WA fisheries committed to sustainable seafood

The Exmouth gulf prawn fishery has committed to a full assessment for independent certification of its sustainability.

  • Today marks Sustainable Seafood Day

  • Exmouth gulf prawn fishery commits to independent sustainability assessment

The Exmouth gulf prawn fishery has committed to a full assessment for independent certification of its sustainability.

Speaking on Sustainable Seafood Day, Fisheries Minister Ken Baston said he was pleased the fishery would now be measured against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard for sustainable fishing, in a bid to get its tick of approval.

Mr Baston said the State Government would fund full assessments and the initial annual audit for commercial fisheries seeking the MSC certification, under a $14.5million program unveiled in March 2012.

"Consumers and seafood retailers are increasingly demanding sustainable seafood products, that are identified through certification from a reputable third party," he said. 

"MSC certification is regarded by environmental groups and seafood retailers as the world's most comprehensive independent assessment of sustainable fisheries."

The Minister congratulated the MG Kailis Group, which operates the Exmouth gulf prawn fishery, for its commitment to the certification process. 

"The Exmouth gulf prawn fishery has been operating for more than 50 years and initially targeted banana prawns, but these days tiger and king prawns have become very popular in both the export and domestic markets," he said.

The State's famous western rock lobster fishery has had sustainability certification since 2000, when it became the first fishery in the world to be awarded the highly regarded MSC blue tick.

Mr Baston said the western rock lobster industry had worked with the Department of Fisheries to successfully maintain its MSC sustainability, and many other commercial fisheries in the State were now seeking the same independent recognition.

         Fact File

  • The Exmouth Gulf Prawn Fishery is worth $11million each year

  • $14.5million previously committed to allow many WA fisheries to achieve certification

  • Details about Sustainable Seafood Day are available at http://www.msc.org  

  • For information on WA's commercial fisheries:  http://www.fish.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 6552 5400