Advisory council tackles fisheries management issues

5 April 2019

Representatives from Australia’s commercial, recreational and Indigenous fishing sectors will meet with Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck in Canberra today to discuss the way forward for Australia’s fishing industry.

​Senator Colbeck said the third meeting of the National Fishing Advisory Council (NFAC) would centre on priority issues affecting Australian fishers including the future of the industry, the availability of data, collaboration between sectors and advice on a national approach to fisheries policy and management.

“Australia’s fisheries are some of the best managed in the world, and I’m eager to work with NFAC members on areas we can target to improve and grow our fishing industry to create jobs,” Senator Colbeck said.

“At the March meeting, the NFAC discussed important issues including resource sharing, future proofing the industry and the consistency of valuation between sectors—today’s meeting will build on this progress and work through other priority areas.

“It is vital that all sectors work together in areas of common interest in order to effectively address shared challenges and to secure the future of the commercial, recreational, Indigenous and aquaculture sectors.

“NFAC members were chosen for their expertise and understanding of fisheries issues, geographic representation and ability to consider the long-term interests for the benefit of all Australians.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the NFAC to promote sustainable access to fisheries resource for all sectors into the future.”

For more information on the NFAC, see: agriculture.gov.au/fisheries/national-fishing-advisory-council.