CFA is calling for the deferral
of the planning process until such time as these concerns are resolved.
The CFA calls for the marine reserve network declarations to be put on hold until ALL the
impacts to the fishing industry, regional communities, and Australias future seafood supply can
be accounted for, said Trixi Madon, Commonwealth Fisheries Association CEO.
The community must have the opportunity to properly assess the benefits of our fisheries, which
are managed for sustainability, and other biodiversity conservation objectives.
The true future costs of the governments marine reserve network proposals are unknown.
Ms Madon went on to say. It is not only the fishing industry and operators that are affected by
the significant uncertainty created by the current planning process it is also businesses across
the entire seafood supply chain and in numerous local coastal communities.
Australian Government policy aims to address concerns about fairness and equity regarding the
impacts on fishers and those reliant on the fishing industry. This cannot be achieved without a
rigorous examination of the longterm costs and benefits of the government and industry
proposals.
Erosion of the professional commercial fishing industry through ongoing reductions to fishing
areas compromises opportunities to run sustainable and profitable fishing businesses which
underpin Australias sixth largest foodbased primary industry. This is not in the national
interest, said Ms Madon.
Further Reading
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