Australia Fish Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis Report and Forecast Trends (2025-2034)

Australia Fish Market Overview

Australia’s extensive exclusive economic zone (EEZ) supports a rich marine biodiversity, underpinning a diverse and resilient seafood market. The enforcement of stringent quality and sustainability regulations enhances supply chain integrity, strengthening consumer confidence both domestically and internationally. This regulatory framework, combined with growing health-conscious consumer preferences, drives steady volume growth in the market. Notably, in November 2024, the arrival of chilled salmon fillets from Chile, a 220kg shipment audited by Sernapesca and compliant with Australian food safety standards, illustrates expanding trade opportunities. Recognised by DAWE for processed salmonid exports, Chile’s entry complements the Australia seafood market growth, which sustains significant employment across capture, processing, logistics, and retail, highlighting its broader economic impact.

Australia Fish Market Growth

The demand of the Australia fish market is underpinned by robust, industry-led sustainability frameworks and advanced fisheries governance, ensuring long-term resource security and compliance with environmental standards. A diversified species mix, from barramundi to abalone, enhances product breadth and market adaptability. Coastal consumer demand continues to favour same-day catch, supporting freshness-driven sales. Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), offers a viable model to reduce nutrient waste and improve economic resilience by integrating fed, organic, and inorganic extractive species. Furthermore, the growth of Indigenous-owned seafood enterprises strengthens local supply chains, fosters economic inclusion, and injects cultural value, collectively driving sustainable, community-aligned market expansion.

Key Trends and Developments

The growth of the Australian fish market is driven by sustainable sourcing and eco-certification, growth in aquaculture and technological innovation, value-added processing with fresh-catch convenience, and a diversified export strategy enhancing market access.

March 2025

Aldi was named Australia’s leading supermarket for sustainable seafood, winning three Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) awards, including Best Responsible Seafood Retailer for the third consecutive year. Yumbah Aquaculture also received multiple accolades for its regenerative practices and community engagement, highlighting growing industry commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing.

January 2025

Home Taste Food Enterprise in Siem Reap has expanded its exports of processed fish products to Australia, shipping over three tonnes in its second batch. Supported by training and quality certifications, the company aims to meet growing international demand and plans to explore European markets, reinforcing its commitment to global expansion.

November 2024

Australia expanded its AUD 1.8 billion seafood export industry by enhancing the Next Export Documentation (NEXDOC) digital system. This government-backed initiative streamlined export processes, improved data tracking, and reduced fraud risks, benefiting exporters with faster, cost-effective documentation and greater market access, particularly in China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.

July 2024

JBS invested AUD 110 million to enhance salmon production at its Huon Aquaculture Whale Point facility in Tasmania. The investment aimed to improve on-land fish farming, reducing time and costs in marine environments. The project funded a hatchery and created 150 construction jobs, expanding Huon’s capacity and efficiency.

Sustainable Sourcing and Eco-Certification is Influecing the Australia Fish Market Dynamics and Trends

Increasing consumer and regulatory pressure is driving fisheries to adopt eco-certification and sustainable sourcing methods. Businesses are investing in traceability systems, ensuring compliance with Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standards. This enhances transparency, builds consumer trust, and attracts premium pricing segments. As environmental credentials grow in importance, operator differentiation through sustainable branding becomes a critical market driver.

Growth in Aquaculture and Technological Innovation is Impacting the Australia Fish Industry Revenue

Aquaculture output is rising sharply, powered by R&D advances and automation in feed optimisation and disease control. High-tech land-based systems and offshore farms enhance yield and biosecurity while reducing reliance on wild stocks. These innovations support supply resilience, lower production costs, and meet increasing domestic and export demands.

Value-Added Processing and Fresh-Catch Convenience is Boosting the Demand of the Australia Fish Market

Consumer preferences are driving demand for premium, value-added seafood products—such as pre-cut fillets and ready-to-cook meals. Fresh and same-day catch offerings, particularly from coastal fish markets, also retain strong appeal. Producers who can deliver both convenience and freshness through streamlined processing are gaining competitive advantage.

Diversified Export Strategy and Market Access is Driving the Australia Fish Market Expansion

Australian seafood exporters are broadening their trade focus beyond traditional markets like Japan and the US, targeting emerging economies across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Enhanced logistics, biosecurity measures, and compliance with export standards enhance global competitiveness. Moreover, trade agreements and strategic partnerships are reducing tariff barriers, supporting export growth and market diversification.

