Published Tuesday, 07 August, 2007 at 03:19 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
THUMBS UP FOR QUEENSLAND’S EXPORT FISHERIES
The multi-million dollar value of Queensland’s 25 export fisheries has been confirmed in the 2006 Annual Status Report.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said Queensland fisheries resources earned approximately $190 million in export revenue each year.
“In 2005 approximately 23,000 tonnes of fin fish, crabs and prawns were caught by commercial fishers in Queensland-managed fisheries, with a gross value of approximately $210 million,” Mr Mulherin said.
“By providing information on the latest catch data including target, bycatch and byproduct species, results of fisheries monitoring and research programs, DPI&F keeps not only fisheries stakeholders but also the general public well informed about the status of our fisheries.”
The drop in estimated GVP has been attributed to a decline in returns as a result of lower prices in the face of overseas competition, the high price of fuel and labour and the effect of the strong Australian dollar on export-quality products.
“These annual reports also meet an Australian Government requirement and ensure we maintain important seafood export approvals in this state,” Mr Mulherin said.
To maintain export approved status Queensland fisheries management arrangements are assessed against stringent sustainability guidelines established by the Commonwealth Government.
“DPI&F is committed to implementing the recommendations that are associated with export approvals and to date approximately 190 of the 280 recommendations for all fisheries have been addressed.”
“It should be acknowledged that industry involvement in the development of innovative bycatch reduction techniques and implementation of codes of conduct and environmental management systems have all contributed to the sustainability of our fisheries.”
The second round of ecological assessments under the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are underway for Queensland’s fisheries with the Spanner Crab Fishery being approved until 2012 and 11 other export fisheries being re-assessed in 2007.
For more information on Queensland fisheries Annual Status Reports visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb or call 13 25 23.
Media: 32396530
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said Queensland fisheries resources earned approximately $190 million in export revenue each year.
“In 2005 approximately 23,000 tonnes of fin fish, crabs and prawns were caught by commercial fishers in Queensland-managed fisheries, with a gross value of approximately $210 million,” Mr Mulherin said.
“By providing information on the latest catch data including target, bycatch and byproduct species, results of fisheries monitoring and research programs, DPI&F keeps not only fisheries stakeholders but also the general public well informed about the status of our fisheries.”
The drop in estimated GVP has been attributed to a decline in returns as a result of lower prices in the face of overseas competition, the high price of fuel and labour and the effect of the strong Australian dollar on export-quality products.
“These annual reports also meet an Australian Government requirement and ensure we maintain important seafood export approvals in this state,” Mr Mulherin said.
To maintain export approved status Queensland fisheries management arrangements are assessed against stringent sustainability guidelines established by the Commonwealth Government.
“DPI&F is committed to implementing the recommendations that are associated with export approvals and to date approximately 190 of the 280 recommendations for all fisheries have been addressed.”
“It should be acknowledged that industry involvement in the development of innovative bycatch reduction techniques and implementation of codes of conduct and environmental management systems have all contributed to the sustainability of our fisheries.”
The second round of ecological assessments under the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are underway for Queensland’s fisheries with the Spanner Crab Fishery being approved until 2012 and 11 other export fisheries being re-assessed in 2007.
For more information on Queensland fisheries Annual Status Reports visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb or call 13 25 23.
Media: 32396530