Rush on for festive catch

CHRISTMAS is the busiest time of the year for seafood traders, with Mr Barra expected to turn over tonnes and tonnes of seafood in the next few days.

Owner Niall Atkinson expects to sell five to 10 tonnes of prawns and five tonnes of fish before Christmas.

Mr Atkinson said that on December 24 people usually flooded through the doors buying up everything.

“They go for everything, but it’s mainly cooked prawns, and they really like bugs,” he said.

Fishmonger Stevie Taylor says seafood is a popular Christmas item as it tastes better than meat.

Former Minister for Primary Industry and Resources Ken Vowles said before he was axed from cabinet NT seafood was about the best in the world.

“All the favourites are on the menu – barra, crabs, prawns, spanish mackerel, snapper, black jewfish and more – which is especially helpful if, like me, you aren’t the NT’s best fisho.

“Ask your local seafood re- tailer for advice and ideas,” Mr Vowles said.

NT Seafood Council chief executive Katherine Winchester said the seafood industry employed hundreds of people.

“For Territorians, catching and purchasing local seafood is a huge part of everyday life and professional fishers are passionate and work extremely hard at this time of year to meet the ever growing demand for local seafood,” Ms Winchester said.

“Here in the Territory, we are blessed with a wide variety of local seafood options, which means there’s always an option to fit your budget.”

Mr Barra is open today and tomorrow and Christmas Eve from 8am to 5pm and closed on Christmas and Boxing Day.

Picture: KATRINA BRIDGEFORD Fishmonger Stevie Taylor, of Mr Barra at Fisherman’s Wharf, is gearing up for the traditional Christmas rush as the store readies to sell tonnes of fish over the next few days.