Australia’s oil and gas and commercial fishing, aquaculture and seafood associations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate better cooperation, communication and consultation between the industries.
The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association Ltd (APPEA) signed the MoU along with five fishing industry bodies with members operating in Western Australian, South Australian, Victorian, Northern Territory and Commonwealth waters.
Under the MOU, the industry groups commit to meet regularly through a roundtable process and to seek to resolve issues through better sharing of information. The agreement also encourages the development of joint initiatives or policies that will benefit both industries.
APPEA chief executive David Byers said the oil and gas and fishing industries had much in common and would benefit by working more closely to resolve differences and explore common interests.
“Both of our industries make an important economic contribution to Australia and share a commitment to safe and environmentally-responsible operations,” Mr Byers said.
“The MOU is a vehicle for closer cooperation and communication that should help resolve differences as they emerge and also focus on how we can work together better for the mutual benefit of our members.”
Mr Byers said roundtable discussions had already started on several important issues, such as improving maritime interactions and better understanding of seismic surveys and commercial fish species.
The fishing industry bodies that have signed the MoU are: Commonwealth Fisheries Association (CFA), Northern Territory Seafood Council (NTSC), Seafood Industry Victoria (SIV), Western Australian Fishing Industry Council Inc. (WAFIC); and Wildcatch Fisheries South Australia (WFSA).
