Overview: Australian Fish Names Standard AS SSA 5300

The need for Standard Fish Names in Australia was recognised as early as the 1920s in order to address growing confusion in the market caused by:

• the numerous species Australia has on offer (over 4,000 species of finfish and many more crustaceans and molluscs)

• local and regional variations in the names being used

• some species being known by more than one name

• the same name being used for more than one species.

In surveys in Sydney, Perth and Melbourne, a large majority of the people surveyed rated accuracy in fish names and labelling as a major factor when purchasing seafood - the highest ranking of any category (Ruello, 2000).

The Australian Fish Names Standard AS SSA 5300 addresses these issues by assigning one Standard Fish Name for each species. It includes Standard Fish Names to be used in Australia for:

• over 400 commercial and recreational species of fish and invertebrates
• over 4,000 other finfish found in Australian waters
• seafood species imported into Australia.

Industry-wide adoption of Standard Fish Names is vital for:

• accuracy of trade descriptors and labelling

• public and consumer confidence

• efficiency in seafood marketing

• effective fisheries monitoring and management

• sustainability of fisheries resources

• effective traceability and food safety management

• industry viability and profitability

The Standard was developed by Seafood Services Australia's Fish Names Committee in accordance with Standard's Australia's requirements for accredited Standards Development Organisations. It is a result of extensive consultation and a consensus among a wide range of stakeholders, and input from several of the world's leading fisheries taxonomists.

Strategic investments by the Australian Government Fisheries Research and Development Corporation have made the development of this Standard possible.