Welcome to your latest GFC Member Update. This edition covers loyalty top-up payment timing, August beach price forecasts, key takeaways from our Asia market visit, the updated WHS Policy, and more. Read on for everything you need to know.

In this edition:
• Member Update — Marc, Leith & Bryan
• On the Ground in Asia: Customer Insights
• Updated Work Health and Safety Policy
• Celebrating International Co-ops Day
• Lobster Legend Program
• WRL Stakeholder Survey — closes 7 August
• Technology Meets Tradition
• Fishing News from Around the World
• Community Stories & Footy Tipping

Member Update

Update from Marc Anderson

• Marc provided updates on business performance, noting a normal slower period with plans to prepare for busier times later in the year. He reported that budgets, including capital expenditure for truck fleet upgrades and Geraldton Lives water quality improvements, have been approved by the board.
• Marc also discussed ongoing fuel concerns due to rising oil prices, and reassured members about strong diesel reserves in Australia.
• An update was provided about the recent market visits to China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong to strengthen relationships with restaurants and chefs. Refer to separate article below.
• Marc mentioned plans for a member tour in late October/early November and mentioned upcoming attendance at the Seafood Directions Conference in Sydney next week.

Update from Leith Teakle

• Leith announced that Debbie Frater is on 7-weeks leave. In Deb's absence, Ashton will be the primary point of contact for Northern members, with Leith providing support.
• Leith discussed a recent meeting with DPIRD and fellow industry participants to discuss a single graded weight system for lobster landed at processing sites. Leith stated the GFC preference is to use the drained, graded weight, which would benefit quality and efficiency, with GFC being well-positioned to implement this due to their surveillance investments.
• Leith reported that GFC's market share will increase by approximately 5% following industry movements, and announced that loyalty top-up payments will be made in the first week of August. Refer to an email sent to fishers last week for details on the top-up payments.

Update from Bryan Keay

• Bryan presented a market update showing that current performance is meeting expectations. Intake is slightly behind (~1%) the same time last year, but this has helped support slightly higher beach prices.
• Bryan compared August 2025 beach prices to the forecast for this season, noting the impact of moving exchange rates. Bryan shared his long-range forecast for the beach price range by lobster grade for August.
• Bryan shared with viewers that the Little B lobster from the USA season will begin on the 8th of August and Ghost Month will begin on the 13th of August.
• Bryan spoke about the recent market visits to China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Refer to the separate article below.
• Bait update: Bryan shared updated prices for various bait lines. There has been a significant increase from the suppliers of Blue Mackerel. The member services team will reach out to fishers who use Blue Mackerel to understand how the higher prices would impact usage. Bryan provided some info on chicken bait trials along with options for Albany and Pacific herring.

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

On the Ground in Asia: Customer Insights and Market Trends

Some of the Trade and Business Development team, along with Marc, recently completed a market visit to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.

The team met with a wide range of customers, from traditional wholesalers to end-users. 

The trip reinforced the strong reputation and appeal of Brolos Lobster in key Asian markets. Customers praised the premium quality, provenance, and consistency of the product, but also highlighted increasing competition and growing price sensitivity from competitor species including South African and Vietnamese lobster. 

Overall, the visit confirmed strong opportunities to further strengthen Brolos Lobster's market position by deepening supply chain relationships.

Updated Work Health and Safety Policy. 

The GFC Board has recently completed a review of the Co-operative's Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy, reaffirming GFC's commitment to providing safe and healthy workplaces for employees, contractors, visitors and suppliers across all areas of our operations.

The updated policy reinforces our focus on safe systems of work, risk management, consultation, training and continuous improvement, while clearly outlining the responsibilities of Directors, managers and workers in maintaining a strong safety culture.

Safety remains GFC's number one value, and the policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains aligned with our operations, legislative obligations and industry best practice.

The key objectives of GFC's Work Health & Safety Policy are available on our website. Together, we can continue building a workplace where everyone goes home safe every day.

GFC Featured in National Industry Discussion

Earlier this month, Sky News were in Geraldton for the Bush Summit, to discuss opportunities and challenges facing regional Australia.

Leith Teakle spoke to Kieran Gilbert from Sky News about the Western rock lobster fishery and the commercial fishing industry in general.

 Topics discussed included global trade, market diversification, fuel supply and resource security for commercial fishers. Watch the video below.

Celebrating International Co-ops Day.

Earlier this month, GFC, alongside our fellow co-operators around the world, celebrated International Day of Co-operatives, recognising the important role member-owned businesses play in supporting communities, creating economic opportunities and delivering long-term value.

This year's theme, "Co-operatives for a Peaceful World", highlights the contribution co-operatives and mutuals make in building trust, strengthening communities and supporting sustainable economic development.

