Super trawler goes fishing despite public outrage
The government can stop it -- GreenpeacePort Lincoln, Friday 7 September 2012: Greenpeace is demanding the Government step up and use its power under section 91 of the Fishery Act to cancel the fishing license of the super trawler, Abel Tasman (Margiris). The ship is expected to depart Port Lincoln and start fishing today despite outrage over the threat of the super trawler to South Australia’s lucrative sardine fishing industry and abundant marine life.
"The Government can stop this marine weapon of mass destruction and it should," said Greenpeace Head of Program, Ben Pearson.
The South Australian Sardine Industry Association, which represents Australia’s largest fishery, has called on the Federal Government to prohibit the super trawler from fishing in the small pelagic fishery because it threatens the state’s $19 million sardine industry and hundreds of local jobs.
The South Australian Government has also banned the super trawler from fishing in SA waters, and called for its disallowance from the Commonwealth small pelagic fishery. This follows a unanimous vote last month by the Tasmanian parliament to petition the Federal fisheries Minister for its rejection.
"The South Australian Labor Government has acted to protect its fishing industry and precious marine life. The Federal Labor Government should now act on behalf of the nation and ban this monster from Australian waters."
"Under federal law, the Australian Government can step in at any time and stop this boat. [1] It is clearly stated that the Government can intervene in ‘exceptional circumstances’. Prime Minister Julia Gillard needs to flex her muscle and ban this super trawler before it starts fishing."
"Minister Burke tried to limit the damage caused by this super trawler, but he has just highlighted the fact that the monstrous ship is allowed to kill ten seals every day. What’s even more outrageous is that the supposed ‘punishment’ for killing more than ten seals is that the ship has to move 50 nautical miles before it can start fishing and killing seals again."
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Photo: Greenpeace
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