Government Hopes Tuna Quota Is Lifted

The scientific committee of the international Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna will meet in Indonesia this week.

Mr O’Brien said the commission was responsible for setting a total allowable catch and its allocation among member countries.

“The international decisions that will be made this year in relation to the southern bluefin tuna quota are arguably the most significant in 20 years,” Mr O’Brien said.

“After the shock of last year’s decision I asked the Commonwealth to give South Australia greater input to the preparation of Australia’s position."

“As a result, there has been close interaction and information sharing between South Australian and Commonwealth officials."

“The scientific trends are very encouraging and support the argument there should be no reduction of quota."

“The tuna industry is of vital importance to the social and economic wellbeing of Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula."

“If the scientific evidence is there, and I believe it is, I’m hopeful the decision makers will increase the quota,” Mr O'Brien concluded.