Seafood Industry Australia welcomes DAFF discussion paper on measures to prevent the importation of illegal, unreported and unregulated seafood
Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), the national peak-body representing the Australian seafood industry, has welcomed the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry newly released discussion paper on measures to prevent the importation of illegal, unreported and unregulated seafood.
“The Australian seafood industry supports any efforts to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing globally,” SIA CEO Veronica Papacosta said.
“We acknowledge internationally there are some fisheries that are not as well managed as our own and we believe a framework to address the importation of seafood from fisheries that involve IUU fishing practices is important.”
“Australia utilises a comprehensive strategy to tackle IUU fishing. Robust domestic measures and, stringent legal and regulatory frameworks are implemented to discourage illegal fishing in Australian waters and prohibit the landing of illicitly caught fish in Australian ports. International collaboration remains crucial to effectively combat IUU fishing, and Australia is actively involved in bilateral, regional, and multilateral platforms focused on addressing the issue. Moreover, efforts are made to enhance the ability of neighbouring countries to combat IUU fishing in their respective waters and the high seas.”
“Australian, and other international fisheries like the US, NZ , Canada and the UK are at the forefront of sustainability, worker welfare and technological advancements and work hard to lead other nations in how to do better.”
“Australian seafood is one of the most sustainable, well-managed protein sources in the world and we welcome any measures to safeguard the future of global fish-stocks and protect our international industry workers.”
“Australia is a world-leader in sustainable fisheries management due in large part to our commitment to using the best available science to inform our fisheries management decisions. Our commercial fishers adhere to extremely strict regulations and monitoring to ensure we maintain healthy stocks and act in accordance with the law. There are prescriptive management plans, quotas and licences in place controlling what can be caught, where, when and how. And, Australia has some of the highest domestic worker protections and conditions in the world.”
“These measures will help secure the future of Australia’s hardworking fishing families who work tirelessly to put Australian seafood on tables right around the country.”
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For more information or to organise an interview please contact
SIA Communications and Public Affairs manager Jessica McInerney
E: [email protected] M: 0420 695 431
