Western Australia Minister for Fisheries and Science Dave Kelly

Science Plays A Vital Role In Sustainable Seafood

Victor P Taffa

• Sustainable Seafood Week will showcase how Western Australia’s fisheries science is world class
• Science for Sustainability events will explain how good science benefits our fisheries
• DPIRD’s Fisheries education team join the fun of Crab Fest 2019 this weekend

Minister for Fisheries and Science Dave Kelly has welcomed the focus, this Sustainable Seafood Week, on how Western Australia uses fisheries science to earn independent accreditation from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

“This week Western Australians celebrate the second annual Sustainable Seafood Week, after the idea was introduced last year by the Marine Stewardship Council.” Minister for Fisheries and Science Dave Kelly said.

 

“I’m proud Western Australia is leading other Australian States to ensure seafood fished here, and enjoyed by seafood lover’s interstate and worldwide, has the best science to support the management of the fisheries it comes from.”

Western Australia is a world leader in fisheries science and management, with 97 % of fished stocks in Western Australia maintained at sustainable levels in 2018. Eight Western Australian fisheries now have the MSC independent tick of approval for sustainability.

Our fisheries that meet the rigorous standards for the MSC tick are the western rock lobster fishery, Exmouth Gulf and Shark Bay prawn fisheries, Peel-Harvey Estuary’s blue swimmer crab and sea mullet fisheries, along with pearl oyster, west coast deep sea crab as well as the west and south coast abalone fishery.

“As Fisheries Minister, I want to grow our fisheries sustainably to support and create Western Australian jobs and further diversify our economy.” Minister Kelly said.

Sustainable Seafood Week is a reminder for consumers to grab some fresh fish to celebrate and support the seafood industry and commercial fishers who work hard to supply fresh seafood to Australian and international consumers.

The week will include Science for Sustainability events co-hosted by the Western Australia Fishing Industry Council, Recfishwest and MSC. This includes a free public lecture at the State Library Theatre on Wednesday evening (March 13) to highlight the science underpinning sustainable fisheries management.

National Seafood Week commences today and ends on Sunday, March 17. The week wraps up with Crab Fest, where the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will have good advice, great displays and family activities to help visitors learn sustainable fishing practices.

More than 100,000 visitors and Mandurah locals are expected at Crab Fest for our State’s largest free community event. The event highlights the importance of the blue swimmer crab to commercial fishers and recreational fishers who enjoy crabbing in the Peel region.

Abbreviations:

DPIRD            Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development