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More Information available on the following links.
Keep an eye out for our Seasonality Calendar coming soon!
Quick Links To Information
Find out more Information available on the following links. Keep an eye out for our Seasonality Calendar coming soon!
Queensland Fisheries Legislation
WTO Approvals
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Legislation
Queensland Fisheries Policies
Our People
Our East Coast NX Fishers Story
Our East Coast Prawns Story
Member Spotlight
COMING SOON…
Are you interested in nominating your business to be highlighted? Or is there a business member of ours you’d love to hear the story of? Click below to contact us for more information.
Our Seafood
Why Wild-Caught Seafood Matters
Wild-caught seafood is more than just a meal — it’s part of Australia’s coastal culture, economy, and food security.
Sustainably Managed Fisheries
Queensland’s fisheries are among the most tightly regulated in the world. Science-based quotas, closed seasons, size and catch limits, and gear restrictions all ensure that fish stocks remain healthy and abundant for generations to come.
Lowest Carbon Footprint Protein
Compared to many land-based proteins, wild seafood has a far smaller environmental footprint. No land clearing, no irrigation, and minimal feed inputs — just the natural productivity of our oceans.
Supporting Coastal Communities
Every kilo of seafood landed supports jobs not only on the water but also in regional towns, in processing, transport, hospitality, and retail.
Freshness You Can Taste
Wild-caught Queensland seafood is harvested from pristine waters and reaches local markets fast, offering consumers an unrivalled freshness and flavour profile.
How You Can Support Wild-Caught Seafood
- Buy Local
Ask for wild-caught Queensland seafood at your local fish shop or restaurant.
- Know Your Labels
Look for “Product of Australia” and “wild-caught” on packaging. Imported and farmed seafood often looks similar — but tastes and impacts very differently.
- Stay Informed
Follow QSIA updates to learn more about the challenges and successes of our industry.
- Share the Story
By talking about the benefits of wild-caught seafood, you help ensure its future.
Did You Know?
Queensland waters produce over 100 commercial species of seafood, from prawns to iconic mud crabs, crayfish, reef fish, barramundi & more!
Wild-caught seafood makes up the majority of Queensland’s seafood supply, yet imported product still dominates supermarket shelves and food service menu’s.
Choosing local, wild-caught seafood means supporting Queensland fishing families.
Every commercial fisher in Queensland operates under strict regulations to ensure sustainability. Management zones, closed areas, spawning closures plus licensing, quota, logbooks and reporting, crew qualifications, safety requirements and all the documentation involved.
Chilled VS Frozen
So what does ‘Fresh’ mean?
There is nothing like a fish caught and eaten in the same day, however did you know that fresh seafood, snap frozen at sea, is usually fresher than the non frozen fish bought at the seafood shop or restaurant?
Most fish sold frozen is now cleaned, filleted, and frozen right on the boat within an hour of the catch, preserving its freshness. The rapid process used ensures the ice crystals within the flesh are minute; this allows for minimum water absorption and destruction of the flesh. If then transported home and stored correctly, when cooked (or defrosted) it should then be virtually indistinguishable from fresh fish fillets.
There are advantages and disadvantages for both fresh and frozen and this depends on the situation. In many cases frozen can be better than ‘fresh’ if you do not want to cook it in the next day or so. Remember that ‘fresh’ (unfrozen) seafood can be up to six days old by the time it gets through the supply chain and onto your table at home.
Buying frozen seafood has the advantage of not having to cook it straight away. You can store it until required and in most cases defrost only what is required. It is recommended that the storage life of seafood is three months.
To thaw frozen seafood, thaw slowly in the refrigerator for 24 hours or, if you’re in a hurry, you can run the tightly wrapped fish under COLD water instead of at room temperature. Cook it as soon as possible to minimize the loss of juices. Try not to thaw frozen fish completely before cooking, or it may make them very dry and mushy.
Most frozen imported fish products are low in omega-3 fats – and aren’t as cheap as you’d think.
To determine if a fish has been properly frozen, as with fresh fish check its appearance: it should be somewhat shiny and have no white freezer-burn spots. It should be hard as a rock, showing no evidence of previous defrosting
Seafood Locator - COMING SOON !!
Sustainability
QSIA members understand and support the need for sustainably harvested wild caught seafood.
We are committed to maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy access to Australia’s natural seafood resources. Our members take pride in operating under some of the world’s most rigorous fisheries management frameworks, guided by science, community values, and respect for the marine environment. Sustainability, for us, means striking the right balance — protecting our oceans while supporting the livelihoods, culture, and food security that depend on them.
The Queensland Government has a sustainable Fishing Strategy:
The OceanWatch Master Fisherman Progam
Sustainable fish from the tide to the table
Biosecurity
In Queensland, every person has a general biosecurity obligation under the Biosecurity Act 2014, and there are large penalties for non-compliance.
Biosecurity Videos
The impacts of white spot disease (WSD) and its detection in late 2016 are still being felt across the harvest and post-harvest sectors in Moreton Bay.
