Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The Tasmanian Liberal Government welcomes results from a world-leading survey into southern bluefin tuna which shows strong size and stock numbers in Australian waters.
The scientific survey included tuna hotspots like Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales and received an almost 100 per cent response from fishers.
The preliminary results provide an unprecedented snap-shot of one of Australia’s most loved fisheries.
The survey found that Australia’s Tuna Champions program, which encourages responsible southern Bluefin tuna fishing, is working well with great participation in the survey and many fishers releasing fish and only catching what they need for a feed.
The survey was funded by the Australian Government and carried out by the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), and this work reflects the leading role our research facilities play in informing fisheries management.
We look forward to working with the Australian Government on the ongoing management of this important fishery.
