Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative's online meetings enable members to engage regularly with their management team. A summary of the most recent meeting is provided below.

Member Update

Update from Marc Anderson

• Marc opened the meeting by thanking members who attended the Rat Island Group fisher barbecues last month, with a special shout-out to Sally Gilbertson, Maggie McGilvray, Russell, Zac and Jed Mankelow, alongside Ryan Labruyere, and Lorraine Arnold, who accommodated GFC staff and helped organise the barbecues.
• Marc spoke about the ongoing Middle East conflict. While, unfortunately, this has meant diesel prices for fishers haven't retreated, he's encouraged by the recent Federal Budget announcement to increase fuel storage capacity to help insulate against possible future supply shocks.
• Marc shared his insights with Members on the recent Barcelona seafood show, including positive feedback he's heard from customers about our Brolos products. Marc mentioned that some GFC Members also attended the expo as guests. 

Update from Leith Teakle

• Leith spoke about the upcoming leasing period and the potential implications of the changes in the processor landscape. While the impact on leasing is unknown, GFC continues to endorse the share-fish arrangement between investors and fishers as the best path to navigate uncertainty and risk in the global trade environment.
• A Member tour of Asia has been announced for 30th October to the 8th November 2026. This year's tour will provide Members with a unique opportunity to connect with key customers across Hong Kong and Taiwan as GFC continues to strengthen and diversify its export markets following the resumption of trade with China. This trip will also mark the first time since 2019 that GFC Members have returned to China, highlighted by attendance at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai — one of the world's premier trade events and a major platform for showcasing your Lobster. There has been a strong response to the initial expression-of-interest email. Members who are interested but have not yet responded are encouraged to contact the Member Services team ASAP.
• Leith also discussed a partnership with Sea Change Australia, DPIRD, and the Western Rock Lobster Council to conduct a climate change case study for the Western Rock Lobster industry, with a workshop scheduled in Geraldton in a few weeks. Leith encouraged fishers to attend the workshop and participate, as the value of the insights gained from the study requires fishers' perspectives and observations. Read more in the article below.

Update from Bryan Keay

• Bryan noted that 89% of the season-to-date intake has been caught, roughly in line with last year's catch profile before accounting for quota adjustments. 
• Bryan highlighted market dynamics and recent price volatility following the May Day holiday period, but anticipated better demand next week.
• Bryan shared some catch and market comparison data for the May Day festival period, along with average beach prices for the season to date.

The next Member online meeting is scheduled for late June. The meeting link will be emailed to Members before the meeting.

From Barcelona to Fujian: Brolos Trade Initiatives.

Despite a challenging global trade environment, GFC continues to strengthen its international footprint through targeted engagement across key global markets.

Last month, our team joined Austrade-led roadshows in China, connecting with government, industry, and supply chain stakeholders. The program offered a strong platform to showcase our diverse BROLOS range and build relationships with restaurants, retailers, and distributors. A highlight was the Fuzhou gala dinner attended by Maree Ringland, Australian Consul-General, Liam Mulvey, Vice Consul, and representatives from Fujian's Foreign Affairs Office—underscoring the importance of Australia–China trade.

At the same time, GFC was represented at Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, the world's largest seafood trade event. Exhibiting under the Australia stand, the Trading team showcased our premium lobster to a global audience.

Despite slightly lower attendance due to the Middle East conflict, Barcelona remains the largest global seafood platform, and the team maintained a busy schedule of meetings and enquiries.

We continue to take a proactive approach to international business development, simultaneously nurturing established markets, strengthening relationships and unlocking new opportunities in emerging markets.

Lobster Legend Program - Celebrating Excellence & Inspiring Greatness.

Each month, GFC recognises outstanding team members through the Lobster Legend Program. This peer-nominated initiative celebrates GFC employees who embody our core values (Safety, Productivity, Continuous Improvement, Quality and Respect) and go above and beyond for our co-operative.

In March, we recognised Callan Johnstone from Geraldton. Read their nomination reason below:

"We’re excited to recognise Callan Johnstone, our March Lobster Legend, for his consistent helpfulness, reliability, and positive attitude.