A key learning from the incursion of WSD has been the degree to which industry was aware of and ready to respond was limited. The challenge remains to develop materials that will help industry be more aware of potential threats, how to communicate with government and how to manage their businesses in the contact of a disease incursion.
The aim of developing wild harvest fishery biosecurity plans and tool kit materials is to improve industry understanding and awareness of biosecurity issues. Specifically, the aim is to develop the necessary skills to become more aware of their general biosecurity obligations and responsibilities under the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014, and to know what to do if industry suspect the presence of a major aquatic pest or disease.
Under section 23 of the Act – What is a general biosecurity obligation, subsections (1) and (2) state: (1) This section applies to a person who deals with biosecurity matter or a carrier, or carries out an activity, if the person knows or ought reasonably to know that the biosecurity matter, carrier or activity poses or is likely to pose a biosecurity risk and (2) The person has an obligation (a general biosecurity obligation) to take all reasonable and practical measures to prevent or minimise the biosecurity risk.
Biosecurity Project
White Spot is a highly contagious viral infection that affects crustaceans such as prawns, crabs and yabbies. The virus does not affect fish or other marine animals. White Spot is primarily spread through the movement of infected animals or contaminated water. The disease often results in the high and rapid mortality of prawns in high intensity production environments such as prawn farms.
A widespread outbreak would have a significant impact on Australia’s aquaculture and seafood industries. It would also impact on domestic and international trade as well as having environmental and social impacts.
Stronger Biosecurity and Quarantine Initiative
QSIA applied for and received a grant from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
This grant is being provided through the Stronger Biosecurity and Quarantine Initiative (SBQI) which aims to enable the Australian Government to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity preparedness and response capability for exotic pest and disease incursions.
The purpose of the grant is to increase the preparedness of Queensland’s wild harvest seafood industry through the appointment of a Biosecurity and Industry Liaison Officer (BILO), development of an industry biosecurity plan and the development of an industry communication tool kit to educate the industry on biosecurity issues.
This project is supported by the Queensland Seafood Industry Association, through funding from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
BILO – Dr Ben Diggles
Dr Diggles is the Managing Director, DigsFish Services Pty Ltd. He provides independent aquatic animal health consulting service for the fisheries and aquaculture industries in New Zealand, Australia, Asia and the South Pacific. His core business includes import risk analysis, biosecurity risk analysis, environmental risk assessments and environmental management systems, aquatic animal welfare and disease diagnosis.
Industry Communication Tool kit
The main aim of developing a tool kit is to improve industry biosecurity awareness to assist commercial fishers and processors develop the necessary skills to identify major aquatic pests and diseases. The development of the tool kit includes:
Production of online resources;
– Production of paper based resources and printing the Tool kit and arranging for its distribution to industry;
– Publication of information and resources relating to it in the QSIA trade magazine; and
– Contribution of articles to special industry magazines that will be published at the 6 and 12-month stages of the project.
Additional information materials are available including:
National Impacts of Biosecurity
Biosecurity is becoming a more critical issue for industry. The material developed under the SBQI grant has allowed industry to access a ready source of materials on a range of biosecurity matters.
Biosecurity Basics
A series of information products has been developed using White Spot as an example:
Biosecurity Plan
The aim of the plan is to enhance the ability of Queensland’s wild harvest seafood industry to prepare for, identify, mitigate the impact of and respond to future biosecurity incidents by:
– Alerting the industry about its role and responsibilities during biosecurity incidents;
– Reviewing and implementing best practice biosecurity measures within the wild harvest seafood industry; and
– Communicating with and educating stakeholders about the characteristics, prevention and management of important aquatic pests and diseases.
Aquatic Disease Field Guide App
To learn more about the range of diseases of aquatic animals of significance to Australia, download the Aquatic Disease Field Guide App that is available for iOS, android. Go to the App store of your choice.
Fishery Specific Plans
Trawl Fishery Plans
East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery Plan
Fin Fish (Stout Whiting) Trawl Fishery Plan
Trawl Fishery Plans
East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery Plan
Fin Fish (Stout Whiting) Trawl Fishery Plan
Line Fishery Plans
Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery Plan
Deepwater Fin Fish Fishery Plan
East Coast Spanish Mackerel Fishery Plan
Net Fishery Plans
Disease Information Sheets
Crustaceans
Disease Information Sheet AHPND
Disease Information Sheet IMNV
Disease Information Sheet MHD-SL
Disease Information Sheet MSGS
Fin Fish
Disease Information Sheet Atypical AS
Disease Information Sheet Furunculosis
Disease Information Sheet ISKNV
Mulluscs
Disease Information Sheet Akoya Oyster Disease
Disease Information Sheet AVNV
Disease Information Sheet Bonamia
Disease Information Sheet Iridoviruses
Disease Information Sheet Marteilia Refringens
Disease Information Sheet Martelioides
Disease Information Sheet Mikrocytos
Disease Information Sheet OSHV-µVar
Disease Information Sheet Perkinsus Marinus
Disease Information Sheet Perkinsus Olseni
Events
Industry Events
Queensland’s Seafood Industry events calendar includes key gatherings such as annual general meetings and bi-annual state awards recognising excellence across the sector. There are also National events that celebrate the diversity of our seafood industry around Australia.
