Picture: Greenpeace
The Australian Greens are pleased that legislation to ban the super trawler has passed the Senate today, but have expressed disappointment that some key amendments were not supported.
“We will continue efforts to end any future threats posed by this or any other super trawler,” Australian Greens marine spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert said today.
“This debate has also raised valid and serious questions about some processes and operations surrounding fisheries management in Australia.
“The planned root-and-branch review of Australia’s fisheries management system needs to be comprehensive, transparent and open to public consultation. We learnt during the Parliamentary debate that the Government intends to do this review in three months. I question whether this is long enough.” said Senator Siewert.
Tasmania Senator Peter Whish-Wilson says the fight against the super trawler will continue in the coming months.
“We’re now stuck in a holding pattern for two years. There is no certainty in this situation.
“This super trawler saga demonstrates we need strong action to protect our oceans from risks relating to unsustainable fishing , damage to communities and marine ecosystems.
“Ultimately, we still supported this legislation because it does prevent the super trawler from operating in out waters for the time being.
“The Government now has a two years to prevent future, damaging fishing operations for being undertaken,” Senator Whish-Wilson concluded.
• Andrew Wilkie:
I’m absolutely delighted that the Senate has supported the Government’s move to ban the super trawler for two years.
Bringing the Margiris to Australia was always a dreadful idea and it’s unfortunate so many people have had to work so hard to ensure this ban was put in place.
It’s now up to the Commonwealth Ombudsman to finalise the enquiry into the misconduct within the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and for the Government to complete a thorough review of fisheries management in Australia more generally.
Frankly I’d like to see a permanent ban on all factory ships like the Margiris. But this two year ban is still a big win and a thumping victory for people power, proper process and the rule of law.
• Download Five Fisheries Science responses/opinions including direct responses to Dr Andrew Wadsley’s analyses published on Tasmanian Times …
Dr Andrew Wadsley: An up-to-date review of my position on the science behind the quota is given in:
http://oldtt.pixelkey.biz/index.php?/weblog/article/scientists-confirm-that-margiris-quota-is-unsound/
The recent analysis by IMAS here …
http://www.afma.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMAS_reanalysis-of-Neira2011.pdf
… duplicates and extends my analysis given in …
http://oldtt.pixelkey.biz/index.php?/weblog/article/the-fv-margiris-quota-a-case-of-lies-damned-lies-and-statistics/
• Response to Wadsley concerns:
Download:
response_to_wadsley_concerns_final.pdf
• Transcript:
Bob Kearney, Emeritus Professor of Fisheries Management, Canberra University
Northern Tasmanian ABC Drive with Hilary Burden
Tuesday 10 July, 2012
Topic: FV Margiris and Small Pelagic Fishery
Download:
100712_bob_kearney_-_abc_northern_tas_drive_-_fv_margiris_and_small_pelagic_fisheries.pdf
• The Commonwealth Small Pelagic Fishery: General background to the scientific issues
Colin Buxton (IMAS)1, Gavin Begg (SARDI)2, Jeremy Lyle (IMAS)1, Tim Ward (SARDI)2, Keith Sainsbury (IMAS)1, Tony Smith (CSIRO)3, David Smith (CSIRO)3
Download:
SPF_discussion_paper(FINAL).pdf
• Scientific opinion on matters related to the management and sustainability of the Commonwealth Small Pelagic Fishery
Professor Keith Sainsbury
Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies
University of Tasmania
6 July 2012
Download:
scientific_opinion_-_professor_sainsbury_80712.pdf
• Ray Hilborn article:
Download:
ray_hilborn_article_june_2010.pdf
• Rebecca Hubbard, Marine Coordinator, Environment Tasmania, Tooni Mahto, Marine Campaigner, Australian Marine Conservation Society, Nobby Clark, President of the Tuna Club of Tasmania: No Super Trawler Bill Passes Senate For The Betterment Of Our Fisheries
Wednesday 19 September
The Stop the Trawler Alliance has welcomed the passage of the Amendment to the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act to stop the super trawler from threatening Australia’s marine life and fisheries today.
“The Federal Parliament has responded to the overwhelming voice of concern from the Australian public to the introduction of an industrial-scale factory trawler into our fisheries. This unprecedented threat to our marine life and fishing is clearly unwanted by the community, and the Government have acted on their behalf today,” said Rebecca Hubbard, Marine Coordinator, Environment Tasmania.
“The amendment to the EPBC Act today means we can sure up the foundations for management of the Small Pelagic Fishery, as it’s clear the science around localised depletion and quota increase left room for improvement,” said Tooni Mahto, Marine Campaigner, Australian Marine Conservation Society. “We also look forward to participating in the root and branch review of fisheries management legislation.”
“A sleeping giant has been woken and the passion of recreational fishers has now been seen by all Australians. We respect the right of commercial operations, the work of our scientists, the care of our environmental groups, and it’s time that all views are taken into account for the betterment of our fisheries management from now and into the future,” said Nobby Clark, President of the Tuna Club of Tasmania.
