The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) reveals 13 million Aussies are unaware of how and where to purchase sustainably caught prawns, putting this favourite festive food at risk.
New national research* from the Marine Stewardship Council reveals:
- Two-thirds of Australians (65%) intend to buy prawns this Christmas, with more than three quarters (77%) of those stating that Christmas wouldn’t be the same without prawns on their plate
- Queenslanders (71%) are most likely to enjoy this shellfish over Summer, with South Australians the least partial to a prawn (53%)
- Almost 7 million (42%) people who eat prawns are not aware of where their seafood comes from, and half the nation (49%) do not know what sustainable prawns are
- Just a third (33%) know where to buy sustainably caught prawns
- The MSC is calling on all Australians to help safeguard prawns by looking for the MSC blue fish tick label
Despite almost 13 million Aussies (65%) planning to enjoy prawns this Christmas*, research from the MSC reveals our shopping habits could be putting our precious prawns at risk.
According to the national study conducted by YouGov, prawns are one of our favourite festive dishes (42%) - behind only ham (54%) and Christmas pudding (43%). What's more, the majority (56%) of Australians believe Christmas wouldn't be the same without them.
Alarmingly, however, only half (51%) of Australians know what sustainable prawns are, and just a third (33%) know where to buy them. Additionally, four in 10 (42%) people who eat prawns do not know where they originate. One in four (25%) also have no idea which species of prawn they are purchasing.
Anne Gabriel, MSC Oceania Program Director, explained, “We know that most Aussies want to do the right thing when it comes to purchasing their prawns. Three quarters (74%) of us believe we need to switch to only sustainable seafood sources.***
"We're calling on Australians to make a simple switch to sustainable prawns by looking for the MSC blue fish tick. Over half of Australian, wild prawns are certified to our scientific standard for fishing and are widely available to buy. For example, you'll find delicious, 100% Australian and sustainable banana and king prawns at Coles seafood deli counters nationwide. Just look for the blue fish tick on the ticket. Your choice helps preserve this Christmas favourite and actively supports the fishing communities who work hard to catch prawns responsibly. That is a true win-win for people and the planet."
James Whittaker, Head of Responsible Sourcing and Quality at Coles, said: “We're proud to have been recognised as the best sustainable seafood supermarket in Australia by the Marine Stewardship Council for three years.
“New in-store this Christmas, customers will find MSC certified Aussie banana prawn skewers in garlic or sweet chilli marinade at the deli counter for a convenient and delicious Christmas lunch or dinner.”
Jo-anne McCrea, Australian Seafood and Fisheries Manager, WWF Australia, commented, “Many of us are aware of overfishing and the impact of this on delicate ocean environments at a global scale. As well as reducing fish populations, destructive fishing also accidentally kill millions of fish and other marine animals each year. Every Australian can take action and help put a stop to this now by choosing sustainable seafood with the MSC’s blue fish tick label.”
With the festive season coming up, the research also shows just how people are planning to enjoy their prawns - including BBQ’ing (39%), grilling (39%), and whipping up a classic prawn cocktail (45%).*
Gabriel remarked, “We'll consume the equivalent of 20 Olympic swimming pools full of prawns over the Christmas period.** Let's continue to 'throw a shrimp on the barbie' for years to come by buying prawns with the MSC blue fish tick label.”
The MSC blue fish tick indicates wild seafood that is traceable back to healthy fish populations.
For delicious prawn recipes and information on where to purchase sustainable prawns this Christmas, visit msc.org/en-au/christmas-prawns.
Notes to editors
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Heidi Rose from History Will Be Kind on [email protected] or call +61(02) 8046 4848
**The equivalent of 50,000 tonnes. Source: Seafood Industry Australia 2018
*** MSC Consumer Insights Survey, conducted by GlobeScan in January 2018
