Be it flake and chips, pan-seared tuna, or a fresh feed of prawns, the Chair of AFMA, the Hon Norman Moore, said by choosing seafood from a Commonwealth managed fishery, you are making a sustainable choice.
“Our fisheries management has come a long way in the last couple of decades,” said Mr Moore.
“AFMA takes a science-based, precautionary approach to fisheries management, and as a result Commonwealth fisheries are now internationally recognised as being some of the best managed in the world."
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Senator Richard Colbeck, is also encouraging the community to enjoy healthy, tasty, quality seafood.
“I encourage seafood lovers to join me as an advocate for sustainable fishing in Australia and to support our important fishing industry by buying local seafood today,” Senator Colbeck said.
“The rebuilding of the eastern Orange Roughy stocks to a healthy level is an example of our excellent fisheries management – this fishery can now be commercially fished with a conservative catch limit for the first time in 10 years.”
“The recent announcement that of increases to sustainable catch limits for our Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery – including popular blue grenadier (or hoki) – is a great example of our world leading fisheries management reaping rewards.”
Senator Colbeck said the latest ABARES Fishery status reports shows no solely managed Commonwealth fish stock is subject to overfishing.
“Consumers can have confidence when eating one of the many species commercially fished in Australia that it is sourced from expertly managed and sustainable fisheries,” he said.
“These recent outcomes for Australian fisheries reflect the hard work and initiative of government and industry to develop strict management regulations using the best science, demonstrating Australia’s world-class fisheries management.
“Australians can have confidence that Commonwealth fisheries will remain sustainable both now and well into the future.”
Senator Colbeck said buying locally caught seafood was also way to support the economy and employment in regional communities.
“More than 13,000 people are directly employed in the fishing industry so let’s use today—Sustainable Seafood Day—to celebrate their achievements, by buying local and supporting the Government’s commitment to a sustainable fishing future.”
