Media release
Today marks the start of the 2015-16 fishing season in the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF) and for the fourth year in a row, the total catch limit for the fishery has increased.
“The SESSF is one of Australia’s major suppliers of fresh fish,” said Dr James Findlay, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
“Australian seafood consumers should look out for blue grenadier (also known as hoki), flathead and flake, with stocks of these well-known species in great shape.
“Importantly, it also shows that Australia’s fisheries management is paying dividends for the environment and consumers.
“We can only continue to enjoy dishes that we have come to love, like beer battered fish and chips by the beach, a hot fish curry on a cold winter’s night, or a piece of pan seared fish with a sprinkle of spices, if we continue to have a sustainable fishery.
“Through AFMA and industry working together on sustainable fisheries management, we are helping to ensure that both current and future generations can continue to enjoy the many delicious seafood options available, not to mention support our local economy.”
AFMA’s Commission has approved an additional 2000 tonnes of total catch for the fishery for this season. Much of the increase was for the popular blue grenadier species.
A significant milestone this year was a commercial catch limit being set for orange roughy and the reopening of the fishery.
“Orange roughy was heavily fished in the 1980s and early 1990s, leading to stock declines and longstanding fishery closures,” Dr Findlay said.
“However, it is pleasing that for the first time in many years, a small sustainable catch limit has been able to be set for eastern zone orange roughy following a successful rebuilding program.
“AFMA fisheries are managed using the best available science. Consumers can have confidence that they will continue to be sustainably managed both now and into the future.”
More information on the SESSF’s fishery management, including the 2015-16 SESSF catch limits can be found at afma.gov.au
ENDS
Media contact media@afma.gov.au or 0437 869 860