Hospitality venues across Australia are required to designate the country of origin for seafood products on their menus starting July 1. This regulation mandates labels of 'A' for Australian, 'I' for imported, and 'M' for mixed, a system known as 'Aim'.

The new rules apply to market stalls, food trucks, fast food venues, and businesses that serve food for immediate consumption. Businesses can use the A, I, or M designations, or they can use more descriptive phrasing such as 'Australian Sydney rock lobster' to indicate origin. Dishes containing only shelf-stable seafood, such as canned tuna or fish stock, are exempt, as are food service providers in schools, hospitals, and prisons.

Julie Petty, general manager of Seafood Industry Australia, said: "Most Australians don't realise it, but about 64% of seafood is actually imported." She added: "For the first time it really provides that clarity to the end consumer, and frankly it provides informed choice about what it is you're going to spend your money on."

Federal Minister for Industry Tim Ayres said: "Australian seafood is great quality, safe, environmentally friendly and backs coastal fishing communities who work hard to deliver a local catch."

Kim Riskas, a campaigner for the Australian Marine Conservation Society, expressed reservations about the system's scope, stating: "Aim unfortunately doesn't tell you anything more than whether it came from Australia or came from overseas." The Australian Marine Conservation Society advocates for menu listings to include the specific state or territory where Australian seafood originated. Riskas also noted: "Even though our fisheries are overall held to a much higher standard, we still have areas of improvement to work on."

The regulation requires venues to display origin information for seafood. Approximately 64% of seafood consumed in Australia is imported. The labeling system is intended to provide information on whether seafood is locally sourced or from overseas.