Your Good Friday fish and chips may be coming from as far away as South Africa this Easter

Families seeking fish and chips this Good Friday face higher prices, with some opting for imported fish from countries like South Africa and New Zealand as the cost of locally caught varieties rises.

Well-travelled fish

Fish retailers report the cost of fresh local fish has more than doubled as they struggle to meet peak Easter demand, leading consumers to cheaper imported options.

The increase in prices comes during the first Easter period impacted by Western Australia’s new demersal fishing laws, which have halved catches in some regions and closed commercial fishing along a 700-kilometre stretch of the West Coast.

In Albany, Trent Brennan, owner of a local fish and chip shop, said while supply has been steady, customers are choosing imported fish due to price differences. “We are offering South African imported fish, and we’ve seen a massive increase in people buying that,” he said.

The price of local Nannygai has increased from around $28 to $35 in the past three months, according to Brennan.

North of Perth, in Geraldton, Brolos Fresh has limited locally caught fish available this year. Manager Luke Emery said fresh fish supply had “dried up” compared to last year, when the store processed several tonnes of pink snapper caught locally.

The business is now sourcing fish from the Pilbara, Carnarvon, and Augusta regions, and has even begun importing pink snapper from New Zealand. “That seems a bit alien for us; it’s usually sitting on our doorstep,” Emery said.

Even shark, typically the most affordable option, is harder to find, with prices increasing from $20 to over $40 per kilogram.

“People are fighting price-wise to keep fish in Perth, so we have to compete with those prices to bring it up here,” Emery added, noting that regular customers are now buying smaller quantities.

West Australian Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis acknowledged the lower fish stocks and rising prices, but defended her decision to permanently close commercial fishing for demersal species on the west coast, stating it was necessary for long-term sustainability. “I’m mindful that prices have gone up, but prices were already going up before the ban was implemented,” she said.

Uncertain times for fishers

Fishers are grappling with the demersal fishing reforms, facing rising costs, including increased fuel prices. Emery’s business is barely breaking even due to these factors.

Tony Westerberg, owner of Albany Seafoods, said fishers are in limbo awaiting clarity on the government’s proposal to reduce commercial catch limits by 50 per cent on the south coast. “There is no need for this reduction,” he said. “The small amount of fish local operators catch — once that’s cut by 50 per cent — will be devastating for local restaurants and fish and chip shops.”

Westerberg explained that commercial fishers were anticipating a seasonal closure between April and September, but this has not yet been implemented.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development stated the state government is consulting with stakeholders and will meet in mid-April to discuss the proposed 50 per cent commercial catch reduction in the South Coast Bioregion.