This is actually a well-timed question. There is currently some controversy
in Australia about an international super-trawler - the Veronika II - that
has bought an Australian fishing license for catching the pelagic species
used for mealing and feeding farm fish. Australia, to date, does not have
these excessively large fishing 'ships' in its fishing fleet. These
super-trawlers are capable of holding between 3000-5000T of (frozen) fish at
a time, which means they can stay at sea and continually fish for up to 3
months. It would be in Australia's best interests, both environmentally, and
for the survival of our fisheries, that these 'factory boats' not be allowed
in our waters.
Certainly, I imagine if this boat - the Veronika II - were allowed to fish
the GAB, which is where the license is primarily for, we may well see a
decrease in seabird numbers. If you are concerned, it may be the right time
to contact the appropriate ministers. The federal government has stopped the
boat from coming temporarily while it decides the appropriate thing to do,
but the license has been purchased. The more outcry, the better. Both the
Sydney Morning Herald and the Australian have had recent articles about it.
Cheers,
Katie
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