Choose Victoria seafood at Christmas time, urges rock lobster fisherman

Port Campbell's Simon Nash said he was forced to rely on sales in the local area last year to keep afloat.

"I'm feeling a bit more positive this year," Mr Nash said.

"Sydney and Melbourne (markets) are open and that's a positive.

"Hopefully there will be demand for the abundance of fish.

"It's not as profitable without China but the Aussie market is still looking after us."

Mr Nash urged Victorians to support their local fishing industry.

"Victorian crays are as good as anywhere," he said.

Mr Nash, who has been fishing for rock lobster on his own for six years, said he was incredibly grateful to locals and business owners who supported him in 2020.

"Last year was tough - luckily the local community and restaurants were great and then we had the cray fest," he said.

Mr Nash said the year would have been a lot tougher without the support of south-west Victorians.

He urged Australians to make the most of the low prices and buy a Victorian rock lobster over the summer period.

"It's a prime time to buy," Mr Nash said.

Seafood Industry Victoria said prices could plummet to $70 a kilogram in November.

That's a massive reduction from the $140 a kilogram they were selling for two years ago.

Seafood Industry Australia chief executive Veronica Papacosta told The Age that Australian retailers now have a "duty" to offer local seafood products to the community.

"It's about getting this product to the community at a great price so we can take advantage of that locally," she said.

Last year China banned the import of live lobsters from Australia.

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