Commonwealth, state and territory fishery ministers met virtually today, for the second time in 2024.
Ministers acknowledged the importance of the fishing and seafood sector to both the economy and the Australian community. Ministers recognised the progress of the Futures of Seafood project, led by Seafood Industry Australia, alongside Blue Economy CRC, and the benefits of sector working together to understand future challenges and opportunities.
Ministers discussed the following issues:
- National Aquaculture Strategy 2017 review
- Options for collaboration to support sustainable, high quality recreational opportunities across Australia
- Supporting First Nations Australians in the fisheries sector
Ministers supported the progress of the National Aquaculture Strategy review since their last meeting, including the finalised terms of reference for the review, and noted the continuing work to support the aquaculture sector across jurisdictions.
Ministers discussed the importance of recreational fishing in Australia and the significant contribution recreational fishing makes to the economy and to the wellbeing of its participants. Ministers agreed the Australian Fisheries Management Forum should establish a working group to pursue opportunities for collaboration and sharing of best practice regarding recreational fishing.
Ministers recognised the importance of economic opportunities for First Nations Australians in the seafood sector. Ministers noted consultation will be undertaken with First Nations people on the need for national principles to improve consistency and assist jurisdictions in the recognition of Indigenous aspirations and rights in stewardship and use of the nation’s aquatic resources.
Ministers also noted:
- the environmental and fishery impacts of long spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus Rodgersii) and that an Australian Government response was being prepared to the Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications inquiry into Climate-related marine invasive species
- there was a continued need to progress actions under the National Carp Control Plan, including investigating the release of the carp herpes virus as a biocontrol agent as a matter of priority
- increasing challenges regarding domestic illegal fishing and opportunities for sharing intelligence between jurisdictions through the Australian Fisheries Managers Forum
- the continuing work on a national response to white spot disease, coordinated through the National Biosecurity Committee.
Ministerial attendees
- Australian Government (Chair): Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- South Australia: The Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries
- Tasmania: The Hon Eric Abetz, Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Minister for Transport, Leader of the House
- Victoria: Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Minister for Environment, Minister for Outdoor Recreation
- Northern Territory: Andrew Kirkman, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Territory Department of Agriculture and Fisheries acted as proxy for Hon Gerard Maley, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Deputy Chief Minister, Minister for Mining and Energy, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Renewables, Minister for Recreational Fishing
- New South Wales: Mr Sean Sloan Deputy Secretary, Fisheries and Forestry, New South Wales Government Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development acted proxy for the Hon Tara Moriarty MLC, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales, Minister for Western New South Wales
- Queensland: Mr Graeme Bolton, Director General, Queensland Government Department of Primary Industries acted as proxy for Anthony Perrett MP; Minister for Primary Industries
- Western Australia: Mr Nathan Harrison, A/Executive Director, Fisheries and Agriculture Resource Management, Government of Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development acted as proxy for the Hon Don Punch MLA, Minister for Fisheries, Regional Development, Disability Services, Seniors and Ageing, Volunteering