End fishy labelling in Australia

Mislabelling of seafood products is a significant concern in Australia.

Australians love seafood, but our seafood labelling laws are weak and outdated.

Australians can’t be sure what seafood they’re eating, where it came from or how it was caught. Changes need to be made to seafood labelling so that Aussie consumers get the information they expect and deserve.

Research has shown that at least 1 in 10 seafood products in Australia are mislabelled, even with vague names like “white fish” or “flake”.

Mislabelling of seafood products is a significant concern in Australia. In some products like shark meat, mislabelling can be as high as 80%. It is extremely difficult to identify a fish when filleted or processed, so consumers cannot tell if their freshly caught snapper is actually a cheaper, lower quality fish.

Australian labels must be specific and accurate. For Australians to feel confident in their purchasing decisions, all seafood products sold in retailers (e.g. supermarkets, fishmongers, and fish counters) in Australia must include:

1. A common name as dictated by the Australian Fish Names Standard, ideally accompanied by an accurate scientific name.
2. Point of Capture. If harvested in Australia, it must display the state or territory. If harvested in another country’s or international waters, it must display that country’s name or the FAO Major Fishing Area Code. Farmed products should display either the country they were originally farmed in or, if Australian, the state or territory.
3. Whether the product was wild-caught or farmed, and the gear type used in fishing as described in the FAO Standard Gear Types. Farmed products may voluntarily display the farm type.
4. Exporting country or country where a majority of processing occurred (if relevant).

Better labels would mean that Aussies could confidently choose sustainable, ethically sourced, delicious seafood – and know they’re getting what they pay for.
Urge the Government to urgently update our seafood labelling laws.

Sign this petition to support the call for the Australian government to update Australia’s fishy labelling laws.
Thank you for signing our petition to update Australia’s seafood labelling laws.

By signing this, you have joined the call for clear, accurate labelling so Australians can make informed choices about the seafood they eat.