SETFIA highly commended for environmental practice

22 August, 2011. For immediate release.

South East Trawl fishermen have been recognised for their work in improving their performance while operating in the marine environment. Their work has been highly commended in the Excellence in Environmental Practice category at this year’s Sydney Fish Market Seafood Excellence Awards.

Simon Boag, the South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association’s (SETFIA’s) CEO said, “I am proud to work for such a responsible group. This award is recognition for the training 82 South East Trawl Fishermen completed and an ongoing commitment that has led to improved reporting, the reduced likelihood of seabird and seal interactions as well as codes of conduct to reduce the catch of eastern gemfish and Victorian snapper.”

The training course was funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.

The South East Trawl fishery is managed under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) and the Fisheries Management Act (1991). It is a certified Wildlife Trade Operation. Most of the fishery’s species are managed under quotas which are set at sustainable levels in line with the Commonwealth Government’s Harvest Strategy. The fishery is Australia’s second largest fishery and one of Australia’s oldest having operated for almost 100 years.