Seafood lovers can look forward to a healthy supply of sashimi and tuna steaks with Commonwealth managed yellowfin tuna having its best season in more than a decade.
Yellowfin, caught in the Commonwealth Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery (ETBF), has had a great season with catches up by around 20 per cent from the previous year.
The CEO of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), Dr James Findlay, said that this was great news for consumers and a good sign that fisheries management was working.
“AFMA, together with industry and scientists, work together to not only ensure that Australians and our overseas markets have a healthy supply of Australian seafood, but that this will continue to remain the case for many years to come,” Dr Findlay said.
“Yellowfin tuna is just one of several Commonwealth commercial species that have had a bumper season which is great news for all Australians and seafood consumers.
“Importantly, while catches are up, they are sustainable, with strict quota limits set by AFMA that are based on the best available science.”
Pavo Walker, owner of Walker Seafoods Australia and operator in the ETBF agreed that 2015-16 had been a great season for the fishery.
“Not only have catches of yellowfin been up, but we have also had a bountiful season for broadbill swordfish,” Mr Walker said.
“With catches from this season high, we are looking forward to another bumper season.”
Last year Walker Seafoods received Marine Stewardship Council accreditation for the sustainability of its operations in the ETBF.
“We will continue to work with AFMA to ensure that this remains the case and are committed to the future sustainability of this fishery,” Mr Walker added.
The ETBF runs down the east coast of Australia, from Cape York in the north to the South Australian/Victorian border in the south.
The 2016-17 12 month fishing season commenced on 1 March 2016.
More information about the sustainable management of ETBF is available on AFMA’s website.
ENDS
Media contact: media@afma.gov.au or 0437 869 860