QSIA Annual AGM
The AGM brings members together to reflect on achievements and set goals for the year ahead. An opportunity for members to review the year, discuss priorities, and shape the future direction of the Association.
GoCCFA Annual AGM
For Gulf fishers, owners, lessees, and deck crew from net, line, and crab fisheries to join this important event. Participation matters, and highlights will be shared on the GoCCFA Facebook feed.
MBSIA Annual AGM
MBSIA keeps members up to date on latest issues and news, and provides members with opportunities to take part in projects and trials which look to save money and improve the long term prospects of your fishery.
QSMA Annual AGM
QSMA promotes the quality and wholesomeness of Queensland Seafood and represents the full spectrum of post-harvest sector of the Queensland seafood industry, for over 45 years.
Queensland Parliamentary Friends of Queensland Commercial Fishing Function
QSIA hosted a Queensland Parliamentary Friends of Queensland Commercial Fishing on the River Terrace at Parliament House.
The event allowed many MP's and staff, to talk with fishers and suppliers in a relaxed environment, while show casing Queensland's superb wild caught seafood (Tiger and Eastern King Prawns, Bugs, Spanner Crab and Flat Head).
We would like to thank Stephen Bennett MP and Nick Dametto MP for sponsoring the event. Additional thanks to Tony Perrett MP for his words of support for our industry and the many MP's who dropped in.
Location: Brisbane
Date: 28 August 2025
Parliamentary Friends of The Australian Seafood Industry, Canberra
SIA hosts an annual Parliamentary Friends of The Australian Seafood Industry event at Australian Parliament House in Canberra, championing the interests of the Australian seafood industry.
The strong attendance of SIA members and politicians illustrates the collective recognition of the seafood industry’s importance to Australia’s economy, employment, and its irreplaceable role in our cultural heritage.
The menu is an array of Great Australian Seafood donated by SIA members.
Location: Canberra
Date: 27 August 2025
Industry Awards
The state and national awards honour outstanding achievements across the industry by recognising individuals, businesses, partnerships, and organisations that have made meaningful contributions to a sustainable and profitable Australian seafood industry.
State Awards
Hosted by QSMA bi-annually in March.
Nominate a Queensland Seafood Business into one of the many categories.
The winner from each category
enters into the National Awards, held at Seafood Directions.
National Awards
Hosted by Seafood Industry Australia bi-annually at the Seafood Directions Conference.
Location rotates beween states.
July 2026 in Sydney, NSW. To coincide with the grand opening of the new Sydney Fish Market building.
Seafood Festivals & Promotional Events
Queensland Boasts a vibrant array of seafood festivals celebrating the state's rich maritime heritage and bountiful produce.
Below is a curated list of prominent seafood festivals across the state, complete with their official websites for more information.
If you think we're missing an event, please reach out and we can add it to the list!
Curated Plate, Sunshine Coast
Series of Seafood Events, chef collaborations and dining experiences!
Location: Mooloolaba
Date: 25 July–3 August 2025
View Website
OceanFest, Bundaberg
Local Wild-caught seafood, food stalls, live entertainment, ocean-themed attractions.
Location: Bundaberg
Date: 23 August 2025
View Website
Taste Port Douglas
Culinary extravaganza, masterclasses, long lunches, celebrity chef dinners, festival village.
Location: Port Douglas
Date: 7-10 August 2025
View Website
Straddie's Biggest Seafood Spectacular
Straddie Oyster Festival is a celebration of their Local Fresh Oysters and Prawns with live entertainment, market stalls and kids entertainment.
Oyster and Prawn Comps and the famous Mud Crab Races are also a huge hit.
Location: North Stradbroke Island
Date: 18 January 2025
View Website
Cardwell Seafest
Held against the stunning backdrop of the Coral Sea, this festival offers a rich array of activities, including seafood feasts, live music, arts and crafts, and family-friendly entertainment. The event highlights the region’s bountiful marine life and culinary traditions, attracting both locals and visitors to indulge in fresh, locally sourced seafood.
Location: Cardwell Foreshore
Date: 3-5 October 2025
View Website
Outback by the Sea Festival, Karumba
Local Wild-caught seafood, food stalls, live entertainment, Mud Crab workshops, prawn peeling competitions and kids entertainment.
Location: Normanton & Karumba
Date: 12-15 September 2025
View Website
Meet the Catchers & Growers, Brisbane
Hosted by The Fish Girl, the event serves as a community hub to connect fishers, growers, chefs, and wholesalers. Promoting collaboration, sustainability and the celebration of local seafood and produce.
Location: Brisbane
Date: 8 July 2025
View Website