Australia\u2019s peak national fishing bodies continue to be united in their support of the Government\u2019s plans for Commonwealth Marine Parks.<\/p>\n
Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA), Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) and Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA) have reviewed the Government\u2019s updated Marine Park Plans and agree that they achieve an acceptable balance between sustainability and Australians\u2019 right to catch fish, eat fish and make a living from the ocean.<\/p>\n
Collectively, all of the representative organisations support and endorse the revised Marine Parks plan proposed by the Government this week.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s taken the threat of broad loss access to fishing areas to bring the commercial and recreational sides of fishing together. Our oceans are a shared resource \u2013 for professional, recreational and indigenous fishers, the community and the environment,\u201d said AFTA President, Colin Tannahill from Shimano Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe commercial industry provides over a billion meals to Australian families each year. This is about the right for Australians to fish and to eat Australian seafood from now and into the future,\u201d said Jane Lovell, CEO of the SIA.<\/p>\n
\u201cState governments have recognized the benefits of recreational fishing as an important leisure activity with health, social and economic value to the community. Many individuals are totally reliant on it for their livelihood and more than 5 million recreational fishers currently enjoy our oceans,\u201d said ARFF and GFAA representative, Doug Sanderson.<\/p>\n
Marine Parks currently cover 36% of all Australian Commonwealth waters, significantly more than the international benchmark of 10%. The Government\u2019s current plans protect 40% more ecological features than the plans proposed in 2012.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe current plans recognise the conservation, social and economic importance of this vital part of the Commonwealth estate,\u201d Jane concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Australia\u2019s peak national fishing bodies continue to be united in their support of the Government\u2019s plans for Commonwealth Marine Parks. Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA), Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) and Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA) have reviewed the Government\u2019s updated Marine Park Plans and…<\/p>\n