Seaweek, seals and SeaNet – working toward a healthy marine environment

“Seaweek 2007, with its theme Marine Bycatch Matters, will highlight the leading role Australian fishermen are taking in reducing pressure on our marine environment,” said Australian Minister for Fisheries and Conservation Senator Eric Abetz.

“The Australian seafood industry has a well deserved international reputation as leading the world in sustainable fishing, and the use of TEDs and SEDs demonstrate the practical measures Australian fishermen are taking to minimise their interaction with non-target species.”

“Fishermen, makers of fishing gear, researchers, government and non-government organisations are working closely together to ensure fishing gear continues to catch target species, while letting non-target species escape.”

“Bycatch of marine turtles has been virtually eliminated by the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in Australian prawn trawl fisheries and Seal Excluder Devices (SEDs) are now in use in the winter blue grenadier trawl fishery off west Tasmania.”

Seaweek 2007 has provided a unique opportunity to also launch the closely-linked National Seal Strategy and to announce the first SeaNet officer for Tasmania.

The National Seal Strategy, with its associated scientific report, aims to create a coordinated approach that will minimise adverse human-seal interactions in commercial fisheries, aquaculture and tourism ventures.

“And I’m pleased to announce the appointment of Fiona Ewing, the first SeaNet Officer for Tasmania, who will provide an environmental extension service to the Australian seafood fishing industry,” said Senator Abetz.

“Fiona’s work will help with the development and adoption of fishing gear, technology and methods to minimise bycatch and to continue to improve the ecological sustainability of Australia’s commercial fisheries.”

SeaWeek 2007 is a joint project of the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) and Marine Education Society of Australasia (MESA). Funding for all three projects has been provided by the Australian Government through the Natural Heritage Trust.