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NEWS
Australian fisheries not overfished
So why are we importing more than 70 per cent of the seafood we consume?Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Richard Colbeck, today (October 23) welcomed the latest ABARES Fishery status reports which show no Commonwealth-managed fisheries are subject to overfishing.
The announcement comes on the eve of groundswell of opinion and tonight's TV show on SBS that questions Australia's increasing reliance on imported seafood — more 70 per cent of the seafood we consume is imported —looks at sustainability of imported seafood, and questions the lack of 'country of origin' labelling on retailed seafood.
At the same time, however, public opinion is against the introduction of any super trawlers in our small pelagic fishery, which would see that resource of jack mackerel caught en masse and shipped abroad with very little benefit for local seafood eaters. We certainly hope this report doesn't open that door but improves the supply of local seafood to Australians instead.
"This is the first time in eight years that no solely Commonwealth-managed fisheries have been classified as subject to overfishing and shows our fisheries are improving under a Coalition Government," Senator Colbeck said.
"This is a significant milestone and I commend the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and industry for their excellent management of our fisheries," Senator Colbeck said.
Senator Colbeck said a prime example of strong management bringing good results is Australia’s Orange Roughy fishery, which is recovering due to good practices and is classified as not subject to overfishing.
"Orange Roughy was heavily fished in the late 1980s and early 1990s which lead to a classification of overfished but fish stocks are recovering and signs are positive for the future of the fishery," Senator Colbeck said.
"Australia’s Orange Roughy fisheries are subject to rebuilding strategies and are actively managed to ensure their recovery and long-term sustainability."
"Australia’s fisheries are world class, sustainable and managed using the best available scientific advice. They are internationally recognised and we should be proud of our achievements."
Senator Colbeck said Australian families can be assured they are buying a quality product when choosing fish from a well-managed and sustainable Australian fishery.
"I encourage people to continue enjoying seafood, which is an important source of protein and part of a balanced diet," he said.
"Australia has a reputation as a supplier of safe, environmentally sustainable, high-quality seafood. This is something we should all be proud of," Senator Colbeck said.
The annual report provides an update on the biological, economic and environmental status of fisheries that are solely or jointly managed by the Australian Government.
The report also found the total gross value of production (GVP) of Commonwealth fisheries in 2012–13 was $319.7 million, which is about 13 per cent of Australia’s total fisheries and aquaculture GVP of $2.4 billion.
To read the report go to www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/publications, www.abares.gov.au/publications.
Opening photo of the Port Macquarie trawler, the Henry Lawson, which has since foundered, courtesy of Brett Dolsen Photography.
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Written byBoatsales Staff
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