Media release
Scallop lovers have something more to smile about this winter with the Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery having the highest catch limit set since 2010 when the season opens tomorrow. This means more succulent, juicy, Australian scallops to enjoy.
AFMA’s Acting CEO, Dr Nick Rayns said that the scallop fishery was just one of the Commonwealth fisheries with increased catch limits this year.
“Many of our Commonwealth managed fisheries have had their catch limits increase for the 2015-16 season,” Dr Rayns said.
“This includes one of Australia’s major suppliers of fresh fish, the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery having an increased total catch limit for a fourth year in a row.
“This is great news for lovers of Australian seafood. No matter your preference, be it fish, flake, scallops or prawns, Commonwealth fisheries offer a variety of healthy seafood choices.
“And importantly for consumers, you can have confidence that when you are purchasing seafood from a Commonwealth managed fishery, that you are making a sustainable choice.”
Catch limits in Commonwealth managed fisheries are set by the independent AFMA Commission using the best available science. This limits the amount of stock that can be harvested to ensure only sustainable fishing of commercial fished species can occur. The Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery also has closed areas to protect spawning scallops and restrictions on when and where fishing is allowed.
“More over buying our mouth-watering Bass Strait scallops, you are supporting local communities and Australian businesses,” Dr Rayns said.
“Be it pan seared scallops with a dash of garlic and butter, scallops wrapped in bacon and grilled, or a creamy scallop pasta, you won’t be short of recipe choices to enjoy this versatile seafood.”
The season opens tomorrow with a total allowable catch for the commercial scallop of 2001 tonnes. The fishery operates in the Bass Strait between the Victorian and Tasmania scallop fisheries.
For more information on AFMA’s sustainable management of the fishery visit afma.gov.au