2018, Volume 21, Paper 4

ISSN: 1442-6951

Improving the Australian Wild Caught Prawn Value Chain

Richard Kohne – Postgraduate Student, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville.

Abstract

Australia produces some 20,000_tonnes of wild caught prawn product per annum, of which approximately 6,500_tonnes is exported. The remaining volume competes with imports and domestic farmed product on the domestic market. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the wild caught prawn value chain to provide insights for value chain participants with the view of maximising value chain surplus. The chain is predominantly efficiency focused, but displays some responsive characteristics in its sales activities. The industry has been performing profitably but there is a unique opportunity to capitalise on a growing demand for sustainable disease free seafood in Asia delivering a significant increase in value chain surplus. There are two key interventions proposed to realise this potential growth in surplus. First, the formation of a unified national brand that promotes quality and provenance of Australian wild caught prawns. Informing the consumer of the benefits of this product over cheaper alternatives is critical to obtaining a premium price for a ‘clean and green’ product. Second, the development of a steady sustainable volume to provide continuity of supply to domestic and export markets.

Key words: Value chain, seafood, prawns, cold chain, fishing

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