Spencer Gulf and West Coast Prawn Fishermen’s Association is one of three finalists in the Rural Solutions SA Services to Industry category of the Premier’s Food Awards for 2008.

Finalists in the Rural Solutions SA Services to Industry Award are:

• Spencer Gulf and West coast Prawn Fishermen’s Association
• Adelaide Showground Farmers Market
• SA Freight Council Inc

Representing 42 licence holders the Spencer Gulf and West Coast Prawn Fishermen’s Association provides strategic advice on industry development, marketing, fisheries management and promotional opportunities.

Caption: Part of the Spencer Gulf and West Coast Prawn Fishermen's Association fleet

It aims to promote and safeguard the industry for the future, by encouraging training and education of its members.

It also has a very clear policy of ecologically sustainable development and supporting long-term management of the resource.

A voluntary independent and non-profit primary resources development organisation it was formed in 1968 following the first commercial catch of prawns in the Spencer Gulf in October 1967, and was incorporated on 14 February 1984.

The objectives of the Association are to:

• Advance, promote and safeguard the industry
• Furnish a forum for discussion and consideration of problems affecting the industry
• Support and represent Association Members in matters pertaining to the industry
• Advance and promote the industry’s view in dealing with governments of the State and Commonwealth
• Provide representatives from the ranks of its membership to government and fishing industry organisations and bodies.

The Association plays a fundamental ‘co-management’ role in fishery management and research for the Spencer Gulf and West Coast Prawn Fisheries, in collaboration with PIRSA and SARDI. 

This co-management role and the Association’s innovative application of fisheries management and research have set standards and benchmarks which other fisheries have followed, not only in South Australia but internationally as well.

An annual highlight for the food industry in South Australia this year’s finalists in all categories from the city, Adelaide Hills, Limestone Coast, Eyre Peninsula and Riverland have been recognised for outstanding achievement and excellence in categories ranging from new products to innovation, export, workforce and environmental sustainability.

The 11th Awards will culminate with a green themed gala dinner and presentation hosted by Premier Mike Rann on Friday, 14 November 14 at the new Goyder Pavilion at Adelaide Showground.

Rural Solutions SA General Manager, Business Development and Marketing Michy Kris said the food industry was about growth, and Rural Solutions SA wanted to ensure South Australia retained its strong leadership in achieving the State Food objectives.

Further information contact Michy Kris. or 1300 364 322.

Date of release 21 October 2008