Greens share concerns on supertrawler ban as both old parties can’t be trusted with our oceans

Today Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, spokesperson for Tasmanian marine issues, said he shared the concerns of recreational fishers and conservation groups that the temporary ban on supertrawlers may be dropped following the Federal Election.

“Recreational fishers, environment groups, and the tens of thousands of Australians who signed petitions and protested against the supertrawler are justifiably concerned about the risks to our fisheries and marine ecosystems,” Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said.

“We already know voting for Abbott risks bringing back the Supertrawler as the Coalition voted in June against a Senate motion calling for the maintenance of the temporary two-year ban and associated fisheries science funding.

“I questioned then and I question now if the Coalition would bring back the Supertrawler and end new funding for independent science in the Small Pelagic Fishery (SPF) if they gain government?

“And given Labor showed yesterday it can’t be trusted to honour environmental promises on our forests why should Australians believe they won’t backflip on our oceans?

“The Greens believe that given the lack of information about the impact that the operation of large mid-water trawl freezer vessels – like the supertrawler FV Margiris – has on our fisheries, the precautionary principle should apply.

“The onus of proof for new fishing methods should be reversed and supertrawlers should be banned from our waters until localised depletion and by-catch concerns are scientifically addressed.

“The Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s own Resource Assessment Group agreed in January 2013 that more research was needed in the SPF,” he concluded.
Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, spokesperson for Tasmanian marine issues