Product Offerings
Product Categories:
Fish and Seafood Products
Products:
Seafood: Glacier 51 Toothfish, Skull Island Tiger Prawns, Karumba Banana Prawns
Austral Fisheries Pty Ltd is one of Australia's most respected and progressive integrated commercial fishing companies, renowned globally for its sustainable harvesting practices and premium-quality wild-caught seafood. Headquartered in West Leederville, Western Australia, the company has over 40 years of experience in catching, processing, and marketing a wide range of high-value seafood products sourced from Australia’s pristine marine environments.
Core Business
Austral Fisheries operates across multiple fishing zones in Australian and sub-Antarctic waters, managing a vertically integrated seafood business model that encompasses:
- Wild capture fisheries
- Onboard and onshore processing
- Domestic and international marketing and distribution
The company’s operations are underpinned by cutting-edge sustainability frameworks, world-class traceability systems, and certification to the highest global environmental standards.
Product and Service Offerings
Austral’s product portfolio is focused on premium, sustainably sourced seafood from Australia’s exclusive economic zone and beyond:
- Glacier 51 Toothfish: A deep-sea white fish caught in the sub-Antarctic waters near Heard Island. Known for its rich flavour, high omega-3 content, and buttery texture. Sashimi-grade and MSC-certified.
- Skull Island Tiger Prawns: Large, wild-caught tiger prawns sourced from the pristine waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Noted for their distinctive size, sweetness, and firm texture.
- Karumba Banana Prawns: Sourced from the Northern Prawn Fishery, these prawns are highly sought after for their light flavour and are frozen at sea to maintain peak freshness.
Austral products are distributed globally to premium foodservice, hospitality, and retail clients.
Specialisation and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Austral Fisheries is internationally recognised for pioneering climate-responsible, MSC-certified fisheries and environmentally accountable seafood production. Key USPs include:
- First carbon-neutral seafood company in Australia (certified since 2016)
- MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification for all major fisheries
- Use of vessel monitoring and catch documentation systems for full traceability
- Strategic marketing of seafood under distinct regional brands
- Partnerships with chefs, retailers, and NGOs to promote responsible seafood
Their Glacier 51 Toothfish brand has become a symbol of sustainable luxury seafood in fine dining establishments worldwide.
Financials and Growth
While Austral Fisheries is a privately held company and does not publish detailed financial data, industry sources and export insights suggest:
- Estimated annual turnover exceeding AUD $100 million
- A fleet of 15+ vessels operating across multiple fisheries
- Over 6,000 tonnes of seafood landed annually across all product categories
- Export destinations include Japan, USA, Europe, China, and Southeast Asia
Austral's continued growth is driven by rising global demand for ethically sourced and traceable seafood, especially within the premium segment.
International Shipments and Trade Data
According to Australian government export reports and industry data:
- Austral Fisheries contributes significantly to Australia’s seafood export market, particularly in high-value segments
- Annual exports include thousands of tonnes of Toothfish and prawns to over 20 countries
- Products are shipped using cold chain logistics to ensure sashimi-grade quality upon arrival
- Active in international seafood exhibitions and trade fairs, including Seafood Expo Global
The company’s global logistics and distribution systems are tailored for freshness, sustainability, and product integrity.
Target Market
Austral Fisheries targets premium and sustainability-focused clients, including:
- Fine dining restaurants and chefs
- Upscale hospitality groups
- Premium seafood retailers
- Wholesalers and distributors seeking traceable and certified seafood
- Sustainability-conscious consumers and foodservice providers
Their products are favored by Michelin-starred chefs and top-tier seafood buyers across Asia, Europe, and North America.
Capabilities
Austral Fisheries maintains a highly capable and technologically advanced operation:
- Fully equipped deep-freezing trawlers capable of processing at sea
- HACCP-compliant onshore processing and logistics facilities
- Real-time electronic catch documentation for traceability
- Carbon offsetting programs to maintain carbon-neutral certification
- R&D initiatives in species monitoring and sustainable harvesting techniques
Their integration of environmental science with commercial fishing sets them apart as a global leader in responsible seafood production.
Certifications and Compliance
Austral Fisheries holds some of the most rigorous certifications in the seafood industry:
- MSC Certified for all major fisheries (Heard Island Toothfish, Northern Prawn Fishery)
- Carbon Neutral Certification via Carbon Neutral Australia
- Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) licensing
- HACCP and Food Safety Program compliance
- Member of the International Pole & Line Foundation and Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative
Their commitment to ecological stewardship is embedded in every aspect of their operations.
Customer Testimonials
“Glacier 51 Toothfish from Austral Fisheries has become a signature dish in our restaurant. Our guests love it, and we appreciate the commitment to sustainability.”
— Executive Chef, Michelin-starred restaurant, Tokyo
“Austral’s traceability, certifications, and product quality align perfectly with our values. Their Skull Island Tiger Prawns are consistently excellent.”
— Premium Seafood Distributor, USA
Major Achievements
- First carbon-neutral commercial fishing company in the Southern Hemisphere
- Creators of the iconic Glacier 51 Toothfish brand, now featured in high-end restaurants globally
- Multiple awards for sustainable seafood innovation from Australian and international food industry bodies
- Recognised partner of the Australian Marine Conservation Society’s GoodFish project
- Long-term investment in fisheries science and marine conservation initiatives
Austral Fisheries continues to lead by example, redefining how the commercial fishing industry can operate profitably while safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.