Government seeks public feedback on Commonwealth fisheries policies

The Australian Government has opened public consultation on the effectiveness of two key policies behind the management of Commonwealth fisheries.

The Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy and the Commonwealth Fisheries Bycatch Policy set the standards for sustainable harvesting of fisheries resources to maximise benefits to the Australian community.

​Assistant Secretary for Fisheries George Day encouraged stakeholders to provide their views on whether the policies remain fit-for-purpose.

​“It’s important that these policies maintain target and bycatch stocks at sustainable levels, maximise economic returns to the Australian community, and minimise impacts on the marine ecosystem, all in the context of increasingly needing to adapt to a changing climate” Mr Day said.

​Members of the fishing industry, marine conservation NGOs, recreational fishers, fisheries and marine scientists and researchers, First Nations fishers and sea country Traditional Owners and the general public are invited to have their say on how Australia’s fishing resources and marine environment are managed. The feedback will help determine where changes may be required.

Those who wish to submit feedback and view the consultation paper may do so through this link.