Cray basket

Datec 1970

Object number00005986

NameCraypot

MediumPlastic

DimensionsOverall: 345 x 663 x 495 mm, 3.1 kg

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Activ Industries

Terms

DescriptionLobsters are packed and delivered in baskets similar to this cray basket, fresh to the factory for processing. The basket is a most efficient and least damaging way of transporting them.HistoryLobster fishing in Australia began in the 19th century. Until the 1940s nearly all the catch was sold locally. In 1947 the first consignment of frozen lobster tails was shipped to the United States. A spectacular period of expansion followed with lobsters becoming Australia's second most valuable fishing industry after prawns. The Japanese market prefers the lobsters whole, either live or boiled while the American market fancies the tails. There is also a substantial domestic market for this crustacean. Tastes in seafood have changed enormously in the past few decades. Stocks of many traditional table fish such as gem fish and ling have declined and been replaced by species which are new to Australian tastes like orange roughy. Three of the highest export earners are rock lobster, prawn and abalone. Four of out nine species of rock lobsters are fished commercially in Australian waters. A high proportion is exported and domestic prices reflect this. Lobsters are a luxury item for the Australian table.SignificanceThis cray basket is an example of the types of equipment used in the Lobster (Cray) Fishing Industry.