Southern Bluefin Tuna can continue to be exported after the fishery was assessed as sustainable.
The Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery was recently assessed under the international wildlife trade provisions of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. AFMA and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry prepared an application to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities seeking continued export approval for the fishery.
The assessment acknowledged that the fishery is now being managed under a harvest strategy known as a Management Procedure to make sure that the population size of Southern Bluefin Tuna continues to increase.
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Water was satisfied that the operation of the fishery is sustainable and has given Wildlife Trade Operation approval until 22 July 2016.
For more information, contact Matt Daniel, Manager Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery on 02 6225 5338 or matt.daniel@afma.gov.au.