In a sea of doubt, some good news about an Australian fishery
11 Apr 2006
WWF, the global conservation organisation, welcomes today's announcement that the Australian mackerel icefish fishery has been certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
The announcement of a new fish to the growing list of MSC certified sustainable seafoods is positive news at a time when many Australian fisheries are under great pressure.
The Bureau of Rural Sciences' (BRS) most recent Status of Fisheries report identified that of 74 fish species reviewed, 17 were classed as overfished, with another 40 species classed as status uncertain.
Subsequently in November last year, the Federal Government announced a package of $220 million across a range of fisheries to implement measures aimed at addressing the problem of overfishing in Australia.
Australia's problems with overfishing are indicative of similar problems around the world, with global fish stocks plummeting as the number of fishing operators increase. In 2005, the global fishing fleet was 2.5 times larger than could be sustained by what the oceans produce.
"At a time when the world's fisheries are coming under increasing pressure from overfishing, the icefish fishery is a leading example of how fisheries can be sustainably managed," said WWF-Australia CEO Greg Bourne.
The license to catch Australian mackerel icefish, which is found in the freezing waters of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica, is currently held by two Australian fishing companies - Austral Fisheries and Petuna Sealord.
Speaking in Perth today, Mr Bourne said he was delighted that Austral Fisheries and Petuna Sealord had shown leadership to pursue MSC certification, providing a healthier future for the mackerel icefish fishery.
"WWF is pleased to support members of the fishing industry seeking to implement sustainable practices," Mr Bourne said.
Icefish will join the growing number of fisheries across the world with the MSC logo. By purchasing fish products with the 'fish with a tick' MSC logo, consumers are supporting healthy, well-managed fisheries. The list of MSC certified fisheries includes the Australian Western Rock Lobster, NZ Hoki and Alaskan Salmon. A number of other fisheries in the region are currently progressing towards MSC certification.
WWF is urging consumers seek out the MSC 'fish with the tick' when choosing seafood.
Find out more
Charlie Stevens, Press Officer, WWF-Australia
Phone: 02 8202 1274
Mobile: 0424 649 689
Email: cstevens@wwf.org.au
Lorraine Hitch, Sustainable Fisheries Officer, WWF-Australia
Phone: 03 9669 1306
Mobile: 0428 626 552
Notes
- In 1996, WWF and Unilever, one of the world's biggest buyers of frozen fish, started the MSC initiative to change the way fish are caught, marketed, and bought - and to help ensure the future of the world's fisheries.
- Now an independent, non-profit organisation, the Marine Stewardship Council works with fisheries, retailers, and other stakeholders to identify, certify, and promote responsible, environmentally appropriate and economically viable fishing practices around the world.
