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Government of Western Australia - Department of Fisheries

​WA is a world leader in fisheries management

Monday 9 March 2020

Choosing sustainable seafood - it's about fish for the future

    • ​10 WA fisheries have now earned the seafood sustainability eco-tick
    • DPIRD's fisheries science is focussed on keeping our State's fish stocks sustainable
    • Crab Fest 2020 will again provide a showcase event for Sustainable Seafood Week

For the past two decades, Western Australia has embraced seafood sustainability as part of its commitment to fish for the future.

WA's Western rock lobster fishery was the first of the world's fisheries to receive independent sustainability accreditation through the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Our sea cucumber fishery was the most recent to earn the MSC eco-tick.

Western rock lobster has led the MSC charge since 2001 and now 10 of WA's fisheries are independently certified as sustainable - representing more than 90 per cent of the value of WA's commercial fisheries.

The McGowan Government is supporting a future full of fish by ensuring the sustainable harvest of our wild fisheries and growing a significant aquaculture sector that will create jobs and meet the ongoing global demand for seafood.

A successful component of last year's Sustainable Seafood Week was the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's (DPRID's) seminar on WA's fisheries.

This year, with support from MSC, the WA Fishing Industry Council and Recfishwest, the presentations will focus on the important role of science in maintaining sustainable fisheries.

For more information about Mandurah Crab Fest 2020 (March 14-15), visit https://www.crabfest.com.au/

To learn more about Sustainable Seafood Week, visit  https://www.msc.org/en-au/what-you-can-do/campaign-for-change/sustainable-seafood-week 

Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley:

"The McGowan Government is proud of the vision and leadership shown by our commercial and recreational fishing sectors, which both strongly support fishing sustainability.

"Sustainability is vital. But even with the best credentials in the world the impacts of COVID-19 have already posed significant challenges to international trade with our commercial fisheries and impacted on their economic viability.

"When Mandurah's annual Crab Fest helps wrap up the week's celebrations on Saturday and Sunday March 14-15, DPIRD's Education team will be there to help visitors understand the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the fishing rules that help manage fisheries.

"Crab Fest is WA's largest free community event, offering good fun for the whole family."

Minister's office - 6552 5300

Last modified: 9/03/2020 10:11 AM

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