Status reports show improvements in fish stocks

The Fishery Status Reports 2007, released by the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS), shows that the number of stocks classified as overfished and/or subject to overfishing has continued to decline.

“This confirms the turnaround in stock status observed in the 2006 reports, which followed a decade during which the number of overfished stocks had been increasing,” BRS Executive Director, Karen Schneider said.

“Each year BRS undertakes an independent assessment of the biological status of fish stocks managed by the Australian Government.

“The 2007 reports assess the status of 96 fish stocks; 28 stocks are classified not overfished, compared with 27 in 2006; 16 stocks are overfished and/or subject to overfishing, compared with 19 in 2006; and 52 stocks are classified as uncertain, compared with 51 in 2006.

“The reports find that one fish stock managed entirely by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) – pink ling – is subject to overfishing.

“The other stocks classified subject to overfishing are highly migratory species (tunas and swordfish) ranging into international waters and not solely managed by the Australian Government.

“Improving certainty in stock status is a priority for the Australian Government.

“The Fishery Status Reports provide a valuable snap-shot of emerging trends that may affect the fishing industry, fisheries management and the broader community.

“This information is vital for securing a sustainable and profitable future for Australian Government fisheries.

“The reports also note that harvesting strategies have been developed for most Australian Government fisheries, which should lead to further improvement in stock status.

“For example, a harvest strategy system has helped to improve the status of stocks within the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery, which is the main supplier of fresh fish to Sydney and Melbourne.”