The costs of environmentally sustainable fishing in Australia are increasing to a point where overseas fishermen can sell their catches here cheaper than local operators.  Inadvertently, this creates an advantage for imports, which are not always caught in an equivalent, environmentally sustainable manner.  Consequently, we risk creating a "Tax on Sustainability" against the Australian fishing industry. 

By themselves, environmental requirements aren’t a problem.  The Australian industry recognises the need to be environmentally responsible and harvest fish in a sustainable manner.  However, the costs to industry of doing business in an environmentally sustainable manner can only be afforded where the public supports those increased costs.  Or, where the public say "no" to product that comes from unsustainable fisheries from overseas. 

If imported product comes from sustainable fisheries or aquaculture, it competes fairly with Australian product.  Imports play a role in filling consumer demand.  However, the public often don't understand the environmental requirements and buys the lower priced, imported fish assuming there's no difference.

Problems are created where imported fish come from places with environmental standards that would be unacceptable in Australia.  If the public still buys those imports, every time a new environmental requirement is introduced in Australia which doesn't apply overseas, our local industry becomes less competitive.  These additional costs for Australian industry provide a disincentive for industry to agree to new environmental standards, and act as a "tax on sustainability".

What happens if government regulation and requirements reach a point where it's impossible for the Australian industry to remain price competitive?  Will the public pay more for the "environmentally sustainable" fish products, or buy cheaper imports?  Thankfully, studies show that the public, when educated, will pay more for product that's produced in an environmentally sustainable way. 

The Government recently introduced marketplace labelling (country of origin) requirements for fish products – a great first step.  Working together to educate the public about the need for fish to be produced sustainably, is even more positive.  In the best case scenario, governments should provide funds for consumer education when imposing new environmental requirements.

Next time you're buying fish and see a fish labelled as Australian, or caught from a sustainably managed fishery overseas – buy that fish before others.  Ask if the imported fish have the same environmental requirements as those imposed on Australian fish, or demand only imported fish with environmental management regimes equivalent to Australia’s be sold.

Let's eliminate any concept of a “Tax on Sustainability” in Australia, and work to ensure the only fish on sale are those caught in an environmentally sustainable way.

Further information: Martin Exel, mexel@newfish.com.au or (08) 9202 2444