In an unprecedented intervention by the federal government fisheries permits will be bought-out for the first time in Australia’s history because of climate change and environmental factors.
In what was described as a necessary but “shocking” development by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, the federal government will spend $20m to buy out vessel permits in the south-east trawl fishery because the climate crisis is affecting population numbers of some species, making current fishing levels unsustainable.
The south-east trawl fishery is the largest commonwealth-managed fin fish fishery in Australia and includes waters right around lutruwita/Tasmania.
As stated by Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Peter Whish-Wilson:
“This is the first time in Australian history that we’ve seen a fishery buyout due to the impacts of warming oceans, primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels.
“This is a troubling precedent for Australia’s commercial fisheries and a warning to the thousands of livelihoods that depend on healthy oceans right around the country.
“For too long our oceans have been taken for granted. Scientists have determined that the ocean absorbs more than 90 percent of the world’s excess heat, so we can expect to see more fisheries go into decline or collapse unless we act on strong 2030 emissions targets.
“There is significant work to be done in restoring marine ecosystems that have lost habitat due to climate impacts, and the Greens urge Labor and Liberal to match pledges requested by TSIC and TARfish this election for much needed funding to do this.”
