The eastern orange roughy fishery is to be re-opened after rebuilding to a healthy level where the species can be commercially fished for the first time in 10 years.
The stock was overfished in the late 1980s and early 1990s, leading to stock declines and longstanding fishery closures.
“Australia’s science-based fisheries management has improved since then and we have been successful in rebuilding this fishery. This is a significant achievement for our fisheries management regime,” said Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture Senator Richard Colbeck
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) Commission has approved a conservative total allowable catch of 500 tonnes for the eastern stock of orange roughy for the 2015-16 season which still allows the stock to continue to rebuild.
“This is good news for the marine environment, seafood lovers and the Australian fishing industry. It demonstrates why Australian fisheries management is so highly regarded around the world,” added Senator Colbeck.
It is expected the season for the species will commence on 1 May, following the revision of the stock rebuilding strategy and amendments to remove current fishing closures.
Recommencement of commercial fishing of the eastern stock of orange roughy will be subject to strict monitoring and enforcement measures which reflect Australia’s high standard of fisheries management.
For the commercial fishing of orange roughy this includes 100% observer coverage and strict quota controls to ensure that the stock continues to rebuild.
