What's the catch? Science and sustainability of seafood in Australia

Dr Rosa Dominguez Martinez

Postdoctoral researcher, University of Queensland

Australians love seafood. Whether it’s fish and chips by the seaside or prawns on the barbie at Christmas, it’s integral to many of our traditions and social gatherings. Given that Australia is surrounded by ocean, this is hardly surprising. Yet very little of the seafood consumed in Australia is actually caught or farmed domestically. Approximately 70% of the seafood Australians eat is imported. 

In this presentation Dr Rosa Dominguez Martinez will reveal where  Australia's seafood comes from and explore the social and environmental sustainability implications of consuming seafood sourced from different regions around the world. You will discover whether the seafood you know and love may have come from threatened species, been caught illegally, or been linked to modern slavery.

Australia has made international commitments to consume sustainable seafood, in fisheries policy and through subscribing to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Biodiversity Framework. Meeting these commitments will require being more careful about what we import from other countries, how we manage our own fisheries, and the seafood choices you make. Dr Rosa Dominguez Martinez will discuss what the Australian government can do to improve the sustainability of the seafood consumed in Australia.  The presentation will also give some practical advice on how to keep your seafood diet as sustainable as possible.

Presenter Biography: Dr Rosa Dominguez Martinez is a marine conservation scientist who recently completed her PhD at the University of Queensland, where she spent four years following threatened species from the ocean to our plates. Her research looks broadly at seafood sustainability, with a particular focus on trade and whether the laws and international agreements designed to protect threatened marine species are actually working. 

Please note: If you registered to attend the lecture via Zoom, the lecture link will be emailed to all registrants closer to the event date. This lecture may be recorded. If you have any questions, please email us at info@rgsq.org.au.