ABARES Executive Director, Karen Schneider, said the report provides an independent evaluation of the biological, economic and environmental status of 93 fish stocks across 21 fisheries.
“This is the first year since 2006 that no stocks managed solely by the Australian Government have been classified as subject to overfishing,” Ms Schneider said.
“However, there are still a number of stocks managed solely by the Australian Government that are classified as overfished, and a small number of jointly-managed stocks that are overfished or subject to overfishing.
“The report also provides an economic analysis of the fisheries, finding the total gross value of production (GVP) of Commonwealth fisheries in 2012–13 was A$319.7 million, which is about 13 per cent of Australia’s total fisheries and aquaculture GVP of A$2.4 billion.”
Anthony Ciconte, Commonwealth Fisheries Association chair, congratulated the report, saying: “We work tirelessly with the regulators, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) to secure long term growth for all our valuable fish stocks for our industry and the Australian public. We will continue to provide fresh seafood to the Australian consumer, guided by our fisheries management, sound science, and world renowned stewardship”.
“Australia’s fisheries are world class, sustainable and managed using the best available scientific advice. We are extremely proud of our achievements in harvesting seafood in a responsible and sustainable manner,” Mr Ciconte said.
This report forms part of a suite of ABARES publications that aim to provide a comprehensive and multidimensional account of the trends and outlook for Australian fisheries.
