Media release
Commonwealth fisheries have taken a hat-trick for sustainability with the latest Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Science (ABARES) Fishery status reports 2016 showing that for the third year in a row, no fishery solely managed by the Commonwealth is subject to overfishing.
Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) acting CEO, Dr Nick Rayns said the reports should give even further confidence to seafood lovers that buying Australian seafood from a Commonwealth managed fishery means that you are making a sustainable choice.
“Strict rules and regulations put in place by AFMA, combined with commitment from the fishing industry to innovate and improve operations, has led to the healthy fisheries we have today,” Dr Rayns said.
“It is great to see stocks like pink ling and blue-eye trevalla that previously had an uncertain status; now showing that they are not subject to overfishing.
“This is great news for the Commonwealth fishing industry who are increasingly having to meet sustainability standards in both the domestic and international markets.
“The latest status reports demonstrates that fisheries management based on the best available science and strong compliance means we have fisheries for current and future generations to enjoy.”
The commercial fishing industry is an important contributor to the Australian economy and many local communities across Australia. As shown in the ABARES report, Commonwealth fisheries contribute a gross value of production of around $348 million in 2014–15 up from $338 million in 2013-14.
For a copy of the ABARES Fishery status reports 2016 go to ABARES Publications.