• Prawn fishers urge shoppers to choose sustainably this Christmas.
• Six fisheries catching nine prawn species accounting for 63% of all wild-caught prawns in Australia are now certified to the MSC Fisheries Standard, the world’s benchmark for sustainable fishing.
• Australians are expected to tuck into at least 22,000 tonnes of prawns* during the festive period.

• The Ocean King Prawn Fishery Company based in Hervey Bay is the latest prawn fishery certified in October this year and will be the only certified prawn fishery operating into Christmas.
  

MSC certified Northern Prawn Fishery trawler at sea. Credit: MSC

In a significant stride towards a sustainable future for the beloved Aussie Christmas prawn tradition, the world’s leading sustainable fishing standard setter, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), has released new data revealing the most sustainable year of prawns yet with 63% of annual prawn catches now MSC-certified.

Certification to the MSC Fisheries Standard means demonstrating healthy fish stocks, minimised ecosystem impacts and effective management through independent audits held annually.

Commenting on the sustainability accolade, Fishtales Director, John Susman says: “MSC-certified Prawn fisheries operating under the world’s most stringent sustainability standards, ensure that every prawn is not just delicious but also responsibly sourced.”

It is expected that Australians will tuck into at least 22,000 tonnes of prawns* during the festive period, enough to fill 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The abundance of MSC certified banana prawns from Australia’s Northern Prawn Fishery due to heavy rainfall in early 2023 means shoppers can expect significant savings.

Coles Ambassador and former MasterChef contestant Courtney Roulston said the festive feast must-haves are a staple on her Christmas table and with the great deals on offer at Coles, including MSC Raw Banana Prawns at $14 per kilo, down from $20 per kilo — $8 cheaper than the same time last Christmas.  “For me, Christmas is all about creating memories and nothing says 'memorable' like a table piled high with Banana Prawns, ready to be peeled and devoured together.” she said.

“There are so many ways to enjoy Australian Raw Banana Prawns this time of year, like butterflied and barbecued with a little garlic butter and fresh herbs, paired with mango and avocado for a refreshing summer salad, or cut up with fennel and cranberry and served in any leftover dinner rolls.”

As Christmas shoppers flock to buy their prawns, Rachel King, Executive Officer of the Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries is encouraging Aussies to stock up: “The average weight of prawns purchased by Australians at each shopping trip usually peaks at 1.3 kg in December. This year, with prawns in plentiful supply, Australians are encouraged to put more on the table. Make it 2kg or take home a 5kg box of prawns frozen at sea, keep it in the freezer, and enjoy on long summer days.”

Despite the prawn feeding frenzy, according to the MSC most Australians (86%) are concerned about the state of the world’s ocean, including the effects of overfishing**. Therese Murphy from the Ocean King Prawn Company which will be fishing for prawns right up to Christmas Eve is urging shoppers to request MSC certified prawns when shopping, adding: “As our first year holding MSC certification, we’re able to supply our customers with top quality, delicious seafood, with the added assurance that our prawns are sustainably caught.”

While environmental concern runs high, so does confusion, with recent reports of widespread greenwashing, prompting the ACCC to release new guidance for businesses’ making environmental claims last week***. Knowing what to look for is crucial, according to MSC Program Director of Oceania and Singapore, Anne Gabriel: "Look for credible labels such as the MSC blue fish tick which give assurance all the way through the supply chain that your seafood comes from an independently certified sustainable fishery meeting the MSC’s global sustainability requirements.”

“Aussies can feel proud that by continuing to choose MSC certified sustainable prawns now, we’re safeguarding future supplies of affordable prawns at Christmas well into the future.”

The MSC blue fish tick label can be found on around 400 sustainable seafood products at all major supermarkets, including at the Coles deli.