Strong catch numbers end banana prawn season early for major operator
Austral Fisheries has concluded its banana prawn season a month early due to strong catch numbers. The company aimed to meet domestic demand while minimizing fuel costs, resulting in one of the shortest seasons on record. This year marks the first banana prawn season without A Raptis and Sons, which went into administration earlier.
- ▪Austral Fisheries wrapped up its banana prawn season early after meeting its target numbers.
- ▪The company decided to cap its catches to focus on domestic demand and reduce fuel costs.
- ▪This season is the first without A Raptis and Sons, which previously operated the largest fleet in the fishery.
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Banana prawn season cut short for major operator due to strong catch numbersSBy Sophie JohnsonABC Far NorthTopic:Fishing and Aquaculture IndustryTue 19 May 2026 at 9:31amTue 19 May 2026 at 9:31amTue 19 May 2026 at 9:31amBanana prawn stock numbers were high in the Northern Prawn Fishery, according to Austral Fisheries. (ABC Far North: Sophie Johnson)In short:The biggest player in the Northern Prawn Fishery has wrapped up its banana prawn season early after meeting its target early.Austral Fisheries decided to cap its own catches and work towards the domestic demand to minimise fuel costs.This year is the first banana prawn season without seafood giant A Raptis and Sons in the fishery, after the business went into administration earlier this…
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