• Labor has been listening to recreational fishers
• Door should be closed for return of super trawlers
• Call for State Liberals to join Labor’s push for federal law change
Labor will lobby the Federal Liberal Government to immediately and permanently ban super trawlers from Commonwealth waters.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said the State Labor Party had been listening to recreational fishers who want an end to the uncertainty over super trawling.
“Will Hodgman has failed to stand up to his Federal colleagues to fight for a permanent ban on super trawlers,” Ms White said.
“Earlier this year the Tasmanian Liberal Government cynically introduced the Living Marine Resources Management Amendment Bill to ban super trawling in Tasmanian waters despite the fact this ban already exists.
“Meanwhile the primary issue of super trawling in the Commonwealth small pelagic fishery remains unaddressed.
“The door remains wide open to super trawlers, which have proven to have an unacceptable impact on marine mammals, including dolphins as bycatch.
“Despite going to the 2014 election promising to oppose super trawlers and lobby the Commonwealth for a national ban, the Liberal Government has done nothing.
“If the Tasmanian Liberals are serious about supporting recreational fishers they will join my push to have legislation introduced to the Commonwealth Parliament before the end of the year.
“I should point out that companies such as Petuna Sealord Deepwater Fishing, who do not trawl for small pelagic fish and have a proven track record of sustainable fisheries management, retain Labor’s strong support.
“Through its deep water operations in Commonwealth waters, Petuna makes a significant to contribution to the Tasmanian economy each year.”
Rebecca White MP Labor Leader
