Super-Trawler threat returns

Where are State Liberal and Labor Parties?

The Tasmanian Greens today have warned the Federal government and Seafish Tasmania that if they think community disquiet over a proposed Super Trawler has subsided, then they have it badly wrong.

Greens Member for Braddon, Paul O’Halloran MP, said State Liberal Leader Will Hodgman needed to disclose how much he knew of Senator Colbeck’s apparent support for Seafish Tasmania’s super trawler push.

“Here we go again. When will these companies learn to respect the will of local communities?”

“Tasmanians are very aware of the international examples where these vacuum cleaners of the sea have had disastrous impacts on local fisheries in places like Ireland, South America, North America and Africa.”

“The trawlers are lying idle in those countries, which is why they are now on the look-out for weak governments elsewhere who care little for sustainable fisheries and are ready to allow the plundering of fish stocks.”

“Has Mr Hodgman been involved in any of these discussions between Seafish Tasmania and Senator Colbeck, or has he been left out of that loop?”

“The State Liberal and Labor parties both need to stand up for Tasmanian communities, commercial and recreational fishery industries, however Mr Hodgman must be crystal clear with Senator Colbeck and Tony Abbott that the super trawler is not welcome here.”

“Small pelagic fisheries are already decimated in southern pacific waters and to put further pressure on these fisheries which underpin other fish species, and commercial and recreational fisheries is ludicrous and reckless.”

“Of similar serious concern is the issue of localised depletion. Given the size of these vessels and sophisticated fish-tracking capacity there is no escape for local fish schools, and the risk that local depletion poses to our local commercial and recreational fishing industries is unacceptable.”

“The huge nets of super trawlers are indiscriminate and reliable solutions to by-catch, including seals and dolphins, have not yet been found.”

“Community opinion and concerns of local business are valid, should be respected and should not be belittled or trivialised by the super trawler proponents.”

“We have been told before that the data was rigorous but it was then exposed as wanting and out of date.”

“Instead we need a comprehensive risk-benefit analysis to assess what the risks are, who benefits, and is it worth it.”

“People also deserve to know whether the intent is still to block freeze the fish and send to Africa, potentially at $1 per kilogram, or will it end up as feedstock to feed salmon in fish farms?”

“None of those serious questions have been answered, and until they are the community has every right to stand up for the health of their fisheries and local businesses,” Mr O’Halloran said.
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Member for Braddon