About Us

Lower Yorke Seafood is a proudly family-owned business built on more than 40 years of passion, hard work, and a deep connection to the Yorke Peninsula coastline.

Our story began with our late father, Ronald Rowe, who was the first in our family to take to the sea in pursuit of rock lobster. After completing a sheet metal apprenticeship and working interstate on tuna boats, Ronald returned home in 1980, purchasing the fishing vessel Compass Rose and laying the foundation for what would become a multi-generation family legacy.

Despite never learning to swim, Ronald’s love for the ocean was unmatched. In 1985, he and his wife Rosslyn (Ros) upgraded to the Lesley Ann, raising their three boys - Simon, Damien and Ashley - around the boats and the fishing lifestyle. Their childhood memories are filled with early mornings, salt air, and the values that still guide the business today.

When Ronald passed away in 2010, the Rowe family continued his legacy with the same passion, respect for the ocean, and commitment to the local community.

Meet the Rowe Family

Simon Rowe

Simon is the eldest of the Rowe brothers and has been the skipper of the Ben Ledi for 17 years. He divides his time between fishing, business operations, delivering rock lobster, and representing the industry. Simon currently serves as President of the South Australian Northern Zone Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association, advocating for sustainability and the future of the fishery.

Damien Rowe

Damien - known to most as “Shag” - skippers the Jazzindi and has been fishing professionally since leaving school. He brings decades of practical experience and is known for his strong community ties, work ethic, and commitment to delivering premium quality seafood to both local and wholesale markets.

Ashley Rowe

Ashley is the youngest Rowe brother. While he grew up on the boats and fished for many years, his true passion has always been farming. Ashley now runs his farm full-time and is no longer involved in the daily operations of Lower Yorke Seafood. He remains a proud part of the family’s history and the legacy built by Ronald and Ros. 

Growth of the Business

In 2020, Lower Yorke Seafood expanded beyond commercial fishing into processing, exporting, and wholesale distribution, while also opening up direct-to-consumer retail sales.

Today we:

  • Export premium South Australian rock lobster,
  • Supply a strong wholesale market across South Australia and beyond,
  • Provide locally caught seafood to restaurants, retailers, and hospitality businesses,
  • And continue to operate our own fishing vessels to ensure quality, consistency, and traceability from ocean to plate.

Our business now employs around 15 local staff, supporting families on the Yorke Peninsula and contributing to the regional economy we’re proud to be part of.