New model for seafood industry management in NSW

The NSW Department of Primary Industries today released a discussion paper proposing new opportunities for the management of the seafood industry in NSW.

The paper outlines possible changes to the way commercial and aquaculture fisheries are managed which would give greater responsibility to industry groups. In particular the discussion paper proposes:

• The establishment of a 'professional fisheries management company' that would provide services to industry;

• The company could run management advisory committees, collect catch data, commission research, run training programs, promote industry development and report on industry performance.

• The State Government would continue to fulfil its responsibilities to ensure the sustainable use and equitable sharing of our fisheries resources;

• The NSW Department of Primary Industries would continue to advise the Government on fisheries management issues, undertake compliance and audit the work of the proposed company.

The concept was a major feature of the NSW Government's Vision for the NSW Seafood Industry, released at the end of last year.

Giving stakeholders a greater say in the way the resource is managed will help improve the overall profitability and sustainability of these industries in NSW.

The paper was prepared by a NSW Seafood Industry Advisory Forum (SIAF) working group, in conjunction with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

The DPI is now asking for feedback from industry and other interested groups.

Submissions can be made until Friday 26 November and should be sent to:

• Alternative Fisheries Management Proposal
• NSW Department of Primary Industries
• PO Box 21
• Cronulla NSW 2230

The discussion paper will be available on-line at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au