Trawl fishing industry wants more access

Trawl fishers are lobbying for greater access to Commonwealth waters.

The South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association or SETFIA represents trawl fishers from the south coast of New South Wales to into South Australia.

The executive officer, Simon Boag says 85 per cent of fishing grounds are off limits to fishers because they're being used for oil, gas, telecommunications and marine parks.

And that percentage is shrinking.

"Fishers have gone from having 100 per cent access to 17 per cent access to Commonwealth fishing waters."

He says fishers are mistrusting of the government.

"If you're a farmer with 1,000 acres and the government comes along and says you can only use 70 acres because we're going to put powerlines and a park on your property you're going to be apprehensive," he says.

Listen to the full interview at: http://www.abc.net.au/rural/regions/content/2007/s2654892.htm