Message from our CEO – March 2020

The past few months have been a challenging and demanding time for Western Australia’s seafood industry as we come to terms with the realities of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the new dynamics of the domestic and export markets, community lockdowns and working-from-home protocols.

There aren’t a lot of upsides to these sorts of issues, but in the case of the seafood industry I’m pleased with our initial progress as an industry united and how we have all pulled together to focus on the common good of getting our industry stabilised and positioning it for an effective recovery post-crisis.  This very much includes the ability for seafood producers to continue to supply fresh fish to our domestic and export markets throughout this crisis and we’re working hard to ensure this continues.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those sector bodies and members who have stepped up and put in the many hours required to help prepare the support and recovery proposal which I presented to the Premier last Wednesday and formalised into a submission to Minister Tinley the next day.

The proposal was met favourably, and while we are awaiting formal reply we’re already working with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to initiate first steps.

This is a rapidly moving playing field so keep an eye out for WAFIC’s regular updates, which are also posted to the website news channel.

Another upside is the good news stories I’m hearing about industry members and operators working together to support each other through shared activities and cross-promotions and deep community involvement. Let’s keep these doors open to help each other through these difficult times, and keep us aware of what’s happening in your patch.

Easter celebrations are almost upon us and we’ll be working with media and our Minister to share a seafood message with the community with a strong buy local flavour. Just because we can’t travel, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a seafood meal with family over the holiday period.

To support this, WAFIC launched a program recently where we are encouraging members to share each other’s posts on social media. As an industry we have a massive reach across social media so share and let’s spread the message far and wide.

I’ll close by wishing you all a safe and happy Easter. I hope you get some downtime to relax and spend time with your families.  Take the best of care and stay safe.

WAFIC is committed to working for you and keeping you informed so please keep an eye out for our updates.