fishers and farmers are rightfully concerned about the long-term viability of the industry. A comprehensive approach that includes financial support, biosecurity planning, diversification, and collaboration is needed to ensure the industry’s resilience and sustainability. It is crucial for the government, industry stakeholders, and biosecurity agencies to work together to protect the livelihoods of prawn fishers and farmers and secure the future of the industry.