Australian Salmon are a wild-caught fish related to herring that are much-loved by beach anglers around the country. They are NOT the same as the orange-fleshed fish farmed species that are sold in large quantities through supermarkets and other retailers. If it is the orange-fleshed Atlantic Salmon you are looking for, please check out its page HERE.
Australian Salmon
Rating
Standard Names
Eastern Australian Salmon and Western Australian Salmon, previously known as Bay Trout, Cocky Salmon, Colonial Salmon, Salmon Trout and Kahawai (NZ)
Australian Salmon are related to Australian Herring, rather then the orange-fleshed Atlantic Salmon and other Salmonidae. Their name comes from the European Settlers, who noticed a likeness between the appearances of the species.
Australian Salmon are wild caught in coastal waters, often adjacent to estuaries and off coastal beaches. The majority of the commercial catch is taken by Purse Seine, sometimes with the use of spotter planes to locate the large schools. They are also caught as bycatch of purse seine and trawl fisheries targeting schooling species such as Snapper, Mackerel and Trevally. Australian Salmon are caught in all southern waters of Australia, particularly southern NSW and Eastern Victoria. While commercial landings are at historically high levels, Australian Salmon are also a popular recreational species and the recreational catch is significant.
Because Australian Salmon is not especially popular with consumers, historically much of the catch has been used for pet-food or bait. Australian Salmon is commonly used as bait in the western Rocklobster fishery.
The why and how of sustainability
Australian Salmon is a GoodFishBadFish Favourite! It is highly sustainable, affordable, and delicious.
AMCS lists Australian Salmon as a BETTER CHOICE
Catches of both Eastern Australian Salmon and Western Australian Salmon are considered SUSTAINABLE in all of their catch areas by the relevant Australian Government management bodies
The Purse and Beach Seines used to catch Australian Salmon result in low bycatch and negligible ecological damage.
Preparation and cooking
Australian Salmon are under-utilised and not especially well regarded by chefs or consumers. Because of this they are a low priced seafood option. If they are fresh and handled correctly Australian Salmon are moist and very enjoyable. They are also very high in Omega-3 fatty Acids.
Australian Salmon have a strong flavour and quite oily flesh. The dark pink flesh will lighten in colour when cooked, and stays incredibly moist. Those preferring a lighter flavoured fish can remove the darker red flesh and bloodline. If not bled out or otherwise handled correctly the soft flesh will be dark and can develop off characteristics quickly.
Smaller fish are of higher eating quality than larger specimens, which can be coarse and dry. Larger specimens can be cooked whole wrapped in foil or paper to prevent them drying out.
Because of their strong flavour and oil content, Australian Salmon are popular smoked or canned. The smoky flavour and slight char imparted by BBQ’ing this fish is especially tasty.
Strong accompanying flavours are recommended, such as the Mediterranean flavours of tomatoes, olives, vinegars, pickled vegetables and herbs.
Australian salmons can also be used to make excellent fish burgers or fish cakes
