Australian Minister for Fisheries and Conservation, Senator Eric Abetz, today released the Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy.

“This strategy is a key element of the Australian Government’s $220 million Securing Our Fishing Future package, announced in November 2005,” the Minister said.

“The policy aims to maximise the net economic returns to the Australian community from the harvest of Commonwealth fish stocks, while at the same time maintaining stocks at safe and productive levels.

“It provides a framework for taking the available information about particular fish stocks and applying an evidence and risk-based approach to setting harvest levels on a fishery-by-fishery basis.

“The Strategy should give the community more confidence that Commonwealth fish stocks are being managed for long-term sustainability, and at the same time provide the fishing industry with a more certain operating environment where management decisions are more consistent, predictable and transparent.”

The strategy was welcomed by the Commonwealth fishing industry:

“We welcome the development of the Harvest Strategy Policy. It provides a solid framework for government and industry to work together to achieve sustainable and profitable fisheries for current and future generations,” said Michael Thomas, President of the Commonwealth Fisheries Association (CFA).

“It is important that the Harvest Strategy Policy be backed by robust science to ensure industry is provided with greater economic certainty, and a transparent, stable operating environment.” Global Marine Programme Leader of TRAFFIC, Glenn Sant, said:

for more information go to
http://www.mffc.gov.au/releases/2007/07095a.html