Economy
Rec Fishers and Environmentalists Unite To Call For Super Trawler Permanent Ban
Recreational fishing and environment groups today joined together to call for a permanent ban on super trawlers in Australia’s waters.
The new call for a permanent ban follows revelations of big holes in scientific research and knowledge about the impact of super trawlers on local fish stocks and about the fish species being targeted.
Recreational fishers and conservationists are also concerned that a federal court challenge to the current 2-year ban imposed by the federal government may lead to Australia’s waters being opened to an unprecedented era of factory fishing. The Federal Court’s decision is imminent.
Seafish’s plan to bring the world’s second largest super trawler MV Margiris to Australia was stopped by the then Environment Minister Tony Burke amid concerns about the impact on local fish stocks and protected species, and a review of Australia’s fisheries management system was subsequently initiated.
Nobby Clark, President of the Tuna Club of Tasmania, said recreational fishers are alarmed at the ongoing pursuit of a super trawler in Australia despite the lack of knowledge about whether fish stocks could recover, and want to see a commitment from all major parties ahead of the federal election to safeguard our fisheries.
“Recreational fishers are concerned about the potential for localised crashes in fish stocks if super trawlers are allowed to operate in Australia.
“The fact remains that our knowledge of the small pelagic fish that these super trawlers are after is poor. There is not enough scientific research and knowledge about either the species that the super trawler is after or the size of their populations and ability to recover.”
Rebecca Hubbard from Environment Tasmania said the joint call for a permanent ban demonstrated that recreational fishers and environmentalists shared concerns about the future of our marine environment and fisheries.
“We all share a concern for our oceans and marine life. We all enjoy and benefit from the riches that lie beneath the waves, and we believe that super trawlers pose an unacceptable risk to these riches and should be banned.”
Authorised by Charlie Sherwin, 100 Elizabeth St Hobart Tasmania 7000