The fishing industry wants to access drought support schemes.

Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) says diminished rainfall and high temperatures are hitting the fishing industry, reducing the size and quality of water bodies that either produce fish or are home to the smaller creatures fish feed on.

SIA chief executive Jane Lovell says the fishing industry should be included in the Federal Government's drought narrative.

“It's not a pretty picture, we do really feel for our farming cousins on the land but it's about time we start thinking of how the drought is impacting Australia's fishing industry,” she said.

“For example, the Farm Household Allowance (FHA) is not available for wild-catch commercial fishers even though they are primary producers.

“The Government just doesn't consider them to be 'farmers'.”

Fishers also want the Government to reconsider the nature of commercial fishing permits, because rising water temperatures and changing food sources are causing some fish to migrate.

“There are practical things the government can do to make a difference and we're calling on the community to think about the impact of the drought on our industry and to choose Australian seafood,” Ms Lovell said.