The Australian prawn farming sector has recently found itself in the midst of renewed criticism following the interception by biosecurity officials of a major illegal importation of raw prawns. Leading the charge is industry giant Kim Hooper, who supports a full stop on prawn imports. A recently reported case underscored the biosecurity dangers that these imports can bring. Our own Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) managed to intercept one particularly suspicious shipment. It had boxes of “fresh water prawns” packed into a styrofoam box, setting off red flags everywhere with Australia’s rigid biosecurity laws.
Hooper warned that it was a mistake to think these penalties were enough to deter the illegal importation being exposed. He contended that threats to the local industry do not come close to warranting such significant penalties. The recent interception of white spot disease in imported items (e.g., bait shrimp and prawns) has sent shockwaves through the Australian prawn industry. This transmission routes represent a catastrophic risk to our fisheries and aquaculture as well.
Industry Concerns Over Biosecurity Threats
Hooper’s fears are seconded by Margo Andrae, CEO of the Australian Prawn Farmers Association. Andrae emphasized the importance of Australia’s biosecurity regulations, stating, “Australia has incredibly strict biosecurity laws for a very good reason. We don’t have the diseases that are out there globally.”
Both Hooper and Andrae are calling for increased penalties for violations of such biosecurity measures. Hooper stated, “The government needs to step up. There needs to be increased penalties for deliberate breaches such as this.” He argues that a stricter enforcement of regulations is necessary to protect Australia’s agricultural and prawn exporting industries.
The noncompliance costs local businesses and residents the billions spent on raw imported prawns but has dire consequences for Australian biosecurity. Hooper stressed that cooked prawns are the only ones that people can bring across Australia’s borders. He urged, “They’re not moving raw product out of that containment area, it has to be cooked.”
A Call for Consistency in Regulations
Hooper lambasted the state of play in Washington, DC as a “double standard,” favoring foreign importers and harming local businesses. He remarked on the apparent inconsistency in how regulations are applied, stating, “So it just beggars belief about how this is actually happening and why our own businesses in Australia are being treated differently to what importers are.”
The illegal importation of prawns have ongoing consequences for the Australian prawn sector, which operates under some of the toughest biosecurity legislation in the world. The possible arrival of pathogens such as white spot would wipe out existing populations. As such, Hooper is urging for a consistent approach to imported prawns to protect both the industry and consumer health.
Industry Calls for Stronger Deterrents
Given the circumstances of these events, the Australian agriculture industry has come together to support stronger provisions to prevent further breaches. Hooper remarked on the calculated nature of the illegal operation, saying, “This was a calculated operation involving false documentation and product substitution. The consequences should be equally serious.”
Andrae reinforced this sentiment, stating, “We need a really strong deterrent for these people. They’re putting our industries at risk.” The message is clear: both industry leaders are calling for immediate action from the government to address this pressing issue.
