Innovation in major fishery to rescue sea lion pups
13 Oct 2006
WWF commends the Western Australian Minister for Fisheries, the Hon Jon Ford, for his announcement that sea lion excluder devices (SLEDs) will now be required in key areas of the Western Australian rock lobster fishery.
"Although we believe SLEDs could have been introduced last season, today's announcement is very important for the protection of sea lions," WWF-Australia spokesperson Paul Gamblin said.
"The correct use of excluder devices and careful monitoring should prevent sea lion pups from being drowned in rock lobster pots in future. No one wants to think that their seafood is causing unnecessary harm to wildlife, particularly a threatened species like the sea lion."
The process of bringing food from the oceans to our tables often results in incidental bycatch of non-target species, which can have serious impacts on species such as turtles, dolphins and sharks.
But consumers around the world are becoming more conscious of this problem and many are buying product that is caught more sustainably.
By purchasing fish products with the 'fish with a tick' MSC logo, consumers can support well-managed fisheries. The Western Australian rock lobster fishery was the first fishery in the world to achieve the MSC certification. It is currently seeking to renew its certification for the next five years. The growing list of MSC fisheries also includes the Australian mackerel icefish fishery.
WWF particularly recognises the commitment of leaders of the WA commercial fishing industry, the Western Australian rock lobster fishers themselves and the Department of Fisheries for finding this solution to a serious problem.
"The challenges this and other fisheries face are formidable but consumers can show their support for fisheries that 'go the extra mile' by favouring MSC-labelled product," Mr Gamblin said.
Find out more
Paul Gamblin, Policy Manager Officer Oceans & Coasts, WWF-Australia
Phone: 08 9442 1207
Mobile: 0410 221 508
Notes
In 1996, WWF and Unilever, one of the world's biggest buyers of frozen fish, started the Marine Stewardship Council (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 MSC works with fisheries, retailers, and other stakeholders to identify, certify, and promote responsible, environmentally appropriate and economically viable fishing practices around the world.
