Australia is making significant strides in sustainable fishing practices, according to the latest data released by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The report reveals that an impressive 63 percent of all wild-caught prawns in the country are now certified to the MSC Fisheries Standard.

As the festive season approaches, Australians are gearing up to indulge in approximately 22,000 tonnes of prawns. What’s noteworthy this year is the abundance of MSC certified banana prawns from Australia’s Northern Prawn Fishery, a result of heavy rainfall in early 2023. This surplus not only ensures a delectable feast for consumers but also brings the prospect of significant savings.

Traditionally, Australians purchase an average of 1.3 kg of prawns per shopping trip in December. However, with the increased availability of prawns, the MSC encourages Australians to be more generous with their portions. Whether it’s opting for a 2kg purchase or bringing home a convenient 5kg box of prawns frozen at sea, consumers can stock up their freezers and savor the taste of these sustainable delights on long summer days.

The MSC emphasizes that a substantial majority of Australians, approximately 86 percent, express concern about the state of the world’s oceans and the impacts of overfishing. To address these concerns, consumers can look for the MSC blue fish tick label, an indicator of sustainability, on around 400 seafood products available at major supermarkets.