Australia Imports Most of Its Sardines

Why this is here: Almost all Australian sardines are currently used for purposes other than direct human consumption—fed to tuna, used as bait, or processed into animal feed.

Dr. Rebecca Short from the University of Tasmania proposes increasing local sardine consumption in Australia.

Currently, over 25% of Australia’s fisheries production is sardines, but most end up as tuna feed, bait, or pet food. Her research, published in Frontiers – Aquatic Food Systems, suggests a shift toward human consumption would benefit nutrition, fisheries, and the environment.

Public consultations in Tasmania revealed support for using local sardines for food, though boosting demand presents a challenge. Like Atlantic salmon in Japan, marketing could rebrand sardines and increase appeal. However, current fisheries policies prioritize economic returns and biological sustainability, not nutritional value.

Securing fishing rights for smaller fishers and establishing reliable markets—such as supplying residential aged care facilities, where 40% of residents are malnourished—could help. The work requires interdepartmental cooperation and policy changes to recognize fisheries as food production.