The latest Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) Fishery status reports show that no Commonwealth managed fisheries are subject to overfishing.
“This is the first time in eight years that no solely Commonwealth managed fisheries have been classified as subject to overfishing and shows our fisheries are improving under a Coalition Government,” said Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Richard Colbeck.
Senator Colbeck said a prime example of strong management bringing good results is Australia’s orange roughy fishery, which is recovering due to good practices and is classified as not subject to overfishing.
“Orange roughy was heavily fished in the late 1980s and early 1990s which lead to a classification of overfished, but fish stocks are recovering and signs are positive for the future of the fishery,” Senator Colbeck said.
“Australia’s orange roughy fisheries are subject to rebuilding strategies and are actively managed to ensure their recovery and long-term sustainability.”
Senator Colbeck said Australian families can be assured they are buying a quality product when choosing fish from a well-managed and sustainable Australian fishery.
“I encourage people to continue enjoying seafood, which is an important source of protein and part of a balanced diet,” he said. “Australia has a reputation as a supplier of safe, environmentally sustainable, high-quality seafood. This is something we should all be proud of.”
The annual report provides an update on the biological, economic and environmental status of fisheries that are solely or jointly managed by the Australian Government.
The report also found the total gross value of production (GVP) of Commonwealth fisheries in 2012–13 was $319.7 million, which is about 13% of Australia’s total fisheries and aquaculture GVP of $2.4 billion.
To read the report, please click here.
