Western Australian seafood first to net international market

15/12/04
The Western Australian seafood industry will have access to a different kind of net this summer with the State Government's launch of http://www.WAseafood.net.
WAseafood.net is an online information system designed to help commercial seafood buyers on an international scale source prime WA seafood.
The innovative site offers a simple and inexpensive solution to the needs of seafood buyers and outlets alike and will be trialled over the next year.
Fisheries Minister Kim Chance launched the site this morning at the Leederville premises of leading seafood supplier and marketer Kailis Brothers.
"WAseafood.net will allow buyers to peruse a variety of outlets or pinpoint species-specific information while also positioning WA exporters within the lucrative international marketplace," Mr Chance said.
"Companies interested in taking part can register now. Clients maintain their own company details and will be able to access a database of past queries.
"During the trial period feedback from exporters and importers using the site will be sought in order to gauge potential adaptations and improvements."
The Minister said with WA's rock lobster industry already accredited with the Marine Stewardship Council's eco-label, it was well placed to target consumers around the world who preferred to eat fish from sustainable fisheries and pristine waters.
"And, with many countries spending millions of dollars at international seafood events, we needed to find smarter ways of promoting our product," he said.
Mr Chance said another key driver of the initiative was the 'Asian Foodbuyers' Survey' report, commissioned by the Federal Government and released in October 2001.
"The report highlighted the need for a one-stop information service and has further enforced moves to remedy the lack of international awareness of Australian product," he said.
"Global trading is becoming increasingly reliant on online technologies playing a significant marketing role and helping to reduce costs and I urge WA exporters to use WAseafood.net as their online portal to world-wide sales and recognition."
For more information on WAseafood.net please contact Jim Paparo at the Department of Fisheries on 9482 2376.
Minister's office: 9213 6700