Public feedback sought on seafood importation controls

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s “Have Your Say” consultation is now open for the discussion paper on measures to prevent the importation of seafood from fisheries involving illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices.

Assistant Secretary of Fisheries Branch George Day said Australia is committed to combating IUU fishing through direct domestic action and international collaboration.

“IUU fishing contributes to global overfishing, undermines sustainable management of fish stocks, threatens marine ecosystems, and puts food security and regional stability at risk,” Mr Day said. “While Australia adheres to several multilateral catch documentation schemes, concerns have been raised that Australia does not have a national import control scheme to prevent IUU imports entering the country.”

Mr Day said that to take appropriate action, Australia needs to better understand its vulnerability to IUU fishing imports, identify risks, and explore options for corrective actions if necessary.

In assessing the case for additional market-based measures, the department will consider the views of consumers, industry, fishers, governments, and non-government organisations, aided by the “Have Your Say” consultation.

Each submission will inform a draft report that will be released later this year. Further public feedback on the draft report will be sought before the release of a final report in early 2024.

Stakeholders can provide submissions or complete a survey via https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/iuu-seafood-imports.

Consultation on the discussion paper will open on Monday, April 24, and close at 17:00 AEDT on June 23, 2023.