Lexi Webster
Australia is home to a variety of prawn species, most of which are found in tropical and subtropical waters. Prawns are a popular food item in Australia, with many fisheries across the country, from the warm tropical waters of the Northern Prawn Fishery to the frigid waters of the Spencer Gulf in South Australia. The most commonly caught prawns in Australia include King Prawns, Banana Prawns, Tiger Prawns, and Queensland Endeavour Prawns. These prawns are found in various locations, such as coastal waters, estuaries, creeks, rivers, and even oceans. Prawn fishing is a significant industry in Australia, with strict environmental controls and sustainability measures in place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of major prawn fisheries | 15 |
| Types of fisheries | Family-owned businesses, vertically integrated businesses |
| Location | Tropical and subtropical waters, Northern Prawn Fishery, Spencer Gulf in South Australia, Shark Bay, Exmouth Gulf in WA, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania |
| Species | Banana prawns, Tiger prawns, Brown tiger prawns, Grooved tiger prawns, Queensland Endeavour prawns, Blue endeavour prawns, Red endeavour prawns, False endeavour prawns, Greasyback prawns, Eastern King Prawns, Western King Prawns, Red spot king prawns |
| Colour | White, yellow, brown, red, blue, pink |
| Length | 7-25 cm |
| Weight | 20-75 grams |
| Depth found | 15-200 metres |
| Catching method | Bottom trawl nets, otter trawls, trawling |
| Catch limit | 24 Australian prawns per person per year |
| Bait | Must be caught locally or bought from a bait shop |
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What You'll Learn
- Prawn species in Australia include banana, tiger, king, and Queensland endeavour prawns
- Tropical and subtropical waters are home to most prawn species in Australia
- Prawns are fished in Australia's Northern Prawn Fishery and Spencer Gulf
- The Queensland Endeavour prawn was voted the best-tasting wild-caught prawn in Australia
- Prawns are caught in Australia's fisheries using bottom trawl nets
Prawn species in Australia include banana, tiger, king, and Queensland endeavour prawns
Prawns are a popular seafood in Australia, with many Australians enjoying eating these crustaceans on a sunny day. There are 15 major prawn fisheries across the country, from the warm tropical waters of the Northern Prawn Fishery to the Spencer Gulf in South Australia. Australia's prawn species include banana prawns, tiger prawns, king prawns, and Queensland endeavour prawns.
Banana prawns are found in the Northern Prawn Fishery, located in the warm tropical waters off the Northern Territory and Queensland. These prawns are known for their sweet, delicate flavour and are a popular choice for seafood lovers.
Tiger prawns, as their name suggests, are characterised by their distinctive tiger-like stripes. They are found in various parts of Australia, including the Shark Bay and Exmouth Gulf in Western Australia, where they are known for their vibrant combination of king and endeavour prawns.
King prawns are another popular species found in Australia. These large, succulent prawns are caught in the waters of South East Queensland and northern New South Wales. King prawns have a unique flavour profile, balancing sweet and savoury notes with a strong umami character. Their raw or gently cooked meat has a rich, moist texture, and their colourful appearance adds to their appeal.
Queensland endeavour prawns are also found in the tropical waters of Queensland, particularly in the northern parts of the state. They thrive in the warm, sunny climate and are a favourite among locals and seafood enthusiasts. These prawns are known for their firm texture and sweet taste, making them a popular choice for grilling or barbecuing.
The availability of these prawn species in Australia is carefully managed through sustainable practices. Prawn farms work closely with scientists to ensure that wild-caught and farmed prawns are harvested within sustainable limits, guaranteeing a steady supply for consumers.
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Tropical and subtropical waters are home to most prawn species in Australia
Australia is home to a variety of prawn species, most of which inhabit the tropical and subtropical waters surrounding the continent. These prawns are a popular delicacy, with many Australians consuming them regularly. Tropical prawn species are found in the waters off Western Australia, along the Northern Territory and Queensland coastlines, including the Torres Strait, and down the New South Wales coast.
One of the most common commercially fished prawn species in Australia is the banana prawn (*Penaeus merguiensis*). These prawns are large, ranging from white to yellow in colour, and are found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters. They are typically caught at depths of 16 to 25 metres in coastal waters and estuaries during autumn. Banana prawns are a favourite among Australians due to their light, sweet taste and are often used in Asian dishes and spicy Thai-style coconut curries.
Another sought-after prawn species in Australia is the tiger prawn, which includes the brown tiger prawn (*Penaeus esculentus*) and the grooved tiger prawn (*Penaeus semisulcatus*). Tiger prawns inhabit coastal waters and can be found at depths of up to 200 metres. Adult brown tiger prawns are found in coarse sediments, while adult grooved tiger prawns prefer fine mud sediments. Juvenile tiger prawns are often found in shallow waters associated with seagrass beds and sometimes on top of coral reef platforms.
Queensland Endeavour prawns, including the blue (*Metapenaeus endeavouri*) and red (*Metapenaeus ensis*) varieties, are also found in the tropical coastal waters of Queensland at depths of 15 to 30 metres. These prawns are smaller than other species and have a pale brown to pink body with a bright blue or red edge on the tail fin. Despite their unassuming appearance, Queensland Endeavour prawns have been voted the best-tasting wild-caught prawn in Australia.
The Eastern King Prawn, found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, is another prawn species in Australia. It is almost transparent, with a blue tail tinged with red around the edges and a distinctive long rostrum or spike between its eyes. This spike may serve as a defence mechanism against predators.
