Fish Names To Become Less Fishy

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MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release: 23 March 2006



[center]FISH NAMES TO BECOME LESS FISHY[/center]

In a move designed to clear the muddied waters of fish names, Standards Australia, Australia's peak non-government standards development organisation, has accredited Seafood Services Australia to develop an Australian Standard for common fish names used in Australia.



Mr John Tucker, Standards Australia's CEO, said while Standards Australia has traditionally managed the development of all Australian Standards, it was delighted to accredit appropriate industry organisations to undertake the process of developing national standards within dedicated fields.



"It is a natural fit for Seafood Services Australia to continue leading discussions and to develop an Australian Standard for the names of fish for Australia's $2.5 billion seafood industry.



"Organisations that Standards Australia accredits to develop standards must meet strict requirements and their procedures will be audited to ensure they deliver the same high level of stakeholder involvement and national consensus that underpin all Australian Standards.



"Seafood Services Australia has just completed that accreditation process and we are excited to be working with them to provide consensus based solutions for Australia's seafood industry.



"Development of the Standard is already underway and we will continue working with Seafood Services Australia throughout the public comment phase and finalisation," Mr Tucker said.



Ted Loveday, Managing Director for Seafood Services Australia said that an Australian Standard for fish names is a critical step in strengthening consumer confidence in seafood.



"Confusion over fish names has undermined public and consumer confidence for quite some time.





"With the assistance of Standards Australia and our new accreditation, Seafood Services Australia is now in a position to create an Australian Standard that provides clear guidance to the seafood industry and consumers on the common fish names used in Australia.



"Confusion over fish names is caused by the numerous species Australia has on offer, a species being known by more than one name, or the same name being used for more than one species.



"This confusion can create market impediments, undermine effective species-based fisheries management, and impede the management of food safety.



"With more than 4500 native species of finfish and many more crustaceans and molluscs, it is no surprise that extensive work on standardising names used for fish in Australia has been carried out over decades by government, industry and scientists. The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation made further progress, then Seafood Services Australia accepted responsibility for fish names in 2001.



"Seafood Services Australia accepted responsibility for fish names in 2001 and we are excited to be able to produce the results of this work in the form of an Australian Standard," said Mr Loveday.



The Australian Standard for Fish Names is expected to be available within months.



PRESENTATION:



Standards Australia will present Seafood Services Australia with its credentials:



When: Friday 24 March at 10am.



Where: Sydney Fish Market, Pyrmont Sydney



Contact: Kate Evans, Public Affairs Manager, Standards Australia



(02) 8206 6542 | 0410 331 246 | kate.evans@standards.org.au



Ted Loveday, Managing Director, Seafood Services 0427 323 663 | tedloveday@seafoodservices.com.au



Standards Australia is recognized by the government as Australia's peak standards body. It develops Australian Standards® of public benefit and national interest and supports excellence in design and innovation. www.standards.org.au