Callan is always willing to assist, whether it’s following up on IT‑related matters, offering guidance, or stepping in when an extra set of hands is needed.

His positive attitude and approachability help create a welcoming, supportive team environment.

Congratulations, Callan, and thanks for your contributions! We'll bring you more Lobster Legends in future editions.

Western Rock Lobster, Sea Change Australia Workshop.

Last week, the Western Rock Lobster invited fishers to attend the Sea Change Australia,  Western Rock Lobster Case Study Workshop next month.

Sea Change Australia is a national initiative that supports the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in preparing for and responding to climate change. Delivered in partnership with Sea Change Australia, DPIRD, GFC and the Council, the session will bring industry participants together to share observations, challenges and adaptation strategies.

Date: Wednesday 3 June 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Geraldton Multipurpose Centre, 250 Marine Tce, Geraldton

Click here to find out more and register.

Research Project to Find Missing WA Lobsters.

Following the 2011 marine heatwave, WA’s Western Rock Lobster fishery experienced a breakdown in the long-standing link between puerulus settlement and future catch. While settlement remained strong, fewer lobsters reached legal size—highlighting a critical “missing middle” between settlement and recruitment. 

To address this, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) established the Independent Shallow-Water Survey (ISS), a targeted monitoring program that samples juvenile lobsters across key coastal sites. Using modified commercial pots, the survey provides a clearer picture of stock abundance up to three years before lobsters enter the fishery, effectively acting as an early warning system for future performance. 

A key strength of the project has been the active contribution of commercial fishers, who have provided vessels, practical expertise, and on-water support to deliver the surveys. This collaboration has not only improved data quality but also strengthened industry ownership and confidence in the science underpinning management decisions. 

Combined with new digital data collection tools, the ISS is enabling faster, more accurate insights into WA rock lobster stock health. Read more on the FRDC website. 

Globefish Trade Highlights: International Markets for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products

The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) International Markets for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products publish information and analysis on trade and markets for fisheries and aquaculture products. Last month, they published their first 2026 edition, reviewing trade data from January to September 2025.

According to the FAO, the seafood trade continued a steady recovery in 2025, with volumes rising 2.1% and value increasing 5%, reflecting strong demand and firmer prices. 

As the FAO report notes, “global production increased by 1.7 per cent in 2025, while trade rose by 2.1 per cent in volume and 5 per cent in value,” highlighting a market where value growth is outpacing volume.

The FAO anticipates increased export volumes from key lobster-exporting nations, including Australia, buoyed by strong regional demand and firm prices.

The FAO report can be reviewed in full here.

Look to the Skies In June for the Geraldton Kite Festival.

Join us at the Geraldton Kite Festival on 7 June, from 2–5 pm at Town Beach on the Foreshore.

Enjoy an afternoon of colour and creativity, featuring renowned professional kite flyer Michael Alvarez and his spectacular flotilla of over 300 kites. The festival will offer free workshops, including kite-making and much more.

Bring along your own picnic and kite, and unwind to the chilled sounds of DJ Saramony. For information on workshops in the lead-up to the festival, or to register as a volunteer, please get in touch with elizabeth@flormarche.com.

Pearls & Plates Delivers Another Authentic Island Experience with World-Class Produce. 

Congratulations to the team behind the Pearls & Plates long table lunch experience at Post Office Island. The event beautifully captured the essence of the Abrolhos Islands—bringing together pristine coastal surroundings, exceptional seafood, and a genuine connection to the people behind it all.

From the immersive island setting to the thoughtfully curated dishes featuring fresh, local catch, Pearls & Plates offered guests a rare opportunity to engage with the story behind the produce. The combination of great food, hospitality, and place created an atmosphere that was both authentic and inspiring. 

Events like this play an important role in showcasing not only the quality of our seafood, but also the unique environment it comes from and the families who make it possible. It’s a powerful way to connect people to the Abrolhos and build a deeper appreciation for the region.

Congratulations again to the Liddon and Brown families and all involved for continuing to raise the bar and create experiences that celebrate the very best of our industry.

LEADERBOARD