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Australian Fish Names Standard

The Australian Fish Names List was created in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including the professional and recreational fishing sectors and government, so that an Australian Fish Names Standard could be established to meet both the seafood industry and consumers expectations for safe food, fair-trading and truth in labelling.

The fact that one species could be called different names in different regions of Australia has caused much confusion over the years and has made enforcing truth in labelling a difficult task.

A classic example is the confusion that used to be caused over Dhufish, which is a Western Australian favourite, and Mulloway, which was known in the Eastern States as jewfish. In the new standard you will find reference only to Western Australian Dhufish and Mulloway, all other names will be listed under obsolete names.

Another good example was the range of fish that were all called NorWest Snapper. All these fish are in fact emperors and are now correctly individually named eg Spangled Emperor, Bluespotted Emperor.

This new Australian Fish Names Standard will bring new confidence to the seafood eating public and everyone is encouraged to report any suspected substitution to the Australian Seafood Consumer Hotline number on 1800 737 147.

The Fish Names list is maintained by Seafood Services Australia . You can learn more from their Fact Sheet (150.69 Kb pdf) . The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation funded the creation of the Australian Fish Names Standard.





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