‘A testament to industry’: Australian seafood given sustainability tick for eighth consecutive year
Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), the national peak-body representing Australia’s commercial fishing industry, has welcomed the release of the Fishery status reports 2021. The reports show for the eighth consecutive year none of Australia’s Commonwealth-managed fisheries have been subject to overfishing, and Commonwealth Southern Bluefin Tuna stocks have been reclassified as not overfished
“This is monumental news which is unprecedented internationally and the Australian seafood industry couldn’t be any prouder,” SIA CEO Veronica Papacosta said.
“Australia’s commercial fishing industry is one of the most sustainable protein sources in the world, and these reports are a celebration of our country’s seafood industry and the well-managed, sustainable fisheries that supply all of our favourite seafoods.
“The reclassification of Commonwealth Southern Bluefin Tuna stocks is wonderful news, and a testament to the fishery’s robust management plans and industry’s effort to rebuild stocks.”
“The reports found that none of the stocks in fisheries solely managed by the Australian Government were classified as subject to overfishing,” Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said in a statement.
“Fisheries continue to play an important role in Australia’s primary production success story, and sustainable management means we can ensure that continues well into the future. Southern bluefin tuna stock biomass has increased, largely thanks to global management arrangements which have set in place total catch limits that allowed the stock to rebuild.
“The Morrison Government will always be a strong supporter of our sustainable fisheries sector so that it can continue to deliver quality seafood to Australian customers and export it around the world.”
“We know Australians love to eat Australian seafood, and if you want to be certain you’re eating sustainable, healthy, world-class seafood that’s good for you and good for the planet, always ask for Aussie seafood whether you’re at the fishmonger, fish and chip shop, or the local takeaway restaurant,” Ms Papacosta said.
“The Fishery status reports 2021 reaffirms that Australians can be proud of their seafood industry which provides fresh, high-quality seafood, year-round.
“We acknowledge of the 100 fish stocks assessed, 66 were not overfished and not subject to overfishing, while the remaining stocks are either not subject to overfishing and have active rebuilding strategies, which in the case of Southern Bluefin Tuna have been seen to be very successful, or the catch effort is too low for necessary data to be available.
“As fishers, our priority is the ocean. We advocate the health, sustainability and future of our ocean. It’s our livelihood and the future livelihood of generations to come.”
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For more information or to organise an interview with SIA CEO Veronica Papacosta please contact SIA Communications and Public Affairs manager Jessica McInerney
E: [email protected] M: 0420 695 431
