As Aussies flock to the beach this summer and enjoy fish and chips by the ocean, be sure to ask for genuine Aussie flake.
Be it battered, crumbed or grilled, by choosing Australian caught flake, like gummy shark, from the menu, you can have confidence that it is coming from a well-managed, sustainable fishery….and its tastes delicious.
“The sustainably caught gummy shark is the original flake that we all know and love for our fish and chips,” said the Acting CEO of AFMA, Dr Nick Rayns.
“Importantly, not only does it taste great, but you can be assured that what you are eating is local Aussie seafood and comes from a fishery with strict limits on the catch, and regulations that also protect the marine life of the entire fishery.
“This means the future of the local industry is assured too.
“In fact, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences Fishery status reports 2013-14 released in October last year show that Australian flake (gummy shark) in the Commonwealth managed fishery was not overfished or subject to overfishing.”
Mr David Stone, Executive Officer of the Sustainable Shark Fishery Association, agreed that thanks to industry and government working together, strong management arrangements are in place so that both current and future generations can continue to enjoy Australian flake.
“Consumers can now clearly see, the many health benefits of flake, including being a great source of omega 3, iodine and phosphorous – all of which contribute to a healthy lifestyle” said Mr Stone.
Mr Anthony Ciconte, Executive Officer of the Southern Shark Industry Alliance, added that flake has a long history in the diets of Australians, dating right back to the first European settlers of our nation.
“While we have come a long way in our fisheries management since then – for the better, the great taste and many health benefits of flake remain the same,” said Mr Ciconte.
“Labeling requirements have also improved and retailers are now encouraged to show that flake being sold is gummy shark.”
AFMA sets catch limits to ensure that flake stocks remain healthy. These catch limits, including the total allowable catch for flake, are based on the best available science, which Australia is internationally renowned for.
So, enjoy flake this summer, knowing you’re eating sustainable, locally caught seafood that has great health benefits.
More information on the management of Commonwealth fisheries can be found at afma.gov.au
AFMA media enquiries: media@afma.gov.au or 0437 869 860