Small-boat prawn fisher

Fish merchants, wholesale seafood markets, restaurants and fishmongers. Some operators also sell direct to the public where local rules allow.

You sell by the kilo, and prices change with the season, prawn size, quality and how much is being caught. Selling direct or to restaurants usually pays better than wholesale, but takes more time.

• Boat handling and sea safety
• Comfortable with early starts and physical work
• Handling and chilling seafood properly
• Building relationships with buyers

• Prawn fisheries are usually limited entry, so you often have to buy or lease an existing licence or shares, which can be very expensive. Check availability and price first
• Rules on gear, seasons, areas and catch limits differ by state and fishery, so check with your state fisheries agency
• Vessel survey, crew qualifications and safety equipment rules (check with your state marine authority and AMSA)
• Seafood handling and food safety requirements for selling the catch, including direct sales (check with your state and local council)
• Hull and public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire crew
• Income is seasonal and depends on weather, catch and fuel costs

Startup costs are typically around $80,000 to $400,000, depending on the boat, gear and whether you must buy or lease a licence or shares. Licences can be very expensive, so check availability and price first.

Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the season, weather, catch and fuel costs. Income is seasonal, so these estimates will vary through the year.

Check whether the fishery is limited entry and what a licence costs, plus state rules on gear, seasons, areas and catch limits. Also check vessel survey, crew qualifications and safety rules with your state marine authority and AMSA, and seafood handling requirements.