I am pleased to back the call by Environment Tasmania and the Tuna Club for a permanent ban on super trawlers operating in Australian waters.
Super Trawlers have a proven track record of destroying fisheries and wreaking dreadful environmental harm, not least because their by-catch often includes seals, dolphins and seabirds.
The Federal Government banned the super trawler Abel Tasman, née Margiris, for two years. But there remains the possibility another Labor Government would eventually allow the vessel to operate in Australian waters, or a Liberal Government to overturn even the two year reprieve.
The only way to resolve this matter for good is a permanent ban on all super trawlers operating in Australian waters and I call on both parties to immediately commit to this.
Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member for Denison