Australia Fish Market Trends

Technological innovation remains a key trend in the Australia fish market, with AI integration enhancing genetic selection and operational efficiency, evident in the University of Queensland’s 2023 digital twin project for barramundi breeding, boosting sustainability and scalability. Traceability systems support supply chain transparency, aligning with global consumer demands. Sydney Fish Market exemplifies value chain diversification through tourism and culinary experiences, strengthening domestic revenue. Export diversification mitigates geopolitical risk, while investments in sustainable aquaculture improve climate resilience and long-term stock viability. Collectively, these factors underpin sectoral growth, with northern aquaculture alone valued at AUD 223M and projected to increase.

Opportunities in the Australia Fish Market

Mandatory seafood origin labelling, effective 1 July 2025, responded to long-standing industry calls for greater transparency, enhancing consumer trust and enabling price premiums for domestically sourced products, impacting the Australia fish market revenue. This regulation supports demand-side market drivers by fostering informed purchasing decisions, especially amid rising consumer expectations for traceability and sustainability. Government investments in fisheries innovation and marketing improve competitiveness, while seafood’s low-carbon footprint aligns with ESG trends. Additionally, strong cultural and dietary relevance among Indigenous and regional populations sustains consistent domestic demand. The sector’s ability to differentiate local from imported supply positions Australian seafood producers to capture value in both domestic and export markets.

Market Restraints

The Australia fish market encounters key restraints impacting growth and profitability. Strict environmental regulations and biosecurity measures increase compliance costs, particularly affecting smaller producers. Heavy reliance on imports, exceeding 60% of seafood supply, introduces vulnerability to international market fluctuations and logistical challenges.

Prior to mandatory labelling laws, inconsistent product transparency hindered consumer confidence. Additionally, workforce shortages and limited availability of suitable aquaculture sites restrict operational expansion. These factors collectively constrain market scalability and delay the sector’s ability to meet rising domestic and global demand effectively.

Australia Fish Market Share

Market Analysis by Fish Type

According to the Australia fish market report, shrimps dominate market value driven by strong domestic and export demand. Their rapid growth and adaptability to aquaculture systems enhance production efficiency, meeting rising consumer preference for high-protein, low-fat seafood. Queensland’s rich biodiversity, with around 900 prawn and shrimp species including commercially vital Brown Tiger and Eastern King Prawns, supports sector growth. Adoption of advanced breeding technologies and sustainable farming practices further bolsters yield while ensuring environmental compliance, positioning shrimps as a key driver in Australia’s expanding seafood industry.

Marine fishes significantly contribute to the Australia seafood market growth by diversifying product offerings and aligning with health-conscious consumption, driven by omega-3 benefits. With approximately 33,000 species identified, including high-demand species like tuna, snapper, and flathead, the sector benefits from robust supply and consumer variety. Sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture innovation enhance stock resilience and supply consistency, supporting both domestic consumption and export growth. Compliance with environmental and regulatory standards ensures market sustainability and economic development, underpinning marine fishes as a strategic market driver in Australia’s seafood sector.

Market Insights by Distribution Channel

Supermarkets and hypermarkets is driving the Australia fish market growth through expansive distribution networks, ensuring product availability, freshness, and competitive pricing. Their ability to meet diverse consumer demands for convenience and variety bolsters market penetration. The 2025 Sustainable Seafood Awards recognised leaders like Aldi, Coles, Woolworths, and Bidfood for championing sustainable sourcing, with nearly AUD 400 million spent on MSC-certified seafood, indicating rising consumer eco-awareness. These retailers’ commitment to responsible sourcing and innovation enhances brand trust, aligns with shifting ethical consumption trends, and stimulates long-term sector expansion.

Convenience stores in Australia capitalise on fast-paced lifestyles by offering accessible, ready-to-eat seafood products that cater to time-sensitive consumers. Their agile inventory management enables quick replenishment of locally sourced, fresh seafood, supporting traceability and quality assurance. In 2025, Coles pioneered ASC and MSC eco-labelled seafood in deli formats, boosting transparency and sustainability credentials. Extended operating hours and strategic placement drive impulse buying, expanding consumer reach and reinforcing demand for convenient, responsibly sourced seafood options. These dynamics position convenience stores as vital growth channels within evolving market preferences.

