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The Australian Marine Conservation Society says protection of marine biodiversity must be the highest priority when tackling illegal fishing in northern waters.
Adele Pedder, Northern Marine Campaigner for the Australian Marine Conservation Society said “Illegal fishing is stripping the waters off northern Australia of its rich and unique biodiversity. The impact on marine wildlife and habitats is devastating and the number of species becoming endangered is increasing”.
All fishing activity has potential to have damaging impacts, however illegal fishing is thought to be particularly destructive as fishers ignore protected areas such as Marine Parks and don’t use management measures aimed at reducing impacts such as turtle exclusion devices.
“The Commonwealth Government has known of this escalating problem for some time and only now is beginning to take action. This may be too little too late for some species such as sharks” warned AMCS.
“More patrol boats and more Indonesians in jail will not solve the problem, as the inadequacy of these approaches has shown to date” said Ms Adele.
“Illegal fishing is a complex issue and no single strategy will eliminate the problem. A multi-pronged approach is required including responses at sea, in ports, in the market, tackling organised crime and alternative sustainable livelihoods for Indonesian fishermen. Solutions must engage all involved from the consumer who eats shark fin to government agencies of the shared northern seas”.
Media contact:
Adele Pedder 0422 108 539
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