Fisheries sustainability focus of Hobart meeting

Ensuring the sustainability of Australia’s Southern and Eastern fisheries will be the focus of high level discussions with the Board of Directors of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) in Hobart this week.

AFMA Chairman, Tony Rundle said the visit, to be held on the 6-7 April, will provide an important opportunity for the Board to discuss management issues directly with stakeholders.

“Tasmania has a significant fishing industry with local fishers operating in several of the Commonwealth’s Southern and Eastern fisheries as well as the Commonwealth scallop fishery and Great Australian Bight Trawl Fishery.

“Tasmania also boasts some of Australia’s leading marine and fisheries researchers. The Board looks forward to discussing the important role they play in ensuring the sustainability of Australia’s Commonwealth fisheries.

“In addition to holding its own Board meeting, Directors will meet with Management Advisory Committees from the South-East Trawl Fishery, Great Australian Bight Fishery and Gillnet, Hook and Trap Fishery. The three fisheries represent a combined value of production of over $94million.

“The Board is very conscious of the difficult economic conditions facing commercial fishers caused by high fuel prices, a strong Australian dollar and increasing import competition. In this environment it is critical that AFMA maintains a close working relationship with our MACs,” said Mr Rundle.

A former Premier of Tasmania, Mr Rundle said he looked forward to returning to Tasmania in his new role as AFMA Chairman.

“It is always a pleasure to return to Tasmania and I look forward to putting my knowledge of the local fishing industry to good use in our discussions over the next couple of days,” he said.

An informal stakeholder function is being held from 5.00-6.30pm today at the CSIRO Marine Laboratories Canteen, Castray Esplanade Hobart. Media representatives are invited to attend.

Statement ends/6 April 2005

To attend the stakeholder forum or to arrange interviews or photo opportunities, please contact AFMA Senior Manager – Communications, Michael Parolin on 0409 567 424