Prawn fishing in Australia is carefully managed to ensure sustainability. The Australian Fisheries Management Authority monitors the prawn catch, adjusting quotas based on scientific recommendations. Prawn fishermen work in sync with the moon and tide, primarily using bottom trawl nets (otter trawls) to catch these delicious crustaceans.
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Prawns are fished in Australia's Northern Prawn Fishery and Spencer Gulf
Prawns are abundant in Australia's tropical and subtropical waters, with 15 major prawn fisheries operating across the country. The Northern Prawn Fishery, located in the warm tropical waters off the Northern Territory and Queensland coastlines, is one of the key fishing grounds for these crustaceans. Prawns are also found in significant numbers in Spencer Gulf, South Australia, where crews venture into the frigid waters in search of the Western King prawns.
The Northern Prawn Fishery is characterised by its tropical climate and diverse marine life. Prawn fishers in this region employ two, three, or four trawl nets to capture their catch, working in sync with the moon and the tide. The Northern Prawn Fishery is known for its sustainable practices, with strict quotas in place to ensure the long-term viability of the prawn population.
Spencer Gulf, on the other hand, presents a different set of challenges for prawn fishers. Located in the southern waters of Australia, crews must brave the cold and roaring forties to reach their target species, the Western King prawn. The cold temperatures and turbulent waters demand specialised equipment and experienced crews to navigate safely and successfully harvest the prawns.
Prawn fishing in Australia is not limited to these two regions, however. Prawns are also found in abundance in Shark Bay and Exmouth Gulf in Western Australia, as well as in coastal waters along the east coast, including New South Wales and Queensland. The diversity of prawn species and fishing grounds ensures a consistent supply of these crustaceans for both commercial and recreational fishing.
Among the many species of prawns found in Australia, banana prawns, tiger prawns, and king prawns are the most commonly caught. Banana prawns, with their sweet taste and large size, are particularly popular in the Australian market. Tiger prawns, distinguished by their brown or green stripes, are found in coastal waters at depths of up to 200 metres. King prawns, including the Eastern King Prawn, are another sought-after species found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania.
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The Queensland Endeavour prawn was voted the best-tasting wild-caught prawn in Australia
Australia is home to a variety of prawn species, most of which inhabit tropical and subtropical waters, with only a few being commercially fished. The Queensland Endeavour prawn, however, stands out among the rest. This prawn species includes both blue (Metapenaeus endeavouri) and red endeavour prawns (Metapenaeus ensis), and has been voted the best-tasting wild-caught prawn in Australia.
The Queensland Endeavour prawns have pale brown to pink bodies and are typically found in tropical coastal waters at depths of 15-30 metres. They are smaller in size compared to other prawn species, but what they lack in appearance, they make up for in taste. These prawns are caught at 7-14cm in length and 22-30g in weight by demersal otter trawling over a sandy to muddy ocean floor.
The fishing method, demersal otter trawling, is a common technique used for catching prawns in Australia. It involves trawling along the ocean floor, often in muddy and sandy bottoms, to capture the prawns. This method is employed by many fishers in Australia, who work with nature, fishing in sync with the moon and the tide to maximise their catch.
The Queensland Endeavour prawns are not the only sought-after species in Australia. Banana prawns, for example, are very popular due to their light, sweet taste and versatility in Asian dishes. They are found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters and are caught at similar depths to the Queensland Endeavour prawns. Tiger prawns, with their stripes, are also a preferred choice for hotels and restaurants due to their impressive appearance and good taste.
With its diverse range of prawn species and sustainable fishing practices, Australia is blessed with productive and sustainable fisheries. From the warm tropical waters of the Northern Prawn Fishery to the frigid waters of the Spencer Gulf in South Australia, prawn fishermen work tirelessly to provide Australians with an abundance of delicious, wild-caught prawns, and the Queensland Endeavour prawn is a testament to the exceptional taste and quality that can be found in Australia's waters.
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Prawns are caught in Australia's fisheries using bottom trawl nets
Prawns are found in many of Australia's tropical and subtropical waters, with 15 major prawn fisheries operating across the country. The most common commercially fished species include banana prawns, tiger prawns, Queensland Endeavour prawns, and king prawns.
Bottom trawl nets are designed with a smaller mesh size than fish trawls and use a ground chain for weight. This allows the net to skim along the seabed, herding prawns and other creatures into the trawl mouth. While this method can be effective in catching large quantities of seafood, it is also associated with high levels of unwanted catch, known as bycatch.
To address the issue of bycatch, Australian fisheries have implemented various measures. These include modifying fishing gear, using bycatch reduction devices, and conducting research to understand and reduce the accidental capture of non-target species. Area closures and habitat protection are also important considerations, with management arrangements in place to avoid sensitive areas such as coral reefs, sponges, and seagrass beds.
In addition to bottom trawling, other net types used for prawn fishing in Australia include beam trawls, river prawn seines, and lampara nets. These nets vary in design and are used in specific regions or for particular prawn species.
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Frequently asked questions
Prawns in Australia are found in tropical and subtropical waters. They occur from Shark Bay in Western Australia along the Northern Territory and Queensland coastlines, including waters in the Torres Strait between Australia and Papua New Guinea, and midway down the New South Wales coast.
There are many species of prawns found in Australia, including Banana prawns, Tiger prawns, Queensland Endeavour prawns, and King prawns.
Prawn fishermen in Australia work through the night, fishing in sync with the moon and the tide. Prawns are found in shallow, nutrient-rich waters during their juvenile months and move to deeper waters to mate. You can find them in estuaries, small creeks and rivers, and coastal waters.