In Australia, the sector continues to be a major force across industries including agriculture, fisheries, banking, insurance, health care and retail, demonstrating the enduring value of business models built around member ownership and shared success.

As a member-owned organisation, we're proud to be part of this movement. To learn more about the scale and impact of Australia's co-operative and mutual sector, check out the short video here.

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 June, we recognised Mark Johnson, Regan Smith and Jonathon Cranwell from Geraldton. Read their nomination reason below:

"Following a mechanical issue on the Geraldton intake conveyor, Johnno, Regan and Jonathon demonstrated exceptional teamwork, dedication and commitment to our members. 
 
What stood out most was the team's strong focus on safety. Their efforts are a fantastic example of going above and beyond for our members while living our core value of Safety every step of the way. Despite the challenging conditions, the team approached the task methodically and with great care, ensuring the work was completed the right way from start to finish.
 
Johnno's leadership, together with Regan and Jonathon's willingness to step up, and focus on getting the job done right, reflect the standards we strive for every day. Their efforts and commitment to service do not go unnoticed.

Congratulations, to the gents from the Geraldton Factory, and thanks for your contributions! We'll bring you more Lobster Legends in future editions.

Western Rock Lobster Stakeholder Survey.

Western Rock Lobster (WRL) is inviting members and industry stakeholders to participate in its 2026 Annual Member and Stakeholder Survey. The survey provides an opportunity to share feedback on industry management, WRL's performance, and future priorities to help ensure the western rock lobster industry remains sustainable, confident and well represented.

Feedback will be reviewed by the WRL Executive Team and Board and will help inform strategic planning, improve communications and guide future industry initiatives. All responses remain confidential and will be reported anonymously.

The online survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and closes on Friday, 7 August 2026. Stakeholders are encouraged to take part and contribute to shaping the future direction of the industry.

Technology Meets Tradition to Better Understand What Lies Beneath.

Fishing may be one of the world's oldest industries, but new technologies are helping shape its future. In Alaska's Bristol Bay salmon fishery, researchers are trialling autonomous drones and AI-powered image analysis to improve salmon counting and fisheries management. The technology aims to deliver faster, more accurate data to support sustainable harvest decisions. 

Closer to home, we've seen researchers and commercial fishers collaborating on projects utilising new technologies to understand better the fishery, such as the X-Cray Vision project in late 2025.

While the applications differ, both projects highlight an exciting shift towards technology that better understands habitat, stock abundance and climate impacts. These developments demonstrate how traditional industries can combine generations of fishing knowledge with emerging technologies such as AI, automation and remote monitoring to support sustainable and resilient fisheries into the future

Salt In Their Veins Explores the Legacy of WA's Sicilian Fishing Families.

 A new book by Fremantle fisher and researcher Dr James Paratore shines a light on the remarkable contribution Sicilian fishing families have made to Fremantle and Western Australia's seafood industry.

After three years of research and writing, Salt in Their Veins: From Capo d'Orlando to Fremantle traces the stories of migrant families whose lives were shaped by the sea, capturing their resilience, sacrifices and enduring connection to the fishing industry. It includes families such as the Miragliottas, Basiles and others whose names are inextricably linked with the development of the WA rock lobster industry.

The publication promises a fascinating insight into the people, traditions and communities that helped build one of Western Australia's most significant fisheries.

The book was launched this week at the Fremantle History Society and is available to purchase at Beaconsfield Community Pharmacy, 7/155 Lefroy Road, Beaconsfield, for $25 each.

Record Number of Artworks at Flotsam and Jetsam Exhibition.

 As the Flotsam + Jetsam 2026 Exhibition in Geraldton draws to a close, we’re reflecting on why meaningful initiatives like this matter to our GFC community.

As a wild-caught fishery, our collective future depends on the health of the ocean. The Abrolhos Islands are more than just a fishing ground — they are the heart of our Brolos story, supporting generations of members, their families, and the broader community. 

This innovative project transforms marine debris from the Abrolhos Islands into powerful works of art. The 2026 exhibition featured a record 137 pieces, highlighting the creativity of local artists while spotlighting the critical issue of marine litter affecting our coasts and fisheries. 

Meaningful engagement for our industry goes beyond financial sponsorships or branding. It is about supporting initiatives that align with our core values — protecting the resources that underpin our sector, strengthening local communities, encouraging the next generation of fisheries professionals, and fostering collaboration around shared sustainability goals. 

We extend our congratulations to the organisers, artists, volunteers, and everyone involved in making Flotsam + Jetsam a powerful demonstration of what industry, community, and environmental stewardship can achieve together.

LEADERBOARD