(ABC Mid North Coast) Australian Mid north coast seafood wholesalers say Australian tuna is in high demand in Japan
Japanese markets are selling locally caught seafood again but not tuna, more than a year after the Fukushima nuclear accident.
Cathal Farrell from mid north coast exporter Upscale Seafood, said tuna exports to Japan are unlikely to decline in the near future.
“There’s always been a premium demand for Australian product in Japan, especially between the months of May through to about October,” he said.
“That is when tuna, swordfish and marlin are in peak condition and best suited for sashimi consumption. There is a very positive attitude towards Australian product over there.”
Mr. Farrell said tuna caught on the mid north coast is not tested for radiation.
He said there is no need, because there is no evidence the species migrates between Japan and New South Wales.
“We’re controlled by the NSW Food Authority and Australian Quarantine Inspection Service AQUIS and we comply with all their requirements,” he said.
“They haven’t expressed any concern to us to broaden our level of testing that we currently do which covers heavy metals and histamine.”