A complete seafood experience

Up to 18,000 people know a little bit more about SARDI’s research from the ‘sea to the plate’ following the highly successful Port Festival Complete Seafood Experience in early October.

SARDI Wildfisheries and Food Innovation and Value Chain researchers showcased their work along with more than 30 other seafood industry participants at the two-day festival by the Port Adelaide wharf organised by the Australian Maritime and Fisheries Academy.

Other stall holders included PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture, Rural Solutions, PIRSA Compliance and FishCare volunteers, Marine Innovation SA, fishing and aquaculture associations, Flinders University, seafood companies including Kinkawoonka Oysters, and local chandleries and maritime businesses.

The SARDI stall was often swamped as children and adults learned about our local crustaceans with live lobsters and a variety of crabs on display, as well as a number of specimens that children could touch and short movies about blue crab and lobster fishing practices, tagging and stock surveys. Technologies involved in ensuring seafood retains its quality from the sea to the plate were also highlighted.

“The display was really interactive and generated lots of questions and considerable interest in SARDI’s work,” said SARDI Wildfisheries researchers, Graham Hooper and Matt Hoare. “The public’s response was very positive, and we feel we well in raising awareness about the research SARDI does to maintain a healthy fishery.”

Thanks to the SARDI volunteers who helped organise and man the SARDI display: Graham Hooper, Matt Hoare, Karen McNaughton, Cameron Dixon, Adrian Linnane, Mark Whelan and Skye Barrett.

SARDI Wildfisheries researcher Graham Hooper helping with answers to the Seafood Trail competition

SARDI Wildfisheries researcher Graham Hooper helping with answers to the Seafood Trail competition.

The different varieties of crabs at the SARDI display captured the interest of this little fellow

The different varieties of crabs at the SARDI display captured the interest of this little fellow.

SARDI Wildfisheries researcher Matt Hoare talking all things lobster with visitors to the SARDI display

SARDI Wildfisheries researcher Matt Hoare talking all things lobster with visitors to the SARDI display.

These two loved the crab and lobster specimens at the SARDI Complete Seafood Experience display

These two loved the crab and lobster specimens at the SARDI Complete Seafood Experience display.

SARDI Wildfisheries researchers Matt Hoare, Graham Hooper and Mark Whelan at SARDI's Complete Seafood Exerience display

SARDI Wildfisheries researchers Matt Hoare, Graham Hooper and Mark Whelan at SARDI's Complete Seafood Exerience display.

Crab nets and blue crabs attracted the attention of these two children


Crab nets and blue crabs attracted the attention of these two children.

The SARDI display at the Complete Seafood Experience was one of the most popular

The SARDI display at the Complete Seafood Experience was one of the most popular.