Australia Fish Market Regional Insights

New South Wales Fish Market Overview

New South Wales benefits from a robust seafood demand driven by high urban population density and well-developed logistics infrastructure. The market leverages proximity to major ports, enabling efficient import-export operations. The annual value of NSW wild harvest fisheries is around AUD 90 million, with the broader seafood industry generating AUD 370 million in economic activity annually and employing over 3,500 people, according to the NSW government. Consumer trends emphasise fresh, sustainably sourced products, creating opportunities for premium and value-added seafood offerings aligned with evolving health-conscious preferences.

Queensland Fish Market Trends

Queensland’s fish market thrives on diverse species availability, supported by its extensive coastal waters and aquaculture growth. Rising consumer demand for local, ethically farmed seafood drives investment in sustainable practices. The value of Queensland’s aquaculture industry rose by 16.1%, with production increasing from AUD 193.5 million in 2020–21 to a record AUD 224.7 million in 2021–22, according to the Queensland government. Seasonal tourism inflows and government support stimulate market expansion, positioning Queensland as a key hub for both domestic consumption and export potential.

Western Australia Fish Market Dynamics

Western Australia’s fish market is characterised by strong export orientation, benefiting from access to Asian markets and premium seafood species. Investment in advanced aquaculture technology enhances yield and sustainability. The Western Australian Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) and other stakeholders work together to manage the state’s commercial fishing industry sustainably. Market drivers include increasing consumer preference for traceability, environmental responsibility, and the region’s reputation for high-quality wild-caught seafood.

Victoria Fish Market Drivers

Victoria’s fish market is propelled by sophisticated consumer demand for variety and quality, underpinned by strong foodservice and retail sectors. The market benefits from strategic cold chain infrastructure facilitating year-round supply. Increasing emphasis on sustainable sourcing and innovation in product formats supports growth amid heightened consumer environmental awareness.

Australian Capital Territory Fish Market Opportunities

Though limited by geography, the Australian Capital Territory market capitalises on high-income consumer segments seeking premium, sustainably sourced seafood. Opportunities lie in value-added products and direct-to-consumer channels. Proximity to government institutions supports demand for traceable, ethically certified seafood, reinforcing the region’s potential for niche market development.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the Australia fish market are prioritising sustainability, product traceability, and consumer engagement to align with shifting market expectations. Strategic investments in digital retail infrastructure address the growing demand for convenient seafood access. Industry collaborations with chefs and hospitality partners are enhancing brand differentiation and promoting local provenance. These initiatives support premiumisation, drive consumer loyalty, and position Australian seafood competitively in both domestic and export markets, underpinning long-term sector growth.

Key Industry Players

Australia Bay Seafoods: Established in 1995 and headquartered in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia Bay Seafoods specialises in wild-caught Spanish Mackerel and Red Snapper. The company operates sustainably within the Northern Prawn Fishery and is known for its commitment to quality, traceability, and responsible sourcing practices that support Australian marine resource preservation.

MainStream Aquaculture: Founded in 2001 and based in Werribee, Victoria, MainStream Aquaculture is a global leader in Barramundi farming. The company operates one of the world's largest recirculating aquaculture systems, prioritising sustainability, biosecurity, and innovation. MainStream exports premium-grade live fish and fillets across multiple international markets while supporting domestic supply chains.

Austral Fisheries: Established in 1978, Austral Fisheries is headquartered in Perth, Western Australia. The company is a pioneer in sustainable fishing and was the first to be carbon-neutral certified. It operates in sub-Antarctic and tropical fisheries, producing premium products such as Glacier 51 Toothfish and Skull Island Tiger Prawns, under strict eco-certified standards.

Holt Seafood Company Pty Ltd: Based in New South Wales and established in 1993, Holt Seafood Company Pty Ltd supplies high-quality seafood to retail and foodservice sectors. Known for responsibly sourced fish and shellfish, the company leverages strong supplier networks and sustainable practices to maintain consistent quality and reliability across the Australian seafood market.

Other key players in the Australia fish market report are Austop Fisheries, Australian Longline Fishing, Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association LTD, Mackay Reef Fish Pty Ltd., BROWN DOG FISHING Co., Trepang Fisheries, and Stehr Group, among others.