Super trawler: risks too great says ARFF
Lack of scientific data on 'subsidised' super trawlerThe Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF), the national peak body representing the interests of Australia’s estimated five million anglers, has called on the federal Government to prevent Dutch-owned super trawler FV Margiris from fishing in Australian waters.
The ARFF has come to this decision following recent meetings with Federal Fisheries Minister Joe Ludwig, Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).
ARFF spokesman Allan Hansard said: "AFMA officials were unable to provide enough scientific data to allay the growing concerns by recreational anglers from all over Australia about potential localised depletion issues, especially involving baitfish stocks off eastern Tasmania.
"We asked for the science that would provide the necessary confidence that the super trawler posed no significant threats to our bait fisheries to be put on the table. The science provided was out of date and raised more questions than it answered.
"We then asked for details on the process that will guarantee that the appropriate science will be collected, analysed and put into enforceable management plans to address local depletion issues. We are still awaiting an appropriate response to this request," Mr Hansard added
Meanwhile, Greenpeace has revealed that the company behind the super trawler Margiris is being heavily subsidised by EU taxpayers.
The revelations come amidst a heated political debate and fast-growing opposition across the country to the imminent arrival of the world’s second largest super trawler.
"The Margiris -- and the Dutch company that owns it -- is heavily subsidised by European taxpayers. It has already used these funds to plunder fish stocks in Europe, West Africa and the Pacific and now it intends to use them to take all it can from Australian waters," said Pavel Klinckhamers, a Greenpeace marine biologist who has tracked super trawlers around the world and has arrived in Australia to warn against the Margiris.
Greenpeace research reveals that Dutch company Parlevliet & Van der Plas, owners of the Margiris, has received direct subsidies of €39m since 1994 and in recent years (2006-2011) has also received indirect subsidies within the range of €16m and €28m. A large proportion of these subsidies are used to pay for fuel with the Margiris alone receiving up to €4.2m every year for the past six years.
"Without subsidies from the EU, Parlevliet & Van der Plas’ profits would be significantly reduced and it could have even lost money in recent years. Super trawlers like the Margiris are highly efficient at destroying fisheries but are not efficient at making profits without subsidies," said Klinckhamers.
"I’ve seen first-hand how these subsidised super trawlers have devastated fisheries and coastal communities in West Africa. After a vessel like the Margiris has been to visit there’s nothing left but empty oceans, destroyed livelihoods and ruined ecosystems.
"I’m here to warn Australia. Giving this foreign fish factory access to its rich marine assets would be a colossal mistake," said Klinckhamers.
Photo: Greenpeace
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