Workshop for 'on board' fish handling to be held in Broome

13/8/99
A workshop for 'on board' fish handling for the Northern Demersal Scalefish Fishery will be conducted in Broome later this month, Fisheries Minister Monty House said today.
Mr House said the workshop for local fishermen would aid in the preparation of a code of practice for the Kimberley line and trap fishery as part of the State Government's Seafood Quality Management Initiative.
Mr House said that the Kimberley fishery code of practice was developed following the success of a similar code recently introduced for the Pilbara trawl fishery.
Mr House said the code would help to improve the quality of Kimberley fish products.
"The code will help local fishermen to enhance the freshness, shelf life and value of their catch, and allow them to become more competitive in local and overseas markets," he said.
The workshop will be held on August 31 at the Mecure Inn and there will be no charge.
The Kimberley line and trap fishery, known officially as the Northern Demersal Scalefish Interim Managed Fishery, catches between 600 and 1,000 tonnes of product each year with a value of about $3 million. Targeted species in the fishery include the high-value red emperor and goldband snapper.
The Seafood Quality Management Initiative (SQMI) was designed to strengthen WA's competitive position as a leading producer and exporter of quality seafood products and represents a $400,000 commitment by the State Government to the fishing industry.
The quality workshop will be followed by a business management course tailored for commercial fishermen. The business course, to be conducted by the Australian Institute of Management, will be held in Broome on September 1-2.
For information on the course contact Jim Paparo, Fisheries WA Trade and Market Development Initiative, on 9424 3183.
For further detail on the SQMI contact Christine Kershaw on 9322 7141.

Media contact: Julie Cole 9481 2044