Where Does Your Fish Really Come From?
Living on a great big island surrounded by the sea, I had always assumed the fish sold in Australia would be, well, Australian. If not Australian, perhaps from neighbouring New Zealand?
I was horrified in my local supermarket (the photos are from Coles, but Woolworths was a similar story) to look at the frozen fish on offer – I couldn’t find a single offering of Australian or New Zealand fish! It was also quite hard to even see the origin, as it seemed to be almost hidden on the labelling.
The one pack that had New Zealand fish was “made” in China. I want to eat local fish – and if it’s being shipped halfway around the world (and back) to be “made”, that raises a lot of questions in my mind about the manufacturing process, freshness, control and quality.
The fish in the photo are labelled as being from (or made in) Vietnam, Malaysia, China – or more worryingly just “from local and imported ingredients”. For all the good that last label does, perhaps the local ingredient is the packaging they come in – and imported could mean absolutely anywhere!
Fish is something I’m particularly concerned to source well. After the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, record levels of radiation have been found in local sea life. I just don’t want to eat food that might contain radio active material. A reasonable request?
There are also issues around differing mercury levels in different oceans – and the whole argument around farmed fish and sustainable fish. It is really important to know exactly what you are eating and where it is from.
Ideally we would all catch our own fish, or failing that go to a fish market or monger. But unfortunately, sometimes we’re busy working and need to rely on other sources for our food. For something as simple as fish, I would love to be able to buy local, in my local store – and to be confident about it’s origin, freshness and past!
I’d love to know where you get your fish – and if you’d ever buy frozen? Does the source of your fish worry you, as much as it does me?
How to Choose Better Fish in Australia
If you're trying to eat more consciously, especially within the Paleo framework, fish is one of the most beneficial foods you can include. But that benefit quickly vanishes when the fish you're buying is riddled with unknowns—questionable origins, vague labelling, or long journeys that compromise its quality. So how do you source fish that aligns with both your health values and ethical concerns? Let’s explore the practical steps you can take to ensure you’re choosing better, cleaner, and more sustainable fish.
Understanding Seafood Labelling in Australia
In Australia, labelling laws for seafood are often a source of frustration for consumers. Unlike fresh seafood at a fish market or deli counter, packaged and frozen seafood is not legally required to disclose the country of origin in a clearly visible format. While businesses must include country-of-origin labelling, it’s often in small print or hidden on the back, and processed or mixed-origin products can use vague statements like “local and imported ingredients.” This doesn’t help consumers who want to avoid fish imported from regions with lower safety and environmental standards.
What’s worse is the deliberate opacity in the processing chain. A product might be “caught in New Zealand” but “processed in China,” which raises many questions about how the fish was handled, stored, and altered along the way. If you're buying fish for its health benefits, this convoluted journey could be undermining your intentions.
Why Local and Wild-Caught Really Matters
When it comes to seafood, “local” often means fresher, more transparent, and better regulated. Australia and New Zealand both have strong fisheries management systems and relatively low contamination risks compared to some overseas suppliers. Wild-caught fish from clean waters are less likely to have accumulated heavy metals or environmental toxins like PCBs or dioxins.
Farmed fish, depending on where it's raised, may be fed unnatural diets, treated with antibiotics, and housed in overcrowded conditions. In contrast, locally caught wild fish tend to be richer in omega-3s and free from the harmful additives used in some overseas aquaculture operations.
What to Avoid When Buying Fish
- Generic labelling: Avoid packages that say “from local and imported ingredients.” That’s code for “we don’t want to tell you.”
- Multiple countries listed: If you see two or more countries mentioned, it often means the fish was caught in one country and processed in another, usually to save money.
- “Made in” vs “Product of”: “Made in” often refers to where processing occurred, not where the fish was caught. Always prefer “Product of Australia” when possible.
Best Fish Choices in Australia
If you want to buy smarter, here are some fish varieties that are typically considered safer, more sustainable, and paleo-friendly within Australia:
- Australian wild-caught salmon: While rare, it can occasionally be sourced fresh. More often, opt for wild Alaskan if it's available and clearly labelled.
- Barramundi: A great Aussie favourite, barramundi is often farmed in Australia under higher standards than imports. Look for “Australian-farmed” on the label.
- Flathead and whiting: These are commonly caught in local waters and available fresh at fishmongers or markets.
- Sardines: Small oily fish like sardines are often sustainably caught and have lower mercury levels due to their size and short lifespan. South Australian sardines are particularly good.
Tips for Finding Quality Fish Locally
You don’t always need to shop at a high-end fishmonger to find decent fish. Here are some tips for sourcing better fish even when shopping at mainstream retailers:
- Shop at the deli counter, not the freezer aisle. You can ask questions and usually find more accurate country-of-origin information.
- Check your local farmers’ markets. Coastal regions often have stalls run by local fishermen or co-ops.
- Ask your fishmonger. A good fishmonger will always be upfront about the source and freshness of their stock. If they’re vague, it’s a red flag.
- Read the fine print. Yes, it’s annoying. But turning over the packet might be the only way to find out where the fish truly comes from.
When You Really Need Frozen Fish
Sometimes, frozen is the only option—especially if you live inland or need something that will keep longer. In this case, your best bet is to choose products labelled “wild caught” and “product of Australia or New Zealand.” Avoid fish that’s been breaded, seasoned, or pre-cooked, as these often include processed oils, wheat, and mystery ingredients.
Vacuum-sealed frozen fish with clear catch information can still be a good compromise. Look for packaging that includes the species name, catch method (like line-caught or trawled), and catch area. If it’s MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified, that’s another reassuring sign.
The Bigger Picture: Sustainability and Food Sovereignty
Supporting local fisheries is about more than just your health—it’s about sustainability, employment, and reducing your carbon footprint. Buying Australian or New Zealand seafood helps ensure money stays in the local economy, supports responsible environmental practices, and reduces the food miles your dinner travels.
When we outsource food production to countries with looser regulations, we lose control over quality, labour standards, and ecological impacts. Choosing locally caught fish is a small but powerful way to vote with your dollar for a better food system.
Have You Checked Your Own Freezer?
If you're feeling curious, take a look through your freezer or pantry and see where your fish products really come from. You might be surprised how little you know about their origins. Next time you're at the supermarket, make it a point to compare the labels and see just how much information is being kept vague or hidden.
Real food, like fish, should be simple. It should be something we can trace back to its source, something we can feel good about feeding to our families. The next time you’re shopping, consider this: if you wouldn’t drink water from an unlabelled bottle, why eat fish from an untraceable source?
