Greens spokesperson for Fisheries provides the following comments on the FOI release of Super Trawler documents shown on ABC News last night.
Senator Whish-Wilson said, “Three years ago, the Government’s own root and branch Borthwick Review recommended the necessary steps to reform AFMA’s culture to make our fisheries regulator more accountable and consultative, especially in relation to the broader ecosystem impacts of commercial fishing.
“Evidence that has come to light via Freedom of Information demonstrates that AFMAs failings, made clear in the Borthwick Review, still remain today.
“The operations of the super trawler Geelong Star are particularly contentious and sensitive in the Australian community, especially given the appalling track record of dolphin and seal deaths that have occurred in just its first few weeks of operation.
“AFMA are communicating with key stakeholders via media release and are refusing to come clean about the level of risk these factory freezer vessels pose to our wildlife.
“Our oceans and fishery resources are owned by all Australians, not just narrow commercial interests, and as such, the well documented dangers of large factory freezer vessels are a matter of significant public interest.
“The deaths of dolphins and seals, protected and loved by all Australians, are unacceptable and it appears there is a fundamental divide between the regulator and the community on this issue’
“AFMA’s handling of this issue has been a debacle and risks tarnishing the reputation of the broader fishing industry, many of whom must be wondering if the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Senator Colbecks’s dogged determination to help bring a super trawler to Australian waters has been worth the pain and division that has ensued,” he concluded.
Greens spokesperson for Fisheries , Senator Peter Whish-Wilson
