Commerical fishers thrown a lifeline

Despite the fact 85 per cent of the seafood consumed in NSW is now imported, up from 75 per cent last time we heard, the State Government has announced changes to commercial fishing that it hopes will shore-up the future supply of locally caught, high-quality seafood.

The key changes are intended to help commercial fishers invest in their businesses and provide state’s fishers with the tools to better manage their business. The end game is to ensure what is caught continues to be done so sustainably.

Minister for Primary Industries, Lands and Water Niall Blair said the current parameters for commercial fishing do not support the state’s fishers and they are stifling the industry from growing and reaching its full potential. 

"The $90 million fishing industry is hugely important in NSW and to so many of our coastal communities – that’s why we want to make sure we have a strong, sustainable industry for years to come," Mr Blair said, adding that the new NSW Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program heralds a new era for the industry.

"85 per cent of the seafood consumed in NSW is imported. But these reforms ensure that seafood caught here in NSW is valued over imported products.

"Since becoming Minister, I have met with more than 200 commercial fishers up and down the NSW coast and every one of these conversations has helped shape the program to secure the industry’s future.

"NSW-caught seafood is the best and most sustainable in the world and the NSW Government is determined to work hand-in-hand with industry to ensure everyone knows about it," he said.

Under the new program, fishers will now have the option to grow their business using financial assistance measures including low interest rate loans of up to $80,000 and grants to seek independent financial advice.

The NSW Government will also invest $400,000 as part of a campaign to promote NSW-caught seafood as sustainable and fresh and work with industry to investigate an origin-labelling scheme for cooked seafood across the state. About time on country of origin labelling of seafood!

Commercial fishers are now inline to receive personalised information packs as part of NSW Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program. More Fisheries news at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.