Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Dr Peter Hendy has weighed in on the debate over the sustainability of the factory trawler Geelong Star recently active on Far South Coast waters.
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This follows State Member Andrew Constance telling ABC radio he had concerns about and was opposed to the vessel fishing in Far South Coast waters after it was cleared to return despite killing albatrosses on its recent trip.
The 95-metre factory trawler however operates in Commonwealth waters and is under the jurisdiction of Federal authorities and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
Opponents of the vessel including the Stop the Trawler Alliance have encouraged those concerned to write to Dr Hendy to voice their opposition.
The Federal Member said he was aware that many people have a strongly held view that this ship’s activities pose a threat to recreational fishing and the whale watching industry.
“My aim is to find a way forward that allows co-existence of recreational fishing, commercial fishing, the whale watching industry and a sustainable environment. A workable compromise needs to be made,” Dr Hendy said.
“In recent months I have had detailed discussions with the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, and concerned constituents.
“That has led to Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) engaging directly with stakeholder groups in Eden-Monaro. There is currently very detailed and active consultation going on to get to a balanced decision on how to proceed. They are looking at a whole array of issues such as area of operations, time of operations, and solving conflicts with recreational fishing and tourism activities.
“AFMA is tasked to manage and monitor commercial Commonwealth fisheries and ensure Australian fish stocks and our fishing industry are viable now and in the future. Australia’s fisheries are world class, sustainably managed and decisions are made using the best available science – this will continue under this Government’s watch. I will encourage AFMA to continue discussions with stakeholders.”