Festive feeding frenzy — Christmas seafood rush on for young and old in Albany

Turkey and ham might be the most popular picks for festive feasts in some parts of the world, but on a hot Christmas Day in Australia, seafood reigns supreme.

As most West Australians enjoy some time off, fishers and fishmongers are in the throes of their busiest time of year.

Albany commercial fisher Gavin Jackman, from Out There Fishing, had people flocking to his stall at the Albany Boatshed Markets on Sunday.

From prawns to pink snapper, he had the key ingredients for a festive seafood feast.

He said it was fantastic to see more people getting behind their local suppliers.

“Albany has been sensational for buying and supporting local fishing families this year,” he said.

“WA seafood is a product that is well-known and people are starting to respond to local seafood.

“It’s nice to see the recognition of generations of fishing families and how important commercial fishing is for the sustainability of fishing throughout WA.”

This year, Mr Jackman sourced WA crayfish from a fishing family in Cervantes.

“We try to help out other small families in the industry by promoting their fisheries and the buy-local attitude,” he said.

“There will be a lot of Albany tables with WA crayfish on them this year.”

When choosing fish for Christmas lunch, he said to pay special attention to the eyes and gills.

“Make sure the eyes are clear and the gills are red,” he said.

“Good, fresh seafood doesn’t really have a smell — it should just smell like salt water.”