Next stage of fight against illegal fishing: report released

An independent report into illegal fishing in NSW was released today for public consultation, marking the next step in the State Government's fight against the black market seafood trade.

The report confirms illegal fishing is widespread and has become entrenched over many decades.

The Government is now calling for the community's feedback on the recommendations before it finalises its response.

The review was headed by former Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Palmer, and it shows this is a complicated problem with no simple solution.

The illegal harvesting and sale of seafood threatens fish stocks, undermines the legitimate commercial fishing industry and endangers the health of seafood consumers.

The review suggests a range of measures to clamp down on illegal seafood harvesting and sale, including:

Better ways to police and catch those involved in the activity;

Tougher penalties for a range of offences;

A community education campaign highlighting how black market fishing threatens fish stocks and poses health risks for consumers;

Reducing recreational bag limits for high-value finfish and other species such as abalone, rock lobsters, blue swimmer crabs and mud crabs.

A number of the review's recommendations would require new policy, significant legislative reform and a package of funding.

This is an issue that unites both NSW's fishing community and conservationists.

It not only affects the precious NSW aquatic environment, but ultimately the livelihoods of the legitimate and honest commercial fishing industry.

The Government recognised that this is a problem, following representations from industry.

Public submissions will close on 27 August 2004.

Submissions can be:
emailed to illegalfishingreview@fisheries.nsw.gov.au
posted to Illegal Fishing Review, c/- PO Box 21, Cronulla NSW 2230;
or faxed to (02) 9966-0140.