Barramundi should be protected under country of origin labelling: Xenophon

Independent Senator for South Australia Nick Xenophon is calling for the protection of the name "barramundi" so it can only apply to Australian-caught fish.

A senate inquiry into seafood labelling has recommended country-of-origin labelling (COL) laws for seafood sold in takeaway outlets and restaurants.

But Senator Xenophon said Australia had to go further and protect the name barramundi so it referred only to fish caught in Australia.

The same species has a different name overseas and the inquiry found that imports were being sold in Australia under the name barramundi because most consumers associated it with local produce.

"If the French can protect champagne and the Greeks fetta, surely Australia can protect barramundi," Senator Xenophon said.

"When you consider the origin of the name barramundi, an Indigenous name, the protection of the name barramundi should apply to Australia-caught fish or Australian-farmed fish."

Senator Xenophon said the introduction of COL to supermarkets had increased the trawl industry's turnover from $4 million to more than $30 million and had increased snapper sales by 400 per cent.

"This is a no-brainer for boosting the seafood and restaurant sectors," he said.

"By this simple extension of country-of-origin labelling and pre-cooked and cooked seafood, we have the opportunity to create many thousands of jobs and expand our seafood industry."

The inquiry found that similar laws passed in the Northern Territory in 2008 led to a "boon" for the seafood industry.

Senator Xenophon said he would introduce COL legislation for seafood takeaway outlets and restaurants early next year.